My Mother-in-Law, Ruby, loved to shop and she was an Avon lady too. She was always finding little goodies for herself or to use as gifts in the future. When things went on sale with Avon, she’d stock up so she’d be sure to have the perfect item when she needed it. She would buy something special and “put it away” until later. The problem was that when she needed it or wanted to give the perfect gift she’d bought earlier, she couldn’t find where she had hidden it from herself. She told me the very first time I visited her house that she had a music box for me that played “Somewhere My Love”. She never found it. We didn’t either—even after we had her estate sale over thirty years later.
Over the years when I couldn’t find something that I knew I had or that should be in a specific spot “where I always keep it”, but it wasn’t, my husband would tease me and ask, “Did you Ruby it?” As I’m sure you can imagine, there were many times when his query was met with less than kindness on my part. I understand how frustrating those episodes were for my mother-in-law.
Recently, I took “Rubying” to a whole new level. We’d been bagging up old magazines to go to recycling after removing labels and identifying information, wading through a mountain of junk mail to harvest note pads and address labels, and generally decluttering countertops and tables to prepare to bring the plants in off the deck before last weekend’s freezing temperatures.
Last Tuesday morning, we were going to vote and then to the grocery store on the way home. I couldn’t find the grocery list—anywhere! I keep a running list on a 8 ½”x 3 ½” pad provided by our HVAC guy. It “lives” in the middle of the desk in the kitchen. (I’ll confess it’s not the only thing on the desk.) Sometimes I move it to the kitchen table to add sale items to it as I review the weekly ad online and select my e-coupons. Then it goes back to the desk or to my purse (if we’re planning to shop that day). It was not in any of those places. After thirty minutes of searching, assisted by my silent and supportive husband, we gave up and went to vote and shopped “listless” for the first time in forever.
Every piece of paper has been cleaned off the desk, the kitchen table, all the countertops, and the bookcases. No grocery list magically appeared. We’ve been through all the scenarios. Did it get scooped up with magazines and newspapers going to recycling? Or maybe it fell into the trash can with some of the junk mail. Did I put it somewhere I’ve never hidden it away before? Do we have a new poltergeist who takes great delight in making me think I’m losing my mind? The jury is still out awaiting further evidence. Here we are a week later and still no old grocery list. Wisely, my husband consoled me, patted my back, helped me search and clean, and never once mentioned his mother’s name. Hoping all your “things” stay where you put them so you can find them when you need them!
Author news:
November 22 Polly’s List is featured on NN Light’s Book Heaven Snuggle up with A Book. Website: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com There are prizes all month on this site.
Meet the Author on Saturday December 10, 2022 Noon – 4 P.M. Book Signing at Midtown Barnes and Noble in Tuscaloosa AL
I thought I’d solved the problem of missing/forgotten grocery lists by putting the list of items needed on my phone Notes app. Then one day while shopping, I somehow deleted the list! So much for that. I guess we all Ruby things.😉
Guilty! Always putting things in a “safe” place only to realize it was so safe even I can’t find it!
Hilarious and relatable article, Kim!! My Kim “Ruby’s it” especially at Christmas. She purchases gifts and lovingly hides them away. Usually. A couple of months later lost items turn up and are distributed I must confess, that I have been known to”Ruby it” as well….. Another excellent and entertaining read.
I’m always Rubying.
Great analogy.
I can definitely relate, Kim. I’ve been known to search hours for something I swore I put in a “special” place.
So enjoyed your post. It’s good to know I’m not alone in these situations.
I can relate….
Last week I spent 15 minutes making my grocery list. Got to the store and realized I “must” have left it on the kitchen counter. Next day I was looking for something in my purse…and there it was! I had not put it in the normal place in my purse!!! And, of course did not think to look anywhere else. Good news is, I remembered all but one item from the list. Bad News…I bought several items not on the list…AND, did not needed.
I think we all Ruby sometimes. I hide stuff from my son all the time, especially around the holidays because I like to be done shopping by December 1st. There’s always something it takes me forever to find. This year I forgot I put the treehopper in a shoe box under my bed.
Oh, my gosh, Kim, I did have to smile as I read your post because I can so identify with Ruby–and you. Frequently I find the item right where I’ve looked a dozen times. i swear I do have gremlins who love moving things around on me. 🙂 I have your book on my Kindle and I’m hoping to start it real soon. All the best of luck, my friend.
First of all Jim is a very smart quiet man! Second and most important did you get all the items on your list that you needed?
So glad your book is doing so well. I really enjoyed it!
I must admit, I have had “Ruby moments” and I understand how frustrating they can be. Loved your post!
Great post Kim! I loved it. Good luck with your event!