Merry Christmas!

It actually was a Merry Christmas! (Shock and amazement!) My parents came for an overnight, and I was braced for the worst. It's been a difficult time for me since my separation from my husband, and I've been evaluating all my relationships with everyone. And my relationship with my parents was never a simple, easy one. And I have not felt supported by them since the separation. But I tried to overlook stuff and I think they were on their best behavior too, so I think it went well. Brevity being the key, of course.... Even got some presents from my brother (and a Christmas card!) which never happens before Christmas, if at all....

The kids and I head to Maine tomorrow for a 5-day 4-night holiday. We were trying to do something non-traditional on this first Christmas without the intact nuclear family, and not seeing their dad's side of the family at all.... My overwhelming feeling is one of RELIEF. I didn't send Christmas cards this year -- a task I normally enjoy -- and I didn't buy presents for the in-laws -- a task I normally abhor -- but I felt so free this fall with almost nothing hanging over my head. My "should" list got much smaller, and it was a nice break....

I'm still praying for my advisor's wife and her cancer treatment (chemotherapy begun this week -- ugh!) and thinking about my thesis. Need to pack now (books too?) to get ready for the long ride to Maine. It's raining now but should be nice tomorrow.... It will be a nice break to see some new scenery and change our routine -- sleeping in, dinners out, exercise (walking on the beach AND swimming in the indoor pool), maybe some hiking in the woods and milling about some small towns. Also want to see "Dream Girls" -- the movie looks great and it will be interesting to see how different it is from the Broadway show I saw 23 (?) years ago.