December.... it's the month that I, and many moms, seem to have a "love/hate" relationship with.... this month is overflowing with Holidays, Birthdays, Deadlines, a New Year fast approaching, unexpected illness, inclement weather, end of the Semester for School, and a zillion "extra" responsibilities as a result of "all of the above."
December is the month when every "routine thing" in our life is quickly cluttered with "extras." Gift exchanges, holiday parties, photos, new outfits, special foods to purchase and prepare... to put it simply: so much to do and so little time.
And there you have it, one of those "so little time" moments hit me this week and reminded me once again that even when I have "so little time" I need to take it or quickly I'll be squandering what time I do have.
Last week, I went to pick up my girls' Christmas photos at the local department store. While we were there, I purchased a pair of new boots. I rarely purchase new shoes (my husband jokes about my "annual pair" as I notoriously wear the ones I have till they fall apart.... I remind him this is a good thing - when I find something I love I stick with it!). I'd been wanting a pair of boots for a while and had a particular pair in mind. It just so happened that the usually $115 pair of boots was marked down and was on sale an additional 60% off the marked down price for just $30! Quite a steal, right?
So, I found my size and color and took them to the checkout for purchase, excited to wear them this weekend when I took my girls to see The Nutcracker.
Sunday comes, we're all getting dressed for The Nutcracker. It's a hectic day and we have several errands before and after the show, including picking up my sister and niece who are joining us. I get dressed, open up the box of boots and discover, much to my dismay/horror/shock/and eventual amusement.... I somehow came home with just one boot!
On Friday, when I purchased the boots (or boot as it turns out), I was admittedly in a hurry. I had to get home to feed my kids, and prepare for a business meeting (which was ironically postponed, but this fact was unknown to me at the point of boot purchase). And, thus, somewhere in my rush, I failed to notice that there was just one boot.
Now, I find myself looking at the upcoming week filled with Christmas Parties, meetings, Speaking Engagements, a Birthday Party, numerous work deadlines, doctor appointment, and a family holiday celebration and somewhere in the midst of the many responsibilities on my plate from that bundle, I must once again travel across town to a store that isn't especially convenient, fight the holiday crowds with three preschoolers in tow, all to retrieve one boot. One boot that would've been mine if only I'd taken the time to check the box in the first place.
What is the lesson in all of this? Simply that it's worth it to take the time to double check ourselves (and oh this applies in so many areas of life) even, and actually most of all, when we think we don't have the time to take.
So, if you happen to see a size 8 1/2 boot on the shelf of a nearby shoe department this week, don't worry - its rightful owner is on her way to come and claim it - as soon as I find the time!