This has nothing to do with the whole ANOTHER end of the world thing LOL

I have been a ball of anxiety the last few days and I couldn't pinpoint why. There were a lot of different factors, but I haven't had anxiety like that in a VERY long time. Even meditating would only reduce it for a few minutes. I kept trying to let go of everything and tell myself that I'm doing everything I can in various situations and whatever happens happens and there's nothing else I can do.

Part of things that really made it come to a head was around 2:30 the power started dimming (I'm in Northern IL, so we got a heavy winter storm, strong winds, etc. Also our way of plowing our long driveway is currently broken, that didn't help the anxiety). Then while the kids I watch, my son and I were doing presents (I have today off!) around 3:00 or 3:15 the power went completely out finally. after about 20 minutes I realized it was not coming back anytime soon and called it in.

Then I had to get in preparation mode because my sister, her husband and son, and my mom were coming over for a holiday get together because it was the only time everyone's work schedules put us all off was Thursday evening LOL. So I start digging out all of my jar candles and votive candle holders and candles and setting them up all over. I'd asked my sister earlier if we should cancel due to the storm and we decided to still go for it, so I figure I have candles and a gas fireplace to keep us warm, if we have to do this by candlelight, we're going to do it - it'll be memorable!

Then I decide I better see if the pizza place is delivering. Since I'm hosting a big Christmas Eve thing and had to work yesterday I was not putting together another big meal so we had decided on pizza. Well I called around 4:00 and they said they were only delivering in town, I live outside of the small town we're considered to be a part of. But they put me on hold and after a while said they WOULD deliver to me. I thanked them profusely and mention how I was having guests and no power to cook. Good thing I called early - it took an hour and a half and showed up right after my family got here. (and yes I tipped well!)

So then we are all having an interesting time seeing each other and food stairs, etc by candle light (it smelled good from all the candles though! LOL) but it was kind of fun. So 2 things down - guests arrived safely and pizza delivered.

Then we killed time playing a game while we waited for my husband to come home - he had to make a delivery that evening after work and drive a few towns over (where it was even worse!) and then all the way back so that was a big part of my anxiety I think. But finally around 7 he made it home safely. With flashlights we started sorting gifts, Tom (my hubby) ate his pizza and just as we were about to start trying to open gifts The power came back on! (yay for 2 more things - hubby and power!) So we were able to see our gifts and take pictures and finally see each other! LOL We survived, I kept my anxiety mostly in check and had fun with everything and it all worked out and the kids had lots of fun.

So today I'm just glad to be here, with power, everyone safe, no work today and most issues resolved. Still have to figure out how to get our driveway plowed and get our "plow" fixed - it's a skid loader with a bucket on the front that we use to plow (and many other things). And it's stuck out in a shed type thing out back. So, not sure how to get this huge heavy thing somewhere accessible (Tons of snow separating the unplowed driveway from the shed...)so Bobcat can come out and pick it up to service it...since it won't start. ugh. I love being semi-country/rural setting, but these things are tricky LOL

Now trying to decide if I want to venture out on the roads for lunch with my sister...roads in the larger town by us where I'd be going are fine, hubby said the country roads that would be about 1/3 of the journey are not good. Ugh.

Anyway, point being after everything yesterday, I don't really have any immediate worries today which I am very thankful for! Now I just have to do more cleaning to get ready for Christmas Eve and carry on.

Aren't you glad you know every detail of my day now? LOL Actually I left a lot out! :)

Hope everyone has a great Friday!