Christmas In E. Texas

This is the woman who makes Christmas come alive, my aunt Gale.  She is probably the most unselfish person I know and if it has to do with her family she has been known to go above and beyond.  Christmas decorating at Gale's starts in early November with getting all of the storage totes out and setting up all of the little vignettes (as the designers call it) on every flat service of the house. It is an all out production.  Every where you look there are snowmen, Santa's, Christmas flowers, Christmas themed platters and other serving pieces for "the company party" and "the family get together".  And then there are the sweaters!  Lots and lots of sweaters that make us smile and occasionally laugh.  My uncle who likes to act irritated about all of the hoopla is in the background asking, "are you doing this cause our Western kinfolks are coming?".  He likes to act the Grinch, but I think he truly enjoys all of it.  Christmas has so many fond memories and even more because of the love and support of this sweet woman.  It is always hard to be away from her house during the holidays, even though she tries to bribe me with her home cooking, we have to spend some time with out daughter and her family.  BUT next year is Christmas at Gale's house and the count down has already started.  Can't wait!!!   Oh and Gale don't forget the cornbread dressing, chicken salad, pink stuff and the fresh pimento cheese  and oh my gosh those chocolate cream pies that are to die for.  I love you and miss you more that you will ever know Ms. Scarlett.

Too Much Stress

This has been a difficult week for the teachers of Clark County School District.  I say teachers but that also includes the school nurses.  We currently have not signed a contract for this school year and the union and district have been in arbitration for what seems forever.  Either way it plays out there will be no winners and the school age children will suffer the most.  Although I have only worked for the district going on 6 years, never in a million years did I ever imagine that employees would be treated this way.  There is a possibility that the small raise we received back at the beginning of the year for graduate credits will have to be paid back.  This will be retroactive back to Aug and it will all come out of our January checks.  There is also a big possibility that although we had started this graduate program prior to all of this mess that we will not receive any type of compensation for our education or hard work.  So as I am doing homework and trying to hang on, keep a positive attitude and just trying to stay focused it is extremely difficult.
I know in my heart of hearts that I am very blessed to have a job that I love.  I do have a roof over my head, I did have supper and I am able to turn the heat on, turn the lights on, flush the commode and all of those things that we take for granted. I just need to give myself a pep talk while I am tying a knot in my tail to hold on to.

I need to find someone else to serve and forget about myself which will also eliminate some of the stress.  Forgive me for sharing this very trying time, but life isn't always pleasant.  Kind thoughts and prayers to all of you who are experiencing some overwhelming stress in your life tonight.