Momma Claus

While Allan and I were out and about this afternoon, he noticed some white markings on the pavement. He commented to me that it was a solution designed to melt snow and ice without having to use the salt trucks.

"They must be expecting snow here," he said. "That explains my sinus headache." My head was aching, too. When we were home again, he checked the weather: it's going to get wicked cold tomorrow, with scattered snow showers. Allan used the words "arctic" and "lake effect snow," and that was all I needed to hear.

It was 1700—you're smart enough to figure that out—and I said "If the weather is going to be bad, then I'm going out right now to finish getting the kids' presents."

I must be nuts.

I mailed a package of gifts to France today, but there are a few remaining things: one last gift for my daughter, a couple of framed photos of each of the kids, and some stocking stuffers (which I am stuffing into Santa hats, since the kids already have stockings). The scrapbooks will wait. I'm not finished with those. "Barely begun" might be a better way to describe THAT project.

Timing is crucial here; if I wait much longer, the packages won't arrive until after Christmas. In fact, I'll be lucky if they get there beforehand. The sad thing is, I've had most of the gifts for a long, long time. So I ran out to get some last-minute things.

First I went to The Black Market, which I mentioned last week. I couldn't find exactly what I wanted for my daughter, so I drove to Third Street Stuff (which I have also mentioned on this blog; Flickr set is here). I spent a record 10 minutes there finding something for C. This is quite possibly the least amount of time I've spent in that shop. I even refrained from buying myself a new purse. Yes, you may congratulate me.

A stop at Kroger and Rite-Aid ("LIQUOR, Pharmacy"—this kills me every time), and I was home. Tomorrow morning I'll box up the things that still need to be mailed, and if the roads are bad, I'll walk to the post office. If I wind up on my ass in the middle of the sidewalk, so be it!

One recurring thought I've had, though: I've wanted to buy my children so many things. I suppose this is normal; I feel it more keenly because they are not with me. And yes, part of it is so that they will remember that I love them.

Comments

[Mist 1]

I love the liquor pharmacy. I was there tonight. Alka-Seltzer cold (I am addicted) and a Cab Sav (I am in denial).

[Margaret]

Liquor pharmacy? Am I missing something? I never think I have enough for my kids, but usually overbuy. (not to spend money but just to make sure they have enought to open)

[ally bean]

You are an amazing whirlwind of gifting! Good for you. Now you can sit back and "enjoy" the winter weather.

[rebecca]

if you grew up in PA, then having liquor (or beer) anywhere but a state store (liquor store) or a beverage distributor, is just amazing. when i moved to NY, i was thrilled i could buy beer at Eckerd, or at the grocery store. one stop shopping!! now, if the grocery store and the post office and the drycleaner could all combine themselves, i'd be one happy woma!.(oh wait, i am one happy woman in spite of that!)

[jeorg]

i personally am glad the drug stores sell liquor. when we travel to conferences and are looking for booze, it makes you happy to know that in quite a few states, the booze is at the corner pharmacy...

[ms. sizzle]

congrats on refraining on the purse purchase.

i bet they know you love them, very much.

[Cover Your Mouth]

Girl, it's been nine degrees here for seven days. Don't talk to me about "arctic".

[AlisonM]

You get the headaches, too? I feel like a walking barometer, and living in New Jersey, there's a reason for a headache almost all the time.

I'm sure the kids know you love them. Gifts are always nice, but they're just a reminder of something they already were sure of.

[The CEO]

I think you should have gotten the purse, you deserve it.