It's a few days before Christmas and I haven't started wrapping presents yet.
In fact, I'm going to take a moment and apologize right now...
If you are expecting a Christmas card from our family, you will be disappointed.
Because they're not coming.
Since the museums closed for the season at the end of October, I have no idea where the time has gone.
So...back to a few days before Christmas, and a bunch of presents to wrap.
But first, I need to go pop some ibuprofen.
Ok, I'm back.
Speaking of my back...it appears that I did something that herniated a disc, which has caused some pretty intense feelings in my left hip and leg. In fact, it was extremely uncomfortable to sit. Which kinda sucks, because I've been sitting more than I'm used to, either in a car, or working on a computer.
So, I created a makeshift stand-up desk which I've been using for the past 2 weeks. With success I might add, since my back is starting to get better, with the help of PT.
I'm going to digress even more.
Have you ever had "dry needling" done to you? Have you ever even heard of it before?
It is similar to acupuncture in that both use needles, and both can help alleviate pain. But that's about it for similarities.
With dry needling, the idea is to stimulate your muscles that are "knotted up", by hitting the trigger points, and activating those muscles.
It is intense. On the verge of painful but not quite. But it sure has helped.
However, the discomfort has made it that I've been put on the sidelines for activities. No running, no cardio, and no strenuous cycling.
Well thanks a lot. That's pretty much what I do for exercise, and to help my mental health.
But I felt well enough that I did join in on an easy ride with Santa last weekend.
Ok, so what does all this have to do with Christmas, and me falling behind on wrapping and cards?
Life.
Life and enjoying as much of it as I can, because I know it is flying by. That's what.
Last week, my youngest, B, turned 13.
How did this happen? When did I become a mom of 2 teenagers?
Not only that, but he also moved up to his next rank in Scouts.
And (according to him), he is really close to going to his black belt test in karate.
How did all this happen????
Life. Life happened.
We love showing the boys movies that we grew up with. There are the obvious ones, like Star Wars, and Indiana Jones (ok, those are the ones that I recommended), but we've also shown them many others, like A Christmas Story, all the James Bond movies and Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
J has started paraphrasing parts of movies. It's quite funny when he comes up with a one liner from something.
He loves to blurt out, anytime some mentions New Jersey...
"Everything's legal in New Jersey", from the broadway musical, Hamilton.
Anyway, just the other day, he saw I was getting a little flustered, and he told me...
"Life moves fast. If you don't look around, you could miss it, Mom."
Who is this kid?
But it did get me thinking...am I missing things, because I'm too focused on making sure things are just so?
Yup.
So, since Thanksgiving, I've lived it up a little bit more. I think the change in my job focus has helped slightly, because I don't feel as much pressure to create something.
I know how to take care of objects, and even though I've been away from Collections Management Policies, and computerized databases, I know I can do it.
So, I made a point to enjoy the time I have with my boys, especially because when 2023 starts, I'm going to be gone a little more--having to be out at the museums. That's where the collections items are.
So, I made sure to be at B's Court of Honor.
I took J to the Cyclocross National Championships and we watched his classmate race against other kids from around the country.
We enjoyed a birthday hockey game for B with his best friend.
J is continuing with Unified Sports and basketball season has started. Games are in the horizon.
And my wrapping isn't done, and I'm not sending out cards this year.
Instead, I'm enjoying the holiday season.
I'm giving thanks for all my blessings...the good and the bad.
But I should go wrap some presents.
So, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
And make sure you don't let life pass you by, because as J (and Ferris) says, "you could miss something."