Cloudy, with a Touch of Rain

Well, friends, the magic is almost gone. Today the tree comes down and the Christmas decorations get put away. My last child goes home, and the new year begins. I admit to feeling a little melancholy, but that's not unusual for me. I always experience a bit of let down when the season ends. Then I perk up and make a few resolutions!

Yes, despite my Saturday Centus poem to the contrary, I do like to start the new year out with a resolution or two. Historically, these seem to fall in the areas of physical and spiritual fitness. In truth, I rarely manage to carry them through for more than a few weeks (I usually start to fade in March or April), but I try not to beat myself up about that. Hope springs eternal, and I usually get up another head of steam and keep trying. Hey, no one's perfect, right?

Todd is going home sick, a major drag because classes start tomorrow. He'll probably hit the walk-in clinic for an antibiotic before he leaves (no easy task because he's allergic to most of them). Even the trusty Z-pack gives him hives. I just wish the poor guy had a couple more days at home so I could see him on the mend before he takes off and starts abusing his body with too much study and not enough sleep. I'm beginning to think medical school is hazardous to your health!

Speaking of health hazards, I'm sick too...not with a cold, but with a kidney infection. Having had one before, I recognize the signs all too well. In fact, I will probably wind up accompanying Todd to the clinic today, as I suspect my doctor will not be in the office. Not that going to her is any cheaper. Our deductible is so high these days that we don't even meet it by December.

Let's see, what else could I complain about? Sheesh, maybe I should have titled this post, "Woe is Me" or "My Cup Runneth Empty." I think the specter of having to box up all these decorations is hanging over me a bit too heavily, and the only cure I know for that is to get up and get it done. With that in mind, I will sign off and put you out of your misery (or my misery, as it were). But not before I write a little poem to send me on my way...

One melancholy sight to see:

a brittle, barren Christmas tree.

The lights that twinkled are no more,

pine needles lie upon the floor,

the beads and balls have all come down,

and every branch droops to a frown.

Removed, it leaves an empty space,

but hope steps in and holds a place...

a lingering whiff of forest air,

a memory for all to share,

a sense of loved ones gathered there.

∞§∞

Today I will be savoring the scent of leftover pine

and pining (just a little) for my family.

Happy New Year!

{it will be}

=)