Pressure, pressure, pressure

I only have about a week and a half left of school before the Christmas break, and under other circumstances, I'd be thrilled and couldn't wait for the time off.  However, starting tomorrow, I will have approximately 110 persuasive essays (written by 10th graders) to read and grade.  Oh, my headache has already begun to pound.  To top that off, I don't have my Christmas shopping done, much less the wrapping and sending off of those that go out of town.  Don't get me wrong, I love Christmastime, and all that it represents, but just getting there has been a bit of a struggle for me this year.  I thought I had it all under control...I even started my shopping early, and got a good chunk of it completed, but then I had my three eye surgeries and a great bout of strep throat.  In between that, Bill got the slap-in-your face lame notice that they won't be using him at DSC next semester (with the slight hint, they'll need him next fall).  I just need to deep breathe, plant my feet and get focused on what is important at this time of the year.  I'm grateful for my health, all my children and grandchildren (yay, grandkids!), my wonderful husband, my mother and siblings and friends and a firm and abiding faith in the Savior.  This should be a time of gratitude for what we have, and most importantly, we do have our faith to see us through trying times.
OK, I think I've just about talked myself out of all the pressure I've been feeling.  See what a lot of self-talk does? Which is not to say, it's a bit weird to see people going around talking to themselves.  That felt good!
Merry (early) Christmas!