Yeah, Christmas, Whatever.

Christmas has appeared almost without warning. Yes, I know they've been decorating store and selling Christmas crap since October but I didn't think it was THIS WEEK! Sometimes the whole time slip thing sneaks up on me. I am, as usual, woefully unprepared and would prefer to have approximately four extra days before the holiday.

Such hype, such elevated expectations for one day. Really, can't we all just settle for just a bit less this year. Folks at my house will have to since I am a) broke and b) still overwhelmed post semester. Somehow I haven't quite bounced back from the "big push" of the final three weeks. Between finishing papers and projects and studying for the GRE and filling out applications, well, as the Brits would say I'm well and truly knackered.

I've still got some Practicum stuff to finish up and would like to go to put in some hours tomorrow as they're having their party for the clients. But honestly, my sleep has been crap for the last three weeks and I just can't seem to get it back on track.

I've only the week between xmas and New Year's off, as classes restart on the 4th. This is causing me no end of sadness. That, coupled with the fact that my finances are so depleted this year there will be no going away to ring in the year. Traditionally, I hide on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. I've done it for years. Parties are awful and disappointing. Lots of drunken idiots you don't know wishing you a happy year. Bah. Since '00 I've generally stayed home with a book and a movie and had a much better time. Actually, I prefer to be at the beach. Not necessarily anywhere warm, just near an ocean. I was hoping to sneak away for a day or two this year but I don't think that's possible.

Besides, I still have the piles (PILES) of paperwork that has been collecting over the last three months that needs my attention. I have a think about tying up all the old business before starting the new year.

I guess on some level keeping myself insanely busy forced me to maintain as much focus as possible. Exhausting, yes, but now there's the mountain of paperwork and office organization that I desperately need to do, but without a looming deadline from someone else (and no grade hanging over my head) I just can't seem to get it done.

Honestly, I'd just like to be a slug for about a week, watching old movies and doing a bit of needlepoint and painting. I'd like to simply let my brain do nothing. Ok, I was planning on cleaning off the treadmill and getting a bit of exercise too. But nothing cerebral. Nothing stressful. Nothing RUSHED. I'd planned as little driving as possible (preferably none) between the holidays but those plans are trashed (the hubby is going to Minnesota with his cousin so I'll be driving myself wherever I need to go).

There's never enough time. Days slip by and I don't seem to accomplish even a minimum of what I need to be getting done. I know this sounds like eveyone's life, but it didn't use to be mine. Not in this way. I still can't get used to it.