Fewer than 10 days until the big jolly fat man shows up.

I spent a good two, to two and a half hours wrapping gifts for the family yesterday afternoon. The kids were elbow deep into their own crafts or games, my wife was watching House Hunters International, and we’d just come home from a four hour family Christmas party at the nursing home & farm house. I figured since everybody was entertaining themselves adequately enough, I would adjourn to the basement, and would try to get through all of the things. I got pretty close. I have two childrens gifts left to wrap for my niece and nephew. Plus various adult beverages to decorate for my in-laws, and my wife’s brother & sister. I mailed my side of the family gifts via Amazon, so I was mostly done early last week. All except for the wrapping. Which meant loud music, several rolls of tape, lots of paper choices, bows, tassels, peel & stick labels, and a sharp pair of scissors. I had intended to fix myself a lovely little mixed drink, but I forgot. If we were going to stay in for the rest of the day I would have done so. But knowing I likely had to drive the kids to grandma’s house for dinner, I opted not to drink. No need to pick up a DUI this holiday season, or at all for that matter.

We are still under ghe ever watchful eye of this stupid Elf from the Shelf bastard. Losing ideas for fun scenarios he can do that won’t require extensive additional planning, staging, or clean up afterward. Christmas eve we could “accidentally” feed him.to the dog, and be done with it. Might make some lasting memories that way. I’ll have a good chuckle about it, not sure the kids would too. No need to add extraneous trauma to their little kiddie lives. That also puts a big black cloud over the dogs head in my children’s eyes, and that’s not cool. He’s just a little puppy trying to get ahead in this world. An easy foil for my contempt of the Elf. A patsy if you will. An easily manipulated fall guy for my nefarious plans to rid us of the Elf presence. Muah-ha ha ha…

Anyway, it’s monday. A rainy, grey, dreary, dark, dank monday. I have laundry to run through. Floors to clean. Invoices to make & send off. Lots to do. Can’t sit around bad mouthing the Elf all day. Ciao Bella.