Hints of Winter - Teri Johannes

This month has whizzed by in a blur of charity events, birthday celebrations and now this weekend three different events, starting tonight. All worthwhile charities; although I don’t like being this “busy.” It stresses me out, and I constantly feel like I’ve forgotten something. Anxiety, I guess.

Tonight is the Gilbert Festival of Trees event. I’ll be bringing my camera to snap some shots of the variety of Christmas trees professionally decorated. I do enjoy decorating our tree, so I see this one as an opportunity to get some new ideas. Ideas that would be put into play for NEXT year. It’s much less expensive to try and get what I need the day after Christmas at half price. So this years tree will be similar to the last two years.

Up at 5:00 AM tomorrow morning to get ready for the Gilbert Western Days parade. Set up with a morning breakfast at 7:00 AM and then bussed to the different horse driven wagons in full western outfits. This one has me stressed. I can’t help but feel a little strange sitting in a wagon, going through Gilbert with people watching on the sidelines. I’m not sure what we’re supposed to do. Sit there? Wave? Pick our noses? (That was a joke in case any Gilbert Western Days planners see this) The parade starts at 9:00 AM and hopefully will be mercifully less than an hour. I say this only because we need to get ready for the last benefit of the weekend for the Save the Family organization.

Other than another Festival of Trees for the city of Chandler the last Saturday of the month, the obligations end until after Christmas. Of course we kick into high gear for the Holidays with decorating, and Christmas shopping and what has become my Blogger Girlfriends Christmas brunch tradition. (This one is guaranteed to be fun!) Now if I can get the bartender Mr. 3T to learn how to make Lemon Drops like the Black Angus bar does, I know the girls will be happy!

Well it’s off to start getting ready. I’ve put off a pedicure so long, I’m embarrassed for my toes to be uncovered. Uncovered they will be for the events where a cocktail dress is on the list.

I admit, I like my routine to be slow and easy. I don’t mind that it strays from this on occasion. But this month has me walking a tightrope. I need to feel connected to my loved ones; daily. With so many distractions in the form of these events, I feel disconnected. One step at a time, I guess.

If I look at the whole weekend at once, it’s enough to throw me into an anxiety attack. I know once we’re at an event, I’ll have some fun. But the gearing up to it keeps me on a tightrope.

I hope whoever (if anyone) is left reading this page has a wonderful and relaxing weekend. Do it for me! As the word “relaxing” won’t be a part of my vocabulary THIS weekend.

Love,

3T