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12.21.2004 :: sob story
Sunday, after spending $248 dollars at the grocery store, I had a bit of a meltdown. I know I'm not alone with all the Christmas stress, one just has to read around the blogs to see that I"m in good company. But this is unusual for me. For one thing, I love Christmas. I usually can't get enough. So, what makes this year different?
Perhaps it's my age. A little thing I like to call hormones? Maybe. This meltdown included me sobbing and getting utterly ridiculous, obsessing about the Christmas ham I forgot to buy and that the bottom shelf of the fridge grossed me out. While sobbing away, I did manage to clean the fridge. There is nothing like putting that kind of energy to good use. And as an added bonus, I got the attention of all the family members. Now, I'm not advocating that you go off and have a hissy fit yourself, but you may consider it's worth. This works, in my opinion, only if you are not an emotional person to begin with. Yes, sure, I"m guilty of crying at every sappy commercial and tv program that comes along, but I am not Unhinged, if you know what I mean. So being Unhinged once in a while really drives the point home.
So, among the good things to come out of the great sob of 2004, besides the subsequent headache and puffy eyes, is that people noticed that I was doing more than my share. And they weren't. That sitting in front of the tv isn't actually pitching in.
So, I have now delegated. Made shopping lists, doled out presents to be wrapped, laundry is being folded, cookies are being baked! Heck! Lights got strung, I kid you not! I wonder how long the memory of my sob will remain?
I don't know, but I'm not taking any chances. I'm taking them for all it's worth. I wonder how far I can push it? Do you think with careful placement of welled up tears that I could have some take out for dinner? Get the floor vacuumed? Or even a bed made?
The possiblilites are endless!
In the meantime, Derek is home from college and I forgot how much energy he brings to the house. And trash. In the morning, I get up to find coke cans stacked up near the computer along with the remains of the nightly snack constitutional. Of course, he wasn't here during the great sobfest.
I wonder.......
Posted by Sandy on 12.21.2004 AT 06:56 AM
Comments
Here's what you do. Write a list for everyone who is not pulling their weight, then go get in the bathtub with something that smells nice.
Don't come out until every single member of the family can show you one finished item on the list. Forget about anything you put on their lists.
I'd suggest eating yourself sick on chocolate, but I'd hate to underestimate you.
Posted by: Stephanie on 12.21.2004 AT 06:07 PM
Oh, I have done that EXACT same thing! From my experience, the memory will not remain long without a well-placed, reminder of some sort! Heh, play it right and maybe someone will make ALL the beds!
Posted by: Vicki on 12.21.2004 AT 01:53 PM
Dr. Norma's prescription: More Diet Coke. Heehee. Since I'm doing it, you might as well. And definitely I'd say a hissy fit is in order for Mr. College Man. I think it'll do him good. I, on the other hand (this is not to evilly GLOAT in ANY way), came home from my deposition this morning to find my princess had cleaned the kitchen. Don't know where I went right there... but....Ok...I'll stop GLOATING now.
Posted by: Norma on 12.21.2004 AT 12:22 PM
Hugs to you! Unless I make a list FOR them it goes un-noticed and un-done. I get a little resentful having to make the list, but that quickly evaporates when I see them scurrying around. I had a mini-meltdown over the weekend - something about haircuts for the boys - I fear there is still a bigger one to come!
Posted by: Mary Beth on 12.21.2004 AT 12:11 PM
Good for you - they need to know how hard it is to do it all sometimes! Big hugs, and hopes for no more sobbing!!
Posted by: Jackie on 12.21.2004 AT 12:01 PM
Oh, Sandy! Glad you had your sob. Sounds like it was a requirement. Sending you lots of love!
Posted by: Nathania on 12.21.2004 AT 11:40 AM
Had my own little mini-melt on my way out the door this morning. It dawned on me that I end up with about 75 percent of the work for Christmas. You're not alone, Sandy!
Posted by: Colleen on 12.21.2004 AT 11:29 AM
I totally crashed on Friday, but I am back up, just limping alittle. : ) Who would have thought 3-4 months ago we would be blase about the college kids being home. Hang in : )
Posted by: Cindy on 12.21.2004 AT 10:16 AM
Oh Sandy, we always think we are super women and pay the price. Good for you for finding a way to whip the gang into shape. You need to rmember your meltdown and keep delegating jobs so they know what's expected through out the year!
Hugs and may you have a joy filled week and especially wonderful Christmas.
Posted by: margene on 12.21.2004 AT 09:53 AM
Hmm. I'm going to have to carefully plot out my own sob fest so as to maximize the effect. Great holiday advice, Sandy! :)
Posted by: Annie on 12.21.2004 AT 09:11 AM
It's a good thing they realized that they weren't pitching in!
Posted by: monica on 12.21.2004 AT 08:54 AM
Hi Sandy -
I came close to having my own version of The Great Sob last night. Paul and I are having our first Christmas with no travel this year, having our two best friends to the house for Christmas day, and I'm trying to take into consideration, in the planning of the day, the very different expectations people can have for their Christmas. Unfortunately - everyone's being wishy washy and while I know that aiming for perfection is unrealistic - I can't very well aim for mediocrity. SOOO...What I'm wondering is - which do you suppose will be crazier at lunchtime - Target or BJ's? :) Don't forget to slow down and enjoy the season - as much as we all enjoy you. XOXOXO.
Posted by: Lisa on 12.21.2004 AT 08:52 AM
Good for you for delegating! Hang in there!
Posted by: Wendy on 12.21.2004 AT 08:37 AM
Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do, sweetie. Keeping it all inside isn't good for anyone! As long as Mom does it all, Mom does it all, know what I mean? Big hugs coming at you from Way out West. xxooxxoo
Posted by: Kim on 12.21.2004 AT 08:28 PM