One week to go until Christmas and I should be ashamed of myself. I've been stressed out about a million different things and then sick with a sinus infection and strep throat (all right!) and grumpy as hell.
For some reason, this year just doesn't feel "festive" to me. Maybe it's because I missed my work Christmas party. Maybe it's because I was so busy... Maybe.
I've been dreading this Christmas. For the first time in my life I will not be spending Christmas Eve/Christmas day with my family. Instead, I'm going to Regina to spend the holiday with the Dude's family. (And everyone he's ever met, apparently.) I thought I'd be okay with it, but I am not coping well. I am terrified. I hate meeting new people and generally go by the policy that if they don't know me, they don't like me, so I don't like them either. Welllll that might be an exaggeration, but I do hate meeting new people. Especially people that matter. God knows what I'll say or do to offend. My dad says if it doesn't go well I can just take a book and sit in the truck. I said... for 6 days???
I've been a terribly grumpy basket case about this and I'm sure I've scared the hell out of the Dude. I'm sure he's wondering why in God's name he ever thought this would be a good idea.
Today I have resolved to make this a good experience. The reason I agreed to go is because I want to make the Dude happy. (And, his mom bought me a stocking and all!) I know I will not make him happy if I am anxious and crabby and teary. Do any of you have any tips on coping with being away from family/leaving the pets for a week/meeting a zillion new people? I'd like any advice you can offer and yea, Dallas, I WILL try to imagine them naked. :-P
