STRETCH FIRST

“Oh, no!” I cried as I hobbled into the living room holding the back of the couch with one hand while the other hand was resting on my lower back. “I threw out my back!”

My son Alex and husband Steven looked at me as I gently lowered myself onto the couch wincing as I did so.

“How’d you do that?” Alex asked as he got up from his chair. “I’ll go get the heating pad.” He went to the hall closet.

“It must have been when I scraped the slush off the cars this afternoon.” I was having a hard time taking a deep breath without the pain shooting down both my legs. “It just hit me now out of nowhere.”

“You scraped off the cars?” Steven said as he got me a pillow and placed it behind my back. “Why didn’t you call me? I would have gone out and done it.”

“Because it didn’t seem like such a big deal when I did it.”

By now Alex was plugging in the heating pad. “What strength do you want me to put it on?” He asked as he lowered it between the pillow and my back.

“Put it on high.” I said as I felt like a knife was twisting in my back as I tried to find a comfortable spot. “Oh my gosh.” I began to shake my head. “All I can think about is my Mom saying her back was ‘slaying her’ whenever she was laying on the couch.” I looked over at Steven. “I can’t believe I’m paying for all those years I’d rolled my eyes whenever she said that.” I winced again trying to find a comfortable spot to sit.

“Did you do any stretches before you went outside to shovel?” Steven asked as he sat down next to me.

I winced as just the small movement of him sitting on the cushion next to me had me trying to catch my breath.

“I’m sorry.” Steven said as he looked over at me. “What can I do?”

“I’m not really sure.” I could feel the heat from the heating pad begin to work it’s way through my sweatshirt. “Let me just sit here for a minute and see if it goes away.”

Steven looked over at Alex before he looked back at me. “It’s not just going to go away. It’s going to take a few days before it feels better.”

“Are you serious?” I tried to take a full breath.

“You’ve never hurt your back before?” Steven asked looking surprised.

“Not like this.” I winced again.

“Well, now that you’re getting older you’re going to have to do some stretches before you do any physical labor like shoveling snow.”

I slowly turned my head to face him. “Now that I’M getting older?”

Steven held up his hands. “Hey, I’m right there with you. I do stretches every morning so that I don’t hurt my back.”

“Can we not talk about stretches right now.” I adjusted the heating pad. “I’m just wondering how I’m going to get my socks on for work tomorrow.”

LUNCH OR WEIGHTLIFTING

“Okay. That looks beautiful!” I said as I stood next to my son Alex as we looked in the Tupperware drawer. It no longer housed plastic containers but, was now filled with only glass containers instead.

I looked over at Alex. “They say the glass containers are healthier to eat out of.”

Alex started to laugh. “How long have I been telling you that?”

“I know.” I shook my head. “I just never got around to changing them over.” I proudly waved my hand across the drawer, presently the neatly stacked square and round containers, showcasing my work like a prize on the Price Is Right. “But now that I have I’m happy we did.”

I pulled two out to put my lunch in for the next day. The smaller one got a scoop of yogurt in it while the larger one was filled with a salad.

‘I’m all ready for work tomorrow.” I said as I slid them in the refrigerator.

The next morning I was finishing my cup of tea while I filled my metal thermos with water.

Alex walked in the kitchen. “How’d you sleep?” He asked as he got his coffee cup out of the cabinet.

“Pretty good. How about you?” I placed the thermos at the bottom of my lunchbox before opening the refrigerator to grab my two glass containers with my lunch in them. “I’m ready to start using healthier food containers!”

I put them in my lunchbox before opening the freezer to get an ice pack. Once that on the top I zipped it up and went to lift it off the counter. “Wow!” I said as I quickly grabbed the lunchbox with both hands. “These glass containers really make a difference in the weight!” I was about to haul it over to where the rest of the work bags were.

“I suppose it would.” Alex said as he measured the coffee and placed it in the filter.

“I’m serious! This is really heavy!” Instead of placing it with the other bags I went down the hall to my bedroom. “I’m going to put it on the scale and see how much it weighs.” I called over my shoulder.

A few moments later I was back in the kitchen. “Can you believe this thing weighs six pounds!” I cried as I hefted it back on the counter. “Am I bringing lunch to work or a dumbbell to work out with?”

“Maybe it could be both.” Alex laughed. “Do a set of bicep curls, a few lateral raises and throw in some tricep kickbacks and you’ll get a pretty good arm workout before you eat lunch.” He looked over at me and raised his eyebrows. “You’re always complaining that you don’t have time to work out.” He pointed to my lunchbox. “You’re taking workout equipment to work with you now.”

I looked back at my lunchbox, picked it up with one hand, and lifted into a bicep curl. Placing it back on the counter I looked at Alex. “You might be on to something.” I hauled it off the counter and went to place it with my other work bags.

Putting my coat on I grabbed my pocketbook, work bag, laptop bag, and finally my new weightlifting lunchbox. “Okay.” I sighed as I adjusted some of the bags on my shoulder. “I think I’m ready to go!”

Alex followed me to the front door. “I’ll lock the door for you.”

“Thanks.” I turned around to give him a kiss on the cheek when one of my bag slipped off of my shoulder.

Alex pulled the straps back up for me and patted me on the shoulder. “You’ve got this.”

“I sure hope so.” I said as I switched my lunchbox from one hand to the other and did a quick bicep curl. “I’ve just got to remember to keep this lunchbox workout even on both my arms.”

HOUSE GUEST

“WINSTON’S HERE!” I called out as I saw the car pull into our driveway.

Winston is a little black Shih Tzu mix that was going to be our house guest for the weekend.

I opened the front door and watched as he scampered up to me wearing his little plaid coat. He stopped for a quick head scratch before coming in and exploring the house.

“Here’s some of his stuff.” Our friend Kathy said as she followed him in. “Riki has everything packed in there.” She handed me his overnight bag then went back to the car to get more of his things.

When she came back in we tucked his bed under the coffee table and set up his steps next to the couch.

“Be a good boy.” Kathy said as she gave Winston a few scratches under his chin before heading back to her car.

“Have fun!” I called as Winston and I stood at the door to say good-bye.

Once the car left the driveway I looked down at Winston. “Let’s get your coat off and get comfy on the couch. Doesn’t that sound good?”

Winston began wagging his tail. We’d had him as a house guest before and we knew as he was getting older he’d gotten more anxious when he was left alone. I was planning on spending a lot of time on the couch with him while he was staying with us. He was going to be my perfect excuse to lay around all weekend watching television.

I tossed a quilt on the couch and put most of his toys in the middle of it. I was holding his favorite well-loved bear that he quickly grabbed in his mouth and made his way up the stairs to deposit it in the middle of the quilt himself. Circling around a few times he settled in for a little rest.

I plopped down next to him and grabbed the remote. “So what are you in the mood to watch?”

He looked over at me gave a quick bark and went back to playing with his toys.

“My choice! Why thank you!” I began channel surfing.

A few hours in I realized I needed to run a few errands.

“Alex!” I called to my son. “Can you watch Winston for a little bit? I have to run out.”

Alex came out of his room. “Sure.”

I got up off the couch and Winston got up with me. “No. No. Don’t get up.” I said to him. “Alex is going to stay with you.”

Alex sat next to him and began giving him scratches while I went to grab a few things out of my bedroom.

When I came back I opened the hall closet to grab my coat and went to slip on my shoes, that had been by the front door, when I noticed one was missing.

“That’s funny.” I said as I looked around. “Where’s my other shoe?”

I could hear Alex laughing from the couch. “I think Winston doesn’t want you to leave.”

“What?” I went over to the couch and saw Winston sitting on the quilt with my shoe in his mouth.

“Oh my gosh. Riki says he does that to her all the time!” I went over to him to give him some kisses on the top of his head. “I feel so honored! I’m one of your shoe hiding humans!”

I took the shoe from his mouth and looked over at Alex. “Promise me you won’t leave him for a second.”

“Promise.” He said as he reached for the remote.

I slipped my shoe on and headed for the door. “I promise I’ll be quick!” I called as I closed and locked the door.

I could hear Winston barking as I walked to my car. While I was starting the car I looked back at the house and could see he’d climbed on the back of the couch and was looking out the window. “You shoe hiding little cutie! I’ll be back before you know it!” I called to him.

GOOD-BYE LITTLE FRIEND

“How’s Gary doing?” I asked as I walked into the kitchen.

My son Alex was standing at our butcher’s block where our fish tank is, watching our Beta fish, Gary, slowly swimming around.

“Not too good.” Alex said as he put the fish flakes back on top of the tank. “He wouldn’t eat this morning.”

“I’m sorry.” I looked at Gary, who’s brightly colored scales were beginning to dim. “He’s a little old man now.”

“Yeah,” Alex sighed. “I remember when you brought him home.” Alex shook his head and laughed. “You had the biggest smile on your face as you held out the cup he was swimming in with one hand while you took a sip of your Chi tea with the other.”

I had to smile as well. “I do seem to make some pretty crazy purchases when I’m hyped up on sugar and caffeine”

“That’s for sure.” He went over to get his cup of coffee. “Remember that time we were in the mall? You had barely finished your Chi tea when you insisted I buy some snow pants.”

“Hey. They’d predicted that it was going to be a really snowy winter!” I cried. “I was just worried about you staying warm.”

“It wasn’t like I was going to be going out in the snow to play! I was in my twenties!”

“Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time.” I shrugged my shoulders. “But I guess that was a Chi tea fail on that one.”

I looked over at the tank as Gary slowly swam to the bottom of it and settle down next to his pineapple house. “But Gary was certainly a Chi tea win. He’s been a fun little friend.” I looked over at Alex. “Remember how frantic he was when we first got him?”

“He would almost jump out of the water when I would feed him.” Alex went over to the tank to take a closer look at him.

“He was an absolute beast when I was trying to net him so we could clean out his tank.” I added.

“He was quick.” Alex agreed.

Gary started to move around in the tank and began to come up to the hatch at the top of the tank.

“Quick! Get his food!” I cried. “He’s ready to eat!”

Alex put his coffee cup down on the counter and went over to the sink to wash his hands.

“We don’t have time for that!” I handed Alex the food container. “We’ve only got a second!”

Alex quickly opened the container and took out a pinch of the flakes. Opening the hatch he sprinkled the flakes on top of the water.

Gary ate some of the flakes then floated back down to his pineapple house.

“YES!” I cried as I turned to Alex and raised my hand for a high five.

Alex give me a high five as he put the flake container back on the top of the tank.

My husband Steven came into the room. “What are you two celebrating?”

“Gary ate his breakfast!” I said as I gave Steven a hug.

“He’s a little fighter.” Alex added as he picked up his coffee cup once again.

“He definitely is.” I said as I went over to the tank to watch him as he settled in for a little nap.

SAVE THE LEFTOVERS

My husband Steven and our son Alex were sitting at the dinner table. I passed Steven the bowl of rice. “By the way, I made extra rice so we can have it tomorrow with a beef stir fry I’m making.”

Steven took the bowl from me and began serving himself. “Wow. There’s a lot of rice here.”

I was confused. “That’s because I made extra for the stir fry I’m making tomorrow.” I repeated.

Steven nodded his head and passed the bowl to Alex.

It was the next day, when my stir fry was almost cooked, that I went to the refrigerator to get the leftover rice. Moving items out of the way I searched the shelves.

Steven came into the kitchen. “Boy, something sure smells good.”

“Have you seen the leftover rice from last night?” I was still searching.

“I had it last night with my soup.” Steven said as he went over to the pan on the stove and gave the stir fry a mix before before reaching in to grab a slice of green pepper.

“Ugh!” I slammed the refrigerator closed. “I told you yesterday that I was going to use that with tonight’s dinner!” I stormed over to the cabinet to get the bag of rice out. “Now I’ve got to make a whole new batch.” I slammed the bag of rice on the counter and angrily tugged at the drawer where the pots were.

“I’m sorry. I heard you say you made extra.” Steven took the pot out of my hands before I could slam it on the stove. “I must of stopped listening after that. Don’t worry. I’ll make the rice.”

“It’s not just that.” I sighed as I turned the stir fry off and leaned against the counter. “I try and plan meals ahead of time, making extra pasta or vegetables so I can use it in another meal and they just keep disappearing before I get a chance to use them.”

Alex came out to the kitchen. “Something sure smells good.”

“Well, dinner’s not going to be for another twenty minutes.”

“I forgot and ate the leftover rice.” Steven said as he began to pour the rice in a measuring cup.

Alex went over to the drawer, pulled out some blue painters tape, and handed it to me. “I keep telling you to use this. I put the date on it and tape it to my containers in the fridge.”

Steven looked over as he poured the water in the pan. “I think that’s a good idea.” He nodded over at the tape. “When it’s late and I’m hungry I forget what’s being saved and what isn’t.”

“You’re right.” I said as I took the tape from him. I opened the refrigerator and began putting piece of tape on all the containers I wanted for other meals. “Anything with blue tape on it is off limits!” I called over my shoulder.

Satisfied that I’d gotten everything in the refrigerator I moved to the pantry.

Several minutes later I returned to the kitchen. “I think I got everything.” I sighed as I put the tape back in the drawer. I looked over at Alex. “I feel a lot better. Thanks for thinking of it.”

“No problem.” He patted me on the shoulder.

“The rice is ready!” Steven began spooning it in the bowl.

“Perfect.” I turned the heat back on the stir-fry. “This should only take a few minutes.”

Steven put the bowl of rice on the table. “I forgot my water glass in the living room.”

He came back with his water glass in one hand and the television remote in the other. “Why is there blue tape on the remote?”

I looked over and smiled. “Because there’s a movie I want to watch later and I’m claiming the television.”

Steven looked over at Alex who shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know what to say.”

MOMENT ON THE LIPS

I was standing in the kitchen by a large unopened box of candy when my son Alex came into the room.

“Are you finally going to open that?” he asked, pointing to the candy.

I sighed. “Not yet.”

“Wow! You’re certainly showing a lot of willpower.”

“It’s not willpower at all.” I pushed the box away and walked over to the tissue box on the counter. “It’s this stupid stuffy nose!” Pulling out a few tissues from the box I turned and faced away from him while I blew my nose. “It’s been going on for weeks now.” Tossing the tissues in the trash I went to the sink to wash my hands. “Can’t taste it so why waste it.” I finished washing, turned the water off, and pulled a couple of paper towels off the roll.

Alex laughed. “Well, that’s a catchy saying! Can’t taste it so why waste it!”

“It’s true! But…” I tossed the paper towel in the trash and held up my finger as I began to laugh. “When I can finally taste again I’m going to go with the saying of ‘a moment on the lips forever on the hips!” I began shaking my head still laughing. “And I’m not going to care in the least because I just want to taste chocolate again.”

“Why don’t you go to the doctors?” Alex leaned against the counter as I went to the refrigerator and took out the water pitcher.

“What’s a doctor going to do?” I poured myself a glass of water then held the pitcher out to him. “You want a glass?”

“Sure.” Alex reached into the cabinet and grabbed a glass and handed it to me.

“It’s not an infection. It’s a stuffy nose that comes and goes all day long. My body just needs to fight it on it’s own.”

Alex took a sip of water before putting his glass on the counter top. “Hasn’t it been going on for weeks?”

I shrugged my shoulders. “Yeah, but I think it’s getting better now.”

“You’ve been saying that for a while.” Alex reminded me.

“It is getting better. But the recovery is just moving at snail’s pace.” I shrugged my shoulders again. “But this stuffy nose has come with a perk!”

Alex laughed. “Really? What’s that?”

“I went through the entire holiday season and didn’t gain a pound!” I grabbed my glass and went into the living room where my husband Steven was sitting on the couch.

“I wish I could say that.” Steven said as he moved over to make room for me to sit down. “I’ve got a couple of pounds to lose from the holidays.”

“I’ll be right with you once I can taste again.” I put my glass on the coffee table and sat next to him.

“Why don’t you go to the doctors?” He asked.

“I just asked her the same thing.” Alex said as he sat in the chair across from us.

“Listen you two. I’m fine! It’s a stuffy nose. In some ways it’s been a blessing!”

Steven looked confused. “A blessing?”

“It’s kept me out of all the treats that have come into the house these last few weeks.” I looked over at Steven. “I figure by the time I can taste again you’ll have gone through most of them and I’ll only have that box of chocolates to worry about.” I pointed to the box on the counter.

“Well,” Steven laughed. “I’m happy to do my part.”

JANUARY ORCHID

I’d been at the grocery store and was bringing in the bags when my husband Steven met me at the door.

“Here, give me those.” He reached out to take the bags from me. “Are there any more in the car?”

I turned around to head back to the car. “Just my little ray of sunshine to get me through the next few months.”

Steven brought the bags into the kitchen and was unloading them when I walked in carrying a beautiful purple orchid. “My annual New Year’s orchid plant!’ I said as I held it up for him to see, turning the pot around so he could view it from all sides. “Isn’t it beautiful?” I couldn’t help but smile as I went into the living room and placed it on the exact same table I always put it on in January.

I came back to the kitchen and started helping put the groceries away.

“What do you mean it’s your annual New Year’s orchid?” Steven asked opening the cabinet and putting the loaf of bread away.

“What do you mean?” I opened the refrigerator and put the milk carton away. “You know I get an orchid plant every year after I put the Christmas decorations away.”

“I do?” Steven shook his head as he folded the empty bag and placed it on the counter-top.

“Seriously?” I couldn’t believe he was asking that. “I make a big deal out of it every January! Saying how, after the holidays, the house seems so empty. How much I need a pop of color with something blooming to get me through the winter while I wait for signs of spring?”

Steven shrugged his shoulders. “Okay, well I’m glad you got it.”

I shook my head again. “You really don’t remember an orchid on that table every winter?” I was pointing to the table in the living room.

Steven shook his head. “Not really.”

I couldn’t let it go. “You literally turn that light on every morning for me.” I was pointing to the lamp right next to the orchid.

“Well, I don’t want you to have to come out to a dark house every morning when you get up.”

“And I appreciate that! I really do!”

By now our son Alex had come out to the kitchen. “What are you two arguing about?”

“We’re not arguing. We’re having a discussion.” I pointed to the orchid. “I picked up an orchid and your Dad doesn’t remember that I get one every January to brighten up the house.”

Alex looked over at Steven who just shook his head and sighed.

“Well, if it makes you feel any better I don’t remember you getting one every year either.” He went over to the refrigerator and opened it.

“Really?”

Alex pulled out the water jug, put it on the counter and got a glass out of the cabinet. “I mean, I guess I’ve seen one over there before.” He poured the water into the glass. “I just didn’t know there was a schedule.”

“Every January!” I cried. “Right after I put the Christmas decorations away!”

“See it’s not just me.” Steven said as he came over and gave me a kiss on the cheek. “But it’s pretty just like you.”

“Nice save.” Alex laughed as he put the water jug back.

SUNRISE IN 2025

My husband Steven and son Alex and I were finishing up dinner when I glanced over at the Christmas tree. It was looking a little bare now that the gifts weren’t under it anymore. “Another Christmas in the books.” I sighed as I ate the last forkful of salad on my plate.

“It was a nice one.” Steven said as he reached over and took a stalk of asparagus from the serving plate, folded it in half, and popped it into his mouth.

“It was.” I agreed as I looked over at Alex. “Any plans for New Year’s Eve this year?”

Alex shook his head. “Not really. I’ve never been big on New Year’s Eve.”

“Me either!” I looked back at Steven. “I know we’ve been to some really nice parties over the years but I think you guys know I’m more of a stay-at-home kind of gal.”

“Seriously?” Steven said with a laugh.

“You don’t like parties?” Alex began to laugh, too.

“Okay. Fine.” I was shaking my head and laughing at myself as I stood up and began stacking the plates. “I think everyone knows I’m not a big party person.”

“Last New Year’s Eve I found you asleep on the couch by ten.” Steven said as he collected up the glasses and came into the kitchen behind me.

“That’s what I’m talking about.” I placed the plates in the sink and turned on the water. “Forcing myself to stay awake just to say Happy New Year at midnight seems silly to me.”

“A lot of people love it.” Alex remarked as he put the forks and knives in the sink.

“Well, I’m not one of them.” I began rinsing the dishes. “The other morning I got up to go to the bathroom and when I got back into bed I couldn’t get back to sleep.”

“I hate when that happens.” Steven said.

“I know! I was wide awake at five AM.” I placed the dishes in the dishwasher. “But, I did get to watch the most beautiful sunrise out our front window while I was drinking my tea. So, that was a plus.”

“That certainly puts a positive spin on getting up early.” Alex agreed and he took the plastic wrap out of the drawer.

“That’s what I’m trying to say. I honestly would rather say good morning to the New Year with a sunrise than say hello at midnight when I’m exhausted.”

“So, is that what you’re going to do this year?” Alex asked as he wrapped the leftovers and put them in the refrigerator. “You’re planning to set your alarm so you can wake up and see the sunrise?”

I began shaking my head. “I never said that.”

Alex looked confused. “Isn’t that what you just said? That you’d rather see the sunrise on New Year’s Day than be up at midnight?”

“I did. But that doesn’t mean I’m setting an alarm.” I dropped the cleaning pod in the dishwasher and turned it on. “If I wake up on my own and see the sunrise that’s fine.” I leaned against the counter crossing my arms. “But if I’m truly being honest my absolute favorite way to celebrate the new year is being able to sleep in.” I went over and gave Alex a kiss on the cheek. “That definitely beats watching the ball drop at midnight or watching any sunrise.”

I looked over to see Steven nodding his head. “I’ve got to agree with you on that one.”

READY, NOT READY

My husband Steven and our son Alex were at the dining room table playing a game of backgammon when I passed by them holding a freshly made, steaming cup of tea. “Finally! I’m ready to relax.” I said as I headed to the living room.

“Good for you.” Steven said as he moved a piece on the board.

I placed my cup on the coffee table and sat down on the couch. Reaching back to adjust a pillow behind me and putting my feet up on the couch I grabbed a blanket, tossed it over me and tucked myself in. “It’s finally here!” I sighed as I reached for my cup of tea and looked over at the tree with all its wrapped gifts underneath it.

“What’s finally here?” Steven asked as he rolled the dice then looked over at me.

“Everything’s done and I get to sit down and enjoy the holidays.” I couldn’t help but smile as I held the cup in both hands, warming them, as I took a sip. “The tree looks so pretty.”

“I’m glad you’re getting a chance to enjoy it.” Steven said as he moved his piece on the board. “You’ve certainly been busy these last few weeks.”

“Last few weeks!” I had to laugh. “I’ve been working on this Christmas since last January!”

Alex was nodding as he rolled his dice. “Why do you always start so early?”

“You have to if you want to get it all done.” I put my teacup back on the coffee table and reached for the book I’d been reading. “I’ve checked everything off my list. Everything’s purchased, wrapped, and waiting for the big day!”

“You’ve even gotten all the grocery shopping done?” Steven asked as he rolled again.

“Everything that I could buy early.” I opened the book and dropped the book mark next to me.

“I just have a few fresh things I need to get at the last minute, but I’ve got it on my list so I won’t forget.”

“Well, you enjoy some time to yourself. You deserve it.” Steven said as he went back to his game.

“I do.” I said to myself as I scanned the page to see where I’d left off.

I’d just settled back when Steven looked up from his game. “Hey, did we get anything for the kids next door?”

I picked up my book mark, placed it back in the page, closed the book and couldn’t help but sigh. “Nope. I forgot.”

“But we always get something for them.” Steven reminded me.

I pulled the blanket off and tossed it over the back of the couch. Slowly getting up I looked over at them while they played. “When you say we usually get them something I’m pretty sure what you really mean to say is I always get them something.”

Steven nodded his head and laughed. “Exactly! From both of us!”

I slipped on my shoes and went to get my coat out of the closet.

“Where are you going?”

“Shopping.” I sighed again as I reached for my purse. “Seems like I’m not done after all.”

Steven got up from the table and came over to give me a hug. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“No. I’m glad you did.” I grabbed my car keys off the counter top and headed for the front door. “Does anyone need anything while I’m out?” I called over my shoulder.

“Well…” Steven was opening the front door for me but saw the look on my face and stopped. “Nope. We’re all good here.”

I was walking toward the car. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“We’ll be here waiting!” Steven answered. But before he closed the door he leaned out again. “I’ll even have a fresh cup of tea waiting for you when you get back if you want.”

“That would be nice.” I smiled as I opened the car door and looked over at him. “Maybe when I get back I’ll finally be able to enjoy it.”

CHEERS

“Are you kidding me!?” I cried out as I stepped off the bathroom scale.

“Is everything alright in there?” My husband Steven called from the other side of the door.

I opened the door and cinched my bathrobe tighter. “The holidays are only beginning and I’ve already gained a pound!” I went over to our closet and began looking through my clothes. “I guess I should break out my ‘fat’ clothes for the rest of the season.” I sighed.

“It’s only a pound.” Steven tried to reassure me. “I don’t see any difference in you.”

“That’s not the problem.” I said as I tossed an over-sized shirt on my bed and went to grab some sort of jacket to camouflage my ultimate weight gain. “I haven’t changed my diet. I’m eating exactly what I always eat and here I am already packing on the pounds!” I tossed my hands up in the air in frustration.

“You haven’t changed anything in your diet?” Steven asked as he sat on the bench at the end of our bed and began putting on his shoes.

“Well, I did eat a lot on Thanksgiving but that was weeks ago. It shouldn’t be showing up now.” I pulled out a pair of jeans and tossed them on the bed next to the shirt.

“So, it wouldn’t have anything to do with the glass of egg nog you have every night after dinner?” He gently reminded me.

“What?” I turned around to look at him.

He was holding both hands up, palms facing me in surrender. “I don’t want to start a fight.”

I sighed again. “I forgot about the egg nog.”

I’d gotten a quart of egg nog right after Thanksgiving. It was my winter treat that’s only in the stores this time of year. After dinner I’d pour a small glass, put in a shot of brandy, and curl up on the couch to read. It was my favorite way to unwind this time of year.

“But how can an inch of egg nog in a glass put on a pound already?” I asked.

“Hmm…” Steven raised his eyebrows. “That’s a tough one.”

I cinched my robe even tighter as I headed for the kitchen. Opening the refrigerator I took out the carton of egg nog and began to read the side of the carton. “Holy smokes! It’s 190 calories for half a cup of this stuff!” I called out.

My son Alex came out of his room. “What are you talking about?”

Steven came down the hallway. “Your Mom’s upset because she’s gained a pound and there’s still a lot of the holiday season left to go.”

Alex took the carton from me and began to read the nutritional facts. “This stuff is horrible for you.” He began listing everything in it.

“Okay, that’s enough.” I said as I took the carton from him. “That’s why it’s called a treat.” I reminded them as I put the carton back in the refrigerator.

I turned to face both of them. “A quick little reminder you two.” I pointed in the direction of the living room. “Later tonight I’m going to be sitting on the couch with a delicious glass of egg nog, reading my book.”

Both of them were nodding their heads.

“And I don’t want either of you to remind me of what was said this morning.” I looked at Steven and then at Alex.

“Not a word from me.” Steven said as he looked at Alex. “What about you?”

“What if I just say ‘cheers’ when I see you?” Alex asked with a laugh.

I stared at him not saying a word.

Alex stopped laughing and cleared his throat. “Not a word from me either.”