Happy New Year all! It has been a while, feels like forever, wow - I've missed ya all.
FYI - the holidays were good. A wee bit too busy though. In other words, not much down time, in fact, no down time - wow, no wonder I am not that fond of them. I am continually reminded of how much stress the 'season' puts on everyone. There are few who escape it. Hustling and bustling around, like chickens sans heads, running off to jump in the boiling pot of water and become part of the stew..... ahh, thank goodness it is over!
Now we have yet another new year... the last one blew past, gone, in a puff of smoke. Similar to the cigars I used to smoke. I'm reminded of all of the trials and tribulations of the past year. Hubby has a saying - 'what does not kill you only makes you stronger' (yeah, he borrowed it, but it is better than, 'quicker than a fat kid on a tricycle' -don't ask me, I don't know). Well, I'm not dead but I'm not sure how much stronger I am either. I guess only time will tell.
I walked back into the gym today - yes one of the millions across North America who took a look at themselves in the mirror and just about had a heart attack. Now I'm a pretty dedicated gym attendee. I actually love to go there, work out and hide from predators and hubby for a bit. The holidays being what they are though, left me severely short on time and energy. So yeah, I slacked off.... really slacked off as a matter of fact. 'Ah, a couple of weeks out of the gym won't kill me'. Nope, that's for sure.... but the snacking instead of exercising sure will!
So, today was 'full gym day'. Many of the same ole same ole were there, but there were plenty of giggly post Christmas newbies as well. Now, let me be the first one to tell you how much I applaud folks for going to the gym. I don't care what shape you are, everyone can benefit from some form of regular exercise. Be that to slim down, better a heart rate or simply to distress - it is always a win/win situation. Back to me - so, I went, I conquered, I promised to be true (again) I worked out, watched Dr. Phil and a wee bit of Oprah... and left. Content that I was doing something for both my body and soul.
This whole story really is not about the gym so much as it is about the parking lot at the gym. Wow, crazy. Not only at the gym though (which is notorious for being busy, lacking spaces and easy navigation) every parking lot was the same. Crowded, busy, full of 'lost their minds' crazy (aka crazed) drivers. I'm not sure where everyone was headed in such a rush. Certainly there were no left over turkey sales that I saw at least. The stores had pretty much put away all of their discounted decorations (I know this because I spent 1/2 the day trying to find clear mini lights) and surely everyone had returned their 'nope doesn't fit, nope don't like it, nope - just what were you thinking gifts'. What the panic was all about, I will likely never know.
I backed into a shopping cart today too. No damage to either the truck or it. Though there was some strong cursing coming from the driver. Now the only reason I backed into a shopping cart in the first place was because idiot mittens, in the gold Intrepid, was getting impatient. I could hear him breathing heavy and complaining to his wife from inside of my truck - that's how bad it was. So in an attempt to make him happy, I backed up quickly... sending the shopping cart leaping up the curb.
I was in Walmart today too. I was very, very frightened. I remember when we first got a Walmart in our city several years ago. Service was wicked. Everyone was nice, informed and willing to help. Oh what a difference a few years make.
I made my first Wally world stop today looking for Christmas lights. The store had a few small shelves with Christmas gear, but no lights. So, I go up to the 'friendly, happy, greeter' to inquire if I should be looking in a different place. After he takes me to where I was just standing (wouldn't stop talking long enough for me to tell him I'd already been there and there were none) - confused himself, he says 'I'll ask the assistant manager, over there, he'll know'... 'Walter... you know if there are any more Christmas lights anywhere?' Yelling back Walter says 'Bill, how the heck am I supposed to know?' I left the store immediately. Damn, if the Assistant manager doesn't know, who would. (I ran!)
I made a few more stops in search of the lights, battled nasty people, in nasty little cars, all looking like something had ticked them off = maybe the met Walter and Bill? My next stop yields me no return either. In fact the nice little sales clerk, looked at me like I'd just been rolling around in pudding and says 'no, everything is packed away and we can't get it out for you, next year'. I ran from here too!
Next it was to another Walmart - still no luck. Simply no lights, anywhere. Oh, yeah just for the record. I don't shop at Walmart and I'm okay with that. I prefer to give my cash to Canadian based companies when ever possible. When it is not, I like to pick the 'less evil' over Walmart. It took great restraint to walk out of Wally world without buying something... there is just so much cheap, un-required, shinny, bobbley junk.... I ran from the temptation!
My last stop was at a grocery store on the way home. Bingo... lights baby! I bought them all. White lights are my friend.
The parking lots btw, didn't get any better. Nor did the crazed drivers on the way home.
There are so many stories we need to share with you - keep your eyes open for a few gut splitting funny till you cry blogs from Shaken not Stirred - you won't be disappointed!
Oh, and before I forget and leave you wondering... what the heck.... The pictures - can't you just see me, drinking rum on the beach, watching the world go by? Exactly. Perfect.
In the meantime, Have a wonderful Hot Cherry Day.
Welcome to a new year..... may it bring you joy, happiness and allow you to 'put smiles on faces'!
