Holidaze
R and I just had "our" Christmas this weekend. He is now traveling to see his mom and other relatives in W.Va., and he returns on Wednesday, after which he will get to meet the rest of my family.
Why I'm not joining him in W.Va.: My entire family of origin will be here (at my parents') for Christmas, and this doesn't happen often. My two out-of-state sisters and my niece will be leaving Friday or Saturday.
He gave me a couple of thoughtful presents that will be helpful after my surgery next month: Some soft, pretty new pajamas (button-front!) and a lap desk from that den of consumer vice, Levenger. It's beautiful -- made of cherry and with a detachable cushion underneath.
I gave him some suede fireplace gloves; Planet Cat (if you're a dog person, see the equally fascinating Planet Dog); a tin of his favorite oatmeal raisin cookies; and, last but not least, a gorgeous new elk flogger that I bought at BR (this one shorter than his other one, for, uh, "closer" work).
I had sooooo many other ideas for gifts I wanted to get, but this was what fit in the budget this year. I can save some of the other ideas for Valentine's Day because . . .
I got a huge raise last week! Partially due to a "market adjustment" based on my employer's recent compensation study, my total increase for the year comes to 19 percent. 2008 will be a great year for getting on top of my finances. :-)
Safe travels, blessings, and wishes for many simple pleasures to all of you over the holidays.
Why I'm not joining him in W.Va.: My entire family of origin will be here (at my parents') for Christmas, and this doesn't happen often. My two out-of-state sisters and my niece will be leaving Friday or Saturday.
He gave me a couple of thoughtful presents that will be helpful after my surgery next month: Some soft, pretty new pajamas (button-front!) and a lap desk from that den of consumer vice, Levenger. It's beautiful -- made of cherry and with a detachable cushion underneath.
I gave him some suede fireplace gloves; Planet Cat (if you're a dog person, see the equally fascinating Planet Dog); a tin of his favorite oatmeal raisin cookies; and, last but not least, a gorgeous new elk flogger that I bought at BR (this one shorter than his other one, for, uh, "closer" work).
I had sooooo many other ideas for gifts I wanted to get, but this was what fit in the budget this year. I can save some of the other ideas for Valentine's Day because . . .
I got a huge raise last week! Partially due to a "market adjustment" based on my employer's recent compensation study, my total increase for the year comes to 19 percent. 2008 will be a great year for getting on top of my finances. :-)
Safe travels, blessings, and wishes for many simple pleasures to all of you over the holidays.