dots

My friend Kristie calls her little musings "dots," so today is all about the dots.

Dot.

Green showers. I thought a lot about the shower issue based on Scarlet Lily's post yesterday. I know I've mentioned before that, like her, my showers are not game for greening. I will not speed shower, navy shower, or take a cold shower for the earth. I just won't. And, sadly, I will admit that I am not a person, like Feathernester, who takes quick showers. I linger. I always have. Most of the time, I linger until the water needs to be turned a little warmer. That's my cue to get out of dodge. Sometimes, however, I linger until every last drop of warmth is exhausted from my water heater. I admit it. Judge me if you will. Now, this isn't an every day occurrence, so don't flip your lid completely.

Out of curiosity today, I timed my shower. I've done this before, and I've never been thrilled with the results. Today was a no frills day. No shaving, no special exfoliating, no lingering. Just the basics: wash face, wash and condition hair, wash body. I timed in at six minutes almost on the nose. I didn't rush, but I didn't dawdle. But, seriously. Every couple of days I do shave. There's at least three to four minutes. Plus, I like at least 45 seconds to appreciate the warm water when I first get into the shower. I have a hunch that this shower thing is going to eat at me forever. I will say this. Jennifer Aniston claims to take three minute showers. Three. And she claims that she also brushes her teeth in the three minute shower. I really, truly believe that she has to be lying. Or, she is the dirtiest human being that ever walked the earth. You decide.

Dot.

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat. We're gearing up for the holidays around here. You already know that. You also know that I am crazy type-A, and most of my gift shopping is done. Finished. And now, every gift that we've purchased is wrapped and neatly stacked. I worked on it yesterday. I felt an odd sense of completion. It's the same way I feel when I organize a drawer or clean out the fridge. I feel at peace when things are all organized and done. Aaagh. A big, cleansing breath.

However, I've been thinking a lot about gifts this year. I know that lots of people think about these things, but it's so easy to get caught up in the insanity. I love to buy presents for people. I love knowing that someone will love or appreciate something that I've given them. I love it when I stumble across some random object that immediately reminds me of someone that I love. What I don't love is the sense of obligation to find gifts for people. Especially when so many of us don't need anything. Especially when so many of us should be getting rid of stuff instead of accumulating more. I think, that when you can't find a perfect gift for someone for the holidays, you should be able to say, "I just couldn't find the right gift this year. Maybe next time." Or you should at least get a waiver. You should be able to give a middle-of-the-year gift instead of a Christmas gift because, honestly, who knows when you'll come across that perfect gift. I sound like a total Scrooge, and I swear I'm not. I just hate that people, including me, get caught up in the craziness that is feeling like you have to, have to get gifts for every single person that you know. It's just nutty. Again, judge me if you will. Maybe I am Scrooge McOuiser.

Dot.

The Snuggie. Oh, how I love you, Snuggie. Why couldn't Neiman Marcus have invented you instead of some "As Seen on TV" hack? I know that a blanket with sleeves seems like the epitome of laziness. I get it. I get that it seems quentisentially lazy American that we can't be bothered to take our arms from under our blankets to use our remotes or send text messages or whatever, but come on. When I'm vegging out on the couch catching up on Law and Order reruns, I am trying to be as lazy as I can. I deserve a blanket with sleeves. I've usually earned it by washing my way through obscene amounts of laundry. Now, I'll give you that if you are wearing it around all day, you are too lazy. But for the couch, this thing is genius. I'm going to start making them. I'm going to improve on them, though. I'm going to put a little pouch at the bottom to tuck your feet into. Watch out, friends. The Ouiser Snuggie may be coming your way. You should be so lucky.

End of today's dots. Have a good one, peeps.