The Tree Gets Lights Today

Fatso the Tree is drinking plenty of water, smells great and looks very festive.  Today I will put the lights on the tree.  Always a dangerous task, involving the step ladders.  From my first ever climb onto a step ladder or anything similar, I have had a problem when going down and getting off the ladders.  I tend to just step back.  And then hit the ground.  I forget that I am UP.  I will be "home alone" and therefore in an even more dangerous position.  Last year, I suggested to myself, a moment of thought before moving up or down.  It worked.

G was given permission to purchase a "Christmas Train" at his local grocery store.  He shops daily for his restaurant (lemons, limes, red onions and whole milk for the coffee drinkers) and sees things he wants.  The train looks awfully large (Polar Express style with moving elves) and will be directly next to Riley's bed.  I foresee trouble.  I'm thinking that letting him see "what happens" will be better than just saying no.  And then he can pack it up and return it to the grocery store.

I was incredibly busy at work yesterday.  I went home with an almost full thermos of coffee.  Never had a chance to drink any.  Needless to say, getting home at 4pm, I skipped walking the dog.  Riley felt that he had been short changed.  And then when G arrived home and spent time talking to me (not Riley) well, Riley moved to his bed and started crying.  So G, had to go and comfort the dog.  I went to take my shower.

I had my haircut yesterday.  I had made the appointment when I was still working 12 to 6 on Tuesdays.  So, I had to clock out and then back.  The hair stylist is just down the street from work, so I walked.  She did a nice job.  It's a bit different but still the same.  My next appointment is a few days before our trip to Florida. I'm going to take that as a "good" omen.

I still have no idea what to buy for my Secret Santa.  G is getting a gift card for his (and some candy).  So far, everyone is happy with the things they are getting.  There are two gifts waiting on top of the lunchroom fridge right now.  Another two have been opened and enjoyed. Nothing for me yet.  G also has a "pot luck" at work to go along with the Secret Santa gifts.  G will be making Spaghetti Bread (bread meant to be eaten with spaghetti).  Everyone likes it and it's easy to take to work.  I will be making 2 extra loaves to take to work with me for my co-workers.  It's like a very cheesy Monkey Bread.  We think we will add Pepperoni to spice it up this year. The table at G's work is usually covered with candy and baked (sweet) things.  Everyone snacks.  This is similar to what happens at my work.  Right now we have candy bars but soon there will be peanut butter fudge, cookies and Babka from New York.

I tried my Blazer With Belt idea and it wasn't successful.  I think it's the padded shoulders which give the whole thing a "Dynasty" look.  Joan Collins and her mile wide shoulders.  Oh, well.  I still want to buy a skirt and tights and wear that this winter.  I wanted to buy those two things in 2007 but for some reason I never did.  I don't have the best legs (ankles and knees aren't bone thin) but I think a shorter skirt is something I should attempt, at least once, in this part of my lifetime.  Rejoice in the ability to wear a knee length skirt.  A simple pleasure.  I hope I can find one.

I am getting dressed now, leaving the house to look for pink or purple "glittery" things for my Secret Santa, the skirt and that's about it.  Then, the dog walk and the tree lights.  I have the white wash done and will be putting the dark wash in while I get ready to go.  Shirts to be ironed later.  The verdict on the "shrinking" of the linen shirts will be made after they are ironed.  The sleeves seem shorter which is a good sign on some, but the 3X white linen with black embroidered dots (my favorite) is still 3X.

G is enjoying the homemade chicken soup each night after work.  Lots of noodles.