ridge drive looks a little empty

well people, christmas is offically over at ridge drive. although i've heard a little rumor there may be one more present arriving by mail! also, there are a few gift cards waiting to be spent on things for me and others here at ridge drive. there are also multiple gift cards to multiple very yummy resturants to be used and movie tickets galore.

but

nonetheless, the tree is down. there is a big empty spot where it used to be, and i have to say, it makes me feel a little lonely. when the tree was up, it almost seemed like time stood still. like nothing was progressing. and now its gone. and the big empty hole that is left is just reminding me off all the emptiness everywhere else over here on ridge drive. time passes, doesn't it? you think you can make it stop, that if things just stay the same, if you maybe hold your breath, or do something, it just WILL NOT MOVE. but it does. doesn't it? and it doesn't stop.

The treadmill was brought home last night (thanks to a pick-up that has been living in my driveway!) and lugged upstairs by one small person and one little larger person. fyi, the "heavy-end" of the treadmill out-weighed me. I found this out on the first flight of steps and proved it for sure on the second. Man thought that he could push the treadmill up, if i guided it. Gravity took over when we got to the top of the steps. I leaned all my weight on the box, feet off the floor, and still couldn't tip the box in my favor.

Oh, and my dear friends, when the instructions say "REQUIRES TWO PEOPLE" they mean it. ok? because no matter how strong-willed or stubborn you are and I'm sure you are no match for me, assembly still REQUIRES TWO PEOPLE. My other person today: a stack of books. yes my dear friends, I used a stack of books as leverage for tightening screws and greasing spacers and all that. Despite being so savvy, I have officially reached the point where another person is absolutely, REQUIRED. I cannot stand the treadmill up on its end and hold it, and tighten all the bolts at once.

I am not superwoman.