Most of us have them, but sometimes I think I took on more than my share. And then, of course, I have what the family calls “But First” moments. These are the easiest to explain, so here goes. A “Butt First” moment is when I set out to do something, get something from another room let’s say. On the way to that room, there may be something I need to get out of the pantry, or something to do in the laundry room. Oh, speaking of, I was headed to the laundry room just a minute ago to check my wash. Oh, that’s when I decided to feed Maezy before she returns from her evening trip to the beach. After I fed her, I remembered I needed to wash her bowl, the one we keep in the shower. So, I did that, I still haven’t checked the load in the washer. That’s okay, it’s not going anywhere.
What keeps me on my toes most of the time is an uncanny list of superstitions and I guess Wives’ Tales. Not just the normal ones like a black cat crossing your path or stepping on a crack or walking under a ladder. Nope, mine go into more depth than that. Things like don’t put your shoes on a table, don’t say thank you for a plant someone gives you, if you enter through one door, leave out the same door. This one is tricky because you need to remember which door you came in. I find this difficult at work when sometimes they haven’t unlocked the main door to the fire station. I always try it first (habit). If it’s still locked, I’ll go over to the fire station and come in through the big bay doors. When it’s time to leave for the day, I need to remember which door. The list goes on. I hate to tell you all of them because I don’t want to instill these cautions into your everyday lives, like I’ve done with my kids. Lord help them, they had to grow up with these phobias of mine.
Habits, I won’t tell you my bad ones, only the good stuff. I like to have all the dishes done before we settle in for the night with whatever series we’re watching. I like to take my contacts out before the series so I don’t have to ask my husband to pause while I do this. A glass of milk before we finish the series for the night. I don’t mind asking my husband to pause for that.
All the above has to wait until Wheel of Fortune is over. Even if it’s a repeat with Pat, even if I’ve seen the reruns with Ryan, everything must stop until Wheel is over. And, no Paul, I don’t go to bed right after Wheel!
Thinking of Wheel, I almost lost my train of thought (it’s only 30 minutes until showtime). One of my latest habits is ironing pillowcases. Don’t scoff! I also iron the top of the top sheet. No, I don’t iron the whole sheet! Funny, I had a conversation once with Cheryl at one of the End of Summer get-togethers, she does the same thing, she’s a lot younger than me so I don’t feel so bad. Ironing pillowcases can be quite a challenge after a family weekend where every bed in the house was used. That good ol’ ironing board may stay up for a whole week.
Sorry, not sorry, if I’ve given you something, some superstition, some habit you’ll remember from this story.
Be careful – IT’S A JUNGLE OUT THERE!!
