December 12, 2025 Observations

This is not a laundry list of complaints, let's be clear right up front.  These are just a few observations I've made in the past couple of days, but none of which are new.

First of all, I prefer to be the one to load the dishwasher and also have no problem emptying it.  That said, Randy, in an effort to "help" will occasionally try to put things away. What ends up happening is a counter full of items because "he doesn't know where they go". Now, when we finished the kitchen, and I had things put away, I gave that dear man a detailed tour of what ended where. This resulted in him being able to find what he needs. However, for some reason, he cannot remember where it goes to put it back. I don't know about you, but I'd rather it all stayed in the machine, rather than piled.

This is the same man whom I have heard, on repeat, with our kids and now the Grands, in his shop, that if you get something out, PUT IT BACK WHERE YOU FOUND IT.  It would appear that does not apply in my domain.  I find this both entertaining and frustrating.  I still think I'll keep him around.

Our dog will be 8 in a couple of months and has to be the most spoiled, stubborn, and nonplussed of all the dogs we've had. What a character he is!  I had just finished  my routine vacuuming and blanket washing of our sectional, which is necessary with 3 Grands and Rambo, when Randy decided the pup did not need sofa privileges. So, after a rather contentious evening, with repeated commands to stay down, Rambo had had it with Dad. The next morning, after Randy left, he immediately took residence on the recliner. Who was I to make him get down? After all, he wasn't on the couch. For the record, Christmas will reinstate his status when the Granddogs are here, and the Grands, with all of them piled up on each other.

And lastly, the miracle of the season...you know, when everything happens by magic. The gifts are wrapped and under the tree. Two pies, two batches of cookies, and two dozen cupcakes reside in the freezer so far.  There is still more to be produced in the kitchen. I know everyone does it, I'm nothing special.  I will admit it gets a little harder every year. Not the work, but the time of year is, and always has been a struggle for me.  I'm clawing to muster up some joy in the preparation and it just isn't happening. 

Randy noticed this last night after my marathon in the kitchen and commented on it, saying it isn't getting better for me. He said he sees it every year, and I reminded him that nothing changes. It's very hard to verbalize it when it's been a part of me since childhood.  I've done everything I can to deal with it and have come to the realization that acceptance is the only coping mechanism I can honestly deploy.  I have found I just have to allow myself to feel as I do and keep it inside, and that's okay.

Important reminder: cookies are acceptable for breakfast in December. ☘

 

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