I am happy to say this was the best Christmas ever. This Christmas my wife and I spent more time giving to those unable to have much fun at Christmas. We couldn't give much (we don't have much). What we could give, we did. Somehow giving makes it all better, the holiday is happier. Even if you get less yourself its still better.

My wife and I spent near $300 on a couple high end electronic educational toys and all the software that runs in them to give our two daughters for Christmas. At the very last minute....my wife had the idea of getting some traditional toys as well, stuffed bears and the like. Well were kind of short on money and we did buy fantastic electronic stuff and I very easily could have protested going out and spending more but I didn't want to be like one of "those men" (you know the type) so yesterday with a cold I went to the mall (eww) and we got some simple toys, not a lot but some. Boy am I glad I did, here it is Christmas day I eagerly put the batteries in the kids "fantastic" electronic toys and guess what...nothing...both toys, not one but both....blank screen, change the batteries, ect.. blank screen, do everything (pull hair out) blank screen.

More and more people where I work are ready to quit. I knew there was trouble when we started the year with a workshop on how to manage stress (I am sorry squeezing a rubber ball just don't cut it). I don't think our situation is unique by any means, most people who work a "wage slave" job have too much stress.
What is healing for me is to pick up a pencil or paintbrush.