I used to love Christmas shopping, the noise, the people, the decorations, the music.  I loved to walk the mall searching for the perfect gift for each person.  I would spend hours upon hours wandering the aisles to find just one thing.

I can't do that anymore.  I can't walk more than a few feet, wandering the mall is out.  My arms aren't capable of wheeling myself far in my chair, as that pulls on my back and makes it worse.  It's limiting.  Only stores like Walmart, Target and grocery stores have the electric gimp carts.  I don't want to buy everyone's gifts at those stores.

Instead of the hustle and bustle of the stores I have the whir and click of a modem and mouse to get me around the aisles.  I spend hours waiting on things to download over a dialup modem.  

It's not the same, I can't hold things in my hand.  I can't flip them over to see if they are exactly the right thing.  I can not smell the candles, the perfumes.  I miss that part of Christmas.  

I know, I know, a lot of people are extremely pleased with being able to do all their shopping online.  I bitch about this sometimes.  I miss my old legs.  

I am thankful for the internet, though.  Without it, I would not be able to do any shopping.  I wouldn't know a lot of people I know.  I wouldn't be writing this journal.  I would hear from friends who keep up with me here, instead of calling me.  (Yes, if you know me in real life and you think I mean you, I do.)

Argh, I have to quit with the maudlin, it's Christmas time.  Blargh.
 

________

Speaking of which, a quick checklist for myself:

Christmas cards (get them mailed Monday)
Stockings (Sew them Monday and Tuesday)
Cookies ?!?!?
Wrapping (Probably Christmas Eve)
Christmas Party 
   --clear disk on camera
   --get outfit ready
   --have fun
Snuggle husband (as much as possible)
Enjoy the holidays, quit stressing.

Smile,
 Suzy Smith