« March 2008 | Main | May 2008 »
April 30, 2008
It's Half Past I Should Be in Bed
Oh sakes. I've gone and stayed up late again! What's the dealio? I simply cannot manage to get myself into bed at a decent hour these days. And it's not like I suddenly need less sleep, oh no. The kids have had to PRY me out of bed to make them breakfast the last few days. And I'll admit, they've been less than stellar breakfasts. I can only feed my children Pop-tarts and Nutragrain bars so many days in a row. Seriously. Child services is gonna come knocking soon if I don't get some oatmeal and scrambled eggs and toast on the table soon! (You think I'm kidding, but they don't joke in Pineville. I could be in some big trouble if we don't eat a balanced breakfast, like FAST.)
Okay, I feel a little better. Confession is good for the soul. Tomorrow morning, my kids will have freshly squeezed oj, dadgummit. (Okay, maybe not freshly squeezed. But I promise it won't be orange kool-aid. No warrants out for my arrest. Yet.)
Fortunately, (especially for my kids who like to eat breakfast), I'm getting over the first craze of being in business. I'm working out the kinks, and hopefully will move it more to the background of my life. I don't want (nor can I allow) it to be the primary function of my day. It is gratifying work, though. I know this sounds crazy, but when I sew a hem, and iron it-- when I look at the construction, knowing that I have rendered this thing with my own labor, and that my efforts will be enjoyed by someone else and bring profit to my family... oh the satisfaction! It is a big boost in my day. But, I don't want to neglect the other areas of my life, so I have to consciously set it aside and tend to other things. I'm still sorta learning how to do that, how to balance it all.
I read a really good post over at Femina the other day about creating things. It was a timely read for me in relationship to my recent endeavours. Here's a lovely paragraph from Nancy, who is talking about why we are drawn to craft objects:
"My theory is that God puts wisdom in our hearts and it comes out our hands. And when it does, we make stuff! And not only does this stuff glorify God when it is offered to Him, it gives us a soul satisfaction that is healthy and invigorating. We are imitating our Creator when we make things, and that image of God which is stamped on our soul shines a little brighter."
I love that.
I love that it's okay to indulge in making things beautiful, and making beautiful things. Not only is it okay, I believe it is a sign of something healthy and good happening inside us. I think it might be very hard to create beautiful things when your soul hurts. I know I feel unispired and uninterested in those things when I am in a dark place. Or, at least, the things born of those darker days are dark in themselves, and are weighted down in some way.
I think for the crafty person, if you look at what your hands have produced, it might give a measure of the state of your heart. Of course, I don't mean that your level of talent or particular taste equals a good spiritual condition. ('Cause that would be stoopid.) And I'm certainly not saying if you don't bake or sew or scrapbook that you're in questionable territory. It's more about what activities your hands are engaged in. What good have they wrought lately, in whatever form? Is the product of your labor a beautiful thing, whatever that may be? For me, I know that the best writing, cooking, sewing, whatever, comes when I am spiritually nourished. I think there is a definite connection there. What we harbor inside us will bear fruit whether we want it to or not. So, maybe looking over that fruit isn't such a bad idea, ya know?
Well, I didn't mean to go off on that quite so much, but I guess that's what happens when you're sleep deprived and in denial! I must hie myself to bed. I have to get up early to go milk the cows and feed the chickens.
Sweet dreams, butter beans. See you in the bright and early.
Posted by WonderGirl at 1:15 AM | Comments (1)
April 28, 2008
In Their Sunday Clothes
These pictures make my heart squeeze!
Czarina: (I suspect this pose has been perfected in front of the mirror)
HeroBoy: (up to mischief with his new summer buzz)
The Duke: (I'm just glad he's not falling off the porch!)
Chipmunk: (in some awesome seersucker pants)
And another of Chipmunk head on, 'cause he's so darn cute:
Posted by WonderGirl at 1:38 AM | Comments (7)
April 25, 2008
This Is Telling of My Life
Last night, I dreamed I held a conference at the library, explaining the ins and outs of the Grocery Game. After I was done, I did some Q&A, and then I handed out business cards so that I could get referrel credit. I remember tallying up how many free weeks I would get if everybody there signed up.
And that was the end of my dream.
This is sad, people. Sad, sad, sad.
This may even register as a Boring Emergency. Quick, somebody take me bungee jumping before I bore myself to death!
Posted by WonderGirl at 2:01 PM | Comments (2)
Let's All Agree Not to Use the Word "Convo"
Because it's stupid.
Anyway, I chuckled over these famous "convoes" I snagged from somebody else's blog. (Um, A. Harner's I think.) Enjoy.
Posted by WonderGirl at 12:29 PM | Comments (1)
The Christian Smell
So, in an effort to further my edumacation, I am reading Henry Fielding's novel, The History of Tom Jones: A Foundling. It's one of the first pieces of literature to fall into the "novel" category, written in 1749. I think our library had the original, judging from the musty smell and amounts of clear tape holding it together. (oh, be nice, WonderGirl!)
Anyhoo, I LOVE it. Granted, it's one of those books you have to work over a little bit. The language is familiar, but the arrangement of words and sentences is distinctly different from current fiction. I think nowadays we value efficient prose, we're very direct, cutting away the excess in our communication. But not Fielding. He is a generous writer. (Maybe there were no editors back then?) It is a hearty fare, and I am unaccustomed to such a rich meal. It's no quick swallow!
But OH, it's worth it! It is so satisfying! And FUNNY! I have laughed out loud several times so far, and I'm only a few chapters in. I have heard Tom Jones described as a bawdy, comic adventure, but I figure, it can't be all that naughty since it was written in an age of decorum- high, stiff laced collars and tight powdered wigs. People had to behave back then or "off with their head!", right? I confess though, that the varied covers for this book show old Tom chasing the ladies with great fervor. We'll see. I sure hope I haven't accidentally gone into the back room of the library! (Maybe the beaded curtain should have sent up a red flag or two.)
My favorite passage so far comes from the (overly) pious housekeeper, upon learning about an abandoned infant in her master's home. She's been going on (and on, and on!) about strumpets and wickedness and generally expressing her contempt for the orphaned infant.
"It goes against me to touch these misbegotten wretches, whom I don't look upon as my fellow creatures. Faugh, how it stinks! It doth not smell like a Christian!"
Haha!
Fielding has a talent for using dialogue to let you know as much as you need to about a character. He is also good at sneaking in a really profound thought in the midst of an outrageous and hilarious situation! Ya gotta love that.
Anyway, I'm reading in spurts, no more than 30 minutes at a time, or my attention drops. I have to take small bites, so that I can savor and digest it completelly. Which works for the current state of my life, as I have no more than half an hour to commit to any singular activity! Including blogging, so I must bid you adieu for now.
Have a good weekend, everybody!
Posted by WonderGirl at 12:04 PM | Comments (0)
Spiffing Up
I'm going to bed y'all. I'm pooped. But before I go, let me encourage you to check out my new banner over at Etsy. Doesn't King Pen rock?
Nothing like a little PDA- a public display of appreciation- to show my wifely gratitude. Thanks, babe!
Posted by WonderGirl at 12:36 AM | Comments (2)
April 24, 2008
BohoBaby
Guys, you're gonna laugh, but I did manage to get ONE item up on my Etsy store. Now that I've done it once, I can use the format to put up additional slings tomorrow. Check it out if you have a minute, and let me know what you think. Input is welcome, even if it's to point out a typo or such. I know it's not much, and this is not really my launching announcement, just a timid hello. Baby steps, right? Here's the link, or you can click the nifty little widget in my sidebar under Day Job.
Posted by WonderGirl at 12:21 AM | Comments (6)
April 23, 2008
It Smells Grassy
I love the smell of cut grass. It makes me hungry for nature. As in, I'd like to take an actual bite. But I don't. Because I value the freedom and movement afforded to people who are assumed to be sane. Maybe I could cloak it under Green Week, though, and everybody would think I'm just super eco-friendly.
Okay, let me chase a tangent here. Why am I so annoyed with Green Week? It's not like I don't love the earth. I do. I want to take care of it, be a good steward of it. But I am SO SICK of celebs tooting their green little horns. And companies using it as a marketing tool! If I hear one more word about how I should buy Sun Chips from Wal-Mart so I can help light up a trillion houses for one hour, things are gonna get ugly. Quit telling me to consume, and dangling the bait of self congratulations to get me to do it! It's blackmail! Here, do this, so you can assuage your guilt for killing the earth, you terrestrial scourge. And if you don't buy such and such Organic Product, you are apathetic and irresponsible, and you are the reason our children have no future. Or at least, according to the major t.v. networks, who seem to be the driving forces behind Living A Green Life. Why, if I didn't have cable, I'd never think to care about the planet! Thank goodness for the media!
Don't get me wrong. I really, truly, think we should reduce, reuse, and recycle. If I learned nothing from Bob the Builder, it was that. But there is something about the presentation lately that is rubbing me the wrong way. I just wanna say, quit hassling me already! Guilt trips, and those who profit from them, really hack me off.
*ahem
Well. Sorry 'bout that. Didn't mean to get so worked up.
I'm feeling a wild hair today. Maybe it's the liberation of shorts and flipflops? I dunno.
Well, the crew is calling for lunch, so I better skeedaddle. We're having recycled dinner. (I used to call that "leftovers", btw. But that's not green enough anymore.)
(oh, I sound bitter today, don't I? I'm really not, though.)
Posted by WonderGirl at 12:40 PM | Comments (5)
April 22, 2008
Yupdates
Because I know you like to be in the know.
Homeschooling: Still chugging along. I have been using A Beka, 2nd grade for Czarina, and PreK for HeroBoy. But, I'm bored. The math format is not great. I get what they're trying to do- make it interesting by covering several different topics on one worksheet- measuring, time-telling, money, etc. But it ends up being too scattered. I'd rather take one point, teach it well and make sure she really gets it, then move on! So, I've ditched the math curriculum for the time being, and I am working from a standardized 2nd grade math test. Using that as my guideline, I'm systematically going through each part, making sure she knows how to do it all. I won't let her forget what she's already learned, but I think this "unit study" method is working better. Since she's ahead on reading, we're moving on to grammar, learning about nouns and such. It just makes more sense this way. HeroBoy is still in the game, but well, his heads not in it. He's in the outfield, looking at bugs and clouds. I think next year, he'll be more into it, so I'm not stressing too much.
BohoBaby: I'm trying y'all, I really am. But it just cannot retain it's priority status for very long these days! I want it to! But something always pushes it down the list. Kids getting sick, a holiday, etc. There's pretty much nothing specific holding me back, but just life in general. So I've just got to figure out how to get it back on track.
Grocery Game: I'm saving tons. My average weekly spending is $75, which is half of what I was spending preGG. Besides spending less, I also HAVE MORE! That just blows my mind. I have a wonderful stockpile of stuff. I like to just open the cupboard and stare sometimes. Besides our improved financial and pantry state, it's also mentally satisfying. I am thrilled by my wily coupon wielding. It's like working a jigsaw puzzle, or solving a math problem. (which, I realize may not sound fun to anybody but me.) And I've learned a lot about how much things should cost, which is important, too. And have I mentioned my filing system? Oh, it's gorgeous. I have a 3 ring binder, with main categories and subcategories, and pages and pages of coupons in clear plastic photo pages. It's a work of art. It's alphabetical, and brand specific. It makes it really easy to find and file any coupon. I wuv it, and I'm gonna marry it.
Church: We've missed several Sundays now because of sickness or traveling, so this is slow-going, also. We've been hitting the Episcopal church a good bit, but I'm not settled yet. I keep hoping a good Presbyterian CREC church is just gonna fall out of the sky on our heads, but that's not likely, eh? Wah. We really need to get this part of our life sorted out, because things still feel off-kilter, like we're living among boxes. There's no permanence yet to living here, and I NEED SOME FRIENDS!!! It's sad that I look forward to smalltalk with the Walgreens cashier each week, because SHE'S THE ONLY WOMAN I SPEND ANY TIME WITH. Sorry, didn't meant to yell. I'm just lonesome.
Okay, that's a brief rundown of things behind the scenes of the Sift. I know, fascinating! You didn't know my life was that spectacularly exciting, did you? You should try living it. It's almost too much!
Posted by WonderGirl at 11:45 AM
Life Lost to Alcohol?
Great post today over at Know Tea about alcohol and the Christian. Couldn't have said it better myself!
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:43 AM
April 21, 2008
Matters of Meat
Okay, I'm trying to love this veggie soup I'm eating for lunch, but it is NOT HAPPENING. It's gross! Blech! Maybe that's the key to weight loss. If it's gross, you'll eat only enough to stave off the hunger pains. Not that I'm trying to lose weight, exactly. Just avoiding the burgers and fries in anticipation of Ye Old Swimsuit Season. Blasted bikinis.
Speaking of eating and all that, I've been tossing around the idea of another experiment. Remember the No Shampoo thing? Good times. (I am washing my hair now, by the way.) Anyway, I'm thinking of a Meatless Month. Not because I have a moral dilemna about eating animals, no sirree. I'm a card-carrying carnivore, and I won't apologize for it. I'm just curious, really, about how living vegetarian would affect my mental and physical state. (And, yeah, blog material. I won't lie.) Maybe I would like veggie soup more by the end, too.
Calm down, King Pen. Put the divorce papers away. You still get your cows and pigs and chickens. I won't subject my family to a life without meat. (Which may be a contributing factor to the strained mental challenge. Cooking, but not eating? Yikes!)
Anyway, this idea scares me more than the no shampoo thing. It would be a REAL test of willpower to get through! I lika da meata.
Would I not get animal products, either? I don't know if I could go a month without cheese. That's just inhumane.
Okay, I'm gonna think on this one. Anybody want to do it with me? You know what they say... misery loves company.
Posted by WonderGirl at 1:29 PM
Morning!
Well, I'm up, gulping down the coffee, ready for a brand new, sick-free, fantabulous week! (As a warning, I've gulped down A LOT of coffee, and I may have issues with exclamation points in the post. I'll try to restrain myself.)
I have SO MUCH to do. The house, well, I can't even bring myself to go into detail. I'll just say, it may be less work to just move at this point! I think we may have a 5th child hidden somewhere under the mountains of laundry. And, the legos... oh my. They're multiplying faster than bunnies, and I suspect they have been strategically placed for my bare foot.
But it's not just the house, oh no. We missed a week of school, too. Gruh!
And I really wanted BohoBaby to be up today, but I don't see how I can get to it with all this other stuff!
However, this is not a freak out post. I've got my egg timer, and my plan is to go from room to room for fifteen minutes until I just drop dead. And then I'll do it again tomorrow, and hopefully, I'll have put a decent dent in this thing. THEN, I can concentrate on the extra curriculars.
I did get to go running yesterday afternoon. It was great! Haven't been in ages, and it was lovely. So if I get all my WORK done this week, then I can PLAY a little, too. WonderGirl needs to play. I could run again, sew a bit, work on a story, and start reading Tom Jones. Hey, crazier things have happened!
Whatever happens though, it's got to be better than last week, so I am pumped! (and caffeinated, but never you mind)
Okay, I guess this stuff won't do itself, so I'm off. Have a happy morning, folks!
Posted by WonderGirl at 11:16 AM
April 20, 2008
Writing in the Dark Room
People intrigue me. A woman sitting in a coffeeshop with a beautiful knit scarf wrapped around her neck, staring off into space... A man sitting at a picnic table in the park on his lunchbreak, watching children play...
What brings people to the places they are? I construct stories in my head to explain them. I give them names and histories and motion, because I can't help myself. They intersect with me for one moment, and it is in that instant that I want to know them. So I give them a circumstance that forces the genuine, I give them a moment that tears away a lifetime of facades. It is not as cruel as it sounds, sometimes the moments are very beautiful. Humanity is exposed by both our joys and our struggles. We are the most authentic, the most evocative, in those rare moments.
It's like this- almost every day of their life is a yearbook picture. They comb their hair, tilt their head, and give the same practiced smile they did yesterday. But sometimes, (and oh to even think of it thrills me), there is a candid shot. An unguarded moment of truth, when the worst and best is laid bare. There is a moment that is quintessentially them. They are unaware of our attention, or life is such that they do not care who sees their soul. It is that moment that I ache over as a writer. I am desperate to catch that moment before the poise and control returns, before they hide themselves behind frozen smiles.
I want to write in grand, sweeping flourishes- I want the space between the beginning and the end to be full and substantial, novel-worthy. But it is not. I can never seem to go beyond that one flash of inspiration. That one moment, that one scene- a life condensed and contained within a written photograph. Once it is written, I am satisfied, and I move on, knowing that tomorrow will be just another yearbook picture. I know, I've got the one that mattered, the one that tells their story.
I am, on occasion, frustrated. I am not a novelist. I am not a poet. I would not even say I fit the short-story mold. So what am I? And more importantly, what do I do with it? I have a collection of scenes, pieces of people's lives. I'm not sure how to stitch them together, or even if I should. But they matter, at least to me, and I wish there was some purpose to it all.
Would a writer's class be the answer? Am I merely stuck where plenty of others have been before?
?
Posted by WonderGirl at 11:59 AM
April 18, 2008
Pictures of Them
It's raining today, and as it sometimes does, contemplation has blown in with the heavy clouds. I think over the pictures a friend sent me of her children. She is a friend of my youth, and I see a young her in the smiles of her daughters, I am awash in memory of her own girlish merriment in her son's joyful visage.
I am glad for it, glad to see her in them. Glad to know that although we are living our lives too fast, something of her and those days is caught in their faces. The occasional pictures she sends, they are sweet and heartbreaking. They mark the way we are flying through the measured time we have here on earth. And yet, they fill me with joy and assurance, that when we are gone, something of us remains. Maybe, hopefully, the best part of us.
One day, I will die. As I move closer to that day, I feel the weight, the need, to leave a heritage my children can be proud of. I want what I leave behind to encourage them, to uplift. I want their memories of me to stir them towards goodness and holiness, to joy and peace. I pray that I leave them more than the color of my eyes, a particular mannerism or quirk... I pray that I leave them a picture of a holy life. More than my smile, I hope they carry some evidence of my heart.
It's partly why I write here. These words are letters to my children. I know I have fumbled and failed, and I try to portray those weaknesses here honestly. I hope they will find my humanity as a stepping stone, that it will encourage rather than shame them. I hope they will not be embarrassed by the public blunders I have made, and will see instead the Pursuit. I hope they see a life that moves forward, to redemption, to Christ.
It is not arrogance, it is not an attempt to immortalize my feeble wisdom, it is only hope. Hope that they will avoid treacherous paths, that my own inadequacies will warn them away, that my joys and struggles, all those lessons so hard-learned, will encourage them... long after I am gone.
I am not saddened by these thoughts. I am inspired. Leaving a memory like that, means living a LIFE like that. And that's what it's all about, isn't it?
And now, a break in the rain, a break in my thoughts. The rain can only fall so long, as briefly as the human heart can ponder it's own mortality.
To other things- to laundry- to Dr. Seuss- to rounding numbers and koolaid- patience and love and gentleness... to the Pursuit.
Posted by WonderGirl at 1:59 PM
April 17, 2008
I'm Not Complaining
much.
But last night marks a full week that we've been dealing with this sickness, and it's wearing us. The Duke woke up about midnight and his tylenol had worn off, and his fever was over 103. He was pitiful. The fever accompanying this bug is a TOUGH one. It immediately comes back in between doses, and it just ravages their little bodies. I am hoping today will be a turning point for the Duke, though. Czarina and HeroBoy have the lingering cough and congestion that seems to follow, but they are recovering. Yesterday was their first completely fever-free day. They even got to play outside for an hour, and they aren't so peakish looking anymore. Still a little weak, they get tired easily, but I can tell they're recovering.
So far Chipmunk isn't displaying any signs of it. If he doesn't get it, I'm going to be (happily, joyfully, thankfully) surprised. But before everybody got sick, we were our usual kissy-huggy-germ-sharing selves. So we'll see. I'm praying that he doesn't get it. My heart breaks when the babies get sick like that.
In other news, HeroBoy fell out of his chair this morning, and busted his chin wide open. -sigh- It's pretty bad, but I steri-stripped it, and figured that's probably all they'd do at the ER. Maybe they'd put two or three stitches in, but I think what I did will suffice. He's a boy, it's under his chin and hidden from view, and I can't bear to look at the inside of the ER twice in one week! So, Dr. Mom to the rescue. I always second guess myself later, though... I do hope it'll be okay.
Anyway, that's what's up around here. In between tending sick folks, I did manage to catch up on laundry. The rest of the house is a wreck, though. It's driving me crazy! I absolutely MUST mop my kitchen and dining room floors today, or I will perish. And I'm not being dramatic here, people. I simply cannot coexist with such sticky floors. One of us has to go. So, I'm gonna go get on that, because I love my family and want to stay in this dimension a little longer. I leave you all to keep the internet going while I'm absent. I miss you guys! I am coming back, once we get everybody well, so save my seat. Seriously. Put your jacket there or something so nobody takes it.
Mkay.
Have a good one, everybody!
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:36 AM
April 15, 2008
Free Prints
Okay, I know it's only $2.85, but still. You can order 15 free digital prints from Walgreens today only by entering the coupon "TAXDAY". Hey, that's fifteen free pics! (Thank you, Grocery Game for the tip)
Posted by WonderGirl at 1:58 PM
Prognosis: Survival
I dragged the kids to the doctor yesterday, and five hours and six prescriptions later, I think we'll live. The vile stomach virus had morphed into ear, sinus, and throat infections, believe it or not.
Everybody is happier today, me included. Now, if we can keep Chipmunk well, I'll be over the moon!
I have too much to do to blog today, but maybe I'll be caught up tomorrow. Just wanted to give an update!
Posted by WonderGirl at 11:00 AM
April 14, 2008
Round 2
Czarina and HeroBoy slowly (!!) recovering, but the Duke seems to be coming down with it now. Yar.
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:25 AM
April 13, 2008
Ah, Saturday Night ER
I think eight hours in the ER on a Saturday night is quite possibly more effective than a good old Baptist revival. Nothing like a little taste of hell to make a sinner repent! I won't regale you with tales from the ER, because I do not want to relive that horror again. I will tell you that I was honestly praying, dear Jesus, let them call our name next, please, oh please oh please oh please-- for literally, HOURS.
But, I'm glad we went, though it galls me to say it. We had been unable to get Czarina's fever down, and she was starting to get dizzy and extremely lethargic. I was worried that she was dehydrated, and I was right. So, IV fluids, some tests, a round of antibiotics, and we eventually got home some time after 4 a.m. I woke up at noon. I am happy to discover there is no permanent damage done to my mental state.
Czarina is much better today, as is HeroBoy. So far, they're the only ones who've come down with it, so here's hoping it'll stay that way!
Okay, I'm off to enjoy the day of rest. Later, gators.
Posted by WonderGirl at 3:44 PM
April 11, 2008
From The Trenches
Oh. As in, help. That's about all I can muster.
Czarina started running a high fever night before last, and HeroBoy followed yesterday. I was up all night long with HeroBoy and ye old spit-up bucket. I am literally falling asleep standing today.
They are pitiful. I can't seem to get the fevers down. But thank goodness for cartoons and gatorade.
Send reinforcements.
Posted by WonderGirl at 11:05 AM
April 10, 2008
Got Guilt?
Well, if you're me, then you do. I have an extremely overactive guilt gland. It's awful. I feel guilty about EVERY SINGLE THING. It's something I have to fight really hard, because it's not good, productive guilt. It's ugly, crippling, depressing guilt. It comes in the form of a negative inner voice that constantly berates me for what I haven't done that I shoulda, what I have done that I shouldna, and everything else in between. Since I'm a sinful creature, that list is ridiculously huge.
I don't know why I'm that way, maybe it's the product of being an oldest child and wanting to please, maybe it's just the makeup of who I am, maybe it's a particular malady that women are prone to. Whatever it is, though, it's not something only I deal with. I know plenty of people who know exactly what I'm talking about.
Posted by WonderGirl at 1:24 PM
April 9, 2008
Not So Outlandish
('scuse the pun. It's an involuntary reflex.)
I finished Outlander last night, with (surprisingly) minimal neglect of my normal life. I made a deal with myself, that if I was going to read it, I had to at least continue feeding my children. They're good kids, they deserve it. This book has a bad reputation for causing everything else to become totally irrelevent. However, everybody ate. (I'm not saying WHAT they ate, or whether dishes got washed.)
It was really, really good.
It was one of those books that you keep thinking about after you're done, remembering passages, wishing you hadn't read it so you could read it all over again. It was well written, the plot was engaging, and the characters genuine and believable. It's very similar to a story I thought about writing (and actually finished a few chapters on), but I'm embarrassed I even thought to do it after reading her skillful execution of it. She is a master storyteller.
I mentioned there was a fair bit of *ahem, but I'd like to clarify that it was tastefully done, and within the confines of marriage. I'm going to expound on that a bit, kids, so, 18+ from here on out.
Continue reading "Not So Outlandish"
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:08 AM
April 8, 2008
Killing Time
So, I have a few minutes, before the world realizes it. The kids are playing outside, the kitchen floor is drying, and Chipmunk is snoozing. A rare, unfilled pocket in the day!
*twiddling thumbs
I, uh.
Wow.
I don't even know what to do with that, anymore! I could, of course, be sewing. My self-imposed sabbatical has gone on long enough, probably. I was stressing about BohoBaby, so I took a break. I want it to be fun, and it wasn't. But I think I'm ready to jump back in. People are starting to inquire, and everything else in my life seems to be balanced again, so it seems like a good time.
Or...
I could do a few of the other extras on my To Do list. Like picking up pine cones and sticks so King Pen can mow the grass. Wouldn't that be nice of me? He wouldn't even expect it. (Unless, of course, he reads this, or you tell him, you big blabbermouth.)
Or...
I could write that letter to Amy V. I've been meaning to, so I could mail the package she's been waiting on for literally MONTHS.
Or...
I could burn my jogging mix to my mp3 player so I can be ready for a quick one this afternoon.
Or...
I could get a jumpstart on supper.
Or...
Read another chapter in The Outlanders, which is just as good as everybody says, except I'll add that there seems to be a lot of *ahem* jostling about in in the bushes, if you ken what I'm saying. (I'm not saying whether that moves it up or down on the list. Haha)
So, you see, there are lots of possibilities. Maybe I should create a poll, and let you decide. Reader interraction and all that. I'll put that on the list, "Make a poll."
-sigh-
Okay, I'm out, before the world remembers I'm over here, doing nothing. Tune in tomorrow for the exciting conclusion of "Killing Time". I'm sure you'll be sitting on the edge of your seat till then.
Posted by WonderGirl at 11:45 AM
April 7, 2008
Smooth Sailing Ahead
So, a break down was imminent. I could feel it brewing, like a hurricane, right behind my eyeballs. I've been feeling overwhelmed lately, like I'm starting out each day with a deficit. A deficit of patience, of time. My last thought going to sleep was my to do list, my first thing waking up was the same. All I could think of was all I need to do, am not doing, and the gobs of things just over the horizon waiting to be done.
Ever feel like that? That you're dropping balls all over the place, nobody's really getting all they need from you and you haven't got even a sliver left to give them? AND this is only the first leg of the race? Nothing tests your sanity quite like that.
Thank goodness for a sane husband, who could see the problem for what it really is. My boys have gotten woefully undisciplined. A combination of vacation time, grandparents, cousins around to play with, and just a little neglect on our part. Things have gotten chaotic. I have been constantly breaking up fusses, saying "no, no, NO!!!" and in general being harried and pestered and worn to a nub. This one part of the formula has been throwing off everything else in my life.
And I kept thinking, I've just got to deal. "Gotta deal" became a mantra I'd use to tell myself I could handle it. I thought the problem was my inability to cope, but that's not it at all! I AM up to the task! WHEW! I was really feeling in over my head. Luckily, my husband knows me better than I do, and he could see what was really happening.
I had accepted that this was just the way life was going to be, because I have young boys. But I shouldn't have asked that of myself, because my job as a mother is not to be a martyr to chaos. I'm not supposed to weather the bad behavior just because they are rambunctious boys. I can (and should) expect a certain peace in my house, aside from their natural energy. My husband reminded me that I know how to restore that peace, by consistent and diligent attention to the misbehavior. That I AM the captain of this boat, but I've been handing the wheel over to the mischievous deckhands.
So, it's Bootcamp week for the Trisler boys. I sat them down and explained it this morning, that we've gotten a little crazy around here, and we need to get back to normal. That if they break this rule, they can expect this reaction from me. So far, we're off to a good start. I haven't had to keelhaul anybody yet.
Being reminded that children don't just have to run wild was the kick I needed. I totally know that, but it got shuffled to the back of my mind somehow. I feel much better with a plan of action, with a loving reminder from King Pen, and a fresh, new week to sail into calmer waters.
Anyway, just an update on things 'round these parts.
Posted by WonderGirl at 2:35 PM
April 4, 2008
From the Two Year Old
"Look, Mom! I have arms!"
I'm not sure if this was because A) he had a sudden, surprising realization, B) he thinks I'm the most unobservant human-being he's ever known, or C) my child is a certifiable knucklehead.
Posted by WonderGirl at 7:12 PM
Life on the Brimberry
My husband's childhood home is an amazing place. It stands outside of time. My children play where he played, they climb the same trees, follow the same paths, swing on the same porch swing. It's hard to capture that with pictures, but I tried here to catch that wispy, dreamy feeling of the Brimberry.
Continue reading "Life on the Brimberry"
Posted by WonderGirl at 3:00 PM
Brimberry Continues
Continue reading "Brimberry Continues"
Posted by WonderGirl at 2:23 PM
Slow Go
Okay, I'm drawing a TOTAL blank today for blogging. I have stared at this blank place for ten minutes and have nothing to show for it. Aw. Guess I should move on, and hope something dawns on me later to write about.
No, I'm not pouting.
Well, maybe a little.
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:20 AM
April 3, 2008
Because Resistance Isn't Futile
I write on this blog about a lot of things, but I always seem to come back to the challenges of pursuing a holy life. A lot of what I say is formed as an encouragement, but it's not because I feel like people need to hear what I'm saying. I worry at times that I must sound preachy, when that's not what this is about at all. It's actually much more selfish than that-- it's for me. This blog has turned into a way for me to underline certain things I've learned in my life- a way to remind myself of those lessons I've learned the hard way. It's a confessional, a proclamation, an edification, a memorial-- the place I work out my faith. So when I write about this next topic, I want you to know it's because I've struggled with it. I currently struggle with it. And I know if I do, then you do, too. Maybe by sharing it here, then together, we can be sharpening stones for each other.
This is about secret sin, whatever form that takes. The sin that you are sincerely glad nobody knows about. Got it in your head? It probably popped to mind right away, so you'll know that's the one to think about as you read this. Okay. I've got mine, you've got yours, so let's get to it.
Continue reading "Because Resistance Isn't Futile"
Posted by WonderGirl at 1:12 PM
Hup
Good morning, crew. How is every little thing today? Making it?
I'm in a bit of shock that it's Thursday. How did that happen? Week's almost over!
Here are a few random highlights from my week:
- I spent $50 on groceries Monday. (rather than my pre-GG $150!!)
- The Duke is potty training! This is sad, but he's loving that "extra" time spent with me. Poor guy- he does get overlooked more than the others. I just hate that our quality time comes on the toilet.
-The Chipmunk is having a hellacious bout of separation anxiety. I mean, purely awful. I can barely look in a different direction without him having a complete meltdown. What gives?
-Midweek, I came down with a near obsessive urge to rid myself of the ghastly, fleshy pink color of my bedroom. Like, if I don't paint over it soon, I'm going to start scraping it off with my fingernails. It's just that bad.
-Somebody (maybe, say, my evil sister-in-law, Amy) has introduced me to the Scramble application on Facebook. It's like Boggle, which as some of you know, is my achilles heel. I stayed up until 1:30 IN THE MORNING playing this game. I couldn't even think to make words, but I couldn't QUIT!
-I swept the dining room floor yesterday no less than 15 times. I kid you not. I'd sweep up the crumbs, and before I even emptied out the dustpan, there were more. I suspect gremlins.
Okay, well, I've got to
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:40 AM
April 2, 2008
For Bevely
I know you will love this video based on your last comment. I laugh every single time I watch it!
Posted by WonderGirl at 12:57 PM
April 1, 2008
The Funny Man's Wife
How cute are they? That's who I want to be in 40 years, even the matching outfits. And I could be, God willing, because I am married to a funny man. It was one of the reasons I was initially attracted to him, that easy laugh, the twinkle of humor in his eyes. (Not to mention his winning smile, killer dance moves, and the truck. But back to the topic...) I am drawn to people who are lighthearted, but serious minded. He is the perfect combination of those things.
But you don't want to read my love-letter to my husband do you? Boundaries, people. Ha.
Anyway.
This is about being the wife of a funny man. A how-to guide, if you will. If I leave something out, please do add! We've got to pool our resources here, dears. Circle of sisterhood and all that.
And now, the list.
1. You don't always get to choose what he finds funny, specifically, YOURSELF. You will amuse him more often than you think (or probably even more than you're aware of). This is a very nice way of saying, be prepared to be the butt of his jokes. As long as his jokes aren't ABOUT my butt, I've learned to accept my lot in life. To be honest, I give him plenty of material, and I can't blame the guy.
2. You're a captive audience, so you might as well give over and laugh along with him. Let him regale you with as much funny as he wants, because my sister, you probably need it. After you've spent all day in the real world (whether it's changing poopy diapers or filing the umpteenth paper), you need to RE-LAX. Nothing loosens muscles and soothes a weary body like a good chuckle. You know it's true. Don't fight it. Don't let your bad mood cause a joke to fall flat- when it's the very thing that will chase away that late day grumpiness. (Or is that just me?) Besides which, it's not just about something YOU need. He needs it, too! Listening, enjoying him, is a way to nurture who he is. You're giving him a gift, too- you give him someone to share the humor in life with. You are the one he wants to make laugh. Let him.
3. Let his humor infect you. Be funny! The temptation of the funny man's wife is to let him do all the hardwork, all the entertaining. I know, because I certainly find myself riding his coattails if I'm not careful. But if you married a funny man, then there is humor in you, too. We seek out compatibility in our mates- like to like. You may not nurture it much, but it's right there under your skin. Humor takes risk- maybe somebody else won't think your joke is funny, maybe you'll tell it wrong, maybe you don't want all eyes on you. Be brave! Causing someone to laugh, even if it's at your utter corniness, is delightful. Don't get lazy because your man does all the heavy lifting. And who better to appreciate a funny woman than a funny man? He'll love it. And he'll love YOU for trying. Step out. Crack a joke. See what happens.
4. Lastly, (and don't you know it's bothering me that I couldn't end it on #5? Me and my OCD) thank God for bringing this blessing into your life. Laughter is the sweetest expression of joy we have. It battles sadness, stress, even poor health! It makes even the worst moments endurable. Poor as dirt? Laugh. You'll be richer for it. Gobble it up, be a glutton. It's more filling than the best laid table. Depressed? Let laughter penetrate that haze, let it in, even though you don't want to. Depression thrives in isolation, desolation. Laughter is it's archenemy. Each small smile, tiny chuckle, is a blow against depression. Grieving? What soothes us more than laughter in the midst of grief, what gives us a moment of respite from our loss? Steel Magnolias, anybody? Laughter carries us through, gives us wings. Not to get overly-poetic, but I can't think of a better description. So thank God. Seriously. You are a lucky woman. God has given you a lifelong source of amusement, a steady supply of joy and laughter. He chose you to be a Funny Man's Wife, and you are blessed beyond measure for it.
Well, that's my how-to guide, what I've learned along the way. Aside from a lifetime's worth of Three Stooges trivia and W.C. Field's quotes. Ah, tis a good life.
Next post: The "Why Would I Stop and Ask Directions When I'm Not Lost" Man's Wife.
(See, I can be funny.)
Posted by WonderGirl at 12:00 PM
Oh Sweet Latex
I would just like to say, THANK THE STARS for rubber cleaning gloves. Seriously. I don't want to think of a life before that miraculous invention.
Posted by WonderGirl at 8:46 AM