"Where's everybody at?? Shopping? Hiding in their hole? It's lonely in here!"

Probably of all of the above dear Bear. I'm still looking for your hole so I can jump in. I figured it would be the one surrounded by empty pizza boxes?

"Stinkin' Depression is trying to intrude in on my life. It's not even time for "the letdown" yet. Could it be that I'm turning into Scrooge... or worse yet, the Grinch?"

This could be happening for sure my dear, but I would be remiss in my duties as your friend if I didn't point out that both Scrooge and the Grinch had sickening sweet happy endings...

"Can't get motivated to take a shower or to start baking or even go to the grocery store for a few items. I'm so sick of the grocer's strike! I just might cross a picket line today... that is, if I can get motating here... "

I have lots of days like these. I'm just useless as, well useless. Mary understands that about me, she knows that somedays just getting out of bed is a major accomplishnent. But she also knows that I'll get up no matter how bad I feel and drag my butt into work everyday too. So she cuts me a lot of slack. You do the best you can Bear.

"ARGH! What's wrong with me?? Why is it that everything is a hassle?? Why can't the in-laws just let things be?? Where do they come up with the thought that they can tell MY SON that we are spending too much time with him on Christmas Eve and Day?? They live just yards away from their daughter and grandkids every day of the week!!! GEEZ!!!"

Not a damn thing wrong with you that I can see Bear. Everything's a hassle because, one, that's often just how it is, and, two, that's how we allow it to be. We can change that if we like Bear. As far as what the in-laws are saying to your son, if you feel strongly about what's being said to him, then it's incumbant on you to say something to them about it. I'll listen to what my family has to say about how I raise my children as long as they understand that I can take it or leave it. But unless you're abusing or neglecting your child which I know you're not, that's definitely overstepping bounds dear.

"Not too long ago, I would have been raring to go getting all the fixen's ready! Even if it involved some feelings of antagonism and "one upmanship." (I wouldn't have told anyone how I was feeling, though ) They're stupid, ignorant, low-life, narrow-minded, back-woods @~!#$-#^%$-)^&*(+^%$# !!!! I've had my fill with them!!! IDIOTS!!!!

Ahem... Well? I'm entitled to rant now and then, aren't I?"

I'm glad you have a place to come and let off some steam. That really important to good mental health. My wife is my sounding board for stuff like this, and I always feel terrible when it's all over and done with. But she always reminds me that she promised to stick by me thru the good and the bad. I mean she can't be sticking with me for the money, I haven't got any...

Well dearest Bear I hope the day shapes up for you and you are able to enjoy at least a bit of it. And if nothing else, you can always sneak away and come visit us .

Sending you tons of love and I got your back covered,

bp

"When you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance."