Why I Will Never Do Black Friday Again (aka: EFF YOU KOHLS)
Black Friday was probably my worst idea of the year, though technically it WAS Nick's ideas to begin with.Last year I did Joann's on Black Friday and it was a success. Yes, I waited in line for like 4 hours or something, but it was the only thing on my agenda so it wasn't that bad. The year before that, I went to Mervyns (oh how I miss that store) and scored some great deals on sweaters and jeans.This year, however, Nick and I were feeling lazy. When the ads didn't exactly thrill us, we thought we'd just go out later in the day to get the things we wanted.Stupidstupidstupid.We went to Walmart at about 10. It was...insane. I though

lovelovelovelove
Today was a great day. My dad was able to enjoy himself without being in too much pain, he ate a lot of good food, and enjoyed the company. All of that made me incredibly happy.I'm thankful for so many things. I have a truly great life, even though I melt down here and there. I have wonderful people in my life and great opportunities.But I have to say that above all else, I'm so thankful for my husband. He is the most loving, supportive, kind, and understanding person I know and I am so blessed to get to share my life with him. He is my rational side, my strength, my defender, my best friend. And because of him, I have an amazing group of people I also get to call my

But this is where I calm down.
I need to chill out.Everything is going to be fine.I am thankful that I get to spend the holiday with my mom and dad, and everyone else can go have their drama without me.My life is good. Deep down really truly good, and I need to stop freaking out.This is Patty taking a chill pill.Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

And this is where I break down and rant and rave and my head almost explodes. Enjoy.
It's not really news to anyone that holidays bring out stress and family drama, but this year I am feeling like I have been 100% overloaded on both.I'll try to keep this short so you don't get THAT confused, but here we go...-First of all, my dad is starting hospice care on Monday. Hospice is individualized care within the nursing home by an out of facility group for terminal patients. It's extra care and pain management for people who do not wish to pursue treatment any longer. This is a big step, and it freaks me out because I don't know if my dad fully understands what he is getting into, but also because it feels like I am waving a big white surrender flag to the

My name is Patty and I want to buy you a snowglobe.
I'm not being my hypochondriac self this time (or am I?)I really truly am addicted to shopping (aren't I? Maybe I should look on webmd).I have been making elaborate lists since October of all the people I need to give gifts to this year and what they'll be getting. It's not just one list, because always loose them, so I have made about 6 different lists with bullet points and foot notes and some even have bibliographies of where things should be purchased from.I'm realizing, however, that I can't buy for everyone. It makes me feel bad, but here's the truth: I have no income. I have no time (or gas) to have a job (if I could even get one! I have app