Well, here it is, New Years Eve Day, and I really have nothing to say.

We did a Christmas gift exchange at my mom's house last Saturday, which was fun (you end up with one good gift and one gag). We let the older kids play this year, and Spencer wound up with this wig that reminds me of Pedro from "Napoleon Dynamite." A medieval warrior.

Then we did Christmas Eve Day and Eve with Brent's parents, sans the older-and-successful-doctor-husband-and-wife-brother and sister-in-law. Brent and I both commented on how more relaxed everyone seemed. We played more games and were a little more noisy. Of course, I was a bit peeved when Brent's dad decided to go out hunting in the middle of the festivities, leaving us to wait on supper and present-opening because of him. I hope his jerky tastes like poop.

Then we hung about the house for a couple of days, playing video games and whatnot. I can't even really tell you what we did, I don't remember. It must not have been anything major. Kirby and I did travel to Des Moines on Wednesday for an INTERESTING shopping trip - which I will have to report on later.

Friday morning, we traveled five hours to Minnesota. The plan was to stay with friends and go to a New Years Eve party and come back New Years Day and try to relax a day or so before heading back to work. So, anyway, here we are at the friends' house, and it has been lovely. We've not been here in a year, but it doesn't seem like it. Our friends live on a farm and their house is just warm and welcoming. We've chatted and visited and gone here and there, and we leave today to stay with another set of friends (hosts of the aforementioned NYE party).

And there's part of me that feels absolutely worthless. I mean, this vacation should be about accomplishments. I have so many projects I could have been working on...painting, scrapbooking, sewing, etc...and I have done nothing but sat on my fat butt. I can't even begin to think about the weight I've gained.

BLAH! I almost welcome going back to work...at least I'll feel like I'm doing something!

The family and I did a public library field trip yesterday, and Brent and I browsed through the DVD section. I found "Amelie" (won some Acads back in 2001) and "Brokeback Mountain."

I had read the title "Amelie" in a friend's blog, which is why that title caught my eye. I thought to myself, "What the hell? I'm on vacation." "Brokeback," now, I have been wanting to see that for awhile.

Anyway, we watched "Amelie" last night, which I was looking forward to because 1.) Audrey Tautou ("The DaVinci Code") played the title role and she reminds me so much of Audrey Hepburn (v. glamorous and cute) and 2.) the plot just sounded interesting on the back cover. However, I was not sure Brent would like it because 1.) it's all in French with subtitles and 2.) the plot did not have that "manly appeal."

But...I underestimated my husband's film viewing tastes. I mean, this is the guy who introduced ME to "The Sound of Music." He and I both enjoyed "Amelie" immensely. It was clever and intriguing and random. Tautou played the part perfectly and her haircut was fabulous. The traveling gnome was quite hilarious also.

So...movie surprise of the week - "Amelie"!

I am now on break! I will be free for 13 days!

I have been waiting for this moment for weeks. Here I am. The next several days I am not a slave to a clock or to students. I will be free to enjoy my family, free from stresses imposed upon me by work. My schedule is of my own making.

Let me say how thankful I am for a job that provides these kinds of delights for me. Considering what public education is like these days, the time off is that much sweeter.

Burl Ives is singing "What Child is This?" for me and I feel peace. I'm getting up tomorrow morning of my own volition at 7:30 to take Elliot to daycare and have breakfast with some teacher friends. Then I will do some grocery shopping and spend the day baking cookies.

Let what may come...come. I am ready. I am on vacation. I have not a care in the world.

So, we were doing a little errand-running to Walmart, and I, all of a sudden, was hit with a little gastrointestinal upset and rushed myself off to the bathroom.

I don't know if you've all ever realized this, but you really can learn a lot about the world you live in from sitting in a public bathroom stall.

For example, a mother was chastising her daughter and said, "You know, I wish you would act little more like your age." Not terribly inappropriate, but the girl was, oh, maybe, seven. She probably was acting her age, truth be known. The mother should have probably remembered this.

Anyway, the toilet stall at Walmart is also a good place to think. I mean, there is nothing to distract you. Nothing to read or do, just reflect upon your present state of life. I had two important key thoughts during this private time of mine.

1. I really want to have sex with my husband tonight. I just hope I am not too tired.

2. What the hell is Christmas? And what is my place in it all?

The first thought was actually rather brief, but still important.

The second thought consumed most of my time in the restroom. I felt like I'm caught between "Jesus is the Reason for the Season" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." As I run hither and thither for last-minute gifts and stress over all those Internet purchases that may or may not get here on time, I wonder 'what is all this for?' Is it for my kids? Will they even remember these gifts next year? Is it for me? Am I buying these things to make me feel like a good mom or person? Am I doing it because there is pressure to do so?

As the contents of my brain nearly exploded all over the Walmart latrine from all these questions, I realized that I'm just trying to make it. I've just been trying to "hang in there" until Christmas Break. What's after that? I'll be just trying to survive until the next big thing. Till Spring Break. Till Summer. Till Whenever.

So, I'm in a holding pattern. I need to live my life. I must do what I do. And what I'm going to do right now is go watch (and enjoy) a Christmas variety show put on by some very talented youth at our church, come home, gear up for the last day of classes before break, and just enjoy living, in general. Oh yes, I will also try to have sex with my husband tonight.

Moral of story: Ruminating upon life during your stay in a toilet stall at Walmart is GOOD. I highly recommend it.

Yes! I got it figured out! I'm not an idiot! OK, so Saturday morning, Kirby and Elliot had me rolling with their little fashion show.

This is Fashion Plate #1 aka Purple Passion with Beatrix Potter purse.


Here Elliot is modeling the latest in princess wear this season. We are still toting BP purse.


And finally, Elliot is tickled pink, as you can see.