I Am So Proud

I am so proud of myself. This year I am totally organized and ready for the holidays. Just look at the list of what I have accomplished.

Early in 2008, I made a month by month list of all the handmade gifts I wanted to make and got each one done in the allotted time. Such a satisfying feeling.

I had all my shopping done by Halloween. Christmas gifts were wrapped as I brought them home. No last minute rush of wrapping for me, oh-no. And the carefully arranged display of the presents under the tree looks so colorful and tastefully done.

I've baked an amazing assortment of luscious holiday cookies, candies, and confections that have been packaged and sent off to relatives in various far-flung parts of the country. (I was so wise to have all the cookie doughs made and in the freezer well before Thanksgiving.)

My mom's special fruitcake recipe was baked two months ago so it had time to receive two good soakings of brandy. Now it will be just exactly at its optimum flavorful peak for cutting into on Christmas Eve.

I shopped over a month ago for some new holiday clothes for myself. I look good in red, I look good in green, I splurged. I bought several floor length skirts with matching tops and a lovely green brocade suit. What a nice change from my usual navy and black turtlenecks and jeans. Yes, I needed some new holiday clothes, and I will look so festive in them.

For special friends, I hand made darling little remembrances that can be used in their homes as decorations during the holidays. I have them all wrapped and ready for presentation.

I finally made the two new wreaths that I bought ribbon, pine cones and berries for several years ago. The smaller is hung on the front door and the very impressive large one is on the outside wall of the house you see when you come into our yard. They look so lovely. And professionally done!

Before putting up the tree and house decorations, I spent a week deep-cleaning the whole house. Now when I take the decorations down after January 1st, the house will already be clean and ready for the New Year.

I purchased and/or made new decorations for my home replacing all those that were looking shabby and past their prime. This gave my holiday decorating a sparkling new look and everyone comments on how lovely the house looks.

In the coming weeks, I have a full calendar of dinner dates and casual get-togethers scheduled. Invitations were sent out weeks ago (I made them myself, of course). Menus are printed, foods have been prepared ahead and are in the freezer, holiday napkins and tablecloths are washed and ironed. It will be no-hassle entertaining for me this year.

Oh, I am so proud.

LIAR, LIAR, PANTS ON FIRE!

Ah, yes. Sometimes reality necessitates we escape into our own little fantasy world. The truth is I've been operating under the influence of heavy brain fog for about a month now.

I read that extra doses of Ginkgo Biloba help clear your head. I'd take some, but I can't remember where I put my bottle.