The Mood Lifter

It is guaranteed that life will throw curves. Some days can be absolutely crummy. Little bumps can be cured by a belly laugh, a good meal, or a bubble bath. Some people lift their spirits by shopping. Some men I know (no need to mention names) can distract themselves by playing golf or playing cards.

When the bumps get bumpier, I like to have other options. Something to look forward to -- something to make me smile. When we were young, Jan used to make fun of me because I would buy a new item of clothing and let it hang it the closet. I liked knowing I had something to look forward to. I liked seeing the tags that told me it was a virgin item. Her daughter is trapped in the same disease.

That's probably why I enjoy the build-up to Christmas (or almost any holiday) more than the actual holiday. I thrive on the anticipation.

I LOVE to travel. I like to peruse my calendar to contemplate upcoming trips. The anticipation is fabulous and usually (except for that one disastrous Florida girlfriend trip) the trips are wonderful.

Things are a little crazy around here. Lots of decisions being made and I'm trying to stay out of the way. The girlfriends are planning our annual trip to Phoenix. Cross check and call forward. I'm booked.

While You Are Sleeping

Some people sleep all night -- you lucky people!

Here are some of the things I do while you are sleeping:

Say lots of prayers.
Wash a load of clothing and fold it.
Make writing or business notes.
Plan menus, even though I don't cook very often.
Fret and pace.
Watch episodes of I Love Lucy or The Andy Griffith Show.
Unload the dishwasher.
Re-read the last People Magazine.
Wake the dog up so we can both be miserably awake together.
Make to-do lists of things that will never get done.
Watch movies that I've seen over and over and over.
Go through emails and respond/delete.
Tackle the stack of mail and catalogs.
Sneak in the oldies' room to see if any new ghosts have come to visit.
Sit in the baby's room and wallow in the memories.
Call people who might be up. I know who you are.

Eventually, I crawl into bed and (as I'm told,) start to snore. It's the husband's time to get up and escape. I'll grab two hours and then get up to work out.

By the way, he paces and snores too.

How Much Do You Weigh?

There are certain questions that are not polite to ask. At least, that's what I was taught. Politics and religion are tricky topics. "How old are you?" used to be taboo but that seems to have changed. I'll give you my opinion on current political situations. I'm anxious to hear what others think. I'll tell you my religious affiliation and I love a respectful debate. For years I was coy about my age but I'm over that now. If you ask, I tell the truth.

I won't tell my weight.

When my "sister" was 2-years old, she told anyone and everyone within shouting distance that she weighed 28 lbs. The baby used to tell everyone his weight. I guess we pay so much attention to height and weight charts when they're children, it's natural for them to be fascinated with these numbers.

There's a scale in my bathroom. The husband gets on it every day. Occasionally, he tells me the number. I rarely step on it. I know where I am by how my clothes fit. Sometimes I put my luggage on it to make sure I won't be charged for a bag that weighs more than 50 lbs. I've put the dog on it. Other than that, it's just one more thing I trip over as I stumble to the shower.

Sometimes the workout girls discuss weight. It's usually vague comments, "I feel fat," etc. (There is not a fat person in the room.) Rarely are numbers thrown around. I'm in safe territory because if someone asks me, I can honestly say I don't know.

I went to the doctor yesterday for myself and the oldies. The first thing they do is put you on that huge, ominous scale. Then, THEY WRITE IT DOWN! Another quirk, but this is not fun for me. Thankfully, my doctor is an honorable guy and a great friend. I'm fascinated with numbers but this number will remain our secret.