It's Christmas Time in the Cit- Asylum

I am in a fog. 11:14 p.m. My feet ache, my eyes burn, I just want to sleep. I had a full day of Christmas craziness.

Looking back on my day, I don't think I've ever felt more in common with the patients in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. I could even take it a step further and think about my week. It honestly was insane. Everyday this week I woke up at 7:00 a.m. for work. Then I tried to complete the tasks on my many lists so I could get everything done for the approaching holiday. At home, constant demands from Nurse Ratche- I mean, my mom, consumed my time. I cleaned the kitchen, swept the floor, did laundry, wrapped presents, picked someone up, dropped someone off, went to the grocery store and the post office,  addressed cards, and cleaned even more. (I wish I was joking-  this was my exact day today). I couldn't help but laugh when I noted my mother's role as Nurse Ratched, followed by the realization that Gonzo, my little black dog that followed my moms EVERY move, greatly paralleled the Big Nurse's little minions.

Adding to the craziness was my sister, Cassie. A smart girl, running errands helped to avoid cleaning and she so generously offered to come with me. Whenever it became time to clean the kitchen or help cook some item, she conveniently made herself seem busy. In the asylum that is the Sferra household, Cassie is Harding. She knows exactly what she's doing and she is very smart with her decisions and actions. My observations as Bromden have allowed me to see straight through her facade; the Big Nurse hasn't quite caught on yet.

Lexi, I'm hesitant to say, is McMurphy. Not only is she very loud, but she always, and i mean ALWAYS, finds a way to stir up trouble. She does not have a hard time getting Nurse Ratched angry, and she's very similar to Harding, just with a little more physical presence.

If this all isn't crazy enough, there are also three vegetables sitting in my basement. My two brothers James and Matthew, and my dad: Chronics. They do absolutely nothing all day but sit. Completely useless.

This week consisted of nights staying up later than 2:00 a.m. just to bake, followed by days schlepping around everywhere or cleaning (we're always cleaning here). This constant chaos has hit me like some severe electric shock. As I sit here now, my final night of this madness, I look around and see a kitchen full of sprinkles, cookies, mixers, pots, cookie sheets, icing, and dishes, I feel a heavy fog sweeping over me. My natural instinct is just to close my eyes and let this fog consume me, throwing in the towel, leaving the mess to the morning. But I can't let that happen. I've got to push past this fog, set down my computer, and take control. Once I'm done, there will finally be an end to this Christmas madness.