I’m feeling much better now! Here’s some fun with FaceInHole to start your weekend off right!
True, but it's not as much fun!
Happy Friday!
Today is fired. February 26, 2009
I think this entire week may be fired, I don’t know.
It’s a shame I can’t wallow. Okay, I can wallow a little bit, but truthfully I know what to do to get myself out of this funk.
1. Pray. Take a deep breath and pray. Talk to God, and tell Him exactly how I feel. That I don’t understand why Li’l Bit can’t go anywhere without fussing and hollering and twisting and running. That I’m seriously disappointed that I have to miss a social activity that I helped plan because I have to go to “work.” (Actually, that shouldn’t be in quotes. Childcare at church IS work. If you disagree with me, you do it.) That I’m bummed that I’m pretty much not going to see The Husband on his day off because of my needing an ultrasound and bloodwork, then him going to see the mortgage broker (without me, because of Li’l Bit’s fussing and hollering and twisting and running) and helping friends move, and then me going off to the aforementioned WORK.
God will probably remind me that it’s just one day. I will argue that I’m not guaranteed another day. He will agree and ask me why I’m worried about tomorrow in the first place then. I will say, “Touche.” Only I will pronounce it “tushy” and that will make me laugh.
2. Read. My favorite book right now is the one we’re using in a ladies’ Bible study. Pathway to Purpose for Women by Katie Brazelton, Women’s Bible Study Director at Saddleback Church. We’re only in Chapter 3, and already I’m a fan. The back cover says, “Discover God’s bold agenda for your life.” And anyone can pick up this book, right? So think about that: God has a “bold agenda” for my life. For your life. I think it would be exciting if younger-than-me women picked up this book and set out to find their purpose sooner rather than later.
3. Have sex. I can’t do that right now, as The Husband isn’t home, but I think married people poo-poo the benefits of their right to intercourse. Just look at the health benefits listed in this article on WebMD by Kathleen Doheny. According to her, sex:
- Relieves stress.
- Boosts immunity.
- Burns calories. (I heard all about that from this woman when she was on Oprah.)
- Improves cardiovascular health.
- Boosts self-esteem.
- Improves intimacy.
- Reduces pain.
- Reduces prostate cancer risk. (Okay, that one isn’t for me.)
- Strengthens pelvic floor muscles. (That helps you to not to rely on these one day.)
- Helps you sleep better.
So, no more excuses. I know what to do.
… Hey, The Husband is home early from work..
Gloom, Despair… February 24, 2009
… and agony on me.
I get down, I get blue. Sometimes I think things just plain suck. But I can’t stay like that. Why? Because there’s this impossibly chipper voice deep inside of my head saying, “You’re too blessed to be depressed!”
The most annoying thing about that voice is that she’s 100% correct. Sometimes I am able to subdue her with chocolate chip cookies (last night it was Girl Scout cookies — there is no winning against Peanut Butter Patties) and whine to a friend, my mom, or maybe even The Husband. But you know what? When I whine, I never feel better afterwards. After a good vent, yes, that clears the air. But not after whining. See those guys in the picture? Whining didn’t do them one bit of good either. Every week, there they were — all “woe is me” in their fabulous overalls. (And don’t hate on those overalls, because you know if you’re in your 30s you probably wore them at some point… and you weren’t even pregnant!)
Something I believe my dad taught me was that it is really easy to see the negative in a situation, or a person. It was always a good idea to look for the good and focus on that. I don’t remember if my dad made me do it, but I recall saying something negative about someone (if it was my dad, that probably meant it was my sister), and having to say three kind things about them.
So what kind things do I have to say about my current state of affairs?
The Pain has returned. Yep, that sucks. However…
1. We have health insurance.
2. I like all of my doctors.
3. Of the two things that could be causing the problems, neither are serious.
The Husband and I had a disagreement last night. But…
1. The idea of apologizing for my contribution to the disagreement no longer makes me cringe.
2. I now realize that as awesome as The Husband is, he is still human and will make mistakes.
3. The Husband has always realized that I am human and will make mistakes, and has loved me through them.
So things aren’t all bad. Sure, it would be great to take a Darvocet, curl into the fetal position and lay in bed all day, forcing The Husband to work from home and take care of the girls at the same time, thinking the whole time it was only fair after last night’s argument. It’s in me to do those things. But they aren’t going to make me feel better. Handling the situations – calling the doctor’s office (again) and making up with The Husband — makes more sense, right?
But I can tell you that I would’ve taken the other option before. What a waste of time and energy. Sure, sometimes you just have to have a good cry, or vent, or just take it easy in general. But getting nothing done, pouting, feeling sorry for myself? Yuck. What was I thinking?
Facing My Addiction February 20, 2009
Yesterday was rough. I was restless. I was on edge. Everything irritated me, even the sound of my own voice. Strange things were afoot, and there was a disturbance in The Force. I couldn’t put my finger on what was wrong, but I knew without a doubt that something was wrong. Somewhere.
Then… It happened. I resumed a habit that I hadn’t even realized I’d acquired. I just kind of started doing it, and suddenly, dare I say miraculously, everything changed.
My mood lightened. I could breathe easier. It felt like a weight was lifted off of my shoulders. I was even… dancing (my sister just cringed) as my iHome alarm clock shuffled through tobyMac, Journey, Matthew West, Chicago and, of course, Celtic Thunder.
My drug of choice?
Doing the laundry. And, no, that’s not a euphemism.
Unarch that eyebrow.
Only, it’s not really just laundry. It’s showing love to The Husband through housekeeping.
Eyebrow down, please.
It’s not as if housekeeping is brand new to me. I actually love to clean — but I usually enjoy cleaning other people’s homes more. Ever since I started The Love Dare, though, I realized that keeping our home in order while The Husband is working his tail off for us means so much to him.
In our home, love is never having to say, “Babe, I’m almost out of shorts.”
I used to just get by with the chores. I’d do enough so that we weren’t overwhelmed with tasks on his day off or over the weekend. Or I’d start on things and somehow they’d always have to be finished once The Husband got home. Then I started to remember what it was like when I worked outside of the home. Did I want to come home and immediately fold and put away laundry? Put away the dishes? Do anything other than sit down and relax for a few minutes, or the whole evening?
NO.
I started to manage my time a little better. I would reward myself with time online or a nap if I felt I’d accomplished enough. Then, when The Husband would come home, everything was done. Sometimes even dinner! All we had left to do was enjoy our time together as a family.
I became addicted to this way of life.
Sadly, it took me six years to get to this point, about four of them as a stay-at-home-mom.
Last week, illness ran rampant through our house. The weekend brought Valentine’s Day festivities, a Sunday filled with church, and Monday was spent celebrating my birthday. Tuesday and even part of Wednesday were spent recovering.
By Thursday afternoon I was feeling the withdrawal effects, so it was time to pick up the habit again.
No rehab for me, thanks. This is one addiction I don’t want to cure myself of.
It’s hard to say I’m sorry for it, though, because loving The Husband is a hard habit to break.
And I know you rolled your eyes at that, but I don’t even care. Of course, I’m also high. It’s either the love, or too much contact with fabric softener sheets. Could go either way, really.
And the winner is (again)… February 19, 2009
I have some business to attend to. I have to pick a new winner! I wasn’t contacted by the original winner by February 17th, so off to the Random Number Generator I must go! I’m kind of bummed for the original winner, but rules is rules, right?
I’m going to pick the new winner a little differently. I’m going to use the generator, only I’m going to take the first three numbers it gives me. I’m going to list your names, and the first of the three to comment on this post will win the t-shirt. Got that? Are you ready? I am! This shirt deserves to be worn with love and pride ASAP!
Comment #14, Kamryn:
It’s destiny — I love the very shirt you pictured in your blog (my husband rocks ladies cut).
Why does mi esposo rock? Because every day he does something to remind me why I married him at the ripe old age of 19 after only dating for 6 weeks. (No, that wasn’t a typo). We’re coming up on our seven year anniversary.
The second reason (although I know I only technically get one) is because he’s a darn good soldier in the U.S. Army. He’s volunteered to serve his country and has done so in combat three times.
Comment #3, Carrie M.:
oh my, you KNOW I don’t do this stuff, but this one I just can’t resist! I like the “He Loves Me, He Love Me a Lot” Daisy Tee, it’s just too adorable.
one reason my husband rocks….because he didn’t give up when I did and he loves me more than I ever knew
Comment #25, Amy M.:
I like the pink short sleeve ‘my husband rocks’ tee. (I actually made my own black version with white iron-on letters!)
My husband rocks because he always makes me feel beautiful, safe, secure, loved, cherished, and appreciated. He is my best friend, my hero, my inspiration, the love of my life – he’s my match!
Okay ladies, first of you to comment wins!
American Idol – I’m Confused… February 17, 2009
I don’t normally start watching until this part, but they’ve changed it.
First, they confused me with the new judge, and now they changed the way the show is going. This is what I get for not paying as much attention to EW’s website, right?
And what’s with the loved ones in “The Red Room,” I ask you? No, no, a thousand times, no! They are best seen smiling and waving from the audience, giving a thumbs up or proudly wiping away tears. Not next to Ryan Seacrest giving their opinion of the judges’ opinions. NO BRAINER! If it was good, they liked it. If the judges beat up their kid (or spouse), they disagree. Duh.
Of course, I’d love for someone to look at Ryan and say, “I agree with Simon. That was a totally karaoke performance!” That would’ve been the correct line for Jackie Thon, Brent Keith, Michael Sarver, Stephen Fowler and Tatiana Del Toro. Poor little Stevie Wright, “not hot” was all Randy could come up with, and Simon said it was terrible. I felt so bad for her, but… They were right. And Casey Carlson… Well, I think she’s watched High School Musical one too many times.
My picks from this week:
Alexis Grace.
Why? Because she was really good. And she’s adorable. And she was really good.
Danny Gokey.
He really did save the show. There were five contestants before him that barely got anything remotely close to praise from the judges. Danny Gokey gave us a reason to tune in next week! I also remembered his story, and I was kind of rooting for him.
Anoop Desai.
If Paula says that America has connected with Anoop, who am I to argue? Also, “Anoop Dawg” must continue on. I don’t think the joke is quite dead yet.
Congratulations, Your Husband Rocks! February 13, 2009
Before I announce the winner, let me just tell you that I have never been more encouraged than I was this past week – reading why you ladies said your husbands, or husbands-to-be, rocked was so inspiring! How awesome! And didn’t you just love those t-shirts? I hope some of you will take advantage of their Winter Sale while it’s going on!
So now, without further ado, the winner is (thanks to the Random Number Generator)…
Commenter #17:
ChefBliss!
She has this to say about her man:
I love the Dark Chocolate ‘My Husband Rocks’ Ladies Cut Tee. And he rocks because he is the gentlest, most caring man. On our first date we just clicked, and we knew it was meant to be, that date lasted 12 hours. By day 3 we were on our 4th date and we just looked at each other and both said “we’re getting married. This is forever, isn’t it?” as if it was always this way! I wake up every morning grateful and happy to have such a strong and wonderful love. I fall asleep each night with a smile, knowing that I am loved and cared for. The hours in between we make the most of, no matter how much time we have together on any given day. I made a list of my perfect man, and then I met him, and he is perfect for me! I couldn’t ask for anything more.
ChefBliss, please e-mail me at muchmorethanmommy(at)gmail(dot)com with your shipping information, as well as the size you would like, and From*me Tees will be sending you your t-shirt! (I guess this one, right?) CONGRATULATIONS!!
As for everyone else, thank you for being so bold as to brag about your husbands — and be sure to let him know how you feel! I still find that to be the most challenging thing for myself, to tell The Husband why I think he’s so incredible! As a matter of fact, right now he is out with both our girls, picking up Big Sister and taking them both to lunch to let me rest! And giving me time to announce the winner in doing that! Woo-hoo!
Happy Valentine’s Day! Share some love this weekend!
I’m ROCKIN’ This Giveaway! February 6, 2009
Today, I have much love. Why? Because today is MY FIRST GIVEAWAY! (You couldn’t see me, but I just stopped to do a little cabbage patch.) And this giveaway is dedicated to my husband, because he rocks. He does! He is incredible and amazing and I can’t believe he’s mine, all mine! So because he rocks, you get a Valentine from me! Awesome, huh?
I am so very honored that From*me Tees is providing one of their signature tees as a prize for this giveaway! The winner will receive one of the t-shirts you see on the left (non-fitted shown, also available in fitted and in chocolate brown) — I wish I could enter! I have two of their shirts and I still want more! What a great way to tell the world that you love your spouse!
Here’s the sad truth though — people may check the back of your shirt for the “but.” No, no, not to check out your butt! They’ll be looking for the exception to the declaration. They won’t believe that you are simply stating that your husband rocks! Isn’t that a shame?
Now, how do you win this most awesome prize? Let me tell you:
1. Head on over to From*me Tees (where their Winter Sale is going on, how convenient!) and tell me in a comment which t-shirt design you like the best! They have shirts for wives, husbands, wives and husbands to be, they have tiny tees for babies and kiddos (“Mommy Rocks!”), and they even have – are you sitting down – an Intimates section! (I’m not linking, you have to go yourself to see! And yes, you can tell me if those are your favorites!)
2. Next, you tell me ONE reason why your husband (or your wife, if I have any men reading this) ROCKS!!! Yes, you include that in the SAME comment, for everyone to see!
If you’re reading this post, the giveaway has begun! I will use the handy dandy Random Number Generator to select a winner on Friday, February 13th, after Noon. (Because Valentine’s Day is a Saturday, and I don’t typically blog on the weekends, and because something good needs to happen on Friday the 13th!) So you have until 12 p.m. EST on Friday, February 13th to check out those t-shirts and to tell me one reason why your spouse rocks! I will announce the winner here (and only here) that afternoon, then you’ll have until Tuesday, February 17th to e-mail me your contact info, and then From*me Tees will send you your shirt! Then you wear it with love and pride, baby!
Rock those comments!
And then there were 100. February 3, 2009
This is my 100th post.
My 99th post requested topics. Ask and ye shall receive. Receive, I did. Use, I won’t. At least not for now. I will come back to them, because #4 was selected by the Random Number Generator and there were several others that made for good material.
But today, I’m not much more than Mommy, I am just Mommy.
I went away for the weekend to enjoy some time with my mom and my sister and had a fan-freaking-tastic time. (One night on my trip, I got nine uninterrupted hours of sleep. It’s possible that’s the first time that has happened in five years.) I returned from my trip to a Li’l Bit that was a li’l bit under the weather. You know she’s sick, because today is the second day that she fell asleep on the way to get Big Sister, and then came home and asked to go to bed.
She didn’t sleep well last night, so I didn’t sleep well last night.
So my brain isn’t functioning, and I don’t feel like being humorous or creative or making an attempt at being intelligent.
Ooooh. It’s like last night’s episode of The Bachelor, isn’t it? Melissa’s big date turning into a night in because Ty didn’t want Jason to go out.
So our date has been changed. Instead of a fabulous hundredth post, you get a late post and a change of plans.
However, I do come bearing gifts. Or I will. If I don’t post before then, check back on Friday. It will be my first giveaway, and it’s a good one! A great one! Look, thinking about it even got me using exclamation points!
Until then, go check out some clever pictures at ManBabies.com. It’ll either make you smile or totally freak you out. Good times.
