We've all heard the term "small man sydrome". You know what I'm talking about: That little scrawny man who drives a Dodge Ram to try and make up for his smallness. I always thought small man syndrome showed itself in the vehicle one drives, the house one lives in, the tools one owns, the boat one drives.
It wasn't until this summer that I realized that small man syndrome is also painfully obvious at the beach. Perhaps once I explain myself you will see what I mean.
We went camping in July. Our favorite thing about camping (besides the campfire which we were denied since BC is a raging inferno) is spending all day at the beach. A beach day for me consists of laying on my blanket reading, eating Pringles and Twizzlers, taking periodic dips in the lake, and people watching.
While people watching one day, Kenny and I noticed something very disturbing. Umbrellas. Lots of umbrellas. Umbrellas everywhere. So many umbrellas that we had to physically move to a different location on the beach just so we could supervise our children in the water without an obstructed view. Some people were so motivated that they brought their entire gazebo to the beach. Wow.
One of the other things I love doing at the beach is floating out to the buoys on an airmatress and just laying there. So, during my umbrella trauma I decided to float out to the buoys and count all the umbrellas on the beach in our particular area. I counted 57. Seriously. That's a freakload of umbrellas.
And as I floated there, stunned, I began to notice something else: The excessively large number of floating paraphanalia on the beach and in the water. I kid you not, one guy brought an inflatable dock that must have been about 18 feet in diameter! SERIOUSLY! The whole beach could have been floating on that thing! It was the largest floatie I had ever seen. And it spurred on my thought about the man who owned it and how small he was.
Then I started looking around at the other small men and their floaties. There was your typical dingy being rowed around. Then there was the floating alligator, dolphin, and inflatible jet ski. But I also noticed weird stuff. Like really weird stuff. A giant lobster, a 3 person ride-on dog, a strange corkscrew floatie, a dinosaur, an ogopogo type thingy, a killer whale, and a huge blow up fish kiddie pool that some small man was using as an air mattress.
Why do people buy things like this? Are they standing in the store watching the guy next to them purchase an inflatable dog and they think to themselves, "Inflatable dog, eh? Well I can top that. I'm gonna get myself a giant floating lobster. No one will think I'm small anymore!" What frame of mind must one be in to purchase an 18 foot floating dock and think that's a great thing to bring to the beach. What does one hope to do with an inflatable corkscrew? It's all so strange to me.
And in my confusion I searched for answers to my questions. The only thing I could come up with was a beach version of small man syndrome. And let me tell you, in the Shuswap this summer, it's an epidemic!
ps: there is a lovely floating swan currently available at The Superstore. I think you'd make a wonderful statement bringing that to the beach!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Revelations from the Cleaning Lady
So about a year ago I started up a cleaning business. Not because I love scrubbing other people's poo off their toilets. Simply because I could make my own hours and be around for the kids when they needed me, and still make more money than your average stay at home mom could make.
Let me tell you. I have learned a lot since then. I have many hours to think, ponder, and hypothesize about human nature as I clean up the mess that other people make. I have come up with some deep thoughts that I hope change your life for the better.
1. Men do not aim when they pee because they don't have to be the one to clean it up.
The men's bathroom at our church (yes, I clean our church) REEKS like urine and the woman's bathroom smells like soap. The strangest thing about all of that is that women pee more than men do. So, logic would say that our bathroom should be the pee infested one. Not the case. So, my question is this: if men don't aim, what the heck are they doing when they go pee? Staring at the ceiling? looking at themselves in the chrome on the urnial handle? Pretending to be a fire fighter? WHAT IS IT???
2. Kids wipe their boogers on the walls when their parents aren't looking.
Mothers, it's true. Go around and check out your walls (at knee height). Or investigate the walls around your child's bed. It's gross, but true.
3. Flies pee. Flies pee on windows. Fly pee is hard to get off of windows.
When I first discovered the fly pee I thought that someone in the house had been gazing out the window and sneezed with coffee in their mouth. Hence the creamy dots all over the window. But then when I found the coffee sneeze at the next house, and then the next house, I realized it was fly pee. Why do these people allow so many flies in their house? Do they not believe in screen doors? Don't the flies annoy them at night? This is all still a mystery to me.
4. No matter how much money you have or how dignified you appear, I realize when I lift up your toilet seat that we are all the same. Your splatter looks the same as my splatter. That begs the question, does the queen leave splatter? What about the pope? What about the Dalai Lama?
5. The human body was not created to scrub toilets and floors every day for years on end. How some women do this job for 10, 20 or 30 years is beyond me. It is perfect for my life right now, but in the next few years I will have to hang up the mop before my knees and hips hang up on me!
6. A house cleaner needs a house cleaner. At the end of the day I walk out of a perfectly spotless house (not my own) and walk into a disaster area (oh, that's my house). Sigh.
Yes, my thoughts go deep and profound while I clean. I hope one of my revelations impacted you greatly today and perhaps changed your life for the better. I know I am a better person for discovering them!
Let me tell you. I have learned a lot since then. I have many hours to think, ponder, and hypothesize about human nature as I clean up the mess that other people make. I have come up with some deep thoughts that I hope change your life for the better.
1. Men do not aim when they pee because they don't have to be the one to clean it up.
The men's bathroom at our church (yes, I clean our church) REEKS like urine and the woman's bathroom smells like soap. The strangest thing about all of that is that women pee more than men do. So, logic would say that our bathroom should be the pee infested one. Not the case. So, my question is this: if men don't aim, what the heck are they doing when they go pee? Staring at the ceiling? looking at themselves in the chrome on the urnial handle? Pretending to be a fire fighter? WHAT IS IT???
2. Kids wipe their boogers on the walls when their parents aren't looking.
Mothers, it's true. Go around and check out your walls (at knee height). Or investigate the walls around your child's bed. It's gross, but true.
3. Flies pee. Flies pee on windows. Fly pee is hard to get off of windows.
When I first discovered the fly pee I thought that someone in the house had been gazing out the window and sneezed with coffee in their mouth. Hence the creamy dots all over the window. But then when I found the coffee sneeze at the next house, and then the next house, I realized it was fly pee. Why do these people allow so many flies in their house? Do they not believe in screen doors? Don't the flies annoy them at night? This is all still a mystery to me.
4. No matter how much money you have or how dignified you appear, I realize when I lift up your toilet seat that we are all the same. Your splatter looks the same as my splatter. That begs the question, does the queen leave splatter? What about the pope? What about the Dalai Lama?
5. The human body was not created to scrub toilets and floors every day for years on end. How some women do this job for 10, 20 or 30 years is beyond me. It is perfect for my life right now, but in the next few years I will have to hang up the mop before my knees and hips hang up on me!
6. A house cleaner needs a house cleaner. At the end of the day I walk out of a perfectly spotless house (not my own) and walk into a disaster area (oh, that's my house). Sigh.
Yes, my thoughts go deep and profound while I clean. I hope one of my revelations impacted you greatly today and perhaps changed your life for the better. I know I am a better person for discovering them!
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Mommy Rage
Have you ever had Mommy rage? You know what I'm talking about. The kind of rage that occurs in a parent (mommy or daddy) when your child has been treated unfairly, hurt in some way or devalued in society. It's the protective instinct within us that wants to shelter our own child while destroying the person that did something nasty to him.
It's a rage like no other... well, I saw some nasty road rage the other day in the Walmart parking lot when a senior pulling into a handicapped spot cut off a big biker dude. Wow, that is serious rage!
But other than biker road rage, there is no rage like mommy rage. On an average day I feel like a fairly level headed, clear thinking mom. But there have been moments when I did consider inflicting bodily harm or ranting like a lunatic with veins bulging and eyes popping.
And although I sit here calming typing, inside I have mommy rage brewing. It's not even 9:00 in the morning! It all happened this morning bright and early. You see, Brayden has been training for a couple weeks to run the 800 metre race in the district track meet. He's always shyed away from school sports thinking that he's not good enough. So when he told me he wanted to join the track team we encouraged him and jumped for joy. He has practiced hard, ran around our block more times than I can count and even got new running shoes for the occasion.
Today was the day. We were at the track at 8 am ready to go. There were probably about 20 boys running the race. Brayden was pacing himself quite nicely I must say. I was happily videoing the event. Then the kids started coming across the finish line. Brayden was nearing the finish when my camera started flashing "low battery". Then the camera completely shut off. I scrambled to get my other camera as he crossed the finish line. I never did get a picture. In fact, I didn't actually even see him cross the line. I knew he wasn't first or second. I figured he was about 10th or so. I yelled, cheered and did all the mental things that mom's do at sporting events for their kids.
After the race he came up to me and I excitedly asked, "How did you do?" He said he had no clue. "You mean they didn't tell you what place you came in?" I asked. He said no. So I encouraged him to go ask the teacher from our school who was keeping track. Brayden asked. This was the response:
"I have no idea, Brayden. I only kept track of the top 6 and then I totally lost track."
You have got to be kidding me.
I looked down at my son who just stood there speechless. I watched his shoulders drop. I felt like I could read his mind as he was saying to himself "I guess I don't matter because I didn't place in the top 6".
And the mommy rage antenna perked up inside of me. We stood there a bit longer waiting for someone to announce the placements. The first place kid came running up with a medal. Ok, so we know who came in first... but what about my son?????
Then the teacher from our school who was supposed to be keeping track but somehow missed my kid yells out to me "What a great race, eh?" I was thinking to myself, "Gee, I have no clue. Was it? I thought it was until my kid realized he didn't matter."
Then the mommy rage inside of me bubbled up. All I could do was give the teacher a thumbs up and walk away before I snapped on him.
I asked Brayden how he felt about his race. He said "it was ok" but he said it in a discouraged kind of way. Not in the excited way he was talking right after the race had finished. My kid was officially stomped on, devalued, and feeling worthless and there was nothing I could do about it.
I had to leave to take Ethan to school so I told Brayden how amazing he was and how awesome he ran. I gave him a hug and then walked away.
Then I called Kenny and vented. Now I am telling the world about the injustice that my son suffered. And tomorrow I will let that teacher know how important it is to make all athletes feel valued no matter what place they come in.
It's a rage like no other... well, I saw some nasty road rage the other day in the Walmart parking lot when a senior pulling into a handicapped spot cut off a big biker dude. Wow, that is serious rage!
But other than biker road rage, there is no rage like mommy rage. On an average day I feel like a fairly level headed, clear thinking mom. But there have been moments when I did consider inflicting bodily harm or ranting like a lunatic with veins bulging and eyes popping.
And although I sit here calming typing, inside I have mommy rage brewing. It's not even 9:00 in the morning! It all happened this morning bright and early. You see, Brayden has been training for a couple weeks to run the 800 metre race in the district track meet. He's always shyed away from school sports thinking that he's not good enough. So when he told me he wanted to join the track team we encouraged him and jumped for joy. He has practiced hard, ran around our block more times than I can count and even got new running shoes for the occasion.
Today was the day. We were at the track at 8 am ready to go. There were probably about 20 boys running the race. Brayden was pacing himself quite nicely I must say. I was happily videoing the event. Then the kids started coming across the finish line. Brayden was nearing the finish when my camera started flashing "low battery". Then the camera completely shut off. I scrambled to get my other camera as he crossed the finish line. I never did get a picture. In fact, I didn't actually even see him cross the line. I knew he wasn't first or second. I figured he was about 10th or so. I yelled, cheered and did all the mental things that mom's do at sporting events for their kids.
After the race he came up to me and I excitedly asked, "How did you do?" He said he had no clue. "You mean they didn't tell you what place you came in?" I asked. He said no. So I encouraged him to go ask the teacher from our school who was keeping track. Brayden asked. This was the response:
"I have no idea, Brayden. I only kept track of the top 6 and then I totally lost track."
You have got to be kidding me.
I looked down at my son who just stood there speechless. I watched his shoulders drop. I felt like I could read his mind as he was saying to himself "I guess I don't matter because I didn't place in the top 6".
And the mommy rage antenna perked up inside of me. We stood there a bit longer waiting for someone to announce the placements. The first place kid came running up with a medal. Ok, so we know who came in first... but what about my son?????
Then the teacher from our school who was supposed to be keeping track but somehow missed my kid yells out to me "What a great race, eh?" I was thinking to myself, "Gee, I have no clue. Was it? I thought it was until my kid realized he didn't matter."
Then the mommy rage inside of me bubbled up. All I could do was give the teacher a thumbs up and walk away before I snapped on him.
I asked Brayden how he felt about his race. He said "it was ok" but he said it in a discouraged kind of way. Not in the excited way he was talking right after the race had finished. My kid was officially stomped on, devalued, and feeling worthless and there was nothing I could do about it.
I had to leave to take Ethan to school so I told Brayden how amazing he was and how awesome he ran. I gave him a hug and then walked away.
Then I called Kenny and vented. Now I am telling the world about the injustice that my son suffered. And tomorrow I will let that teacher know how important it is to make all athletes feel valued no matter what place they come in.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The Purple People Eater
First off, the miracles of God are amazing! We have seen them in our lives for years. Some call it coincidence. If that's the case, these coincidences have been happening to us for years!
We needed our income tax money to arrive in the mail in order to get a vehicle on Saturday. I checked the mail every day. No cheque. A week ago I was getting a bit uneasy. God said to me, "I know when you are going to Kelowna... do you trust me?" I said yes and kept checking every day. No cheque. On Friday we packed the vehicle up and headed out of our driveway for Kelowna. We stopped at the mail. There was the cheque. I laughed, but after all these years of miracles, I was not surprised! Yes, God takes care of all the little details and yet keeps us trusting til the last minute! What an adventure! Ok, on with the story.
We got a van. It was all rather crazy actually. We went to Kelowna on Friday night to celebrate my birthday. Had a nice dinner and then headed to a hotel for the night. It is an old heritage hotel with really thin walls. It was live music night. We were on the third floor. We were tired. Kenny called to complain at 10:50... they said the music would end at 11:00. He called again at 11:45 to get them to move us to a room where we weren't listening to "Pour Some Sugar On Me" through the walls. They never called back. The music ended just after midnight. Fun.
The next morning we went looking around. The auction had no vans that we were interested in but a few trucks that we thought Kenny could use for work and then we could get a van at a later date. We checked the dealers too. Their vans were old and expensive.
We went to the auction. We entered a new culture! What a trip! It is so psycho. They drive a vehicle in, the auctioneer rattles off info about the vehicle, the bidding starts, the auctioneer yells "sold" and the vehicle drives away... all of this in 3 minutes! Then the next vehicle drives in and it starts all over again! There were junkers selling for pennies and beautiful vehicles and motorcycles selling for unreal cheap prices! We were waiting for a Toyota Tacoma to come up. It came and went. And it went for more than we were willing to pay but it was still dirt cheap! We were about to leave when this van drove in. Kenny looked at me and said, "what do you think? The other vans were going for really cheap." I said "um, ok". The bidding started and 3 minutes later we were the proud owners of a 2000 Ford Windstar PURPLE van. It was crazy!
So we paid for it ($1600), insured it and then went to look at it. Doesn't that usually happen the other way around? It has some bumps and bruises on it and probably needs the spark plugs changed, but it seems ok.
I hate Fords, hate purple vehicles and actually don't really like vans that much either. But I am so excited that we have money left over to do some of the other stuff we wanted to do. Besides, I see how God is chiseling away at my character and refining me in all of this.
He is keeping me humble. Driving a purple Ford is not a proud moment for me! He is reminding me yet again how it is more important that I work on improving my heart, mind, and character than it is on improving my social status with fancy "things". He is reminding me to work on grace (to the person who cut me off in traffic), mercy (to the teacher who treated my son badly), joy (on the grumpy days), kindness (to the lady at the checkout), patience (to the old man crossing the road really slowly), etc, etc.
And every time I step into my purple Ford I will remember that the beauty of my heart matters more than the beauty of my "things".
So maybe I don't hate my purple van after all. Maybe it is the very thing that will remind me to work on who I am on the inside rather than what I have on the outside. If that is the case, than maybe my van and I will become really great friends
... until I get that brand new, shiny and sporty Honda Civic! (Ha, ha)!
We needed our income tax money to arrive in the mail in order to get a vehicle on Saturday. I checked the mail every day. No cheque. A week ago I was getting a bit uneasy. God said to me, "I know when you are going to Kelowna... do you trust me?" I said yes and kept checking every day. No cheque. On Friday we packed the vehicle up and headed out of our driveway for Kelowna. We stopped at the mail. There was the cheque. I laughed, but after all these years of miracles, I was not surprised! Yes, God takes care of all the little details and yet keeps us trusting til the last minute! What an adventure! Ok, on with the story.
We got a van. It was all rather crazy actually. We went to Kelowna on Friday night to celebrate my birthday. Had a nice dinner and then headed to a hotel for the night. It is an old heritage hotel with really thin walls. It was live music night. We were on the third floor. We were tired. Kenny called to complain at 10:50... they said the music would end at 11:00. He called again at 11:45 to get them to move us to a room where we weren't listening to "Pour Some Sugar On Me" through the walls. They never called back. The music ended just after midnight. Fun.
The next morning we went looking around. The auction had no vans that we were interested in but a few trucks that we thought Kenny could use for work and then we could get a van at a later date. We checked the dealers too. Their vans were old and expensive.
We went to the auction. We entered a new culture! What a trip! It is so psycho. They drive a vehicle in, the auctioneer rattles off info about the vehicle, the bidding starts, the auctioneer yells "sold" and the vehicle drives away... all of this in 3 minutes! Then the next vehicle drives in and it starts all over again! There were junkers selling for pennies and beautiful vehicles and motorcycles selling for unreal cheap prices! We were waiting for a Toyota Tacoma to come up. It came and went. And it went for more than we were willing to pay but it was still dirt cheap! We were about to leave when this van drove in. Kenny looked at me and said, "what do you think? The other vans were going for really cheap." I said "um, ok". The bidding started and 3 minutes later we were the proud owners of a 2000 Ford Windstar PURPLE van. It was crazy!
So we paid for it ($1600), insured it and then went to look at it. Doesn't that usually happen the other way around? It has some bumps and bruises on it and probably needs the spark plugs changed, but it seems ok.
I hate Fords, hate purple vehicles and actually don't really like vans that much either. But I am so excited that we have money left over to do some of the other stuff we wanted to do. Besides, I see how God is chiseling away at my character and refining me in all of this.
He is keeping me humble. Driving a purple Ford is not a proud moment for me! He is reminding me yet again how it is more important that I work on improving my heart, mind, and character than it is on improving my social status with fancy "things". He is reminding me to work on grace (to the person who cut me off in traffic), mercy (to the teacher who treated my son badly), joy (on the grumpy days), kindness (to the lady at the checkout), patience (to the old man crossing the road really slowly), etc, etc.
And every time I step into my purple Ford I will remember that the beauty of my heart matters more than the beauty of my "things".
So maybe I don't hate my purple van after all. Maybe it is the very thing that will remind me to work on who I am on the inside rather than what I have on the outside. If that is the case, than maybe my van and I will become really great friends
... until I get that brand new, shiny and sporty Honda Civic! (Ha, ha)!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
On the search again
My car:
A rusty 1989 Honda Civic.
It aint pretty.
It has faithfully taken me anywhere I've had to go.
It has never left me stranded (Except the one night in December that it couldn't start cuz it was -27 degrees).
It reeks like burning oil so bad that a guy flipped me the bird the other day after driving behind me and inhaling it's toxic fumes.
It has trouble going up hills as it can't remember which gear to go into.
...And now it has a smashed rear window.
Could we fix it? Yes. Do I want to pay a few hundred dollars to continue driving something that makes me want to pass out from the harmful stench? No. When the gas pump clearly states "Long term exposure to gasoline fumes has caused cancer in some laboratory animals" I wonder if that also applies to the blue smoke coming through my vents. Not willing to take that risk, frankly.
So, once again we are looking to replace a vehicle. Not my favorite thing to do. The options: invest in something really good that will last the long haul or get something affordable that we can pay cash for.
Our decision was easy after reviewing what God has taught us about vehicles in the past year: Our old beater car has stayed with us for years... and our nice newer van was given away. The point: A vehicle is just a vehicle. An old one can last longer than a newer one.
However, we do want to get one that is reliable and will take us to Manitoba and back several times in the next few years.
So, we are on the hunt. Thankful that our income tax money will be arriving any day now and yet bummed that ONCE AGAIN we are taking our home renovation money and putting it toward a vehicle! Our dreams of expanding our main entrance, painting the outside of the house, and landscaping has been put on hold.
Oh well. There's always next time (or not)!
A rusty 1989 Honda Civic.
It aint pretty.
It has faithfully taken me anywhere I've had to go.
It has never left me stranded (Except the one night in December that it couldn't start cuz it was -27 degrees).
It reeks like burning oil so bad that a guy flipped me the bird the other day after driving behind me and inhaling it's toxic fumes.
It has trouble going up hills as it can't remember which gear to go into.
...And now it has a smashed rear window.
Could we fix it? Yes. Do I want to pay a few hundred dollars to continue driving something that makes me want to pass out from the harmful stench? No. When the gas pump clearly states "Long term exposure to gasoline fumes has caused cancer in some laboratory animals" I wonder if that also applies to the blue smoke coming through my vents. Not willing to take that risk, frankly.
So, once again we are looking to replace a vehicle. Not my favorite thing to do. The options: invest in something really good that will last the long haul or get something affordable that we can pay cash for.
Our decision was easy after reviewing what God has taught us about vehicles in the past year: Our old beater car has stayed with us for years... and our nice newer van was given away. The point: A vehicle is just a vehicle. An old one can last longer than a newer one.
However, we do want to get one that is reliable and will take us to Manitoba and back several times in the next few years.
So, we are on the hunt. Thankful that our income tax money will be arriving any day now and yet bummed that ONCE AGAIN we are taking our home renovation money and putting it toward a vehicle! Our dreams of expanding our main entrance, painting the outside of the house, and landscaping has been put on hold.
Oh well. There's always next time (or not)!
Friday, April 03, 2009
A glimpse into my mind
My brain is always swimming with various thoughts. Some funny, some stressful, some contemplative. Most of us women are like that. So many random thoughts, happening all at once, going in 10 different directions. Have you ever thought about your thoughts? Have you ever wondered how we don't go completely insane with all the thinking we do?
I think we need to take a few thinking lessons from men. Yes, you heard me correctly! Men think about one.. maximum two... things at a time. If Kenny is working, he thinks of the nail he is hammering. If he is eating, he thinks of the food and how good it tastes or if it needs pepper. If he is writing a sermon he thinks of that sermon. One thought at a time. And when that thought is done, a new one comes along.
I wish my brain could simplify it's thought process a bit more. This morning I grabbed a cup of coffee with the intention to go sit down and watch the birds in the tree while I casually sipped the warm, caffinated nectar. Then I walked past my "to do" list... oh I have to put the ham in the freezer... No! I need to sit with my coffee. So I grab my coffee again... oh I should throw the load of laundry in now so it will be ready to dry when I am done in the shower... yes, I will put the coffee down and quickly go do that. Then I walk past the freezer and think about the ham that needs to go in there and I also think about what I need to take out for supper... oh right, I'm supposed to be putting the clothes in the washer! Oh my coffee is cold! What will we eat tonight for supper?! AHHHH!
So, currently as I type this my brain is thinking of the following things:
- What am I going to take out of the freezer for supper
- I should fold the laundry
- Bailey needs a walk before it starts raining so I should walk her before I shower or do the laundry
- What am I going to do tonight while Kenny and the boys have a "guys night out" together?
- How will I juggle this spring with the boys in softball, swimming and track? That's insane!
- How do I get my white bras white again?
- Speaking of white... I need a new white t-shirt cuz mine has yellow armpit stains
- Man those Christmas lights need to come off the house now that it's spring
- Oooh spring! What will I plant in my garden this year?
- I watched the movie "Seven Pounds" the other day so I am thinking about themes like sacrifice, love, generosity, etc
- When will they cash our house insurance cheque?
- I need to bake cookies today
- Will Brayden keep his desk clean now that we cleaned it out yesterday?
- I have to wash my cleaning supplies before Monday
- Our friends are going to a funeral today for a young girl who died tragically. I pray God will give them strength and peace
- I should get my birthing information ready for my next 2 births
THIS IS COMPLETELY MENTAL!! Do you have this problem too or am I just crazy? What do you think about?
I think we need to take a few thinking lessons from men. Yes, you heard me correctly! Men think about one.. maximum two... things at a time. If Kenny is working, he thinks of the nail he is hammering. If he is eating, he thinks of the food and how good it tastes or if it needs pepper. If he is writing a sermon he thinks of that sermon. One thought at a time. And when that thought is done, a new one comes along.
I wish my brain could simplify it's thought process a bit more. This morning I grabbed a cup of coffee with the intention to go sit down and watch the birds in the tree while I casually sipped the warm, caffinated nectar. Then I walked past my "to do" list... oh I have to put the ham in the freezer... No! I need to sit with my coffee. So I grab my coffee again... oh I should throw the load of laundry in now so it will be ready to dry when I am done in the shower... yes, I will put the coffee down and quickly go do that. Then I walk past the freezer and think about the ham that needs to go in there and I also think about what I need to take out for supper... oh right, I'm supposed to be putting the clothes in the washer! Oh my coffee is cold! What will we eat tonight for supper?! AHHHH!
So, currently as I type this my brain is thinking of the following things:
- What am I going to take out of the freezer for supper
- I should fold the laundry
- Bailey needs a walk before it starts raining so I should walk her before I shower or do the laundry
- What am I going to do tonight while Kenny and the boys have a "guys night out" together?
- How will I juggle this spring with the boys in softball, swimming and track? That's insane!
- How do I get my white bras white again?
- Speaking of white... I need a new white t-shirt cuz mine has yellow armpit stains
- Man those Christmas lights need to come off the house now that it's spring
- Oooh spring! What will I plant in my garden this year?
- I watched the movie "Seven Pounds" the other day so I am thinking about themes like sacrifice, love, generosity, etc
- When will they cash our house insurance cheque?
- I need to bake cookies today
- Will Brayden keep his desk clean now that we cleaned it out yesterday?
- I have to wash my cleaning supplies before Monday
- Our friends are going to a funeral today for a young girl who died tragically. I pray God will give them strength and peace
- I should get my birthing information ready for my next 2 births
THIS IS COMPLETELY MENTAL!! Do you have this problem too or am I just crazy? What do you think about?
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Confessional
My writer's block ended the other day. It happened in an instant. It happened the instant one of my male friends (who happens to have a severe case of techno distractia) decided to unleash his negative feelings about my Techno Hubbies post. His claim is that, yes, men have issues with technology distracting them, but women also have distractions of their own. He mentioned things like Soduku, the Bachelor, and Facebook. However, his point was that us women think we are too perfect to ever admit that.
I disagree. I think we most certainly can admit it. And so, in an effort to show our distracted husbands that we can take the heat too, I have set up a blog confessional right here on my own blog. I will start the confessional.
I confess I do get distracted. I don't focus on my husband as much as I should. My main distraction is the need to do too many things in too few hours. In a single day I have dozens and dozens of things to think about and do. I run our house, our children's schedules and I run my own business. And I try to keep track of my husband all at the same time. These are all distractions that are not really distractions. They are more responsibilities that sometimes cause me to neglect my husband. I do admit that I give more attention to my kids than my husband sometimes.
Yes, I do tend to get distracted just a little. However, I also do have more selfish distractions... which is what my friend was alluding to I think.
1. I watch Ellen (although not after tomorrow when we will say good bye to our satellite) every day.
2. I sometimes watch Oprah if I like the topic.
3. I check facebook a few times a day. I don't stalk my childhood friends to see if they are fat, like my male friend suggested, but I do connect with my current friends and play a little scrabble.
4. If I talk on the phone to my sister, Elina, Sarah, Melissa, Sherri, or Priya I am distracted for a good hour or two.
5. I watch 24, House, Survivor, and CSI (although Kenny is watching with me so that doesn't really count).
6. I read one chapter of my book a day... one chapter... I am too tired to do more!
7. I blog. But you all know how infrequently that happens! Maybe twice a month!
There. That is my confession. Let's all prove my bitter friend wrong. Let's evaluate our distractions and confess them right here on my blog! Leave a note with your deep, dark, distractia secrets!
I disagree. I think we most certainly can admit it. And so, in an effort to show our distracted husbands that we can take the heat too, I have set up a blog confessional right here on my own blog. I will start the confessional.
I confess I do get distracted. I don't focus on my husband as much as I should. My main distraction is the need to do too many things in too few hours. In a single day I have dozens and dozens of things to think about and do. I run our house, our children's schedules and I run my own business. And I try to keep track of my husband all at the same time. These are all distractions that are not really distractions. They are more responsibilities that sometimes cause me to neglect my husband. I do admit that I give more attention to my kids than my husband sometimes.
Yes, I do tend to get distracted just a little. However, I also do have more selfish distractions... which is what my friend was alluding to I think.
1. I watch Ellen (although not after tomorrow when we will say good bye to our satellite) every day.
2. I sometimes watch Oprah if I like the topic.
3. I check facebook a few times a day. I don't stalk my childhood friends to see if they are fat, like my male friend suggested, but I do connect with my current friends and play a little scrabble.
4. If I talk on the phone to my sister, Elina, Sarah, Melissa, Sherri, or Priya I am distracted for a good hour or two.
5. I watch 24, House, Survivor, and CSI (although Kenny is watching with me so that doesn't really count).
6. I read one chapter of my book a day... one chapter... I am too tired to do more!
7. I blog. But you all know how infrequently that happens! Maybe twice a month!
There. That is my confession. Let's all prove my bitter friend wrong. Let's evaluate our distractions and confess them right here on my blog! Leave a note with your deep, dark, distractia secrets!
Friday, March 06, 2009
A case of writers block
I have wanted to update my blog for a long time now. My problem is that I have nothing to write! I think I have a case of writers block. So, until I have something life changing to write about, I'll just update you quickly on our lives.
Kenny is still working full time running his renovation company. He has work for another month or so and then God will have to provide! Kenny is the main breadwinner for our family so without work, we are screwed big time. However, like I've written about in the past, God has always been so faithful to us and He has reminded me He is not bound by our earthly economic system. So, I have stopped watching the news about the crashing markets, the unemployment rates and the demise of the construction trade. I just continue to remember that the God who has done miracles in our life over the past 10 years is the same God now as He has always been. How cool is that!
I am still busy with my cleaning business. I have had one client cancel due to her husband losing his job, but I continue to make up for that in extra jobs here and there so it's been good. I have decided that I need monthly massage treatments for my aching joints. Cleaning is HARD WORK!!! But I love the hours and the pay. And I just love that I am always around for my kids. After all, my career is raising children, and my side job is cleaning!
The boys are just finishing up with music lessons. Brayden is learning drums. He has gotten so good. I don't know how he thinks about 3 different beats at once but his mind can totally do it. One of these days I'll figure out how to post a video of him drumming! Ethan is learning guitar and is so excited that he can now play songs. His tiny fingers have no problem switching chords and he loves being able to sing along with what he's playing. They will both be taking swimming lessons in April and then the hope is to sign them up for softball this spring. Ethan has never played softball and Brayden hasn't played since he was really little so it should be fun. Kenny is also playing softball again this year so I will be the professional softball watcher! I actually find the sport rather boring unless my guys are up to bat. This could be a long season!
Not much else new around here. Oh that's not true! After I posted about my favorite things, I was informed that Bath and Body works does indeed deliver to Canada now. So.... I placed an order and received it on Monday! OH YES!!! I am now basking the the scents of my beloved Tahiti Sweetie body lotion! Life is good!
And I have to note that I have not blogged about how much I hate winter this year. I feel pretty proud of that. But, I do hate winter and I am really sick of it. At the rate we're going, we won't see grass until May!
When this writers block goes away I will come up with something exciting to post. Until then, drop me a post to let me know how you are doing! I love hearing about your lives!
Kenny is still working full time running his renovation company. He has work for another month or so and then God will have to provide! Kenny is the main breadwinner for our family so without work, we are screwed big time. However, like I've written about in the past, God has always been so faithful to us and He has reminded me He is not bound by our earthly economic system. So, I have stopped watching the news about the crashing markets, the unemployment rates and the demise of the construction trade. I just continue to remember that the God who has done miracles in our life over the past 10 years is the same God now as He has always been. How cool is that!
I am still busy with my cleaning business. I have had one client cancel due to her husband losing his job, but I continue to make up for that in extra jobs here and there so it's been good. I have decided that I need monthly massage treatments for my aching joints. Cleaning is HARD WORK!!! But I love the hours and the pay. And I just love that I am always around for my kids. After all, my career is raising children, and my side job is cleaning!
The boys are just finishing up with music lessons. Brayden is learning drums. He has gotten so good. I don't know how he thinks about 3 different beats at once but his mind can totally do it. One of these days I'll figure out how to post a video of him drumming! Ethan is learning guitar and is so excited that he can now play songs. His tiny fingers have no problem switching chords and he loves being able to sing along with what he's playing. They will both be taking swimming lessons in April and then the hope is to sign them up for softball this spring. Ethan has never played softball and Brayden hasn't played since he was really little so it should be fun. Kenny is also playing softball again this year so I will be the professional softball watcher! I actually find the sport rather boring unless my guys are up to bat. This could be a long season!
Not much else new around here. Oh that's not true! After I posted about my favorite things, I was informed that Bath and Body works does indeed deliver to Canada now. So.... I placed an order and received it on Monday! OH YES!!! I am now basking the the scents of my beloved Tahiti Sweetie body lotion! Life is good!
And I have to note that I have not blogged about how much I hate winter this year. I feel pretty proud of that. But, I do hate winter and I am really sick of it. At the rate we're going, we won't see grass until May!
When this writers block goes away I will come up with something exciting to post. Until then, drop me a post to let me know how you are doing! I love hearing about your lives!
Monday, February 16, 2009
My Favorite Things
There is a little known fact about me that many of you may not know about me. My parents and my husband know this very well, but now I will share it with the whole world: I tend to be a person who knows EXACTLY what I want and nothing else will do. Not really my favorite trait as I realize it probably makes me hard to live with at times and frankly, I find it hard to live with too. Nothing worse than wanting an Ultimate Cheeseburger from Jack In The Box when the nearest Jack In The Box is in another COUNTRY!! HELLO!
I have recently discovered a bit more about this particular thing about myself. Not only do I know exactly what I want, but when I like something, I REEEEEEEEALLY like it. When I find a good thing, I become it's BIGGEST fan. Some call me passionate. I think it's just plain old obsessive/compulsive. But whatever you call it, I definitely have some favorite things. And seeing as how this revelation about myself is fairly new, I thought my blog was the perfect place to reveal this new discovery. Let me share with you some of my favorite things!
Ted Dekker Novels
I picked up one of his books by chance back when he was a newbie author. And since then I have picked up every single one. I absolutely adore his writing. I'm not into romance, but rather suspense, thriller type books. He is the most complex, intense and suspensful writer I have ever experienced. And when I read his books I am oblivious to the world around me. I have been known to secretly stalk his website to find out when the next book will come out (April by the way) and I have even entered the Ted Dekker Chat rooms to hear other reader's thoughts on his books. I think Black is my favorite of his and Showdown was my least favorite (just too creepy for me) but I have loved every single one! If you have never read one of his books, I own every single one so come on over and borrow a few! They are so worth the read!
Bath and Body Works
I stumbled upon this store while in San Diego 4 years ago. It was a skincare paradise. I walked in a could here the angels singing and I'm pretty sure there was a heavenly glow around every product. Since then, I have stocked up each and every time I am in the States. I also send my orders with family and friends who go down south and even fill other people's orders when I am down there. I usually drop around $100 at this store at one time (that is all soaps and lotions, people!) and end up having the world's heaviest baggage coming home! My favorite scent is Tahiti Sweetie body lotion and I just love the antibacterial hand soaps as well. I am currently in desperate need of a stock up and no plans to go south in the next few months. This could get ugly!
Method Cleaning Products
This is my newest obsession. I started investigating all natural cleaning products when I decided to start a house cleaning business. I am fully aware that using chemical filled products in our homes is very damaging to our health. The chemicals in these store bought products stay on our surfaces and in our air for weeks or months at a time. So I decided I wanted to clean with natural products for my own health and safety. I found this company, Method, and fell in love instantly. Too bad they don't have a wholesale product for me to buy... so I had to go with another company. But I do buy Method products for my own home including the yummy mint scented glass cleaner and the really cool moist dryer sheets. Their website is so fantastic and I'm really hoping by the time I need to re-order products for my business they will have large quantities for sale! Method products are sold in Safeway, Pharmasave, Shopper's Drug Mart, and apparently Costco although I never get a chance to go there so I can't verify that.
Hemp Hearts
No, I have not gotten into illegal drugs. But I have gotten into my health! Hemp hearts are tiny little seeds that are super healthy! In fact, hemp hearts are the most concentrated source of essential nutrients known! They are filled with amino acids, protein, omega 3,6,9, and lots of fibre. They keep your tummy full and give you more energy than an energy bar. I sprinkle them on my cereal in the morning or put them in my sandwich at lunch. They are really small and taste like eating a seed or nut.
Godiva Chocolates
I have already shared my passion for good chocolate with you in the past. I do get a little obsessive about fine chocolates! I discovered Godiva while in New York City with my friend last year. I restocked while in Texas a year ago, and then sent an order with my sister when she hit Las Vegas last spring. I am desperate for more! My absolute favorite collection of chocolates is their Mousse Collection. Oh man!
Tempurpedic
When Kenny worked at Ashley Furniture, we got a great deal on furniture. So we took that opportunity to buy ourselves a mattress that was slightly better than the piece of crap mattress we bought at United Furniture Warehouse in our first week of marriage! Kenny knew everything about all the mattresses they sold and he thought the tempur would be the way to go. It's this amazing mattress with memory foam. When you lay on it there are no pressure points and yet its completely supportive! It took us a week to get used to it. In fact, at first we thought we'd have to return it because it was so different to sleep on. But once we got used to it, we loved it! It's been several years now since we bought it and we still lay in bed and talk about how much we love our mattress! And when we are away from home we always look at each other and say, "Mmmmmm, imagine being on the Tempur right now. Wouldn't that be so nice?"
I could go on and on because I have a rather extensive list of favorite things. I won't even get into things like the Food Network, Caribbean Cruises, or hoodies from American Eagle. But I do feel that this blog has given me a forum to voice my obsessions and share my compulsions. Leave me a post and tell me yours... maybe they will also become mine!
I have recently discovered a bit more about this particular thing about myself. Not only do I know exactly what I want, but when I like something, I REEEEEEEEALLY like it. When I find a good thing, I become it's BIGGEST fan. Some call me passionate. I think it's just plain old obsessive/compulsive. But whatever you call it, I definitely have some favorite things. And seeing as how this revelation about myself is fairly new, I thought my blog was the perfect place to reveal this new discovery. Let me share with you some of my favorite things!
Ted Dekker Novels
I picked up one of his books by chance back when he was a newbie author. And since then I have picked up every single one. I absolutely adore his writing. I'm not into romance, but rather suspense, thriller type books. He is the most complex, intense and suspensful writer I have ever experienced. And when I read his books I am oblivious to the world around me. I have been known to secretly stalk his website to find out when the next book will come out (April by the way) and I have even entered the Ted Dekker Chat rooms to hear other reader's thoughts on his books. I think Black is my favorite of his and Showdown was my least favorite (just too creepy for me) but I have loved every single one! If you have never read one of his books, I own every single one so come on over and borrow a few! They are so worth the read!
Bath and Body Works
I stumbled upon this store while in San Diego 4 years ago. It was a skincare paradise. I walked in a could here the angels singing and I'm pretty sure there was a heavenly glow around every product. Since then, I have stocked up each and every time I am in the States. I also send my orders with family and friends who go down south and even fill other people's orders when I am down there. I usually drop around $100 at this store at one time (that is all soaps and lotions, people!) and end up having the world's heaviest baggage coming home! My favorite scent is Tahiti Sweetie body lotion and I just love the antibacterial hand soaps as well. I am currently in desperate need of a stock up and no plans to go south in the next few months. This could get ugly!
Method Cleaning Products
This is my newest obsession. I started investigating all natural cleaning products when I decided to start a house cleaning business. I am fully aware that using chemical filled products in our homes is very damaging to our health. The chemicals in these store bought products stay on our surfaces and in our air for weeks or months at a time. So I decided I wanted to clean with natural products for my own health and safety. I found this company, Method, and fell in love instantly. Too bad they don't have a wholesale product for me to buy... so I had to go with another company. But I do buy Method products for my own home including the yummy mint scented glass cleaner and the really cool moist dryer sheets. Their website is so fantastic and I'm really hoping by the time I need to re-order products for my business they will have large quantities for sale! Method products are sold in Safeway, Pharmasave, Shopper's Drug Mart, and apparently Costco although I never get a chance to go there so I can't verify that.
Hemp Hearts
No, I have not gotten into illegal drugs. But I have gotten into my health! Hemp hearts are tiny little seeds that are super healthy! In fact, hemp hearts are the most concentrated source of essential nutrients known! They are filled with amino acids, protein, omega 3,6,9, and lots of fibre. They keep your tummy full and give you more energy than an energy bar. I sprinkle them on my cereal in the morning or put them in my sandwich at lunch. They are really small and taste like eating a seed or nut.
Godiva Chocolates
I have already shared my passion for good chocolate with you in the past. I do get a little obsessive about fine chocolates! I discovered Godiva while in New York City with my friend last year. I restocked while in Texas a year ago, and then sent an order with my sister when she hit Las Vegas last spring. I am desperate for more! My absolute favorite collection of chocolates is their Mousse Collection. Oh man!
Tempurpedic
When Kenny worked at Ashley Furniture, we got a great deal on furniture. So we took that opportunity to buy ourselves a mattress that was slightly better than the piece of crap mattress we bought at United Furniture Warehouse in our first week of marriage! Kenny knew everything about all the mattresses they sold and he thought the tempur would be the way to go. It's this amazing mattress with memory foam. When you lay on it there are no pressure points and yet its completely supportive! It took us a week to get used to it. In fact, at first we thought we'd have to return it because it was so different to sleep on. But once we got used to it, we loved it! It's been several years now since we bought it and we still lay in bed and talk about how much we love our mattress! And when we are away from home we always look at each other and say, "Mmmmmm, imagine being on the Tempur right now. Wouldn't that be so nice?"
I could go on and on because I have a rather extensive list of favorite things. I won't even get into things like the Food Network, Caribbean Cruises, or hoodies from American Eagle. But I do feel that this blog has given me a forum to voice my obsessions and share my compulsions. Leave me a post and tell me yours... maybe they will also become mine!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Techno Hubbies
*WARNING* This post may result in marital issues, the release of bitter feelings, and hundreds of dollars of counseling.
I have come to realize something: My husband is distracted. No, he is not looking at other women. No, he is not at the golf course every day. No, he is not shining a brand new car.
My husband has a problem. Oh, he doesn't actually know he has a problem. In fact, the problem is that he thinks the problem is nothing but a non-problem. The men who are reading this are now totally confused. The women who are reading this are thinking, "ok, I'm with you, please carry on."
I should have seen the problem as the serious problem that it was in our first months of marriage. But no, I was blinded my newlywed-hood. I was in complete denial. But it started then. I began to notice that my new husband stayed up every night til almost midnight watching sports highlights and re-runs of M*A*S*H. I remember commenting rather casually, "I had no idea you liked sports so much... and haven't you already seen these M*A*S*H episodes?" The questions were mostly ignored and the marriage carried on.
It is now almost 12 years later. I should have nipped it in the bud way back when. Now I realize it is too late. It's not just sports highlights and re-runs anymore. If only it was that simple. Now it is sports, x-box, ipod touch, facebook, hockey pool, tribal wars (a game on the internet), and texting. The men who are reading this are still wondering what I am referring to. The women who are reading this are already 3 steps ahead of me yelling, "AMEN SISTER! I KNOW WHERE THIS IS GOING AND I'M WITH YOU!!"
Let me clarify. My husband has a condition called techo-distractia (I made that up). He is completely and utterly consumed with all things techno in our house. First thing in the morning it is the computer, then the sports highlights on tv, then a game or two on his ipod touch, then a text message to the guys he is working with, then out the door. Oh, goodbye honey. Nice to see you. Not sure if you noticed the 3 of us family members sitting at the table. Not sure if you heard the child screaming, the dog begging to go outside, the milk spilling or the wife (that is me) running around trying to do all things all at once.
Then he comes home at the end of the day. The kids have no clue he is home because he goes straight to the computer. I call for supper and the kids ask, "Aren't we going to wait for Daddy to get home before we eat?" I tell them that he's been home for an hour. They have no clue where he is.
After supper it's straight to the tv for the news and WHILE the news is going on, he is also playing a game on his ipod touch. I'm doing dishes, helping the kids with homework and trying to talk to him. No respose.
It's not that he's a jerk. He's actually the nicest guy in the world. He's not ignoring me. He simply has NO CLUE that there are people around him living lives. Heck, he doesn't know he is on planet earth for that matter. He is just a man consumed with the technology at his fingertips. Our home is a techno paradise! And he is feasting on it's bounty.
Bed time comes and he's on the computer. I whine about that so he eventually saunters to the bed. I put my book down hoping to chat a bit. I start talking but alas, I am faced with utter silence (which I have now termed "techno-silence"). Is he mad at me for asking him to come to bed? Is he praying, sleeping? No, he is on his ipod.
Many of you women out there can fully relate. It's like he's home, but not home. It's like you're together and yet you are totally alone. It's like you are annoyed and he has no foggy clue! A friend of mine who shall remain nameless told me a story. Her husband had just arrived home from a week long trip away. She got the kids in bed and couldn't wait to sit with him and hear all about his week. But she would spend that evening alone as he spent hours talking to other people on SKYPE. She kept waiting. He had no clue she was waiting. She figured that soon he would turn it off and talk to the real, live person sitting right beside him. Alas, she finally gave up. As she walked to the bedroom she said, "I'm going to bed." Not in the friendly, happy go lucky way. No. In the "I'm a pissed off wife and you better notice that" kind of way. He stopped what he was doing, looked at her and replied, "Oh really? Ok. Goodnight honey!"
Another friend of mine and I were discussing this issue in front of our husbands the other day. We were both commenting that if the men would come to bed, it might actually be worth it for them, if you know what I mean. Her husbands response was this: "Why would I come to bed? She know where the computer is... if she wants it she should just come and get me."
Is the techno-neglected wife inside of you steaming right now?
By the way, my husband is fully aware of this problem. I have talked to him openly about his disease... you know, techno-distractia. He is trying to fight it and frankly, some days are better than others. I have come to the conclusion that this is a life-long disease. Maintinance and pain relief is what we're going for now that I know that a cure is no where to be found. The closest thing to a cure that I have found is the offers to "put out". Although it is only a temporary fix, the results are immediate. But let's face it, there is no way he's going to get lucky that often!
Ladies, I think we need to start a support group! We are not alone in this battle and it's time for us to unite!! Better yet, leave your comments and tell me your techno-neglected wife stories!
I have come to realize something: My husband is distracted. No, he is not looking at other women. No, he is not at the golf course every day. No, he is not shining a brand new car.
My husband has a problem. Oh, he doesn't actually know he has a problem. In fact, the problem is that he thinks the problem is nothing but a non-problem. The men who are reading this are now totally confused. The women who are reading this are thinking, "ok, I'm with you, please carry on."
I should have seen the problem as the serious problem that it was in our first months of marriage. But no, I was blinded my newlywed-hood. I was in complete denial. But it started then. I began to notice that my new husband stayed up every night til almost midnight watching sports highlights and re-runs of M*A*S*H. I remember commenting rather casually, "I had no idea you liked sports so much... and haven't you already seen these M*A*S*H episodes?" The questions were mostly ignored and the marriage carried on.
It is now almost 12 years later. I should have nipped it in the bud way back when. Now I realize it is too late. It's not just sports highlights and re-runs anymore. If only it was that simple. Now it is sports, x-box, ipod touch, facebook, hockey pool, tribal wars (a game on the internet), and texting. The men who are reading this are still wondering what I am referring to. The women who are reading this are already 3 steps ahead of me yelling, "AMEN SISTER! I KNOW WHERE THIS IS GOING AND I'M WITH YOU!!"
Let me clarify. My husband has a condition called techo-distractia (I made that up). He is completely and utterly consumed with all things techno in our house. First thing in the morning it is the computer, then the sports highlights on tv, then a game or two on his ipod touch, then a text message to the guys he is working with, then out the door. Oh, goodbye honey. Nice to see you. Not sure if you noticed the 3 of us family members sitting at the table. Not sure if you heard the child screaming, the dog begging to go outside, the milk spilling or the wife (that is me) running around trying to do all things all at once.
Then he comes home at the end of the day. The kids have no clue he is home because he goes straight to the computer. I call for supper and the kids ask, "Aren't we going to wait for Daddy to get home before we eat?" I tell them that he's been home for an hour. They have no clue where he is.
After supper it's straight to the tv for the news and WHILE the news is going on, he is also playing a game on his ipod touch. I'm doing dishes, helping the kids with homework and trying to talk to him. No respose.
It's not that he's a jerk. He's actually the nicest guy in the world. He's not ignoring me. He simply has NO CLUE that there are people around him living lives. Heck, he doesn't know he is on planet earth for that matter. He is just a man consumed with the technology at his fingertips. Our home is a techno paradise! And he is feasting on it's bounty.
Bed time comes and he's on the computer. I whine about that so he eventually saunters to the bed. I put my book down hoping to chat a bit. I start talking but alas, I am faced with utter silence (which I have now termed "techno-silence"). Is he mad at me for asking him to come to bed? Is he praying, sleeping? No, he is on his ipod.
Many of you women out there can fully relate. It's like he's home, but not home. It's like you're together and yet you are totally alone. It's like you are annoyed and he has no foggy clue! A friend of mine who shall remain nameless told me a story. Her husband had just arrived home from a week long trip away. She got the kids in bed and couldn't wait to sit with him and hear all about his week. But she would spend that evening alone as he spent hours talking to other people on SKYPE. She kept waiting. He had no clue she was waiting. She figured that soon he would turn it off and talk to the real, live person sitting right beside him. Alas, she finally gave up. As she walked to the bedroom she said, "I'm going to bed." Not in the friendly, happy go lucky way. No. In the "I'm a pissed off wife and you better notice that" kind of way. He stopped what he was doing, looked at her and replied, "Oh really? Ok. Goodnight honey!"
Another friend of mine and I were discussing this issue in front of our husbands the other day. We were both commenting that if the men would come to bed, it might actually be worth it for them, if you know what I mean. Her husbands response was this: "Why would I come to bed? She know where the computer is... if she wants it she should just come and get me."
Is the techno-neglected wife inside of you steaming right now?
By the way, my husband is fully aware of this problem. I have talked to him openly about his disease... you know, techno-distractia. He is trying to fight it and frankly, some days are better than others. I have come to the conclusion that this is a life-long disease. Maintinance and pain relief is what we're going for now that I know that a cure is no where to be found. The closest thing to a cure that I have found is the offers to "put out". Although it is only a temporary fix, the results are immediate. But let's face it, there is no way he's going to get lucky that often!
Ladies, I think we need to start a support group! We are not alone in this battle and it's time for us to unite!! Better yet, leave your comments and tell me your techno-neglected wife stories!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Reliving the 80's!
Oh man, this has been a very exciting 24 hours! I have re-connected with my teenage self. No joke! Let me explain...
For Christmas, Kenny used his money to buy an ipod Touch. I thought it was just a regular ipod with a screen. Nope. It's basically an iphone without the phone. He can get internet, e-mail, watch movies, etc on this thing. And of course, he can log in to itunes. That is a critical part of this story.
So last night I was annoyed because we were laying in bed and as I was trying to talk to him he was playing poker on his ipod touch. ARGGGG! I will write another post on how ANNOYING it is to have a husband who can't pull himself away from ipods, computers, tv's, video games, etc.
Anyway, after I let him know how brutal it was that he was not listening to me he decided the best thing to do in that moment was to defend his precious ipod. So he began to show me how wonderful it was. He took me to itunes (this is all happening in our bed) and started playing 80's music. Now I was interested. For those of you who don't know, I am a huge music buff and in my teen years (yes, I was a teenager in the 80's thank you very much) music ran my life. I loved it! Kenny started with some lame stuff that I wasn't really into. But before long I got a hold of that thing and we were listening to pure 80's brilliance...
Glory of Love - Peter Cetera
Heaven - Bryan Adams
Never Surrender - Corey Hart
Never Tear us Apart - INXS
You're the Inspiration - Chicago
HONESTLY PEOPLE... Can I hear an AMEN out there somewhere! This is CLASSIC 80's ballad material right here! I'm sure if someone were to listen to us outside of the confines of our bedroom they would have wondered...
"Oh, oh, oh, do you remember this one?"
"Here, give it to me, let me try to find something"
"Ok, guess what this is?"
"Ahhhhhh, ohhhhhh" (in unison)
Before long we were singing our hearts out to Phil Collins, Roxette, and Gloria Estevan and pretending to hold up lighters while gently swaying from side to side. At one point I could have sworn that I was in my childhood friend, Elina's basement having a sleepover, instead of being a 34 year old lady with her hubby of 12 years!
We were up way too late and I managed a mere 4 hours of sleep before I had to clean a house this morning. But I was no longer the same woman I had been 24 hours earlier. No. I ran to the computer and promptly made an 80's Ballad Playlist of my very own. I cleaned like I've never cleaned before while being inspired by "When I See You Smile" by Bad English!
Now, if I could only get my hands on a copy of Breathe's "Hands to Heaven" and "How Can I Fall"!!!
For Christmas, Kenny used his money to buy an ipod Touch. I thought it was just a regular ipod with a screen. Nope. It's basically an iphone without the phone. He can get internet, e-mail, watch movies, etc on this thing. And of course, he can log in to itunes. That is a critical part of this story.
So last night I was annoyed because we were laying in bed and as I was trying to talk to him he was playing poker on his ipod touch. ARGGGG! I will write another post on how ANNOYING it is to have a husband who can't pull himself away from ipods, computers, tv's, video games, etc.
Anyway, after I let him know how brutal it was that he was not listening to me he decided the best thing to do in that moment was to defend his precious ipod. So he began to show me how wonderful it was. He took me to itunes (this is all happening in our bed) and started playing 80's music. Now I was interested. For those of you who don't know, I am a huge music buff and in my teen years (yes, I was a teenager in the 80's thank you very much) music ran my life. I loved it! Kenny started with some lame stuff that I wasn't really into. But before long I got a hold of that thing and we were listening to pure 80's brilliance...
Glory of Love - Peter Cetera
Heaven - Bryan Adams
Never Surrender - Corey Hart
Never Tear us Apart - INXS
You're the Inspiration - Chicago
HONESTLY PEOPLE... Can I hear an AMEN out there somewhere! This is CLASSIC 80's ballad material right here! I'm sure if someone were to listen to us outside of the confines of our bedroom they would have wondered...
"Oh, oh, oh, do you remember this one?"
"Here, give it to me, let me try to find something"
"Ok, guess what this is?"
"Ahhhhhh, ohhhhhh" (in unison)
Before long we were singing our hearts out to Phil Collins, Roxette, and Gloria Estevan and pretending to hold up lighters while gently swaying from side to side. At one point I could have sworn that I was in my childhood friend, Elina's basement having a sleepover, instead of being a 34 year old lady with her hubby of 12 years!
We were up way too late and I managed a mere 4 hours of sleep before I had to clean a house this morning. But I was no longer the same woman I had been 24 hours earlier. No. I ran to the computer and promptly made an 80's Ballad Playlist of my very own. I cleaned like I've never cleaned before while being inspired by "When I See You Smile" by Bad English!
Now, if I could only get my hands on a copy of Breathe's "Hands to Heaven" and "How Can I Fall"!!!
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Back from the Land of the Living Skies
Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season with friends and family. We sure did. We LOVED our time in Manitoba and it even managed to warm up to -12 for us while we were there! Our trip was awesome and the boys were such amazing travellers. I definitely love this phase of parenthood.
I could write on and on about our trip but I think I'll just highlight some of the most memorable experiences we had:
- We stopped at Banff Springs for a dip in the hot pools. Too bad it was -40 outside and I ended up with a frost bitten cheek!
- While in Banff we stopped at the famous candy store. Ethan (who might I add is a BC boy and has no concept of Prairie winters) had no clue what to do with his freezing nostrils and burning ear lobes. Most of us know that when it is that stinkin cold you just run as fast as you can from one warm place to the other. Ethan was paralyzed by the cold outside of the candy store and as we all tried to run back to the truck, he just stood there crying. Nice.
- We stopped to visit The Davidson family in Calgary and had a great time visiting while the kiddies played
- We then stopped in Regina for a fun night at a hotel. Well, it was fun until 3:00 am when Ethan fell out of bed and proceeded to cough until 4 am at which time Kenny announced, "Let's just pack up and leave!". I vetoed that plan and threatened Ethan that if he didn't stop coughing we'd have to leave. He quickly fell asleep. Kenny and I weren't so lucky. Kenny ended up in the lobby all night reading and trying to start our truck (no block heater and -40 made for an insomniac hubby). I finally fell asleep at 5 am.
- Christmas day was a gamers paradise in the Toews home. There were dozens of games being played and lots of noise. One game had us all yelling and screaming. I even ended up elbowing Kenny's sister in the nose. If you have never played "Pit" I suggest you give it a try!
- Kenny thought he could still beat up his nephews who are now 17 and 19 years old. So on Christmas day Collin and Zach attacked Kenny and threw him (barefoot) in the snow!
- While in Winnipeg a crazy lady in a parking lot smashed into our truck and dented up the driver and back door. Thanks lady.
- Kenny began experiencing excruciating pain in his... nether-regions... so into the doc he went on boxing day. Just an infection they think. But the drive home for him was not so comfy.
- I had a random sick tummy and woke up one morning at 5 am, puked, and went back to sleep only to feel totally fine the rest of the day. Whatever.
- An interesting dining experience in Swift Current. It was just so Saskatchewan. That's all I will say.
- Fun times visiting my Gramma, and the Barkman family on our way home! Still trying to picture what life will be like for Sherri once baby #6 comes along!
- A treacherous drive through the mountains in a blizzard made it a long drive home on our last day but what a treat to come home to a freshly plowed driveway. Thanks Mr. Neighbour man!
It was such a fun trip and only once did we ask ourselves "Why would we drive 22 hours straight east when 22 hours straight south would land us on the beaches of Los Angeles?"
I could write on and on about our trip but I think I'll just highlight some of the most memorable experiences we had:
- We stopped at Banff Springs for a dip in the hot pools. Too bad it was -40 outside and I ended up with a frost bitten cheek!
- While in Banff we stopped at the famous candy store. Ethan (who might I add is a BC boy and has no concept of Prairie winters) had no clue what to do with his freezing nostrils and burning ear lobes. Most of us know that when it is that stinkin cold you just run as fast as you can from one warm place to the other. Ethan was paralyzed by the cold outside of the candy store and as we all tried to run back to the truck, he just stood there crying. Nice.
- We stopped to visit The Davidson family in Calgary and had a great time visiting while the kiddies played
- We then stopped in Regina for a fun night at a hotel. Well, it was fun until 3:00 am when Ethan fell out of bed and proceeded to cough until 4 am at which time Kenny announced, "Let's just pack up and leave!". I vetoed that plan and threatened Ethan that if he didn't stop coughing we'd have to leave. He quickly fell asleep. Kenny and I weren't so lucky. Kenny ended up in the lobby all night reading and trying to start our truck (no block heater and -40 made for an insomniac hubby). I finally fell asleep at 5 am.
- Christmas day was a gamers paradise in the Toews home. There were dozens of games being played and lots of noise. One game had us all yelling and screaming. I even ended up elbowing Kenny's sister in the nose. If you have never played "Pit" I suggest you give it a try!
- Kenny thought he could still beat up his nephews who are now 17 and 19 years old. So on Christmas day Collin and Zach attacked Kenny and threw him (barefoot) in the snow!
- While in Winnipeg a crazy lady in a parking lot smashed into our truck and dented up the driver and back door. Thanks lady.
- Kenny began experiencing excruciating pain in his... nether-regions... so into the doc he went on boxing day. Just an infection they think. But the drive home for him was not so comfy.
- I had a random sick tummy and woke up one morning at 5 am, puked, and went back to sleep only to feel totally fine the rest of the day. Whatever.
- An interesting dining experience in Swift Current. It was just so Saskatchewan. That's all I will say.
- Fun times visiting my Gramma, and the Barkman family on our way home! Still trying to picture what life will be like for Sherri once baby #6 comes along!
- A treacherous drive through the mountains in a blizzard made it a long drive home on our last day but what a treat to come home to a freshly plowed driveway. Thanks Mr. Neighbour man!
It was such a fun trip and only once did we ask ourselves "Why would we drive 22 hours straight east when 22 hours straight south would land us on the beaches of Los Angeles?"
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