Fa-la-la-la-la

Finally. All the Christmas shopping is done. The stockings are hung by the chimney with care. The cards, presents and overseas packages have been mailed. All that's left to do is buy cookies for my friends at the post office and bask in the spirit of the holidays.

And what spirit it is. I sometimes think people forget that this is supposed to be a joyous time. For many, it's just a hassle. Things to buy, budgets to stretch. Travel nightmares. Awkward family situations. I count myself among the lucky that I don't have any issues along those lines. My own wackiness aside, that is.

As for me, I can't wait. There will be movies. And cookies. And golf. Maybe a little Internet break. I finished Hamlet's Blackberry this morning, and I'm looking forward to setting some new goals for myself when it comes to my screen time. Nooks don't count, right?

Who am I kidding? There will be work as well. Tons of it, I'm sure. Revisions will be coming out my ears.  

After reading this, I promptly went to the drugstore and bought myself a red lipstick. I've been using lip stain for years, sometimes a little gloss. More often than not, Carmex, or Burt's Bees in Pomegranate, or Yes to Carrots in Melon. But this morning, before I headed out for the great unknown situation at the Post Office on the heaviest mailing day of the year, I thought of Deanna. I threw my hair in a ponytail, put on my dark glasses, and swiped on that red lipstick. And made sure I smiled at everyone I saw.

The line at the post office stretched out the doors.

I didn't care.

Amazing what a little red lipstick will do for you.