Do I know it's Christmas time at all?

So ends my first semester of graduate school. Yay! I hope it went as well as I think it did. I guess I'll find out when my grades come in.

I really haven't felt the Christmas excitement yet. Which is weird, because I usually spend a few hours a week with screaming, hysterical, holiday-crazed children. Yesterday I walked into Stop and Shop and breathed in the piney smell of Christmas wreaths, and I felt a twinge of the usual excitement, but it went away as soon as I got back to work. Maybe it is because I'm an old lady now, and have to buy presents for other people. I love Christmas, and I hope the fact that I'm not in school anymore as of yesterday will allow the excitement to pass on in.

TDos and I have not officially really seen each other in two weeks. For those keeping count at home, that really sucks. We'll be together for two straight days this weekend. That may sound stupid to you people that live with your boys, but it's a big deal for me.

My baby cousin (henceforth, the Peanut), who is one, was diagnosed yesterday with celiac disease. For those keeping count at home, that means he's allergic to gluten, which means no-no to wheat and rye, which means no-no to pizza, bread, peanut butter and all that good stuff. I'm trying to help as much as I can, but my aunt and uncle are really upset. I mean, it will be a huge adjustment for them, but I told them that it's really good they found out now because he's one, and won't know what he's missing as he grows up. And I told them that it's really common nowadays, so it's really easy to buy gluten-free food at the grocery store. But they are still upset, which is understandable, because it's their baby. However, to further cheer them up, I compiled a list of celebrities who are gluten intolerant, some of which are: JFK, Goldie Hawn, Emmy Rossum, Billy Bob Thornton, and the Duchess of Kent. And my personal fave, former Lt. Gov. Jane Swift. And to even further cheer him up, I've bought the Peanut the They Might Be Giants ABC CD.

I feel sweaty and anxious right now. Tonight "The Year Without a Santa Claus" is on, which means I'll be singing, "I'm Mister Heat Miser..." until the wee hours. Maybe that will get me into the Christmas spirit. My dogs are so damn cute. This is the most ADD blog ever.

I need a hug.