MerrinDonahue.com

Well, I survived yet another Christmas in retail! Even better, I am mobile again now that my transmission is fixed. Best of all, the weird “Service Engine Soon” light finally blinked off today of its own volition. Things are starting to look up! Kevin and I had a great (and oh-so-eventful) Christmas day here in Ft. Worth, and we are looking forward to seeing the Florida gang this Saturday (with the special bonus of Sonny and JoJo!). The laundry is done, the house is clean, the pet-sitters are scheduled, and the bags are packed. Now all we need to do is hop a flight, and we’ll be there before you know it! We’ll see everyone soon!

Well, it’s official. I am going to Hell. I fired someone today, and as everyone has felt the need to remind me, it’s only two weeks until Christmas. Never mind that it was a business decision (and a sound one at that), all I heard all day was what a horrible person I am. “Don’t you know what a bad job market it is?” ” Don’t you know Christmas is in 15 days?” Well, okay then. But dammit! My job is to counsel problems until we reach an impasse. So here it is, almost time for Santa, and one of mine is out of a job. I know it was for the best, but that knowledge offers little solace. If you’ll excuse me now, I have to go give blood and donate to Santa’s Helpers, and adopt a child from a third world country.

FIRST: Check out the family news page! Congratulations are in order, but to find out who and what, you have to check out the family page!
SECOND: TODAY IS THE ANNIVERSARY OF MY FIRST DATE WITH KEVIN! Seven years ago (almost to the minute), Kevin and I went out to paint the town, and we haven’t stopped since. I love you, baby, and thanks for the best seven years of my life.

I made the mistake of going to the mall last Friday. Wow. I don’t think the economists are actually going out themselves if they think that retail’s in a slump. Anyway, Kevin told me that I had to go shopping for everyone, so I did. I then signed his name to all our Christmas cards and sent those off. He sure has it easy….On the other hand, Santa IS watching, so I had better not complain too much. All the presents are wrapped and under the tree, now if Christmas would just hurry up and get here! We are REALLY looking forward to seeing everyone in Florida in 2 weeks.
Sonny-I especially can’t wait to see you! 🙂

So Kevin showed me the little game: you know, the one where you have to keep the ball in the air? He was so proud of his high score of-ahem-12 that I didn’t have the heart to tell him that MY high score was 32 (at least I didn’t have the heart right away; after about 5 seconds, I started dancing around and singing “I’m the winner”). Let’s see if any of you can beat that!
Seriously, Christmas shopping is under way, and I do love employee appreciation days at work. Needless to say, most of you will be getting books for Christmas! If there is anything special on your wish list, please let me know. If you tell Kevin, he’ll just forget, and besides, he has informed me that I am responsible for the gift buying this year (for which you can all be thankful).