GoGoGo … Rest, Rest, Rest.

“Don’t count every hour in the day, make every hour in the day count.”
~Anonymous

Boy oh boy, what a week it’s been. That sinus-infection-turned-bronchitis? It decided to morph into a bad ear infection, too. Sometimes it felt like ocean waves were tumbling through my head. Sometimes it felt like bells were ringing nonstop. All of the time, it was incredibly frustrating. Who wants to be sick for over three weeks during the holidays? The good news is that the ear infection was enough to finally get me an antibiotic last Thursday, and even though I’m still not a hundred percent yet, I at least feel like a normal human being again. After spending most of December coughing (and coughing … and coughing), I will definitely take that.

The doctor made me promise to get lots of rest – which I did, because it’s obviously important when you’re sick – but it was challenging this week, what with the holiday and all. Hanukkah is officially over today – yesterday was the last night – and though it was indescribably difficult to get through the celebrations without Gram, I’m still sad to see the holiday go. There’s just something so special about it, something so full of light and love. And yes, there was a heart-shaped hole this year, but as Kristan so optimistically reminded me, it was important to fill it up with heart-shaped happiness, because that’s what Gram would have wanted. Did I get teary-eyed looking at her place on the sofa during our family party? And again when we lit her special candle that she so loved? And again when I put on the necklace she bought me for Hanukkah a few years ago? Yes, yes, and yes. Losing her meant gaining a void that will never close. I’ve been making a point this week to look at her picture even more, to not only remember the beautiful memories but immerse myself in them. It helps, and I like to believe she’s smiling down on us, remembering those special times, too.

It also helps to keep busy – and between holiday celebrations with family and friends, getting lost in a great book (seriously, you can blame my lack of posting on this novel, because anytime there’s a spare minute, I’m cracking open the cover to see what happens next), and reworking/updating my lit agent database, busy has definitely been the name of the game. It’s been GoGoGo, but with time-outs to Rest, Rest, Rest along the way. And really, isn’t that what the holiday season should be? It’s about surrounding yourself with family – both given and chosen – and making new memories that’ll last a lifetime.

From Christmukkah/Friendship Day celebrations with friends …

… to setting up all the Hanukkah gifts …

… to lighting the menorah and Gram’s candle …

It was definitely a meaningful holiday. I hope all of yours were just as lovely. As I jump into writing new queries to send off to agents next week (and then – finally! – starting work on the new novel), memories of this not-as-planned break will float through my mind. What holiday memories will you smile about as you get back to work?