What's the Rush?

In speaking and reading up on everyone's goings on these last few days, it seems that everyone is taking down their Christmas decorations. I say, "What's the rush?" We are heading, in my opinion, into the most depressing time of the year. The winter stretch between New Year's and Spring Break is dreary. Maybe it's because we live in a place where cold rain, rather than either warm sun or dry snow, keeps us indoors much of the time. And since we're indoors, why not keep those decorations up a while longer--enjoy some light and some sparkle? At least keep the stuff up through the end of the bowl games (Super Bowl included).

On another note, I made waffles for the very first time today. Yes, the kids have enjoyed many a homemade waffle--but it's always been the sets of gradparents in charge of making them. Since Bryan & I received a waffle maker from his parents this year, I figured it was my turn to take over the duties. And you know what--it wasn't nearly as messy or complicated as I thought! Some of you might be shaking your heads at me now, but I am not a domestic goddess. I can't keep the house clean, we eat Mac & Cheese and Hamburger Helper for supper, and we all wear wrinkled clothes. So, conquering the waffle-maker is a big deal for me. And they go great with Starbucks coffee.

Starbucks

I am a Starbucks junkie. Yes, I know it's an expensive habit--especially since I drink the ritzy $4 espresso drinks, but I am addicted and there's not a darn thing anyone can do about it. Friends, family and co-workers have all expressed their concerns, but they have given up on me--they even encourage my addiction by giving me gift cards, knowing what I'm like without my daily fill of Starbucks caffeine.

And that brings me to what happened this morning at my beloved Starbucks. Bryan and I had just dropped the kids off at daycare to enjoy our last day off from work for the holidays, and we headed to the nearest Starbucks for morning coffee. Knowing I had recently received gift cards for Christmas, Bryan asked if I was buying. Which I promptly said NO--I closely guard my free Starbucks money because I get flak for spending so much there. Now, looking back I can see why his feelings were hurt that I couldn't offer $2 of my money to pay for his drip coffee. What you don't know is the rounds and rounds of talks and arguments we've had in the past over my Starbucks spending habits. As far as I'm concerned, my coffee gift cards are my sole property for spending on myself and no one else, especially on someone who gives me such a hard time with every penny I spend there. To make the story short, I paid for his coffee and now I'm hearing for the rest of the day how petty and selfish I am for not wanting to buy $2 coffee for my husband. Again, Starbucks is my cocaine and I guard it with my life--all the way down to $2. And I'm sure by the end of the day we will be laughing about this and making fun of the situation.

Happy New Year!

Well, I actually managed to stay up until midnight last night! And Bryan christened our new ceiling with the champagne bottle cork...

Anyhow, I ususally refrain from making new year's resolutions, but maybe that's why my life seems so out of control these last few years? So, here's what I think I'll work on this year:

• Maintain regular blog entries (to help remind me and everyone else of how wonderful life is)


• Make weekly meal plans and stick to them on the grocery list (saves money, forces better eating habits)


• Pare down on Starbucks (so I can actually sleep)


• Institute game night with the kids, and date night with hubby (family bonding)


• Take more pictures of the family (they're growing up too fast!)

Notice that none of these has anything to do with work or my job. I will finish my master's program in May, but I have come to accept that I cannot conquer both the corporate world and be Super Mom at the same time. I think it's time for me to let go of trying so hard to climb the ladder at work and start focusing on what really matters--family and friends. And with that, I hope everyone had a good 2008 and wish for the best in 2009!