I spent time with my mother today delivering some of the gifts for her charity organization, Sharing is Caring. It was fun to tromp through my old hometown, and as I dropped off the packages it felt like reverse trick-r-treating. The houses were familiar, but I was bigger and this time I was giving instead of getting. Plus, there was a light, dry snow falling so that part made it feel like Christmas.

As we drove around we also chatted a bit and at one point talked about some possible coping techniques for if/when the family started to get wacky over the next couple of days. I didn’t share mine with her, I told her it would be a surprise but I was sure she would enjoy it. (I decided that if people get crazy, or situations get tense, I’m going to immediately drop to the ground, assume the lotus position and start doing some of the chanting stuff I learned earlier this year. I’m sure it’ll go over really well. ) Anyway mom had decided on the ol’ fake choking bit. She demonstrated for me and began to make gagging noises and faces, at which point we both started laughing so hard it brought tears to our eyes.

Now many of you out there may think from reading this that my mother and I ARE the cause of drama in my family. Hmmm. I’m not too sure, maybe we are, but at least the drama we prefer is of the comedy genre, and not the tragedy sort.

Later as we were driving home, talking about my ‘career’ (I use the term loosely) she said, “You think you have it hard? Just think of those poor companies you’ve worked for, you’re the kiss of death, baby. Moved to Singapore, suffered huge stock loses and layoffs, filed for bankruptcy, ended up married to your ex. (She didn’t actually say that one; I made that one up just for the blog, creative license and all. But it does make sense for those of you in ‘the loop’.) Frankly, I’m worried about what’s around the corner for your last employer.”

No one can cheer me up like ol’ mom! Gotta love her.