Old Age Confirmation

I think I'm getting "old."

I struggled with going home and facing the music (aka the little candy beggars--er...little darling's), or hiding out at a friends house in the country--at least until it was over. I rationalized I had very little candy to give them. In reality I had plenty. 

I finally decided to go home for Halloween. 

But not before stocking up on candy at Sam’s. The deciding factor was the absence of DDP in my pantry.  And only one flat fizz-less bottle in my fridge. 

I'll only run in, grab a bag of candy and a case of DDP.  Then I'll be on my way, I rationalized.

Like that has ever happened 

True to form I got my two items. And true to form I added a few others. 

Pasta, red sauce and white sauce, bread, grated Parmesan cheese.  Just the essentials. 

Then I thought, "I may as well look at the puzzles and books 'on my way' to the soda corner. What could it hurt?!"

When I made my way to the register I had the meager items I had run in to grab.  Plus the Italian additions. And I found a planner that checked off many of my boxes. (Really, I am a planner snob. They have not made the planner I want. I need to show them how it's done. But this one is doable.) 

And not one. Not two. But THREE books. I usually wait until they hit the dollar rack at HalfPrice Books.  So three--at full Sam's prices--felt like a huge splurge. 

My total was almost what I had in Sam’s Cash. 

I don't believe in coincidence.  It was meant to be. My entire haul was free. All because I decided to get the candy beggers some treats. 

But it gets even better. 

I meet the door checker and she says, "You're good--but hold on a sec--I've got something for you."  

This is new. 

I tried to recall a special event. Nothing comes to mind. She presents me with a huge bouquet of flowers. 

It's not quite my birthday. Not my Sam's anniversary. Not even a special Sam's multiple year. 

It's because they are getting a little wilty and they would rather give them away than trash them. Awwww. I may have to actually buy some flowers next time. Good marketing ploy. 😉

So my picky self found a workable planner, received flowers, and "free" groceries, AND three books. Not bad for a 20 minute shopping spree. 

But the BEST?! 

I got TWO really good boxes for my stuff. 

That's the kicker. The confirmation I'm old. I get excited over a good box. 

Unrealized Sojourn to the Closets

Straight off the bat I can't figure out how to add the meme. So I'll tell you what it says:

"I don't know who needs to hear this, but you still have clothes in the dryer."

That meme, by The Crockpot Ladies, made me snort and spit-take my DDP. It is Soooo me. 

I'm a tad behind...this week (right, it's just this week)😉😉😉...the clothes are in the dryer, on top of the dryer, and beside the foot of the dryer, and the rolling clothes rack is filled with hangables.  

None of the clothes have yet to make the journey to the closets.  

Adding to that clothes-army, a new load is amassing in the washer even as I type this.  

However, the partial filling of the washer is part of The Plan. 

You see, I only "sort" when I wash new reds or jeans the first time. 

Otherwise, everything goes in the washer at the same time, along with man's greatest invention of all time...a color catcher...or two.  

As I remove pjs or nighties in the am--into the washer they are tossed. After I've soiled bathroom or kitchen linen throughout the day, they initially make it to the side of the washer. 

The casual observer, or those with snarky attitudes,  might liken the damp edge-clingers to an acrophobiac--frozen on the ledge, but determinedly on the verge of conquering their fear.   However, the damp linens are actually there for a reason:  The washer lid stays open until the dampness has dried to touch.  Only then  are  they allowed to take the plunge. 

Okay, so what really happens:  When they are dry, I toss 'em in the washer. 😏

Laundry Room Tough Love.   

It's my way to preload the washer, and still be able to thwart the unwanted appearance of mold.

The washer pre-filling continues as I disrobe after running post-work errands. 

I "joke" with friends and tell them, "Every thing  comes off when I hit the laundry room door."  

However, in reality it's not a joke.  It's  true.  

Unexpected visitors will almost always find me in my nightie. I only "dress up"at home (e.g. throw on a caftan, housecoat, or loungewear), when I'm hosting a party.  

The neighbors pretty much expect to see me in my robe if I'm taking the trash to the curb, picking up forgotten mail, or tracking an escaped pup--or two.  

Or a wayward cat. 

The only reason I was in regular clothes the last two dinners I hosted? 

I had to run to the store for a last minute purchase, and guests arrived early--before I finished preparing, and had a chance to change into something more comfortable. 

The early arrivals put me in a foul mood.  

I had the holiday off so I invited my guests earlier than I normally can be home. They know I'm time challenged to begin with, so when they arrived 10 minutes early it threw me into a tizzy. 

I tried to be gracious.  

I reminded myself they were brought up to believe 10 min early is "on time." 

However,  I failed. 

Miserably.

My philosophy is:  Start on time.  End on time.  

And at work:  Only hold meetings when there is a purpose.  

If someone arrives to the appointment, party, or meeting late--it's their loss. Their consequence. 

I accept my consequences when I miss out due to an untimely arrival.  At work it really hurts when I have to use precious annual leave--especially since I already give them so much free time at the end of the day by not claiming overtime, or leave later than I'm supposed to because I continue to work 15-30 minutes into my sick leave--that one really hurts because I am paying (using my sick leave  while continuing to work--but limit setting and self-tough love works and I'm getting better.

Although I've made significant strides, I'm way too distractible and I easily lose track of time. 

Distractibility is the reason (sure it is 😉) this week's laundry hasn't made the trip to the closets. 

Yet. 

That's my story and I'm sticking to it. 

😏