Giving Thanks

We had a nice Thanksgiving. Busy. Split between families (which we're planning to do away with -- the splitting part, not the families). My sisters and I went to the outlet malls for Black Friday. Usually we get there at midnight, but this year we decided to go early as some stores were opening as early as 9:00. I got some really great deals including a $250 Pottery Barn quilt for Josie for $32 and a $70 Timberland coat for James for $20. That was exciting.

In other news we are moving in January. This is, ultimately, good news but at the same time overwhelming. First off, packing. And with packing comes an enormous amount of cleaning out and decluttering. Then there are children. Moving with children is a different animal from regular moving. Inevitably, everything you organize gets gotten into, and everything that needs to be discarded is a treasure of sorts. I feel like I really must clean out a good deal, and I have actually been pleased with the progress I've made.

However, the week before Thanksgiving we finished a lot of school. I have been pushing (myself) hard to get caught up with Joel by year's end. But two weeks ago, I completely lost all steam. I kept having panic attacks over nothing, and trying not to have panic attacks about the really important things. Is was just a complete oh-my-word-I-can't-do-this-anymore about everything. Enter: the thought of moving. Result: mental and emotional roller coaster.

I had not planned on such a holiday break from school, I felt I couldn't afford to take a break. But what's done is done. We've had a two week break. I needed to reassess. At first I didn't think I could pack and do school, but I have found a balance I hope. With the good progress we've made since August I think we shall still be able to finish the main books I had planned for us to finish, and just a few to finish during the *unpacking*.

I am also trying to get rid of the ironing pile before we move. I am listening to a couple of chapters of Withering Heights off of Librivox each time I iron. I have never read it before, and it's been great. I've also started reading The Help, and a Cesar Milan book as a refresher since I haven't read any on the subject (dogs) since our black lab, Raven, was a puppy.

And I think Jack wants to learn to read.