December Habit #19 It Doesn’t Have to be This Way

Dear FlyLady,

This is my second holiday season flying and so far it is going great.

When December 1st came, I had that familiar feeling of panic but as I read the encouraging emails, I remembered it doesn’t have to be this way. I had a few curve balls thrown my way this season. Mid November I was expecting my beloved aunt visiting which included overnight stays and driving her to and from the clinic for cataract surgery. She had never stayed overnight for several days so I was very excited.

The anticipation of her visit helped me and my husband really get some major areas sorted and settled. It was easy to do this because the day to day cleaning has been happening for months and lots of clutter has been cleared. There were several dump grounds to be tackled but as I sorted, I found empty cabinets and drawers to use for the items that needed a home. I had already bought my Thanksgiving turkey and other supplies and had chosen my recipes consulting the family about what they wanted.

My aunt had requested meat loaf so I had it prepared and ready for the oven. However, the night before her visit my husband was in terrible pain. I knew I had to take him to the doctor the next day. I called her and told her the situation and apologized for not being able to take her to her appointments. She said that she would stay with my uncle and he could take her.

The next day we went to the clinic and then rushed to Oklahoma City VA hospital for emergency surgery for kidney stones. I kept in contact with my aunt during all this and she was very supportive and encouraging. We came home exhausted and hungry but I had my meatloaf just waiting to put in the oven. I popped it in and we ate off that meat loaf for several days. My aunt’s surgery went very well and she can now see without glasses! I was able to see her before she left to go home to Texas.

Really, following FlyLady routines and preparing for her visit made me ready for Thanksgiving with no sweat.

Now, my husband has another surgery scheduled for Dec 20th. I’ve told the family that Christmas may be different this year but it will still be great. I organized and wrapped all the big non-perishable presents today. Since all my family loves to eat but never cook, I decided to make them food baskets. By following the Christmas Cruise, I’ve been able to gather goodies on every shopping trip and not be overwhelmed.

The next step is to bake and freeze the muffins, breads, cookies. Right before final assembly, I’ll pull the frozen items to add to each basket. I got cute dark red plastic dishpans at a dollar store for each person. I still don’t know what day our holiday meal will be but I’m not worried, it will happen when it is best for everyone. And if we aren’t able to host the meal at our house, I still will have been able to give gifts and food to my loved ones.

Now back to December 1st, all the variables of this situation had me upset and flustered. Then I remembered it doesn’t have to be this way. I read the emails and decided that I definitely needed some pampering after all this (husband’s emergency surgery and recovery). I began picking up presents for myself on my shopping trips. I went to my favorite salon for a pedicure (shiny Christmas red toenails) and massage from one of those massage chairs. I took hot baths with aromatherapy bath salts. When I take care of myself, I am ready and able to take care of others. This is a big change from the martyr I used to be.

I’m looking forward to a Holly Jolly Christmas this year. It may not be perfect but it’s gonna be full of a lot of love and fun.

Thanks for your big heart of sharing and giving,

Okie Flybaby

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