It rains almost continually here in Oregon this time of year, but today was crystal clear. I finished raking the leaves, mowed the lawn, and fed the kids lunch while my wife was out doing some grocery shopping.

I was thinking an after-lunch snooze would be so nice, and just like clockwork my wife called me from the road with a suggestion: "Honey, why don't you put up the lights since the weather is so nice?". AARRGGHHH!!

Is that typical, or what?

After getting over my crankiness, I realized she was right and it would probably be the last dry day until Christmas. It only took my about an hour to get all the lights up. The kids were out front playing the whole time - a great memory for them to see dad up on the roof (erm... risking his life for some Christmas cheer ).

It's taking me a while, but I'm finally realizing and accepting that rest happens at night, in bed. And only then. I guess it's just part of being a dad, or maybe just of being a grown man.