We're busy at work with end of the year surgeries, so I'm working a lot. Which is very good, because Christmas is expensive.
Tonight is the hospital's OR Christmas party. Since the doctor I work for is a surgeon, our office is invited. I didn't go last year, but heard it was fun, so I'm thinking about going tonight. It'll depend on how soon I can get out of work today. There's a couple things I have to do at home, like get the dog groomed and meet with a house cleaner that someone has generously offered for to make my house a little nicer place for the holidays.
It'd be easier to get into the holiday spirit if it wasn't still shorts and tee shirt weather. Today is supposed to be cool-ish, but tomorrow it'll be back in the 80's again. I love Florida and not having to scrape off my windshield or shovel snow or drive on icy roads, but a wee bit cooler would be nice to make it feel like Christmas.
I ordered the "big" family gift, which isn't really expensive, but something me and the kids have wanted for a while now. In case any of those kids are reading right now, I won't spoil the surprise.
Everything else will be small, very inexpensive gifts. Callie is the hardest to buy for. She's pretty content with everything she already has and so unselfish. She asked for a "cute wallet," and maybe a necklace for her and her best friend. She texted me a link to the website that sells the necklaces and they're like $7.99 each. Callie is amazing, lol. I'm not sure if I mentioned it before, but a couple years ago, she asked that whatever I would have spent for her on Christmas to be donated to St. Jude Children's Hospital instead. So, that's what I did, but still couldn't resist getting her a few small things to open on Christmas Day.
And Aidan just asked for me to contribute to paying off the rest of her probation, which is a little over $500, I think. I can't afford to pay it all off, but I'm hoping for a good Christmas bonus this year to at least take a small chunk out of that. She was offered a chef job in Alabama for a new restaurant, but she can't take the job until probation is paid. I would love to see her get a great job like that, even though I'd hate for her to move. I'm so glad she's found a love for making "food art," and a love for the restaurant business.
Here's a recent Facebook post of hers:
Joe still wants super expensive stuff, and I think he may believe I have a secret money tree in the back yard. But he's a techie-type kid, so his gadget computer stuff is expensive. I don't think I'll be able to get him the $800 VR thing he wants. Actually, there's no doubt I won't be able to get him that VR thing he wants, unless I win the lottery or make a trip to retrieve the treasure. Lol. Luckily, he also wants a bunch of cheaper stuff, and was able to pick a few things off his Amazon wish list.
This does not look like it would cost $800...lol
We had some sad news a couple days ago...Aidan's friend and coworker, Tony, died in a motorcycle crash. He was wearing a helmet when an elderly woman (76 years old and here for the summer) pulled out in front of him. He tried to stop, but couldn't. He died of his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital. He was only 21 years old.
Aidan was crushed. She's lost many loved ones this year, and she had a really hard time when she heard the news. She said the guys would tease Tony and encourage him to "take risks and go fast" when he left work. I suppose they're all feeling a little guilty for saying those things, even if the teasing was good-natured.
Not much else is going on...looking forward to a good Christmas break (we have Friday through Monday off) and to cooking a nice turkey dinner. Callie will be here Christmas Day, and James is hopefully coming, too, so we'll have a cheery house full of family. It'll be nice, although we will miss my mom...
Mindy,
Your mom will be there. You know what I mean.
Merry Christmas to you and Joe and Callie and Aidan.
And this next year I'm sure will be wonderful.