Does it ever have to end? (and a contest)

We had been planning all week to take a trip to a nearby town for a little shopping and gift card spending, but just hadn't made our way yet. So, this morning we decided to make the trek and for me it was pretty fruitful. I had a small return to make and some items to pick up: all knitting related, of course. The good news is that I ended up with more yarn. The bad news is that I ended up with more yarn. (All depends on whether you ask Cynical or me.)

So, we're back home now, trying to decide what to do with our evening. I suspect it will be a little knitting, some television and maybe a grocery run.

Even though our little vacation has been far too short, there has been much to be learned, such as:

-Daytime television sucks. This is something I knew, but was reminded of as I flipped through channel after channel in hopes of finding something worth watching.

-"Judging Amy" is a really, really good show. I never really watched it when it was on prime time, but have found that it is indeed the only redeeming show on daytime television.

-Time flies when you are having fun. I cannot believe that my time off is about to end. No complaints as I got a chance to spend lots of quality time with lots of people important to me.

-You can get your fill of butter cookies; no matter how much you love them, one tin of cookies is enough each holiday season.

-Knitting solid color socks is boring. I didn't think I'd ever finish the ones I made for my dad and I suspect that's because there was no excitement or surprises in the colorway.

-It's ok to return gifts. For a very, very long time, I suffered from receiver guilt whenever it came to taking something back. I am over it. If it doesn't fit, is broken, useless, a duplicate or simply something that will only end up in the back of my closet, it should be returned. There is no shame in that. And you know what, the same applies for any gift I give. If you don't like it, it's the wrong color or you have one already, well, take it back with my blessing. I want you to have something you need or want. It's a rule here at Chez Ragged.

-It's much easier to put the tree up than it is to take it down. Will someone please come take down our tree, wrap each ornament or put them back into their original boxes and lug them to the basement. I'd be your best friend forever. Oh, and could you haul the tree to the curb?

-No one sleeps alone at Chez Ragged. Our cats sleep all. day. long. Not just cat naps, but full fledged hours of dozing. And if you sit still long enough, one will be sleeping in your lap, on your back, against your legs or even on your chest.

-Your family is your family. You can't exchange them, get a refund or trade up, so you have to make the best of it.

-There is never enough time. If I could have asked for one thing for Christmas, it would have been more time. A gift I wouldn't return.

-Receiving an apron made by your sister-in-law will make you realize just how touching it is to get something created just for you. (And you would be afraid of wearing it, for fear you will splash tomato sauce, drip barbecue sauce or dribble melted cheese on it.)

-You know he loves you when he gifts you with a complete set of Knitpicks Options needles, even including extra cables, binder pockets and the larger needles.

-The best movie of the year is Little Miss Sunshine, even the second time around.

And now for a little contest of sorts. There is a prize in it for ya. I need to name my sock monkey. Every monkey deserves a name.