I’ve been dealing with a sinus type issue since the end of September. I went to urgent care twice and an ENT twice. I’m still getting ear pain and horrible headaches. I don’t think I’m going back. I have one more day of prednisone from my last visit and then I’m going to give it a week with no meds and see if it goes away naturally. The meds aren’t working. This ordeal has set my personal growth back a little.

The good thing from this all in my bounce back is greater. I went into this week with lots of meditation music, affirmations, and prayer. I had a long, good day yesterday that has me in a really good place, and I’m proud of myself. I have a long week in preparation for the holidays. Thanksgiving mainly, of course. I work every day this week, and I am trying to get things done for my household each day too to make next week easier for me. I’m going to clean my house Tuesday, but this helps me get some of the smaller and bigger things done ahead of time. It causes less stress and pressure.

In order for me to fully relax for Thanksgiving and the day after, I need to have all deep cleaning and chores done. I just do. It is what it is. I’m making a list later today, but I already got a good start yesterday. I’m exhausted.

My goal is to have all cleaning done by Tuesday evening. Then, on Wednesday, after an appointment I have in the morning, I plan to set up my Christmas stuff. I used to have this routine of cleaning and set up. I haven’t done it exactly this way in a few years. Last year was because of scheduling, lack of motivation, and having a kitten that I thought would mess with the tree. So I wasn’t in a hurry. The 2 years previous we had just moved in the end of  September and I was overwhelmed.

On top of Christmas setup, I do my baking as well. My basics are Krusteaz breads. I usually make blueberry, chocolate chips, and their cinnamon coffee cake. I also usually make some cookies. Just basic cookie dough stuff. Always chocolate chip but usually some others. And I bake a Marie Callenders Dutch Apple pie. And some brownies. I make Ghirardellis triple chocolate (teal box) brownies. I love the brownies heated up with vanilla ice cream. It’s usually just the 5 of us at home (me, husband and kids) plus my brother in law (whom now lives with us) and it used to include my father in law before he moved to his sisters 5 hours and 2 states away. Of course he’s more than welcome but he won’t come. On the day of, I will make pigs in a blanket and my chili and cream cheese dip. We like to make such a large meal, so there are leftovers and snacks for a few days. This gives us quality time off.

This is my favorite time of year. I want to get into the spirit as much as possible. Financially, we are not ok. I don’t know how we will afford Christmas at all. We are getting further in debt each month. I’m hoping for a Christmas miracle. Until then, I’m trying to keep busy and keep my head up. I need to keep my negative mindset and energy at bay. This busy, mindful week is going to be amazing.

I’m also looking forward to no school next week. I get to sleep in. I work Monday, but then it’s all about me, my home, and family. A clean home, paired with Christmas decor, Christmas music, and my new Christmas air freshner scents will put me on cloud 9. I enjoy some of the classics for Christmas music. But I also like Hansons Christmas album from 1999ish. And of course, Nsyncs Christmas album from the same time period. Those are just staples to my holiday.