Love Hate Relationship

For as long as I can remember, I have loved this time of year. The weather has a chill to it. Just yesterday, I walked outside for bus duty after school and it even had that Christmas time smell. It felt like time to put up the tree. The days are shorter and the nights are longer. This usually means more time at home with the family. It is getting close to Thanksgiving so this begins the deliciously long food indulgence of heavy meals, finger foods, and lots of yummy treats. Christmas shopping, crowds for the mad rush, and bargains are my adrenaline rush. Decorating the house, wrapping gifts, and baking cookies are a few of my favorite things.

Now for the hate part of this relationship. As all of you know, Donnie is a UPS driver. I am very thankful that he has a wonderful job that provides for the needs of our family. This time of year though is harder than the rest of the year. The UPS men become Santa's helpers. This means longer than normal hours. Then to top it all off Donnie comes home last night and tells me that he will be working even later from now on. They will also be starting later because all of the packages cannot get there early. He will now start at 8:50 which means he could still have 12 hour days with an hour of lunch meaning that he could work until 9:50!! This means he would not get home until about 10:50!!! At least it will be over by the middle of January. Oh the life of a UPS widow!!