In years gone by...

We would have been done decorating on Friday.  Trees would have been up and lit.  All the peripheral pretty would have been placed, and we would have enjoyed the fruits of our labors.  It is now Sunday, and there are two rooms left to go.  And we are enjoying the fruits of our labor--with a little less intensity and a lot more enjoyment!  If the kitchen doesn't get done until tomorrow, so be it.  And my room is started--at least the tree is up and lit!  Who knows.  It may be finished as well!  The process was interrupted by an insane plan to clean the paint room so we had room for things.  Like all good cleaning processes, the contents of the paint room threw up onto the basement floor.  There were coats to go through, mittens and gloves to match, single gloves to cause questions and then be disposed, and of course, for the remainder there was the decision of keep, throw, keep, throw, throw, throw!  Entry to the paint room has been achieved.  Access to the back wall is much less perilous.  And we now have a zoo for the giraffes to winter, whilst shepherds and wise men and little drummer boys take their place.  Give us another week, and we'll be ready.  Or not.  But all is good, and you are loved!

sometimes all it takes is one

For some reason, I have entered that contemplative part of the day--you know--where for no reason, thoughts occur to you.  And of course, since I blog, I am required to share them.  Today, I speak to the response.  Whether it be to a question or to an action, there is really only one chance to "get it right."  Wrong expression?  Ouch.  Wrong initial response?  Ouch.  Unexpected negative response?  Double ouch.  And we have all been the giver and the recipient of each of these.  Unintentionally, we have popped a balloon, increased stress and decreased worth...with a simple response.  Unless, of course, we have done it intentionally, in which case, shame on us!  Likewise, we have been the popee, the stress increaser and the self abaser based on our interpretation of that response.  Unless we simply like to feel bad, in which case, shame on us!  Granted, we usually don't have time to measure each response.  That would truly eliminate any spontaneity at all.  Therefore, I have a proposal.  When confronted with a reaction option, a positive approach to life will help you avoid the negative consequence.  If you begin with the belief that attitude is everything AND attitude is choice, we certainly can work on making it positive, can't we?  And then perhaps the answer to that all important question, "Do these pants make my butt look big?" might not be an eye-popping, jaw dropping, "Oh my god.  Huge!"  Instead, it could be...well, I haven't figured that one out yet!  But I know it'll be based on attitude!  Respond well, and know you are loved!

What would you do?

Let me set the stage.  We ordered a personalized product early in November, hoping to have it by Thanksgiving.  Imagine our surprise when we received notice that it was shipped the next day!  Wow.  We received the tracking number.  After three days, we checked the tracking of the parcel.  It had been delayed due to the blizzard out east.  Understandable.  We checked a week later (now he middle of November), and it was en route.  Cool.  Well, what with the rush during the holiday, we just kind of placed it in the back of our minds...until today, when we both remembered it wasn't here.  Back to check the tracking, only to discover that it had spent at least one day in Watertown, but wasn't delivered because our name wasn't on it.  Oh, don't get me wrong.  The address, that would be our legal address, was correct, but since the addressee's name wasn't ours, the carrier arbitrarily marked it for return to sender.  It now resides in Greenville, North Carolina!  Billy consumer was upset.  I call the company to see what could be done.  Spoke with Willette, who was apologetic and immediately re-ordered the personalized objects and shipped them rush delivery.  At no cost to us.  Even though it wasn't their fault.  Customer service at its best.  HOWEVER, I still had a problem with the delivery (or lack thereof).  I contacted the postal service.  They said the carrier was "being trained".  Then they said we should have our name listed as the addressee.  Hmmmm.  Wonder what happens when someone visits and should receive a letter.  Apparently, although the legal address is correct, the carrier can arbitrarily choose not to honor that address.
Sometimes, face to face is better, so Billy gets on his broom, er, I mean in the car and heads for the postal office.  I allow all other patrons to go before me.  I speak to the delightful former student who is tending the window.  He seems surprised that delivery wasn't attempted, gets on the phone, and calls  for the supervisor.  Out comes a young man who says the supervisor sent him to take care of the problem!  I introduce myself and shake his hand.  He does NOT tell me who he is.  I explain the situation.  He tells me our name should be on the parcel.  I explain to him that I really don['t care whose name is on the package, I object to anyone not delivering mail to a legal address.  He goes back to get the supervisor.  He comes back...alone...and tells me "they" have made a note to deliver all parcels/letters to us that have our address.  Imagine that. They're going to do what they're supposed to do!  His parting shot?  If we get mail not for us, we'd better not call to complain!  Before I can say anything inappropriate, I choose to leave, fuming but thankfully quiet.
Rarely does one experience diametric opposites concerning the same item in the same day.  Both speak volumes.  The company--amazing.  The Postal Service?  Not so much!  Hopefully, the supervisor at the postal service will some day realize her purpose is to serve her customers.  But I won't hold my breath.  If I did, I might turn purple, have my photo taken, want the picture personalized, and have to deal with her again!  They ticked me off, but you?  You are loved!

Everything's just fine!

It was an amazingly enjoyable day.  16 people for dinner.  We missed our niece's family who is expecting her third child quite literally any day, our niece who lives in Louisville and spends her special days caring for special people, and our nephew's family in Missouri as he continues his policing, making St. Joseph a better place in which to live.  Then of course, there are those who have gone before.  We did channel Ms. Loosewheel this morning when we ran to the grocery store to pick up something we had forgotten.  The food worked.  The kids worked to clean up.  As I said...enjoyable.  Now, it's time to convince my expanded stomach and active medulla oblongata to prepare for the day dedicatied to bringing the Christmas spirit indoors!  As I sink into the stupor that the quantities of food produce, I will smile and give thanks for a day of joy.  And tell you you are loved!

Mess...my kitchen is a mess.

And it is a good feeling!  It means I have accomplished something.  The pumpkin pecan pies are in the oven.  The cranberries are macerating in the refrigerator (frisky little devils that they are!).  The coffee is on the timer, and the kitchen upstairs has been cleaned of the turkey, potatoes, gravy, and dressing residue created by pre-preparing tomorrow's dinner today.  Cath has beautifully set the two tables and as soon as the pies are done, mama in her kerchief and I in my cap will settle right in for a long winter's nap.  Oops, I just jumped a holiday.  Sorry about that.  The paper with the Black Friday ads has come and gone...I refused to look at them.  There is absolutely nothing in the world that I need, much less to shop for on Thanksgiving day or rise early on Friday.  No temptation = no temptation!  In short, let the feasting day occur!  And know the answer to the question, "For what am I thankful?", is you!

Anticipation

Food frenzy on the horizon!  Christmas lights waiting to blaze!  Relatives coming to visit!  Lord, how I love this holiday!  Guess you could say I'm thankful.  And you are loved!

Minute 14

I received a questionable call from "the IRS" this morning.  I was directed to call a particular number.  I didn't.  First, the call was a recorded voice.  Second, the call came through on my cell phone.  Third, they said they had been trying to contact me.  Red light.  Red light.  Red light.  Being Billy Consumer, I immediately tried to contact the IRS.  They didn't want to talk to me.  Literally.  I called the Aberdeen office.  They don't take calls.  I called the Sioux Falls office.  They don't take calls.  I went on line.  I went to IRS.gov.  After perusing several menus, I found a number to call.  I called.  I went through seven menus.  Some were repetitive.  I finally got to the part that said if I didn't hear what I needed, I should remain on line.  I am.  The approximate wait time was 15 minutes.  That expired 8 minutes ago.  I'm still on hold.  As I understand it, I provide the funding for these offices.  I would appreciate a little customer service from the local branch.  I would appreciate a little customer service from the national branch.  "Our representatives are still helping other customers.  Please continue to hold." is not my idea of effective customer service.  Alas!  Cath's suggestion was to call the Better Business Bureau.  Tried to get that number.  All I got was a form.  Submit it on line.  I'm just trying to be sure no one else gets this "threat" (and that's what it was)!   I shall continue to hold until it's time for yoga.  I shall then hang up and medicate (Freudian slip.  I meant meditate!)  Time to consider the universe in total will probably reduce the import of this issue.  But right now, I'm ticked!  I'll let you know how this turns out, because I love you!

Quick update.  I just spoke with Mrs. Wilson.  I was informed that the IRS does not handle issues in this manner.  That's what I thought.  And for the record, Mrs. Wilson WAS very courteous and polite.  It was nice after the wait!