Christmas is on the way.....

I finally decorated my Christmas tree today. We've had the tree since last Thursday, and we've put off decorating for a number of reasons - usually consistent with lack of time or energy. I know Joe wanted to decorate together, but I just didnt' see that happening for another 3 weeks - and of course, Christmas would be long gone by then - so my ambitions were on fire today for the tree.

I found out today while decorating that I have minor allergies to pine and cedar. Go figure. My arms are covered in red itchy bumps. But my tree and mantle look good. Where's the cortaid??

Its been a hard week. Joe's company VERY UNFAIRLY lost distribution rights of beer for the county straight south of here. The county had a vote Tuesday, allowing the sale of beer. A few weeks ago, Joe and his co-workers gave a BEAUTIFUL presentation to Anheuser Busch about why THEY should have the rights to distribution for this county, should they go wet. There were two other distributorships in the running, but neither one of them were as qualified as Joe's company. They announced yesterday that one of the other two wholesalers were awarded the rights, not because they were the "Best" for the job, but because of "hardship" - apparently when they went into their lobbying efforts, they went with a sob story about how they'll lose their distributorship if they don't get the rights. Bull shit - ((sorry mom)) - but they are going to go broke anyway. Plus, the president of that wholesalership is also a good "huntin' buddy" of the man that made the decision to award them the rights. Joe was simply out-politicked. That's all. I have other conspiracy theories, but I'll keep them to myself.

My Christmas cards are done. I have 98% of our shopping done. We didn't go nuts this year. Funds are low, bills are hight - you do the math. Christmas shopping - over-rated, thank you!

I wish I could afford to go to New York City. Its my favorite time of year to go. I don't think I'll be going for a few more years though. We're hoping to try for another baby early next year, which will count me out until ... probably 2018. Ah well. Maybe I'll get surprised. Annie and I are going to try to take a "girls get a way" to Hilton Head this February. I haven't told Joe that yet, nor have I asked my sister-in-law if we can borrow her place yet - I'll bring it up when we pick a date.

I've been diving into "The Secret Life of Bees" lately. It pains me to put it down when I have to break away. What an amazing book.

Joe and I saw "No Country for Old Men" last night. GREAT movie. Big time bloody. Not for the kids. But great. I love the Coen brothers' directing.