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I’ve been bummed out for the past few days because my annual ski trip to Fiddler Lake Resort was cancelled by the resort.
Fiddler Lake Resort is my favourite ‘local’ winter destination for ski trips. I’ve visited the resort several times over the past five years with families (including at times, 9 kids) and friends and I’ve never had an unpleasant experience.
I enjoy going so much that I take on full responsibility – I’m the guy who coordinates it all. And I absolutely love it. I’m so serious about this activity that I actually use MS Project in my preparation! My friends make fun of me for that, but that doesn’t bother me at all.
This visit was with the guys – twelve of us.
It was going to be a weekend of partying with good friends, playing poker and spoons, washers, skiing, snow tubing, alpine coaster riding, and pillow fights in lingerie.
Wait. The lingerie pillow fights is what I imagine happens at a women’s three night getaway.
The planning and coordination of twelve guys took months and in an instance it was gone.
Stop being mopey! What happened?
I received a call from the resort on Wednesday informing me that the owner of the chalet we had rented was no longer available. The owner had decided he no longer wanted Fiddler Lake Management managing his property and requested all contracts be voided.
The chalet was booked solid until the end of March.
I expressed my disappointment with the manager and he empathized with me. I also realized that I needed to think about this before losing my cool. I was that angry and upset.
I found it extremely difficult being Daddy to my kids that evening when my thoughts were so pre-occupied with what had occurred. What was really going on, I wondered? Was the resort intentionally bumping me for someone else? I couldn’t get my mind off of it.
I quickly posted to social media outlets like FB and Twitter- asking if anyone else had been cancelled.
If this had been any other resort I would have posted a scathing review on Trip Advisor and vowed never to return.
But I didn’t want to do that because it’s my favourite Laurentians destination!
The next morning I checked the website and discovered that the chalet was no longer being offered. That quashed any thoughts I had of my weekend being sabotaged.
And later that afternoon I spoke to the Manager and asked him to allow me to vent my disappointment.
I requested that customers be given sufficient notification for cancellations and be made a priority for discussion for the Owners who rent the chalets.
I explained to him the loyalty I’ve had to the resort and informed him of my support through my website and numerous posts and its inclusion in my blog roll.
I informed him of my support through Canadian Parents message boards, as a family friendly destination and lastly, I presented to him that I’ve been an exceptional customer: I’ve never received a complaint nor have our visits caused any damage to the chalets.
and that’s impressive with the guys!
I was satisfied with the response I received from the Manager and we’re still working out a possible solution. But at the end of the day, I’m out of a winter ski trip with the boys.
I was still mopey last night, but was rescued by Colin and Adrian. The two stood before me and begged me to battle them.
I could take out my chalet aggression on them.
“Let’s battle!” I shouted.
Adrian: Who are you going to be, Daddy?
Me: I’m going to be ‘the Amoeba’ and I’m going to tickle you until you cry of laughter! Ha Ha Ha (Evil laugh).
I knew who Adrian was going to be.
Adrian: I’m going to be T-top (triceratops) Fire Lion!
Imagine a triceratops with a mane that blows fire.
Colin said he was going to be the guy that just destroys me.
Our battle began with Adrian blowing ‘fire’ at my chest.
Me: Did you just burn a hole in the Amoeba man’s shirt?
Adrian: Yes!
Me: I was going to wear that to the Amoeba dance! You’re going down T-Top Fire Lion!
Half an hour later we were all red faced and beat.
And I was in a much better mood.
 You're going down, Amoeba man!  Kissin the guns that will destroy you!
I think I may have made a mistake when I allowed Colin to convince me that he wouldn’t need ski lessons this year.
I remember the conversation we had and I recall his own self-confidence convinced me he was able to make that decision.
Me: Colin, do you want to do ski lessons this year?
Colin: No.
Me: Sounds good to me!
Eeking of confidence.
I probably should have thought that one through.
He’s seven, man! Kids need lessons.
Yes, that’s true, but (and this is where I may have been wrong in my judgment) when I was growing up I picked up sports very easily. It was natural for me. I could skate, play hockey, football, badminton, and it never took me more than a few outings to become comfortable with any sport.
The same goes for skiing. I never had lessons and learned by following someone who was an exceptional skier – mimicking their moves and motions.
You didn’t learn to ski until you were thirty!
Does that really matter? It only took me a season to become a good skier. Colin already had two years of lessons, so I figured he was ready. I’m kidding folks!
Colin and I spent our Saturday morning at the ski hill. Our first few runs were on a trail that Colin is very comfortable with. I asked him if he was interested in doing a different run because the one we were on was boring the hell out of me. He said he was.
We made our way to an intermediate run that turns into a beginner run. I wasn’t so concerned about Colin’s ability to complete the run because he’d done it many times before – well, last year. However, I was cautious and asked him to take his time.
The slope was steep for him and within moments he wiped out. I knew this because just as I stopped to watch him I caught his ski which was now minus one seven year old.
I made my way up to him and I knew right away that his tumble had frightened him. Seconds later I heard him crying.
Colin: Daddy, it’s too big. I can’t go down it.
What other choice do you have?
I felt bad for my son and tried to comfort and reassure him that he could do it. I was also aware that his fall and being frightened might have an impact on how he felt about skiing in general. He might decide that he doesn’t like to ski anymore. It’s very easy for children to stop participating in an activity when they become fearful.
I certainly didn’t want him to feel that way because I enjoy the sport and especially love sharing it with him.
Me: Buddy, you’ve done this run before. We did it together last year. It’s not a long run and we can do it together. I’ll stay right beside you. Okay? But first, you need to straighten your skis out.
Colin: But I’ll ski into the woods.
I wouldn’t do that – there may be a bear hibernating and you definitely don’t want to jab it in the back with a ski.
Me: Buddy, you’re not going to make it down the mountain with your skis crossed. Don’t worry. I’ll stay right close to you.
Colin was fine with that.
He wiped out once more, but I was there like I said I would be.
We took a break in the chalet and I shared some embarrassing stories about my first year skiing and while he laughed at some of the silly things I did, I realized I’m not skilled enough to teach Colin how to ski. He needs an instructor.
Monday morning I made a call and arranged for some lessons.
 First run of the morning. It was cold (-15C)
Coming off a Christmas and New Year’s high with your family and into the dark and cold month of January is hard to get through. I find it the most unpleasant and unbearable month of all. No wonder we all want to hibernate at this time of year.
Thankfully, there are enough distractions to keep my thoughts away from January and these dark times.
Colin and Adrian are involved in recreational activities such as soccer, skiing and tumblers.
That keeps us busy.
We’ve also taken the boys tobogganing and played a hell of a lot of video games.
Sometimes it’s good to be indoors!
And most recently, we participated in some birthday celebrations.
First up was Rica.
It’s important for us to celebrate with Rica. She’s become part of our family and although she appreciates the recognition, it’s difficult being away from home and family.
Angie baked a chocolate cake for her and we all sang Happy Birthday. Kids love singing Happy Birthday. Fortunately, we only had to sing it twice – after Adrian blew out the candles before it reached the table.
I can recall a time with Colin when we had to sing that song several times over the period of one week.
After finishing our cake we sat down in the family room and gave Rica her birthday presents – one of which was a heating pad. She thanked us for that.
We don’t keep her in the basement! It’s January!
I didn’t buy the gifts, but in appreciation I did clean up after dinner, did my own laundry and even put away some of my clothes – neatly.
Apparently, cramming clothes into your drawer is wrong. It’s January! It’s too cold to put things away neatly!
On Sunday, I took Colin to his classmate’s birthday party. It was held at a Scottish Pub (kid’s parents own the pub) and that meant leaving my house. It was -28° C with the wind-chill.
When are birthday parties going to become virtual?
I had to stay at the party. I didn’t really want to, but Angie was concerned about the setting and the likelihood that other patrons would be present as well. There were also twenty-seven kids on the guest list. How would the parents be able to keep an eye on all of them?
What if some rub-a-dub makes his way into the party room?
It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. The entire party section was blocked off from the rest of the establishment.
In return, I got to spend most of my time inhaling chips and salsa and watching football.
There were moments, too when I caught myself watching Colin. Really, when you think about it – how often do you see kid’s in this environment.
I was totally interested to see how he interacted and socialized with his friends. I actually believed that he would be the sociable guy that I would be. But he wasn’t.
He wasn’t maniacal and loud like most of the kids who were trying to be heard. He mingled, but instead of being the social butterfly (like I would have been) he selectively sought out his good friends.
And when everyone began dancing (they really don’t know how to dance at this age) he took a seat and laughed at the silliness of his friends. Every now and then he would look at me for my opinion and I simply laughed along with him.
Colin also experienced a ‘first’ at the party.
It was the first time that he had ever tried pop. That’s right, we have never given Colin (or Adrian) pop.
I was told that Sprite, Pepsi and water were available and I decided that he could try some Sprite if he liked.
He wanted to try it.
I poured him a small glass and watched him take the tiniest sip ever. He didn’t like it and spat it back into his glass.
Colin: It’s all bubbles on my tongue. What is that? I don’t like it, Daddy.
Me: That’s the carbonation.
We could go tae the bar and order a Guinness from Jock. It has micro-bubbles and is a lot smoother.
I poured him a glass of water instead.
And when the party ended we headed back into the cold, dark January.
 Wait, Adrian!  Smilin for cake  Open the presents!  Colin's butt is so funny
“Daddy, I want it louder!”
That’s the response I get from my three year old son, Adrian, whenever I put on some music. Is it possible that I may have a musician or rock star for a son?
Adrian enjoys not only listening to music, but also enjoys dancing, air-guitaring and drumming to music that we grew up on and are fans of. Thanks to www.youtube.com, Adrian has been exposed to bands such as the Beatles (including Beatles Rock-band dreamscapes), the Rolling Stones, AC/DC, U2 and Depeche Mode.
Hey, I liked the Eighties!
With the exception of the Beatles and the Wiggles, Adrian only knows of a bands name. He isn’t familiar with who’s who in a band.
A few nights ago, Angie and Adrian were out running an errand and when they got home they headed straight upstairs to watch and listen to some vintage U2. They’d heard I Will Follow on the radio and Adrian wanted to see it on the computer.
I could have easily blown out the tune on my Yamaha receiver and Polk Audio speakers, but that only happens when Mummy is out of the house.
He’s seen the video before, but especially loves banging out the drum parts. He also insists that Angie and I participate – I have to sing and Angie has to dance. I get in trouble when I try to switch to air-guitar.
Angie and Adrian then took some time out to sit at the computer and search for songs to play when she came across a U2/Mick Jagger duet.
And the heavens shone down on Adrian.
“Who’s that?” Adrian asked.
Angie replied that it was Mick Jagger.
He was instantly captivated.
The song was a live performance of Stuck in a Moment.
Angie went on to explain that he was the singer for the Rolling Stones. Adrian knows the Rolling Stones because they’re one, if not, our favourite band and we play their music quite a bit in the house and car.
Adrian stared at the computer screen and watched the video four times with Angie and then once with me.
Adrian: Daddy, Mick Jagger has a blue shirt.
Me: My son, you have discovered the greatest and coolest rock star ever.
Adrian: Yes. And he has a blue shirt.
It’s so cool to be part of a child’s discovery.
Mick Jagger. Not the colour blue.
A while later, I put the boys down to bed and began to read like I usually do. Adrian wasn’t all that interested in the story and instead felt obligated to inform me of his new found interest.
Mick Jagger wears a blue shirt.
He’s a singer, Daddy.
He’s a Rolling Stone, Daddy.
Me: Dude, you keep on learning about Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones. We can listen to them whenever you like. Would you like to know who’s in the band?
Adrian: Yes!
I took a few minutes to explain the Stones and Colin eagerly pitched in some info as well. Colin’s, who’s seven, is a fan, too.
The next morning my phone rang at work. It was Rica calling from home. Uh-Oh. What was going on? She rarely calls me at work.
I picked up the receiver and my immediate response to her was, “What did Adrian do?” When Rica does call me, it’s usually because Adrian has pushed his behaviour far enough to warrant a call to Daddy.
Surprisingly, there were no cries in the background and Rica seemed to be struggling with what she was required to ask of me (I could hear Adrian barking out orders to Rica).
Rica: I don’t know what Adrian wants, but he wants to see a man in a blue shirt?
I laughed.
I explained to Rica who the man in the blue shirt was and Rica repeated the name to Adrian. I helped her find the video over the phone and then I heard it playing in the background.
My little rocker!
I also asked her if I could say hello to Adrian and when she relayed my message he said, “No. I don’t want to talk to Daddy. I want to watch Mick Jagger.”
I laughed again and said goodbye to Rica.
I was cool with giving up some father and son time to Mick Jagger.
 I need to smash my drums  Mummy, let me go play my drums!  Daddy, watch me beat the crap out of my drums!
Colin and I headed out to the mountain for our first ski run of the season. I’m a huge advocate for skiing because it’s one of those sports that the whole family can participate in.
If I was allowed to play on Colin’s soccer team we would have won it all! Well, if I played goalie and didn’t have to run very much.
It was also a new experience for Colin in that he was no longer taking ski lessons. I believed that after two seasons of lessons he could handle it out on his own and he seemed confident that he could as well.
Bah, who needs lessons – we’re men!
While I drove up to the mountain, I spewed my own advice and psyched myself up even more for our day.
I’m going to ski in front of you and you follow me.
Don’t tuck and zoom down the hill.
Don’t take out you’re Daddy. I have to work on Monday.
Was he listening to me?
Colin had his head down the entire time, buried in his Nintendo DSi playing Mario Bros.
“The mountain reported bears on the ski hill, so if you see one just poke it away with your ski pole.”
Oh. Silly me, you haven’t any poles.
Colin: What did you say, Daddy?
But before I could answer him, Colin triumphantly announcement; “Daddy, I made it! I made it to Bowser’s Castle! It’s so big and it’s the last stage. Do you want to see it?”
He held up his DSi to proudly display his achievement, but I couldn’t exactly turn around to see it.
Would you like me to pull over or perhaps ram that car out of our way so we can soak up this moment?
Me: Dude, I can’t look at it right now. You can show me when we get to the hill.
Colin: Are there really bears on the ski hill?
He was listening. What a little multi-tasker!
When we arrived at the lodge, I got Colin mountain ready. I put on his ski boots and helmet and then got myself ready. I also figured it was a good time to talk about the hill and the runs we’d take, but Colin only had Mario Bros. on the brain.
Me: We’ll take a few beginner runs first to get you back into the groove. Okay?
Colin: I can’t believe I made it Bowser’s Castle. It’s going to be hard, but I’ve got 30 lives saved.
Me: I want you to follow me and do what I do, okay?
Colin: Do you think it’s going to be hard to save Peach?
Me: Not if you follow me.
Colin: What?
Me: What are you talking about?
“Dude, try to focus on the hill. You can play Mario Bros. when we leave,” I said.
When will that be?
We skied the morning, but whenever we stopped on the hill or shared a moment on the chair lift; we were talking in two different languages.
However, Colin did follow my instructions. He skied behind me and followed my moves which I might add will be repeated later on in life when he’s meeting the ladies.
I also had to remember that I was instructing my little guy and had to refrain from bombing down the hill. Colin wiped out a few times and on both instances seemed more concerned about Daddy leaving him behind than a potential injury. Fortunately, I stopped often and despite being a few metres ahead of him, was able to attend to him quickly.
We ended our ski day well before Noon, but I still enjoyed it. I got to spend time with Colin, enjoying the outdoors and his company – even if his mind was elsewhere. I also understood how important his game was to him. He had devoted himself to completing his game and that requires effort. It demonstrated how persistent he is and that his goal could be accomplished.
And during our ride home I got to experience his thrill and excitement of completing the final stage!
I can’t wait to hit the slopes again next weekend.
 Almost there...  Made it to Bowser's Castle!
Please, son! It’s yummy – I promise you’ll like it! PLEASE, FOR ME! Will you just try this piece of cantaloupe?
No.
Not even for the sake of Daddy’s sanity?
No.
Surely parents can relate to this experience. No matter how you plead or present your case, getting a three year old to try food is arguably the biggest challenge for a parent.
It’s certainly been mine.
You don’t understand, Dude. What am I going to pack your lunch with when you go to school? Peanut Butter is not allowed at school!
I consider my wife and me to be fortunate that we have two boys who give us very little grief. Colin (age seven) and Adrian (age three) are well behaved and good listeners, they don’t have tantrums, and they play and get along well with each other (I have yet to witness a fight). As a parent I couldn’t ask for anything more.
But when it comes to eating food, Adrian has driven me near the brink. We’ve tried rewarding him, but it never worked especially since his big brother has all kinds of cool toys to play with. We’ve tried to make dinner fun by presenting fun food shapes and lots of variety with a dash of reverse psychology – don’t you eat my cantaloupe, that’s mine! That’s failed, too.
Couldn’t I just cram in into his mouth? After-all, I’m bigger than he is!
Adrian’s diet consists mostly of peanut butter sandwiches, cereal, bread, yogurt and milk.
He doesn’t eat any vegetable and rarely eats meat. The meat he does eat comes out of a box in the form of a nugget. On occasion, I’ve veered from the nugget form to a strip only to be scoffed at.
Why is this in front of me, Daddy? I want nuggets. How dare you mess with me! Perhaps, I’ll mess with you! How about I poke and prod and shuffle your offerings and then announce, “I’m not hungry!”
Angie’s even managed to slip some ham (so thinly sliced and chopped) into his cream cheese on toast, but lately I get a sense that he’s onto her and that time is running out on that particular serving.
And then I read an article that gave me renewed hope. I just wish I could recall where I read it.
Basically, it stated that I should give a small portion (the size of a pinkie finger nail) for roughly ten days. It also stated to be cool and acknowledge that patience is required.
So, a few nights ago I began my trial with cantaloupe. I placed a small plate in front of him with three of the tiniest pieces of cantaloupe ever served.
What’s with you and cantaloupe? It just seemed like the right food to begin with…and it’s yummy!
He saw it sitting in front of him, but ignored it. Patiently and calmly, I reminded him how he told us over Christmas that he was going to try new food.
He still didn’t eat it.
It was clear Night One was not going to successful and I didn’t put up any kind of fuss. Instead, I said to him that maybe he’d try it tomorrow night.
He agreed to that.
Into my parlour…
The next night I did the same, and again he went through dinner without touching it. When he announced he was finished, I gently put my arm on his shoulder and
thrashed him about! Just eat the goddamn food! You could swallow it without even knowing it was in your mouth it’s so small!
…spoke gently to him. “Adrian, you told me you were going to try it. Can you please try it for me?”
“Okay,” he replied.
WTF? Really?
The whole table was shocked and before anyone could speak out, I shushed everyone up.
Don’t ruin this! There will be no distractions!
He ate the piece and when I presented the second piece, he ate it too!
Now we could praise him. And we did.
So far, it’s been going well. He’s eating cantaloupe and he’s tried cucumber. However, during dinner last evening he burst into tears when he discovered the Christmas tree was gone.
Adrian (crying): I’m sad because the Christmas tree is gone. I don’t want it to be gone.
So much for trying cucumber tonight, I thought.
Angie was quick to console him. Kids sometimes do that. One second they’re fine and the next they’re balling.
And then Adrian asked Angie to feed him (because he was too sad to feed himself) which turned out to be an opportunity to feed him some cucumber – which he ate!
It’ll be interesting to see how he does with chicken (not in nugget form).
 A small step for boy  A bigger step for Dad
Happy New Year Folks!
Now that the Holidays are over let’s get on with it.
As Angie and I drove into work this morning I actually felt relieved that the Holidays were over. It was nice to be back in the car with Angie – the two of us together, back into our routine.
Our sons, on the other hand, haven’t got back to their routine because Colin still has a week of vacation remaining. He wasn’t so thrilled to see us off to work this morning.
How could you leave me?
He wanted us to stay and as we pulled out of the driveway I could see his tears rolling down his face as he sadly waved goodbye to us. I (the ungrateful parent) happily waved back and sped off down the street.
My Christmas with my family was a blast. Angie and I, along with my folks, soaked up Christmas morning with Colin and Adrian. As exciting as it is for children to receive gifts, it’s just as incredible for parents to experience their excitement.
And then the post-Christmas work begins
Once all the gifts were opened, Colin and Adrian looked to me for the next phase of Christmas.
Daddy, can you open this?
Daddy, can you put this together?
Daddy, can we play with this now?
Nanny and Poppa conveniently made their escape to visit other family.
How could I say no?
It took me a week to assemble their toys!
And what’s with the plastic twist ties in packages today! It’s enough that the plastic is damn near impossible to open, but why are there so many twist ties? Now, what I’m about to say may be a little dramatic, but they left my thumb and index finger in rough shape! In fact, I had to use Angie’s nail file to smooth them back out and every night had to re-apply moisturizer. They were that coarse!
Yes, I’m a guy.
Back to my holidays:
Every kid seems to enjoy one gift more than others and for Colin it was a Nintendo Wii. Adrian, who’s three years old, didn’t know what a Wii was and only became excited when he saw it in action.
Together with the boys, Angie and I have played all sorts of games. Unfortunately, Angie went down with a shoulder injury battling Colin at fencing. Really, she was slashing away like some raving lunatic, determined to bring Colin down and ended up on the sidelines (the couch) being a spectator.
I also discovered how much I suck at bowling (what a stupid sport). I have yet to win and must endure Colin’s tormenting.
Daddy, I destroyed you!
I got five strikes in one game!
Daddy, you only got a spare.
What’s worse it that Adrian beat me, too…and I didn’t let him win.
After a few days of Wii it was time to get out of the house and enjoy the snow. So, I took the boys tobogganing.
This would take my mind off the Wii and losing to my CHILDREN
Colin and Adrian piled into the sled with their crazy carpets and I pulled them to the hill which was about a 5-10 minute walk. Sure, it’s not that far away, but the two of them combine for almost 90 pounds.
During the pull I had to put up with funny boy, Adrian who seemed to be enjoying the ride.
Adrian: Daddy, run!
And collapse at the hill
Me: Dude, you’re too heavy!
Adrian: Run, Daddy! Just do it. Go fast!
Colin laughed at Adrian’s antics.
Adrian: Daddy, run now. Why aren’t you running?
Me: How about I run you out of town?
Colin thought that was funny, too.
And then when we were actually tobogganing;
Adrian: Pull me up, Daddy!
Every run was the same and Colin, whenever he could, would hop on as well.
Why walk when Daddy can pull you up the hill?
When I called out that it was time to head home my legs were burning (and it wasn’t a good burn, Gym enthusiasts!). I could barely move and as I slowly dragged my kids back home, Adrian felt the need to call out, “Faster, Daddy! Run!”
The holidays with our children were filled with lots of fun and laughter, but it’s so nice to be back into the routine.
 Riding the bedrails!  Colin and Adrian enjoying time off routine
Pictures from Christmas have been added to the Photos Section.
I am finished!
I picked up the last few stocking stuffers and wrapped all that was remaining last night. Did I care that I didn’t cut enough wrapping paper to cover an entire gift? No! Because I could see the finish line and was at peace with cutting corners!
Even my rum and coke spill on one present didn’t slow my progress – my shirt sleeve took care of that.
And to celebrate the evening I put in Christmas Vacation one more time so that Chevy Chase could inspire me as I wrapped the last of my gifts. If National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is not a tradition in your family, I highly recommend that it become one.
Now that I’m finished and ready for the big day, I wanted to take one sappy moment to thank you, Dear Readers, for you visits to my blog.
A special Merry Christmas to Paige, LD, Wanda, Andrea (The Penny Roaches) and my readers throughout Canada, the US and the UK, who have found time to write comments and email me. I sincerely appreciate your visits.
I would also like to extend my appreciation to my readers in Oradea, Romania and wish you all a Merry Christmas. I’m thankful for your visits to my site.
I’m going to take next week off and enjoy being with my sons, Colin and Adrian, and wife Angie. I’ll see you all again in the New Year.
Enjoy yourselves and family over Christmas!
Rick
With our countdown on to Christmas (in the form of a daily morning announcement from our seven year old son, Colin) Angie and I tackled the monumental task of wrapping the gifts – all of them…in one evening.
Because wrapping gifts is so much fun!
We’d done the marathon one-day shop and figured we could do the same for wrapping. How hard could it be? Sitting in the comfort of our home, in each others company, joyfully preparing the gifts our kids would so excitedly tear apart. This was all part of the Christmas experience! It would be a blast.
So, after the kids were asleep in bed, Angie brought out her Christmas wrapping supplies. Yes, when it comes to Christmas women are super efficient and prepared. Don’t get me wrong, this is beneficial to me (and men in general) because I’d be hopping in the car and rushing out to buy the supplies. And there would most definitely be a second trip.
Her supplies included a cutting tool – because scissors just won’t do and a wrist band designed to hold tape and produce one tape slice at a time.
Gone are the joys of finding the start of the tape roll and tearing it off with your teeth… in between swigs of rum and coke.
Also included were “To” and “From” decals, ribbons, bows, pens, and of course, wrapping paper. Oh, did I mention that some supplies are Santa specific. Santa has his own wrapping paper, ribbons, bows and even a different pen. It can’t be the same as Mummy’s and Daddy’s!
That could create problems with our responsibility of keeping the spirit of Christmas alive in our children (or maintaining the lie).
I brought out the bags and before we began I loaded up National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. Angie and I love that movie and it seemed like the appropriate movie to watch.
And then Santa called, “Go!”
The first gift I reached for was in the shape of a rectangle (I also enjoy square shaped packages).
Speaking on behalf of all men, I don’t know what we’d do if all products came in a ball shaped package.
I’m not very good at wrapping gifts, but for my sons I’ll always do the best I can and take advice from my wife when it comes to folding paper tips.
Together, Angie and I took spots on the floor in front of the TV and began wrapping gifts.
It was down to business and occasionally we glanced up at the TV to enjoy specific scenes.
Neighbour: Hey Griswold. Where do you think you’re gonna put a tree that big?
Clark: Bend over and I’ll show you.
You’d think that sitting on the floor is comfortable, but after an hour you discover that it’s not!
And on top of that, irritants found their way into our Christmas happiness.
Angie: Pass me the tape.
I tossed the tape, but it fell short of its destination. Oh well. She’ll get it. Anyway, I didn’t want to hit her with the tape wrist thingy.
But she didn’t get it.
Why not? It’s there. It might require a tad of a reach or roll to it, but that’s all.
Nope. It was on me. I leaned over, bones creaking and cracking and stretched further than I had in years! Perhaps since High School! All for an extra 5 inches.
Angie: I need the cutter.
Again, the same scene played out only this time I hit her.
It’s a lot easier to apologize.
Angie and I continued to wrap throughout the whole movie. We were fast (well, Angie was because we ran out of rectangular and square shaped packages) and worked as a team. It was like being on an assembly line of efficiency. Santa gifts, gifts from us, stockings prepared and the motivation of Chevy Chase and Christmas Vacation.
Eddie: You surprised to see us, Clark?
Clark: Eddie… If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn’t be more surprised than I am now.
Together we completed our Christmas wrapping, but it was at a cost. After spending nearly two hours on the floor, my feet and legs were pins and needles and made snapping noises when I stood up. And my back was aching. Really aching! If I had sat on the floor for another 5 minutes I would have developed an impressive hump. Man, I’ve got to get back to the gym.
Now that were all done , Angie and I can look forward to our children’s excitement of ripping it all apart in minutes.
 Only five days to Christmas!  Pirate Knight!  Daddy, just play with us!
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