I can’t recall the last time I did this – hung Christmas stockings over the fireplace. This picture is of the last time (that I can remember) which was in 2017.

That was also the last time the Christmas tree had been in that spot. As I look at this photo, I realized this room has changed so much since this photo was taken. First, the fireplace was replaced in 2022. Next, that ceiling light had been replaced by a brighter LED light.

Also, that corner where the tree was occupying was never the same after 2020 when my mom and I were sent home with computer monitors, mice, and keyboards. Now, that corner houses my mom’s workspace.

On Saturday, I decided to hang the same stockings over the new fireplace. At the time, I was actually looking for the labels to put on the lids of my herb bottles. I finally bottled up my dried lavender and rosemary in glass bottles over the weekend and now, I just need to figure out how to use them.

I wanted to make some lavender body lotion but my mom threw a tantrum when I asked for permission (something I shouldn’t have to do). She asked why I would go through so trouble to make something we can buy cheap at the store. “Have you seen the ingredients in a typical bottle of body lotion?” I asked her. She replied by saying I’m heading toward the extreme end of being natural, which I’m not.

Speaking of my mom, she’s been accusing me of being in a sour mood lately. She said, “It isn’t other people’s fault you fell in the bathtub.”

It’s funny, she thinks I blame her for me slipping in the bathtub. I’m still in pain, yes. My sprained pinkie is less swollen but the skin is now in a sickly shade of black and green. Let me set the record straight, though. My mood isn’t sour and it has nothing to do with that, it’s the same as it’s always been.

I’m just tired I guess. My mom has been coming in and waking me up before I’m actually awake. It’s hard for me to return to sleep afterward.

I’m annoyed that I’m not going anywhere this Christmas, and that the family is still asking for things and yet, I’m not getting the respect.

I couldn’t believe that my aunt would burst into the bathroom when I’m in it, despite the closed door, and that she would laugh when I mention my body is in pain from my fall in the tub last Thursday. Can you blame me when I say I’m not in my happy place right now?