Christmas Musings

'Tis the season and all that. I've spent the season being even more reflective than usual. From the frivolous to the serious, here are a few of the things I've pondered:

The Tree
There is a fir/evergreen tree outside the bedroom window in my previous home. I could sit up in bed and view it. This would've been my 12th Christmas in that home and for a dozen years I have said to myself, "I should put lights on that tree so I could wake up to that vision." I never did it and now I wish I had.

Eyes are Everywhere
I was taught to look at the front and rear view of myself before I left the house. I'm sure this was intended to save me from some disaster like walking into a meeting with the back of my skirt tucked into my pantyhose. Everyone does not learn this lesson (or chooses not to heed it.) I listened to a solo last night by a young woman who truly has the voice of an angel but was dressed as if she were running late for a street-walking gig. Yes, I am showing my age but I am constantly amazed at young girls who flaunt their assets, including posting them for all the world to see, as their parents remain silent.

Eyes are also everywhere in terms of choices you make. You may be an adult and it may be your right to make your own decisions but I'm learning (better late than never) to stop and ask myself, "What do they see that I don't see and how does that reflect on my character?"

Never Underestimate Rice Krispie Treats
My mother and my sister spend countless hours making homemade candies for the holidays. They are always popular and I've eaten my fair share. But, sometimes you can also be a big hit, especially with children, with sticky, crunchy Rice Krispie treats. I made a batch, shaped it into a wreath and took it to a party. The kids ate it with gusto and it left more of the grown-up goodies for the adults.

Nobody Wants another Knickknack
Unless you are a serious collector of something, chances are you do not need or desire more stuff. (If you are a serious collector, chances are that most people cannot afford to add to your collection.) Unless someone requests something very specific, I try to buy only consumed or used and thrown away. I didn't buy gifts this year but I plan to keep this rule for future occasions. Most of us already have an embarrassing amount of unnecessary riches.

Necessary Riches
It's trite and sappy but the riches that fill my life (and hopefully yours) did not arrive via sleigh last night. They weren't slipped under the tree while we slept. They weren't purchased in any store. They were sleeping beside us or right down the hall. They were those we included in our Christmas Eve prayers. They were in the tears we shed for those we miss and in our hearts and we reflected on sweet memories.

Beware of Lifetime Movies
Substitute your favorite cable channel. You can lose an entire day if they run a marathon. Last Sunday, I started watching one Christmas movie on Lifetime and ended up watching four back to back. I have seen others do this with the True Crime channels especially if they're rerunning Cops.

Christmas Miracles
I believe they happen all year long.

Merry Christmas to all.

Garanimals

Do you remember Garanimals? It was a clothing line that helped children learn to dress themselves yet still match. A top with a monkey tag could be paired with shorts or pants with a monkey tag. I have no idea if this product still exists but I thought it was brilliant.

Yesterday I went to the bank and the grocery store. Some adult people in this town need Garanimals.

I fantasize about Garanimal tags with the X through it. That would mean: Never wear this again!

Since I work from home, I am guilty of choosing comfort over fashion. When I leave home, I try to step it up a notch but I often fall into my rut. Black pants and white t-shirt. White pants and black t-shirt. Jeans and a black or white t-shirt. Adding kicky shoes or accessories is about as far as I go.

I was meant to live in New York.

Don't You Hate It When ...

I try very hard to never use the word "hate" toward people. I have no problem using it according to a situation or a dilemma.

I hate it when ...

An advertised product is out of stock.

Every traffic light turns red as I approach.

Someone I love is hurting.

I put my foot in my mouth.

I can't remember a person's name.

My checkbook doesn't jive with the bank.

I spend time on my hair only to get caught in a downpour.

My favorite glasses go AWOL.

I overhear someone make a disparaging comment about a person I care about.

The phone or the doorbell knocks out my train of thought.

I hurt someone's feelings or let them down.

The dog eats my favorite slippers.

The power goes out and I have to reset every clock.

My To Do List overwhelms me.

I can't track down my parents. They are supposed to be available to me 24/7.

Clothes I love don't fit.

A date night is interrupted by a screaming child. (I think if they are allowed to bring a bratty child, I should be allowed to bring my dog and her squeaky ball.

Clutter becomes acceptable.

People don't understand how beautiful and powerful they are.

People don't stand for the Star Spangled Banner, And for Heaven's sakes, take off your hat.

People wear sandals without bothering to groom their feet. Ick!

Grown men wear Speedos.

Men date and marry women younger than their daughters.

Looks are more valued than brains.

This could go on forever so I'll stop now. What do you hate?

A Good Week

Everyone likes something to look forward to. As a teenager, it drove Jan crazy that I would leave new items of clothing hanging in my closet with the tags on them. The anticipation was fun for me. Now she has a daughter who does the same thing.

Today I had lunch with my parents (and miraculously escaped without my ankles being attacked.) I have been looking forward to it for days and the anticipation was worth it. My mother always teases that I've forgotten the route to their home. I left a trail of breadcrumbs but I found it.

In less than 48 hours, I will head to the airport and pick up Deb. Then the goldies will hole up, talk, sing, laugh and cry until we're practically hoarse. We're going for pedicures. We'll watch movies and listen to music. Of course, we will do our questions. Deb bought a new box for the question slips. Are we weird or what?

It's my birthday week and I have been showered with cards and fun wishes. All in all, more good stuff than bad. That makes for a very fine week.

Painful Packing

Packing is usually fun for me. I'm going on a trip! (Cross check and call forward!)

Today is a different kind of packing. We're taking small bites of clearing out the Belle's things. It's awful.

It's an oldies thing but every single thing seems to be wrapped in plastic or tissues or both. Plus, she was a stasher, so you might find receipts or a strand of pearls in any given pocket or handbag. Then on come the emotions. I remember the last time she wore that. I remember how many compliments she received on that outfit. A couple of times the husband said, "This is nice, you might like this." My response was, "It's mine. I loaned it to her."

She was the Anti-Sheri. I hate shopping. Shopping was a huge adventure to her. We are giving away glorious clothes and multiple things.

My friend, Big Sal, is out of town. If she were here, she would be checking out the Goodwill. She's the ultimate bargain hunter. I had a dream last night about Big Sal walking into my kitchen saying, "Look what I found." Of course, it would be something that used to belong to the Belle.