If you watched Stranger Things, then you know what the Upside Down is, but here, I am using it to describe how I feel at the current moment. I am here, but not quite here. Living my life but sometimes navigating what feels like some alternate reality. You ever feel as if you are watching yourself in a movie or something? No? Just me? Okay, now I feel like a big weirdo. Carry on.

Right Now:

We had too much stuff going on to attend church this past Thursday so we will be heading out for that soon. And then, we will be shopping for a new TV! Ours works perfectly but it is so old and will no longer work with Netflix as of the end of the month so we gotta get a new one.

This Week:

This week and next is OZ, OZ, OZ. The Wizard of Oz is always a fun show to do because of the flying. So much flying, that a professional fly team is used. Flying performers make it super interesting backstage. My daughter is Aunt Em. She’s pretty excited about the tornado scene.

Reading:

I am hoping that The Dreamers comes in from the library today. Many of you are reading it now and it looks like something I would enjoy.

Watching:

It’s not out yet but it’s slated for Netflix soon. I seriously thought, and maybe still think, this is a joke but it’s listed on IMDb. Guys, Space Force is coming, by the makers of The Office. Yes, THAT Space Force, the United States Space Force that is the proposed new branch of the Armed Forces. I am dying.

New Things I’ve Tried:

I do not like to take photos of myself and I really do not like to share videos of myself but in an attempt to be more relatable, I’ve started to post Instagram stories every couple of days. I don’t know how people look natural on there but I’m trying and my eyes tend to look in all the wrong places but hey, maybe I’ll get better. If you choose to see the train wreck in action and don’t already follow me there, you can find me there as TiBookChatter.

Grateful for:

I am grateful for all the people who make me laugh. Many of you have become my close friends and now that we’ve gotten to know each other, the sense of humor (both yours and mine) seems to be popping out all over. I love, love, love it when something funny gets posted somewhere and three people share the very same post with me. Guys, you get me. Thank you.

My question for you. Do you guys like to be on camera? Even with all the filters and bling, I still don’t know how to look like a normal person on camera. Plus, I talk so slow and I don’t talk like that normally.

With Christmas just a couple of days away, I find myself taking cover and hiding from the hustle because my fuse has been very short and I don’t want to head into the holidays angry. I’ve had the past few days off to get stuff done and now I just want to transform into a slug.

Right Now:

Nothing. I am not doing anything because I am really worn-out and just need to sit. We have nothing planned for the day.

This Week:

We attended Christmas service last Thursday but on Christmas Eve we will make a short trip to say “Hi” to some friends who are working at the church that day and then head over to my MIL’s. My nephews are down and one of them has small kids so it ought to be fun. I’m bringing the mashed potatoes and boat loads of butter and cheese are a must.

Christmas Day I am cooking a Prime Rib roast with all the trimmings and then we are heading to the movies, probably to see the new Mary Poppins movie!

The Hub has off this week which is very rare and although we had hoped to head out-of-town we will be doing some day trips to places we’ve not been or to places we haven’t been to in a while.

Reading:

Finishing up Force of Nature. I had not planned to pick this one up but the book I wanted to read “fell” off my Kindle and I was left with nothing to read so I dove in.  I want to end the year with Michelle Obama though.

Watching:

Christmas movies and shows. So behind on them.

New Things I’ve Tried:

I haven’t tried any new products this week but this year I tried to tone down my Christmas spending and I’d say I was about 60% successful. I went to the mall for two small things and left, totally disgusted by what the holiday has become. I saw a lady at the PINK store who had wads of cash out in plain sight, and she was making a sale of over $1500. At an underwear store, people. I think it was admirable that she was paying cash but I seriously feared for her safety because it was clear to me that she had thousands more to spend.

Gosh, the majority of us do too much, spend too much and just fall apart at the end of the year. It’s not supposed to be like that at all. It doesn’t have to be. I’m hopeful.

Grateful for:

I am grateful for this time off. I can’t even begin to tell you how grateful.

What does this weekend look like for you? Are you doing okay? Do you need some encouragement?