I can see the carpet again

Well, that's that then. Presents have been wrapped and packed, my luggage is sitting by the door and I can rest a little now before making a scramble northwards tomorrow. Strangely the volume of the presents I bought seems to have reduced vastly now that they've been placed in a vaguely coherent order, even to the extent that my room suddenly seems a lot larger and has developed surfaces that I don't recall being there before (like a floor). I don't exactly thrive on chaos, but we're definitely on speaking terms.

Tomorrow will be a leisurely day at work followed by an early escape to catch a flight from Heathrow to Edinburgh. I'm not a huge fan of the area in which I work, but it's proximity to the airport is a big plus. Then it's only a short hop, skip and a jump home before I finally get the pleasure of spending Christmas Eve with my family. I'm very much looking forward to escaping the tumult I've had to put up with over the last few years...erm weeks, but going to visit my family does bring to mind old metaphors about frying pans and fires. Still got to love them :)

There's a familiar ring to Christmas at the family home these days that had been missing for a good while now and I think it can be primarily attributed to my three and a half year old niece, Brianna. I've always enjoyed Christmas, and whilst I still like to think that I approach the holidays with a considerable amount of enthusiasm, I'm never the less humbled by the energy and excitement that a three year old can muster. Brianna has a not inconsiderable number of aunts, uncles, assorted relatives and friends of parents and to say that she's a little spoiled at Christmas time is probably a little of an understatement. Still, she's immensely good natured about it all, even if she does tend to make the assumption that anything in gift wrapping is intended for her (this is more understandable when you realise that virtually all the presents in the house are for her). It's actually almost heartbreaking when you're holding a present intended for you and a small cherubic face appears in front of you, points at the gift and asks in a small sweet voice "mine?". Then you shake your head and say "no, this is for me" and she'll mimic your movements and sadly say in childish scottish brogue "oh no, no, no." Fortunately she recovers quickly :)

I'll be taking my laptop home with me, so there's a good chance that I won't be separated from my blog for long (good). However, in case I don't get the chance to check in immediately, I would like to wish you all, kith and kin, a very merry Christmas indeed.

Have fun everyone!