If I had sat down to write this post at 9:30, the title probably would have been "...and Christmas can bite me" or something similarly bitter.
My dad is not answering his phone, his voicemail is full, and he's ignoring my text messages. He may or may not be coming for dinner tomorrow night.
My mom pitched a fit last year when I had to deviate from tradition and come over for dinner instead of breakfast. So this year, I did a lot of worrying about making sure we're going over there for breakfast. Naturally, today she got mad at me because we're not coming for dinner. I know we're the only people she'll see on Christmas, and I know she's sad that my brother can't come home for the holiday this year, but I had to put my foot down about that one. I don't see why I should have to come over for breakfast, go elsewhere for hours (and eat while we're at it) and then come back and have dinner. A dinner which she won't want to cook because she doesn't like to make vegetarian food. So I'd have to cook something.
Plus, since Saturday, all I've had left to do Christmas present wise -- aside from baking for family -- is to get copies of two photos made. I went to Target really early on Saturday so it wouldn't be crowded, but unfortunately, there was a woman scanning and cropping 50 different photos and I had to get to Borders, so I gave up after a few minutes and left. Tonight, after sitting in a traffic jam for over an hour to get home, I figured I would just go to Target and get it over with. So I fought my way through the mall traffic, parked a zillion miles away from the store and threaded my way through the crowds of cranky looking parents and overexcited children, only to see that the stupid scanning/printing machine is broken.
Needless to say, I arrived home feeling a little on the frustrated side. I didn't get to work out, I didn't accomplish my errand, and I'm still not finished with presents!
But then I had some dinner and figured I'd get started on the dough for the cookies I'm giving to family. It all has to chill, so I thought I'd mix it up tonight and bake tomorrow. There is just something so incredibly relaxing about measuring and mixing ingredients. By 10, I had achieved a more zen attitude about the state of my Christmas preparations. I'll try to get the photos tomorrow. If I can't, then those two presents will just have to be late. My mom can be pissed at me, or she can get over it, and that's really up to her. And my dad, well, we'll see if he shows up for dinner or not. I'll have food ready either way.
Then I wrapped presents while watching reruns of The Office. I feel so much better now! Thank you magical baking. And Jim Halpert.
