Stop the holiday whirl -- I want off!

OK, I'm actually a little calmer than I was a few days ago, but that could be the Benedryl I'm taking for this cold my daughter so generously passed on to me.

Anyway, I've been a bad bloggy friend. I'm going to begin catching up on my blog-reading tonight.

Thanks to all of you, dear readers, for your support and insight during my days-long panic attack. Your comments made me feel less crazy and evil.

So. Stepson is not getting a car and -- gasp! -- despite my fears, the matter was settled amicably.

And Hubs told my brother-in-law that we couldn't continue to buy all these of holiday presents for people we don't know. AND HE STOOD HIS GROUND. This is progress, people, real progress.

Actually, I think my PMS (combined with holiday stress) was scaring him. Perhaps now is the time to tell him that I still don't want to go to my in-laws, even though we'll be back before Christmas Eve?

Oh, I dread this. More later as to why I got off on the wrong foot with these people.

For now, I'll end with this exchange between Stepdaughter and myself during a shopping trip Sunday.

Scene: We are in the car, headed to the next store.

CATHY: [squeals!] Hey, that's Bon Jovi! I used to love them! [turns up radio until "Bad Medicine" is blaring.]

STEPDAUGHTER: You mean this isn't a new band? I thought they just came out.

CATHY: Oh dear child, this band was HUGE when I was in junior high and high school. You've heard "You Give Love a Bad Name" or "Livin on a Prayer" haven't you?

Stepdaughter shakes her head.

CATHY: No way! What about "Wanted, dead or alive" -- you've heard that one, surely.

STEPDAUGHTER: [shaking head again] No. I've only heard that song that just came out, you know, the one they play on the country music or easy listening stations.

omigod, one of my big-hair bands is now considered "easy-listening"

oh, my aching ego