Lovin' the Legos -- Part I

As GJG accurately deduced by his ingenious shake method, Legos were a big part of Christmas this year. Assembling Star Wars, Clone Wars and racing car Lego sets kept GJG, MCG and CAG busy for a good part of Christmas morning. (GMG and I were involved in other interesting pursuits. Can't remember what they were now; but I know we were happy.)

Two of my most favorite Lego moments this Christmas came without directions or plans and added to my love for Legos. Minus the momentary all-consuming hatred for the darn things that comes from the unspeakable pain of stepping on them!


Here's my first favorite. (The other will be forthcoming in Lovin' the Legos -- Part II.)

Organizing. Ugh! Can you think of anything more tedious, boring and headache-producing than trying to organize a gazillion tiny Legos? Well, let me tell you, there isn't much. However, the amazing esprit de corps that comes from a family on the hunt for errant Legos all around the house is quite energizing and enertaining. Several of our conversations went like this:

"Look! Here's Anakin's hair!"
"Where did you find it?"
"Under the truck that was under the bear that was under the blanket under the bed."
"Oh yeah!"

And watching five people reach common ground on how to organize in a way that makes sense to everyone is a little bit humbling. While fairly organic, the decision-making process is still a complex step-by-step with required buy-in at every turn. Funny how lots of little compartments support agreement, even if they do make you cross-eyed.

I can't help but wonder if Congress could learn a thing or two about working together if we put them all in a room with a bunch of Legos and told them to get busy! Although we'd have to assure them that their re-elections are dependent on agreeing whether or not to separate the opaque colored round Lego studs from translucent colored ones.

Do I have any illusions that this phenomenal effort will last? Ahh ... not likely. (Although CAG is giving it the good old college try.) Yet it was a beautiful three hours of cooperation -- for the most part -- for two minutes of organization!