I'm an English Major (Garrison Keilor says "once an English major, always an English major").  I kind of fell into the social work field because I was watching my brother play little league ball and a neighbor was starting a new progam at a child welfare association and asked if I was interested.  I was looking for work so I said Yes.  And from that start, I ended up working with psychiatrists and psychologists in a mental health center.

I kept the fascination with words.  Spelling is a "thing" for me.  I've always been able to spell and I'm positive it's something you're born with.  Pk can't spell to save his life (yet, he's one of the smartest and most well read people I know).  Lately, I've had to stop and think about spelling and I hate it.  It's part of getting older and on bad days I tell myself it's early onset alzheimer's.

I have the word of the day come in my email.  It's rare for them to find a word I've not heard of.  I can't always immediately come up with the definition but usually after some thought I can.  All of this is a long explanation for the Urban Dictionary Word of the Day.  The Urban Dictionary is great.  It's a dictionary of slang so when someone uses a phrase I've never heard of (and am sure the Mr. Webster didn't include in his book), I can look it up. And it's full of words and phrases that should be in the dictionary.  Today's phrase is:

 Elf-Esteem


The feeling of being overworked, underappreciated and like you don't exist to others during the holidays while in actuality the season's success depends on you.

The sense of being 3 feet small when others would view you in high stature if they realized all you do to make the holiday's happen.

I think Hermey is having some elf-esteem issues. He's pulling the stuffing out of all the teddy bears.

It made me laugh this morning.  It brings to mind all the "holiday martyrs" that seem to be about this time of year.  I used to be one.  I just knew if something happened to me, the holidays wouldn't happen.  Then I dislocated my ankle on the 17th of December with shopping and baking and everything else left to do.  I learned to delegate and Christmas came that year just like every other one.  Now, I let other people do the things they like to do.  El likes to make spritz cookies and pizelles.  She's not a cook but she can do this and do it well.   And then she gets the satisfaction of helping prepare for the holiday.

We're in for a nasty day weather-wise today.  "Wintry mix" is the phrase they use when it's just going to be cold, wet precipitation.  I think I'll stay right here on the bed and knit.  I have some movies to watch so it's all good.
Some hot cocoa might be nice.  I wonder if I can get one of those elves to make some?