Thursday, March 24, 2011

Has Anyone Seen Mom? (A Mama Kat Writing Prompt)

That Kat, she really knows how to bring couples together. Take, for instance, prompt #3 of this week's five choices:

Something you do that drives your significant other crazy.

When I sent my husband an email to tell him that I needed help with my blog, I figured that the "crazy-making" thing would end up being "how you always email me with such minute details of our life." When we sat down later that evening to actually discuss the topic, I hinted (strongly) that this would be a perfect "guest posting" opportunity for him. No such luck. But he did give me two ... not just one but two ...  crazy-makers. After 18.5 years of marriage I suppose he is entitled to two.

I have a lot to do, freelance project under deadline, day job, exercise, cat's in the cradle and the kids have the flu and all that, so here they are. No analysis, no defense, just the cold hard crazy-making facts. (Feel free, however, to leave comments of support, agreement with him (if you must), or anything that may arrive in my inbox and make me think "yay! someone read my blog").

Number One



In this image of my dresser, you see (among other things) my daughter's "House of Representatives" patch from when she was a page in the House ... two years ago ... a tin I bought at Christmas to use for a gift card .... a spool of brown ribbon I bought a couple of weeks ago for Tenley's dance costume, and of course a big green (Christmas) pen. The issue? I don't pick up after myself. It's true.

Number Two



Apparently, my husband and children have a running joke about the fact that it takes me twice as long to do anything as they expect. For example, a ten minute trip to Publix for one item turns into an hour-long odyssey.

One thing that does not drive me crazy is comments. Bring 'em on! But if you're planning to refer me to Hoarders after seeing learning about my "picking up after myself" issue, please let me know in advance. I think I need to run out for milk.

Mama's

15 comments:

BrennanAnnie said...

The mess I get but you being gone for an hour. My family relishes the idea. I think they dump the milk down the sink just to get me out of the house.

Miri said...

I laughed because I do this too! The covered surfaces thingy... my husband always says "We need to buy a floor/bed/table/chair (whatever it is that I've covered). Buying means cleaning the thing off, and hoo boy I hate that kind of shopping!

Dianna said...

Funny post! I can relate to the not picking up after yourself part.... Wait - sometimes that's not so funny...

:)

Dafeenah said...

It you and I went out together, then it would be a week before anyone found us. I can make a ten minute trip become an hour or three. lol

amygrew said...

I should just start leaving for longer than I was supposed to. I could "accidently" stop for a pedicure...

Thanks for the ideas! Visiting from Mama Kat's.

Unknown said...

Ahh, these are the things that I do that drive my mom and sisters crazy! We are creative people, Paula and we can not be bothered with the mundane task of picking up after ourselves! Besides, we know exactly where what we are looking for is and if there was an order to it, well, perish the thought.

As far as the "being gone an hour for one item" thing. Again, don't they realize that shiny, sparkly things distract us? Do they not understand that we FINALLY remembered that there were other things we needed to get but then forgot what they were by the time we reached the store? Then we spend that next 45 minutes desperately trying to remember what those items were because we're sure that our loved ones needed them.

Great post! I'm glad I'm not the only one and I pray that should I ever do get married, my future husband will totally understand.

Mommylebron said...

Oh the mystery of a mom trip. My husband is baffled by my inability to run to the store quickly. Why, I am in no hurry! Cute post!
Stopping in from Mama Kat's!

Soccer Mom said...

Super cute post (found you from Mama Kat)...with the number 1 part I totally get. I want to clean up after myself...I really, really do. But I don't...HA!

Anonymous said...

Two is not bad for 18.5 years.. :)

Loved your post... I did the same prompt.

My husband goes crazy about the fact that I have a hard time keeping the top of my dresser clear of clothes.

Leigh Ann said...

That is my dresser! I just pile stuff around, then feel all cluttery and frustrated and then it takes 3x as long to clean than if I did it little by little.

Alicia Jay said...

My husband is the guilty party when it comes to making piles. I do the laundry but I refuse to put his away for him. I stack it on the hope chest in our bedroom. I often see that pile as a challenge as I decide how many more pairs of socks and underwear I can strategically balance before the whole thing topples!

Susan Fields said...

My kids groan everytime I say we're going to stop at the store to pick up one item - they know that means at least twenty. You're not alone!

SuzRocks said...

My dresser looks quite similar to yours. I just keep stuff, and I don't put it away. Unfortunately, I married one of the neatest guys in the world...so I'm learning to pick up after my self in the name of love. grrrr

Quay Po Cooks said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Quay Po Cooks said...

I love this post. The not picking up afte yourself and being gone for an hour for one item sounds so familiar. These two things are enough to drive my hubby nuts. Thanks for the chuckle.