Lawn Help

I have a hunch that our lawn might need some help. How do I know? Because yesterday a man drove up to our house, rang our doorbell (twice!), and waited patiently at the door, so he could offer to mow it. You know, just a normal, subtle hint. Husband talked to the man. The man said something like, “Hey, man, do you need any service?” “For what?” Husband asked. The man gestured to our scraggly lawn and said, “To clean up your lawn.” Husband replied politely, “No, thanks.” I figure that this is a sign that either our lawn or the economy is in pretty bad shape. Later I reflected and told Husband that we should have let him do the lawn. “Why? I’m going to mow it today anyway,” Husband said. I explained that maybe the man really needed the money. “Nah,” Husband said. “He drove up in a fancy, new pick-up truck that costs more than both of our cars combined.” In other words, our lawn is just that bad.

My Life in a Commercial

I think the people of Target have been spying on me. How else would they have been able to feature my life in a 30-second commercial? We are thrilled to be hosting Husband’s family for our very first Thanksgiving gathering. And whether it’s his family or my family visiting, I tend to go a little nutso with the preparations. (Just ask Husband - he tries to stay out of the way during my cleaning rampage, lest he get sucked up in an overzealous vacuuming session.) Still, I expect that everything will go well with our Thanksgiving. And if not, maybe we’ll start a new Thanksgiving tradition – take-out.

Oh, Betty

I’ve had the beloved Betty, our trusty GPS, working overtime recently. While I’ve been out of town on business, Betty has successfully gotten me to countless business appointments, back and forth from the hotel, to the mall, to dinner, and to church. But, I think she’s concluded that she’s worked hard enough to earn the right to pull a few pranks. 1) One morning she had me turn right out of the hotel. Then she had me turn right a few more times. Just when I was thinking, “Hey, this is looking familiar,” I realize that after 5 minutes and 3 miles, she has brought me back to the hotel – exactly where I started. Then she “recalculated” and decided that I should have just turned left out of the hotel. Hmm… 2) Betty brought me through the part of town that I can only describe as the part where you check your doors at least 5 times to make sure they are locked and then say a prayer that your car doesn’t break down. Betty didn’t seem too concerned, as she had me drive around this area for at least 10 minutes. 3) On the way to one business appointment, she decided that I should leave the frontage road and get on the highway. The highway happened to be a toll road, so I paid my $1 and went on my way, waiting to hear her next prompt. Less than a mile later, she had me get off the toll road and back onto the same frontage road. My $1 paid for 1 minute of driving. Is Betty getting a commission?? Silly, Betty. She knows that even with the pranks, I won’t get rid of her. I’d be lost – literally - without her.

Happy Veterans' Day

I have to say a special Veterans’ Day wish to my 3 favorite veterans: to my parents, who both faithfully served our country and inspired me to serve, and to Husband, whose hard work for our country makes me so proud. I’m so lucky to have them in my life. And my heartfelt thanks to all veterans and their families for their service.

Random Thoughts

1. I didn’t realize how much I liked fall until this year. It’s not hot enough to need the A/C, and it’s not cool enough to need the heat. In the words of Goldilocks, it’s just right. 2. My job is keeping me busy. I alternate between thinking, “Hey! I can handle this!” to “I have no idea what I’m doing! Help!” For the most part, I’m liking it. 3. I’ve already decided that I’m going to start listening to Christmas music in my car. I have no good reason for wanting to do so, but Bing Crosby isn’t objecting and neither am I. 4. Husband made me breakfast this morning, and I think there’s nothing better than waking up to the smell of a breakfast that you didn’t have to make. 5. Did I mention that I’m liking fall?

What a Treat

1) We spent the weekend celebrating a holiday where it’s actually encouraged to eat large quantities of candy.

2) We got an extra hour to sleep in.

I think I just found my ideal weekend.