Phantom Wash Cycle

After doing 10 loads of laundry, it definitely boggles my mind how I could possibly forget to put the clothes in the washer. I know you are asking yourself the same question so let me expand on this.

This may be extremely boring information, but it will explain (sort of) why I could forget to put the clothes in the washing machine after I had turned it on.

I turn the washer on, dump laundry detergent in mixing with the water (otherwise you get these mysterious stains from the detergent itself), pour fabric softner in and then add the clothes.

This is a fairly simple process except with our new washer, I have to keep the lid closed in order to make the water run (Now you can see how this might be possible).

While I was waiting for the water to fill up a little, I was folding the clothes I had taken out of the dryer. I was in a hurry and took the folded clothes upstairs to be put away. Then I was onto another task and forgot to add the clothes to the washer.

After I assumed enough time had past to complete the load, I went downstairs to discover that the washer was empty and realizing that I just washed water. Great, what a waste of water and soap. So I start the washer again. I unload the dryer, fold the clothes and double check the washer to make sure clothes are in it this time.

Now this isn't even the weirdest thing about the Phantom Wash Cycle.

I turned the dryer on and took the folded clothes upstairs to put away.

Did you figure it out? Because I didn't until I came downstairs again and realized I dried the Phantom load of laundry.

Christmas Shopping

Child#1 kept asking Daddy to take her shopping because she wanted to buy Mommy a present for Christmas (Awww, so sweet. She had no interest in getting daddy a present just mommy). Of course, Child#2 and Child#3 did their sisterly duty and wanted to do the same. They were all very excited to get exclusive time with Daddy at the store. Daddy set the budget for each child and they had to stick to it (real life experience, woohoo!). The goal was to get mom a gift and each of her sisters.

Child#1 went shopping first with dad. She was really focused on getting mom a gift and then her sisters. Child#1 was successful in sticking to the budget, proudly wrapped her gifts and placed them under the tree. Basking in the good feeling of giving to others.

Then Child#2 went shopping next with dad. Her focus was getting her sisters a gift and then mom. So Child#2 picked out three bottles of nail polish for her sisters, but dad interrupted her excitement and asked, "Why are you getting three bottles?" Child#2 answered with a slight click of the tongue, "Well, Dad it wouldn't be fair if my sisters got this and I didn't." She made sure she had enough money for the extra present for herself.

Finally, Child#3 went shopping with dad. Her focus was the same as Child#2. Without the concern of anyone else, she was proud to get herself a gift.

Apparently, Child#1 got the real reason behind Christmas being selfless and giving to others. Unfortunately, Child#2 and Child#3 have more to learn.

Close Talkers

How do you deal with the Close Talkers?

It's bad enough when people are close talkers when they are sober, but when alcohol is involved it makes it ten times worse.

So we are on our way out of a Christmas Party and everyone is saying good-bye. Of course, I get stuck with a close talker. It's not exactly a good-bye. It is the start of another conversation. He is in my face and I take a casual step back while still listening to his rambling. He takes a step closer. Now it has turned into a game. I take another step back. And he continues to follow. I slide to my left once. Then I step back again. Dam, I hit the couch. No where to go.

What would you do? (Wasn't there a Seinfeld episode on this?)

Thank God, another close talker strolls up. They start talking to each other and I make my get away to the left and exit.

Please respect the personal space.

Mr. Mom

Well, I have lost my Mr. Mom. It was nice while it lasted. James is back to work and we are back to our crazy life again. I can't wait for Christmas break. Then it will be my turn to be Ms. Mom. WOOHOO! (This oozes with sarcasm. I just wanted to make that clear). At least I will be able to sleep in.

Stamps

Since James has been off work, I have had minor requests for him. I needed stamps to send out Christmas cards. No problem. He even called me at work to ask what stamps he should get. I told him to get the forever stamps, which I had to go in depth on what the forever stamps were and that I needed 100 of them.

So lets recap, the request is for 100 forever stamps.

I get home and there is one book of stamps (only 20 stamps).

I guess another stop at the Post Office will be on tomorrow's list.