[HollyEllis]

So some of you know I was put on medical leave for 3 weeks due to pneumonia and a broken rib. Well, I just found out that I cannot actually return until Dec. 1st! That's an entire month away! I can't cook, I can't clean, I can't do laundry and on top of that, my paycheck is cut by 40% until I come back. So that means no great gifts to give for the holidays. No field trip with my kids. No fun Thanksgiving activities with my kids. UGHHHHHH

[GraceKrispy]

oh no! Iʻm so sorry youʻre going through this! That really stinks!! I hope you recover sooner than though. Take good care of yourself!

[kas327]

That is truly unfortunate about your condition. Do you have someone that can help you? This is one of those instances you put your pride to the side (not intending to rhyme ) and see if a friend or relative can help you out. I am sure everyone will be really understanding for the holidays. Instead of buying "great" gifts, maybe just send out an invitation for a dinner party for everyone to come over. I am sure the ones that are close to you will just appreciate being able to see you. Think of it as no pressure buying the perfect gift for everyone. Hang in there.

[Quatro]

I wish you a speedy recovery. Those who love you want you to get better and the gift is your health and back to your "normal" life. The dinner party idea is great. I would love a gift of a fun evening with a good friend.

[luv2chat]

Ugh! You poor thing, I know how hard it is to be off due to injury. It really stinks especially when you love your job. I hope you heal quicker than expected and they let you go back a little early. Take care of yourself. Follow doctors orders! The sooner you get better the sooner you can go back.

I know that is rough. Don't let it ruin things for you. Perhaps you can do some creative fun. I don't know how old your kids are but mine woudl rather sit and water color w/ me than go somewhere. They'd rather I read to them from a big kid book (last winter we read inkheart) than go to a movie. As for gifts. Make them. Do you do any crafty things? Do you knit or scrap book or write poetry? Are there online courses you wanted to take and never had the time? You can catch up w/ friends on face book you can get some serious reading done.

As for the cleaning - do you have any good friends? I"d ask them for help and let them know in return you will do xyz - maybe clean for htem, keep their kids for a weekend, or whatever. If you can do nothing in return ask anyway. Friends, true ones, really do want to help how they can. A good friend of mine was VERY ill for a long time and I did her cleaning. It made me feel so good to do something for her. I was so honored she let me.

and finally, you sound seriously ill. Your family will be happy to have YOU and the importance of material objects as gifts as well as the state of their house will not be important to them. Hope you feel better soon.

[teachnkids]

Boy, this just seems to keep piling on you!!! I am so sorry you are having to deal with this. I know it stinks to be out at such a fun time of the year with kids, but you really need to think about you and getting well.

The no cooking, no cleaning or laundry would not bother me!!!

Why is your pay cut by 40%? That sucks.

I agree about making some gifts. There are lots of things you could do from a sitting position that would not be too stressful for your body why you are healing.