I Didn't Mean It ...Really

Twice in the past year, I've done something of which I'm not very proud. Now in the overall scheme of things, these aren't really serious, but they are inconsiderate. Luckily, in both cases I was forgiven.

The first was a few months ago when Richard was away. I had gone to the gym, completed my workout, ran some errands, come back home and showered and then sat down to a nice dinner. Richard called and said, "I hadn't realized what time it was; I was going to leave a message, but you picked up. Why are you there?" I was silent -- uh oh. "Kath, aren't you supposed to be at book club?" I was! Luckily, I got there in time for dessert and discussion.

The second time was just a couple of weeks ago when I was supposed to have met my friend of many years, Roberta (Bert and I met when we taught middle school English together in 1973), at a local place for lunch. Only this time I completely forgot. By the time she called me I couldn't get there. Luckily she forgave me; this is what good friends do. We've re-scheduled for tomorrow at the same place. Richard knows and reminds me every time he sees me. Bert and I have just gotten of the phone and have also exchanged cell phone #'s. Now I just have to remember to turn the phone on.

Over the River and Through the Woods...

I spent the entire day editing two reports that are going out to clients tomorrow. It got so bad that I had to work out with weights about every 10 pages or so. (Do you know that all it takes is 20 minutes of sitting for blood to pool in your feet and your seat? (This according to Dr. David Sousa in How the Brain Learns). When I was teaching, after about 20 minutes, I'd make the kids stand up and do toe rises or walk across the room and share something they'd learned that day in class with another student) (Yes, they all did it. They did anything I asked because they thought I was crazy.) So basically what I'm saying is that right now I'm almost brain dead but because of pumping iron, could probably lift a Volkswagon with my legs!

The good news is I'm finished this project and can start thinking about my count down for Thanksgiving: when I'll shop, what I'll shop for, and when I'll start cooking. Tomorrow I'll clean out the refrigerator. Saturday I'll clean and maybe finish up the leaves. Looks like Sunday may be shopping day. Tuesday, I'll drive up to PA to pick up my mom and when I come home will set the turkey in buttermilk brine (see Williams-Sonoma). Wednesday, I'll bake the pies, an apple cider reduction, make the stuffing and lay out the dishes and linen. I'll also do all my prep work for the sides. We're eating early on Thursday -- about 1:00 (it's an Italian thing) (It also means we'll have time to work in another meal; we're not stupid :). The turkey will go right from the brine (and a quick dry-off) to the oven. I'll probably start roasting it at 5:30 a.m. It should finish by maybe 12 and then I can cook all of my sides. Our three children, their spouses/significant others will be here as will our grand children (9, 6, and 7 months). If there's no fighting, I might even be able to take a photo for our Christmas card, but I probably shouldn't wait until after dinner to do this. Sometime, remind me to tell you about The Great Tampon War of 1994...