A clean slate

I went to Confession on Saturday. I haven't been in about a year.

While some people despise the Sacrament, I actually enjoy it. I feel like it is my cleansing diet. I feel refreshed. My soul feels clear.

My problem though? My anger and stress and overwhelmedness doesn't help me create an atmosphere to keep my soul refreshed.

I feel that if I had more time to myself, more help at home, less work to do, less feeling like I am being pulled by six limbs (when I only have four!) I would actually be able to keep that cleansed feeling.

So ... I continue to work on things.

I continue to try and keep my potty mouth clean (so not easy to do) and I feel like I am losing that battle.

I continue to try and relax and breathe deep when I have to ask the boys to do something for the 915th time.

I continue to try and lay off of the horn when I am driving behind some a-hole who appears to not know the difference between the brake pedal and the gas pedal.

I continue to try and maintain my patience when running errands and dealing with customer service reps who don't know the definition of "customer service."

I continue trying ... and I think that is all I can do ... and all God asks .... I hope.

Get a clue people!

So, I have another beef with my husband's side of the family (seems like a pattern lately, right?).

Every year his grandmother hosts a Christmas party on the Saturday before Christmas. Most years, with the exceptions of the ones that I am down in Florida, we try and make it.

The past few years his aunt has been hosting them because grandma is no longer able to handle everything on her own.

There is usually a gift exchange among the children (we don't participate in the adult exchange, these people are nuts - another story for another day) and the standard buffet of food.

Well, I have been bugging E for a few weeks to call someone to find out if this party was going on this year (we had heard nothing) and, if so, was there going to be a gift exchange and would I have to bring a dish. My life is too crazy right now to be told 2 days in advance about this sort of stuff.

Anyway ... my husband tells me last night that, yes, the party is being held this coming Saturday.

Here is the kicker: I am to bring a 7 layer salad and home baked cookies.

Why am I irritated?

Well, first, he had to call his mom to find out about the party. I have never been sent an email, invite ... nothing.

Second, who the eff tells people specifically what to bring to a party? ... Um, yes, Sally, please bring the Mustard and Maple Glazed chicken with roasted carrots on the side ... seriously? Tell me you need me to bring a salad and let me choose a recipe that fits into the time I have to prepare it!

Third, home baked cookies? Up yours. I am struggling to find time in my schedule to make cookies for my family, let alone, other peoples'. With only four days notice, you aren't getting any cookies. I am going to be a scrooge.

Fourth, if you wanted all of this shit, call people ahead of time! If E had never called his mom I can guarantee, just like last year, I would have received an email two days before the party telling me what to bring.

Seriously folks, can we please gain some etiquette and class ... soon ... please?

Am I the crazy one???

My SIL said that she really wanted to host Christmas this year. OK. I hosted Thanksgiving. Pulled out the china, prepared two, yes two, turkeys, because I thought people would eat. I only asked my SIL to bring sweet potatoes ... that's it.
Forward to this morning. I got an email from SIL. It read:

"I am making meatballs for an appetizer. Can you bring the ham. We will keep it simple."

W.T.F. ???????
Really?
I am driving 45 minutes, with my two boys, to your house because you wanted to host Christmas dinner and I am bringing the effing main dish?!?!?!
Holy hell.
Next year I am flying to Florida .... I do not care how much it costs!!!!!!

Like I lost a family member

Rest in peace Ronnie.