Old Dog, New Trick

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Hah.  This old dog has just performed a new trick that is going to have her family impressed, amazed and in a total state of shock and disbelief.

I have competed – totally FINISHED, get this … not one, but TWO gifts - a full 6 weeks ahead of time. Did you hear … I am saying AHEAD of time!

I know exactly when the “IOU The Rest of Your Gift” program started. Christmas 1981.  After working til the wee hours on Christmas Eve, I came to the realization that in spite of my most valiant effort, 4 year old Jaime’s dollhouse would not be finished. In desperation and exhaustion, I left a note from Santa that said ‘My elves were too busy – get your Mom to finish this.’  Same note on Daniel’s ‘supposed-to-be-rocking-horse’, which was even further from completion.

The house was taller than her at the time.

The middle room was the bathroom - still needs
the 'fixtures' to this day. The bedroom was
done in her own carpet & wallpaper with a
miniature version of her quilt.

I’m afraid it set a precedence.  There have been countless notes and good intentions over the years. I have become somewhat known for it.  The new ones – guys, babes – should appreciate that receiving that IOU certificate is like a rite of passage into my familyhood. Means they’re one of US.

That is because it is a ritual reserved for Family. I always, always have gotten my orders done for everyone else. I don’t recall a single time in three decades that I have disappointed someone by not having their item done. I may not get something that I wanted to make for a friend finished, but then I just never tell them my intentions – I just don’t give it to them at all & they're none the wiser.

Procrastination is not the issue here. Over-enthusiasm is to blame.  I have too many things that I want to create and not enough time.  And the fact is, there is one simple reason that I actually accomplished it this time.  I simply can’t Multi-Task like I used to.

Which is evident in the fact that I have not been able to post a single word here n 17 days.  That is because I have been busy working on a gift, that is now complete.  Did I mention … ‘AHEAD of time’?

So how long did Jaime have to wait for her dollhouse to be finished?  It will be thirty years this Christmas & not one single more thing was done to since that Christmas Eve.  And Daniel’s ‘supposed-to-be-horse’ moved to the dump without ever actually becoming a horse. 

If I were to actually finish the items that are connected to all the IOUs, and the things that are living in my mind that I WANT to do for my family, I’d have to start this very minute and not do one other thing until the day I die, which would have to be a very long time from now. It also could only happen if I didn’t come up with new ideas and intentions. Fat chance of that. ONE trick is enough for this old dog.

Not impressed with his 'will-be/might be horse' - a little
impractical for a wee one ... it was better in my head.
Actually, it was better LEFT in my head.

The tractor obviously went over better.