Pre-holiday post

Just like most professionals, I live my life in workweeks.

52 weeks in a year... 26 paychecks

3 weeks of vacation a year and subsequent dent in said paychecks.

One week till thanksgiving.

5 weeks till christmas.

Wait... one week till thanksgiving? why do I feel blindsided by it this year? Truthfully, I have felt an unusual amount of anxiety this year about the holidays, which may be why I can't seem to gear up like i usually do. I was expecting as usual to be excited about my black friday shopping, but then realized i don't have anything I want/need, or really have anyone to buy for except my nieces & nephews. even the prospect of getting a small christmas tree w/ my boyfriend has left me with little wind in my sails.

Last year thanksgiving was a difficult week for me, after which I was able to take an extended trip out to be with my friends and family to rejuvenate. January we had an unexpected death and then more rejuvenation. I  realize the older i get, the more I depend on my family to keep me grounded. Family afterall, is the one constant in our lives. They may not be perfect people but they always know what to say to make it better or when to not say anything and just listen. They ride the rollercoasters of our lives with us and pay the ticket with their love and sacrifice. Family are the ones who are like the rare breed of friend who always chooses you even when you turn your back on them.

I have really enjoyed introducing my family to my boyfriend...and believe me, he's met nearly the ENTIRE family...even the crazy ones (we all have those one or two crazies)...but we love them because they are still a part of us, a thread in the fabric that binds us together.

But more than this, my family is a projection of myself. We love music, we dance, we laugh, we yell, and cry. we did all this at my cousin Victoria's quinceañera. We make fun of each other (playfully, of course), we celebrate our victories, we rally around our favorite teams. We love wholeheartedly.

I thought I might need some kind of energy boost, or even a session with my therapist to get me out of my pre-holiday funk. But the truth is, I really just need time with those I love, who know me the best. Some family time, some laughter, and some good food will cure all. As for the turkey coma... that's another story.