Sweet Baby Ray: NaBloPoMo Day 3

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I am a quote lover and one that routinely comes into my mind has been attributed to Maya Angelou:

“I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage and tangled Christmas tree lights.”

Who hasn’t had any of these happen? Has anyone had a double up like me (lost luggage in the rain)?

For years, 26 of 'em, we’ve had a Christmas decorating routine. Hubby sets up the tree with my help. He puts on the lights because it’s prickly, and he does such a fabulous job hiding the wires. I hang the ornaments. In theory, it is a good plan.

Countless times when the kids were little, we would decorate the tree the day following hubby’s setup. Every time it seemed to me the branches needed the tiniest bit of tidying up before hanging the ornaments. Invariably, I’d get distracted and cut a wire shorting the whole tree. Darn it anyway!

Year after year, this would happen.

Year after year, hubby would go to OSCO for more lights to restring. (The following year he'd remind me not to trim. Do I listen?)

I truly applaud his patience and mild temperament because I probably would have expressed my frustration far less calmly. Just a helpful hint, hide behind a kid if this happens to you!

I’ve seen a multitude of veins almost bursting over lost luggage.

Carrying an umbrella is a must if you live in Chicago in the Springtime. Or Summer, and sometimes Winter.

If I may, I would like to add to Maya’s list. The accidental coverage in Sweet Baby Ray’s. Yes, this indeed happened to me on Sunday while tailgating before a football game at Soldier Field (Yes, the Bears STINK!!!).

I heard the gasp before reality sunk in. My shoes, socks and, fresh out of the dryer clean jeans were completely sauced in wet goo. It's a documented fact I hate to do laundry. 

The guy, who dropped the Costco sized container, felt horrible. I had to stop him from mopping off my pants.

All I could think to say was, 

“Hey, don’t worry about it. My dog will love me when I get home.”

As a bonus, I did score grilled shrimp, a beer, and a cupcake later.

Some things simply aren’t worth making a fuss over.

When Opportunity Knocks, I Always….

Answer...well 90% of the time, I do.

Occasionally my enthusiasm and curiosity lead me on a "curvy" path and I’ve been bitten in the butt a few times by “the knocking” but most often my gut has been solid and trustworthy.

A teensy (no brainer, I might add) opportunity presented itself yesterday, which was too alluring to pass up even though clothing would be an issue.

I’m not leaving this spot!

Calendar Schmalendar!!! Nothing so very important on mine this week that a bit of rearranging and a few phone calls won’t resolve. Plans (“yea” to getting out of golf), responsibilities at home…out the window they go! Chuck them all!

I can’t help myself. This week’s weather forecast proved too irresistible (mid to upper 70’s and full on sun). Plus the children asked me, “Why would you leave when we’re here?” and the “old girl” has fewer steps to navigate and everyone is happier. How could I leave?

So what if I only brought clothes for two days of cooler weather. Right? That’s what Walmart shopping is all about. And, in reality, the kids probably want me around so I’ll cook for them since they’re working all day (Did I really say I’d have a pasta night tomorrow for you and all your friends?). Still not seeing a problem. And it’s not to say I have no responsibilities here. I do. But nothing I can’t drag outside!

The only person who might think he is on the receiving end of a short stick is my sleeping buddy. I know he’s green with envy at the moment and wants to be here too. I’m sorry you have to go out and get that bacon this week. You do a really good job of it and I very much appreciate it (even though you don’t read this, I’ll tell you this exact thing tonight, okay?).

Looking on the bright side for you, what guy (or girl) wouldn’t like to have five days of free time to themselves? Eat all the chips and salsa you want. Veg out on the couch and watch Seinfeld (or Curb) or basketball until your brain wants to burst and without someone asking you to turn the volume down a smidge. Remember, I’m always available for a late night chat. Hey, we’ve never skyped. That might be fun!

Today…It’s only me, my book (Helen Keller In Love*) and those Amish fishermen out there.

I’ll spend some quality time working on my “pecas” while enjoying this day, this week.

* I will most definitely write about this book very soon. Pretty sensual stuff, if you think about it…