Last night Wendy and I tackled one of our junk rooms. It was the former master bedroom. Right before Joy's birth we moved to another room to be closer to her room. So of course all the things that were in that room were transferred. Now it has become a stockpile and the cats' domain.
Wendy was in her cleaning mode last night. She separated all her clothes. Most she is getting rid of because it is the wrong size and others because it is the wrong style. Now we have plenty of closet space. That was then taken up by my clothes. I was finding clothes that I forget I had. I am guilty of just putting things that I do not use down and letting them pile.
The room still has a lot to go before looking habitable, but at least it is much better.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
It is for the birds
On Monday Wendy and I, along with her parents took Joy to the beach. It was the first time in a few years Wendy has been to the beach, due to some scheduling conflicts. It was also Joy's first trip to the beach.
Joy seemed to like it. We put her feet in the water. I do not think she liked it when the water rushed over her, but she never cried. The water was a little rough, so we did not stay out long. We could see shells being carried with the water. It was almost like missiles in certain places.
We let Joy crawl around in the sand. I am happy that she did not try and eat any of it. One time she picked up a white shell and tried to put in her mouth. I am thinking she thought it was a cracker.
While Wendy, Joy, and I were in the water, a flock of seagulls swooped down on a little girl and tried to eat her sandwich. Before we left the beach, Wendy thought she would summon some of the feathered friends. She took a wafer and threw it into the air. The seagulls came to it and then hovered over Wendy. They thought she had more food. Once they realized that was it, they left. Wendy's dad fed the seagulls and let them snatch the wafer out of his hand.
It was a pretty good trip. The weather was nice. We thought it was going to rain on us, but we saw no rain. When we left the house in the morning to go to the beach there was rain and as we left the beach the clouds came, but nothing while we were out there.
Joy seemed to like it. We put her feet in the water. I do not think she liked it when the water rushed over her, but she never cried. The water was a little rough, so we did not stay out long. We could see shells being carried with the water. It was almost like missiles in certain places.
We let Joy crawl around in the sand. I am happy that she did not try and eat any of it. One time she picked up a white shell and tried to put in her mouth. I am thinking she thought it was a cracker.
While Wendy, Joy, and I were in the water, a flock of seagulls swooped down on a little girl and tried to eat her sandwich. Before we left the beach, Wendy thought she would summon some of the feathered friends. She took a wafer and threw it into the air. The seagulls came to it and then hovered over Wendy. They thought she had more food. Once they realized that was it, they left. Wendy's dad fed the seagulls and let them snatch the wafer out of his hand.
It was a pretty good trip. The weather was nice. We thought it was going to rain on us, but we saw no rain. When we left the house in the morning to go to the beach there was rain and as we left the beach the clouds came, but nothing while we were out there.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Gymminey Cricket
My wife will not brag about her accomplishments, but she is quite the gym member. She has definitely kicked it up notches and brought down the notches on her absent belt. She is looking good. Wendy can put smoke out on those ellipticals. The other night she did 45 minutes on it and last night 50! I get exhausted after doing five.
I invited my brother to go with me to the gym. He put the pedal to the medal on it also. He did not even appear to be winded and I was breathing like Dork Vader. Then he hit the weights and lifted a lot me than me. He has also been more athletic though. He enjoys the outside, like biking, running, and basketball. He said he has gotten a little weak, but he is still one tough bro.
I wonder if Joy will like the gym? She will probably be able to soon lift more than her dad.
I invited my brother to go with me to the gym. He put the pedal to the medal on it also. He did not even appear to be winded and I was breathing like Dork Vader. Then he hit the weights and lifted a lot me than me. He has also been more athletic though. He enjoys the outside, like biking, running, and basketball. He said he has gotten a little weak, but he is still one tough bro.
I wonder if Joy will like the gym? She will probably be able to soon lift more than her dad.
Page turner in the other direction
A lot of people say, "I should write a book..." Well I am one person who should not write a book. First of all I could not think of anything to put on the pages. However, I did come up some titles of books I wish I could write.
Shut Up! It could be a book about two things. One how people can get ahead in life by listening. Or could be about inspiration and bringing blessing into your life. Like the phrase in I Kings 17 where Elijah and the King of Israel had the drought. It mentions the heavens were shut up. So it would be how to release God's blessings on you.
I would also like to write a book called Don't Let Your Amens Become Oh Mans. I think this would be about how people are always looking for signs in making decisions. Sometimes we acknowledge some event just because we want it to happen and then what?
A book for the clueless would be Livin in Oblivion . It is for those out there who have no idea what is going on around them. Fingers pointed in this direction. But I am still lost.
I could make millions. Of course I would only be able to sell one or two. Thanks Mom. Well after I bought and gave her a copy.
Shut Up! It could be a book about two things. One how people can get ahead in life by listening. Or could be about inspiration and bringing blessing into your life. Like the phrase in I Kings 17 where Elijah and the King of Israel had the drought. It mentions the heavens were shut up. So it would be how to release God's blessings on you.
I would also like to write a book called Don't Let Your Amens Become Oh Mans. I think this would be about how people are always looking for signs in making decisions. Sometimes we acknowledge some event just because we want it to happen and then what?
A book for the clueless would be Livin in Oblivion . It is for those out there who have no idea what is going on around them. Fingers pointed in this direction. But I am still lost.
I could make millions. Of course I would only be able to sell one or two. Thanks Mom. Well after I bought and gave her a copy.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Up and down
People will do most anything for money. Just flip around the channels. One of the newest shows is 101 Ways to Leave a Game Show. Contestants answer questions to stay in the game. If they answer incorrectly then they leave the show in various ways. Most involve high speed vehicles or great heights. I thought it was a little bizarre the way the final contestants have to choose their answers. Basically it is handed to them because it is the only choice left. At first I thought it was not fair. Now on thinking on it, it just adds to the competition because the contestant is hoping the other is wrong.
Game shows have gone to the point of testing limits. I guess they always have. It used to test intellectual knowledge with trivia. Now it is trivia with making people do extreme things with their bodies. I guess it is good that these "crazy" people are doing these stunts under supervision and not on their own.
Game shows have gone to the point of testing limits. I guess they always have. It used to test intellectual knowledge with trivia. Now it is trivia with making people do extreme things with their bodies. I guess it is good that these "crazy" people are doing these stunts under supervision and not on their own.
It is a tough Jobs watching the Gates
Last night while Wendy was away at the gym, I was watching a movie. It was Pirates of Silicon Valley. After my disapproval of the movie based on Facebook Wendy said that I would probably not like this movie. PSV was about Bill Gates and Steve Jobs forming there powerhouse companies. I had the movie on in the background as I was watching Joy, so I missed a few parts.
I imagine it was meant to be tongue in cheek because of the narration of Woz and Ballmer. They were able to step out of the action and dialogue with the audience. The parts that stick out to me involve Gates running through the airport to catch a plane.
It is amazing to see where drive gets you. Both movies involve people, one can say geniuses, who determine to be successful. They all have different motives for success, but they all get there. Of course they alienate people in their lives who care about them.
I suppose being power hungry only gives you a bigger plate to fill.
I imagine it was meant to be tongue in cheek because of the narration of Woz and Ballmer. They were able to step out of the action and dialogue with the audience. The parts that stick out to me involve Gates running through the airport to catch a plane.
It is amazing to see where drive gets you. Both movies involve people, one can say geniuses, who determine to be successful. They all have different motives for success, but they all get there. Of course they alienate people in their lives who care about them.
I suppose being power hungry only gives you a bigger plate to fill.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Communi-can't
I am not really a gifted communicator. When I try to explain something, the person has no idea what I am talking about and I think I become confused also. I know that communication is the key to getting things done. People who can communicate well are the ways who are successful.
This is just my observation, so it can be wrong, but men tend to talk in hand signals. I guess women are stereotyped as being more verbal. Have you noticed that in most conversations men will stand there and point at something? It is really apparent when working on something. We, men, will just hold out our hand. I guess the thought is that the item will appear there we want.
I think that people, men and women, are guilty of thinking that everyone knows what a person is thinking. Our conversation patterns follow a path of assumed knowledge. Just because it is in our head does not mean it is in someone else's head.
When I have my hand out, I usually just want one thing.
This is just my observation, so it can be wrong, but men tend to talk in hand signals. I guess women are stereotyped as being more verbal. Have you noticed that in most conversations men will stand there and point at something? It is really apparent when working on something. We, men, will just hold out our hand. I guess the thought is that the item will appear there we want.
I think that people, men and women, are guilty of thinking that everyone knows what a person is thinking. Our conversation patterns follow a path of assumed knowledge. Just because it is in our head does not mean it is in someone else's head.
When I have my hand out, I usually just want one thing.
Network to Net worth
Wendy and I watched The Social Network last night. I had heard it was a pretty good movie. Who knows what was true and exaggerated?
I had a hard time watching the movie. Wendy would routinely catch me rolling me eyes or squirming. I guess I had no one to really root for in the movie. All the characters were pretty much annoying. Zuckerberg's friend became the most likable, but only because he tried to protect Zuckerberg and was still treated badly. Maybe Zuckerberg talks the way he did in the movie, but I could not stand the cadence or tone or whatever the word is of the actor's voice. The movie was composed of flashbacks. That sometimes distracts me. Most of these flashbacks were scenes of people partying. The movie made me glad I went to a small college and have decent friends. All the movies with esteem colleges show scenes of men spanking each other and obsessive drinking.
I guess it shows the more money you have the more problems you can have. The key is too have more money than problems.
I had a hard time watching the movie. Wendy would routinely catch me rolling me eyes or squirming. I guess I had no one to really root for in the movie. All the characters were pretty much annoying. Zuckerberg's friend became the most likable, but only because he tried to protect Zuckerberg and was still treated badly. Maybe Zuckerberg talks the way he did in the movie, but I could not stand the cadence or tone or whatever the word is of the actor's voice. The movie was composed of flashbacks. That sometimes distracts me. Most of these flashbacks were scenes of people partying. The movie made me glad I went to a small college and have decent friends. All the movies with esteem colleges show scenes of men spanking each other and obsessive drinking.
I guess it shows the more money you have the more problems you can have. The key is too have more money than problems.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Under the fatherhood
Yesterday was Father's Day. Since I have a child under a year, it was my first one. I am not too big on celebrations. So here are some observations about my blur in fatherhood.
-I cannot put on Joy's socks. They never seem to line up right and Wendy goes back to correct them.
-I leave a lot of things laying around. Joy will find them for me.
-I will always get a smidgen or more of baby food on Joy's face.
-Babies will cry for what seems like no reason one minute and the next minute be perfectly happy.
-Thankfully, Joy does not do it much anymore, but she decides once she is in the car seat and we are walking out the door it is a good time to poop.
-It is difficult to change a diaper in a public restroom.
-Baby gear is extremely complicated...and expensive.
I know that I have learned some about being a father and I have a great deal more to learn. The most important thing I have learned is that I am thankful for an easygoing, loving, and happy little girl.
-I cannot put on Joy's socks. They never seem to line up right and Wendy goes back to correct them.
-I leave a lot of things laying around. Joy will find them for me.
-I will always get a smidgen or more of baby food on Joy's face.
-Babies will cry for what seems like no reason one minute and the next minute be perfectly happy.
-Thankfully, Joy does not do it much anymore, but she decides once she is in the car seat and we are walking out the door it is a good time to poop.
-It is difficult to change a diaper in a public restroom.
-Baby gear is extremely complicated...and expensive.
I know that I have learned some about being a father and I have a great deal more to learn. The most important thing I have learned is that I am thankful for an easygoing, loving, and happy little girl.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Wear are you?
Wendy, Joy, and I met a friend at Southpoint yesterday. We decided to eat at California Pizza Kitchen. On a side note, when saying that restaurant I always saying California Pizza Chicken. Anyway, we had five dollars off a purchase of fifteen. Wendy and I split a Spinach Artichoke Pizza. Sounds nasty, but it was not that bad. Of course I could not taste the spinach nor artichoke. The pizza was not enough for the discount so we added our friend's soda to our bill. We came out 48 cents over fifteen dollars. Hooray! I guess.
Then we went tromping through the mall. My favorite moment of the day was in a ladies store. We were standing around and there were some Muslim women wearing the covered gowns and headpiece. One had everything covered except her eyes. Wendy commented, "What are they doing in here? Like they are even going to wear this!"
For those who stroll while walking, you know that to get upstairs you have to use the elevator. Of course they put the children's stores upstairs. So when make it upstairs in the elevator. On our way down, we are waiting by the elevator. It opens and three strollers come out. So we get out of there way. By the time they move, the doors immediately shut. I hit the call button, but the elevator had already made its way back to the first floor. So we wait some more. Finally the elevator makes it way back to us. Wendy pushes Joy's stroller into the open space. The doors start to close! Of course they have the feature not to close all the way. At this point I am irate though and I kick the door. It does not do anything, but makes me feel better in a small way.
Then we try and decide to get some ice cream. Of course the ice cream store is not there anymore, but the sign is. So our friend looks on her phone and sees another ice cream store across the street. We drive over and circle the lot. No ice cream store. So we call it a day and come home. It is amazing how many stores are out of business yet they still leave the sign up.
Then we went tromping through the mall. My favorite moment of the day was in a ladies store. We were standing around and there were some Muslim women wearing the covered gowns and headpiece. One had everything covered except her eyes. Wendy commented, "What are they doing in here? Like they are even going to wear this!"
For those who stroll while walking, you know that to get upstairs you have to use the elevator. Of course they put the children's stores upstairs. So when make it upstairs in the elevator. On our way down, we are waiting by the elevator. It opens and three strollers come out. So we get out of there way. By the time they move, the doors immediately shut. I hit the call button, but the elevator had already made its way back to the first floor. So we wait some more. Finally the elevator makes it way back to us. Wendy pushes Joy's stroller into the open space. The doors start to close! Of course they have the feature not to close all the way. At this point I am irate though and I kick the door. It does not do anything, but makes me feel better in a small way.
Then we try and decide to get some ice cream. Of course the ice cream store is not there anymore, but the sign is. So our friend looks on her phone and sees another ice cream store across the street. We drive over and circle the lot. No ice cream store. So we call it a day and come home. It is amazing how many stores are out of business yet they still leave the sign up.
By the seat of our pants
Yesterday Wendy and I purchased a new car seat for Joy. Wendy did a lot of research on them and found the one she wanted. We cashed in a couple of gifts cards and had a discounted coupon. So we went over to the store to get it.
They had one that was ten dollars cheaper on the shelf. We thought about getting it, but the store did not have it in stock. So Wendy got the one she was going to get anyway.
We did not have to pay anything for the car seat. That is good news to me.
Then came the hard part. Having to install it. Everyone talked about how easy it is. The clerk and the internet. So I go out last night to put it in. I put the straps in wrong. I get the straps twisted. Wendy wanted to put down a protective mat. Finally after who knows how long, it is in. After my installation she watches the video online and say, "It looks like you did it the hard way."
Today will be the test day. It appears to be tight.
I will never understand why baby equipment is so complicated.
They had one that was ten dollars cheaper on the shelf. We thought about getting it, but the store did not have it in stock. So Wendy got the one she was going to get anyway.
We did not have to pay anything for the car seat. That is good news to me.
Then came the hard part. Having to install it. Everyone talked about how easy it is. The clerk and the internet. So I go out last night to put it in. I put the straps in wrong. I get the straps twisted. Wendy wanted to put down a protective mat. Finally after who knows how long, it is in. After my installation she watches the video online and say, "It looks like you did it the hard way."
Today will be the test day. It appears to be tight.
I will never understand why baby equipment is so complicated.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Just visiting
Wendy and I watched The Tourist last night. I guess it was alright. Wendy said she did not really know what was happening and could not get into the movie. It was an action thriller. Sort of like a chase movie. Everybody was after the main character. I guess it is tough when you have the good guys and bad guys chasing you.
It did lead me to a few observations.
Why in a movie can the police never arrest the bad guy? It is early in the movie and they have everything set up, but the bad guy gets away.
Why is the woman that is supposed to be incredible looking not looking good to me? I guess it is the actresses they pick. I have never been a fan of Angelina Jolie's kind of attractiveness. Speaking of Jolie, what is the deal with her lips? She looked like she had a huge gash on it.
Movies love big budgets. Everybody has throw away money.
Oh well. Those are just a few thoughts, but just like most details, I have forgotten them.
It did lead me to a few observations.
Why in a movie can the police never arrest the bad guy? It is early in the movie and they have everything set up, but the bad guy gets away.
Why is the woman that is supposed to be incredible looking not looking good to me? I guess it is the actresses they pick. I have never been a fan of Angelina Jolie's kind of attractiveness. Speaking of Jolie, what is the deal with her lips? She looked like she had a huge gash on it.
Movies love big budgets. Everybody has throw away money.
Oh well. Those are just a few thoughts, but just like most details, I have forgotten them.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Pro create
I am not really a creative person. Most of the time my line of thinking is "Why didn't I think of that?" However, I do respect creative people. I enjoy hearing and seeing things that are interesting and especially funny. True we also need the more practical people who implement the ideas of the creative.
I have noticed that many creative people have weird, or what I would label as weird, lifestyles. Do creative people do things differently because they are focused on something else? Or do we think that different people are creative?
Creative people say that they are only trying to satisfy themselves. I think they have to satisfy a bunch of people. If they do not then their careers do not last long. There is a lot of pressure in being creative. Maybe that is another reason why they are different.
I think I will keep my ordinary life. That way I only have two people to satisfy.
I have noticed that many creative people have weird, or what I would label as weird, lifestyles. Do creative people do things differently because they are focused on something else? Or do we think that different people are creative?
Creative people say that they are only trying to satisfy themselves. I think they have to satisfy a bunch of people. If they do not then their careers do not last long. There is a lot of pressure in being creative. Maybe that is another reason why they are different.
I think I will keep my ordinary life. That way I only have two people to satisfy.
Just chill
I am sitting here with goosebumps on my arms. I guess that beats the alternative from the other end of the goose.
I must keep the temperature at my house pretty high before the air comes on. Part of it is because when the air comes on, it stays on for what seems like an eternity. I am in a place where the temperature is kept according to most normal peoples temperature. However, I am not normal. I will say this upfront.
I am accused of not turning the air on. I do not use the air when I am by myself, unless I absolutely have to. I am also the guy who sleeps covered even in the middle of summer.
I am neither a cool guy nor a hot guy.
I must keep the temperature at my house pretty high before the air comes on. Part of it is because when the air comes on, it stays on for what seems like an eternity. I am in a place where the temperature is kept according to most normal peoples temperature. However, I am not normal. I will say this upfront.
I am accused of not turning the air on. I do not use the air when I am by myself, unless I absolutely have to. I am also the guy who sleeps covered even in the middle of summer.
I am neither a cool guy nor a hot guy.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Food for thought
Yesterday I did something I rarely do. I ate a restaurant by myself. It was a fast food joint of course. I am sure that I have done it in the past, but I do not like to eat in places by myself. If I am eating a meal by myself then I will just eat what I have available. I know some people have to eat meals by themselves in public places.
Wendy and Joy were eating lunch with a friend. I had obtained a coupon for a free shake, well after you buy a combo, at Arbys. The expiration date was set for yesterday. Since Wendy was out with a friend, she said go ahead and use that coupon. So I went.
It was alright. A little pricey, but everything seems that way now. I got a Reuben sandwich. It was cut into two half sandwiches. So one half was more of a sauerkraut sandwich. The free shake was a Jamocha Oreo. Basically it was a Jamocha shake with crushed Oreo on top.
We have gotten a lot of coupons lately about buying one thing and receiving another. Sometimes it has been worth it. Even if it has taught us not to get that particular item again.
Wendy and Joy were eating lunch with a friend. I had obtained a coupon for a free shake, well after you buy a combo, at Arbys. The expiration date was set for yesterday. Since Wendy was out with a friend, she said go ahead and use that coupon. So I went.
It was alright. A little pricey, but everything seems that way now. I got a Reuben sandwich. It was cut into two half sandwiches. So one half was more of a sauerkraut sandwich. The free shake was a Jamocha Oreo. Basically it was a Jamocha shake with crushed Oreo on top.
We have gotten a lot of coupons lately about buying one thing and receiving another. Sometimes it has been worth it. Even if it has taught us not to get that particular item again.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Don't bother me
Why is it that more people have phones yet I always get there voice mail? What are they doing with their phones? When I call some customer service number I have to listen to five minutes of options. Sometimes it is helpful, but if I am going to speak to an operator and get transferred anyway, why not let me speak to a person after the first ring?
I think it all comes down to people not wanting to be bothered. I know sometimes I do not know want to be bothered. When the phone rings sometimes I feel "Now what?" Wendy does not like to talk on the phone. I do not have too many people to call. I try to talk to my parents, but that is only a five minute conversation. Wendy always laughs when I call them because I always say, "Hey, Mom. It is Jonathan." Why then are we paying for 700 minutes, but cannot get anything less?
I do prefer talking on the phone over texting and somewhat e-mail. Maybe I am a more verbal person or I just cannot write. It is probably more that I am in impatient and want to handle something right then. With texting and e-mail I have to wait for the person to respond. Then something is said that goes back to something talked about minutes ago and I have no idea what. At least in talking voice to ear you get an immediate answer or you know the other person does not care.
Oh well, talk to, um, type to, more like avoid you later.
I think it all comes down to people not wanting to be bothered. I know sometimes I do not know want to be bothered. When the phone rings sometimes I feel "Now what?" Wendy does not like to talk on the phone. I do not have too many people to call. I try to talk to my parents, but that is only a five minute conversation. Wendy always laughs when I call them because I always say, "Hey, Mom. It is Jonathan." Why then are we paying for 700 minutes, but cannot get anything less?
I do prefer talking on the phone over texting and somewhat e-mail. Maybe I am a more verbal person or I just cannot write. It is probably more that I am in impatient and want to handle something right then. With texting and e-mail I have to wait for the person to respond. Then something is said that goes back to something talked about minutes ago and I have no idea what. At least in talking voice to ear you get an immediate answer or you know the other person does not care.
Oh well, talk to, um, type to, more like avoid you later.
Jaw dropping
Yesterday I could not stop yawning. I know that I received plenty of sleep the night before. Yet, I found myself with my mouth open wide and my hand to my face. I am not sure if it is when I do thing certain things that make me yawn more. I will have to sleep on it and let you know.
Monday, June 13, 2011
What you talking about jive turkey?
A while ago Wendy sent me to the grocery store for a few items. This is usually a dangerous thing because I buy random assortments. Fortunately, I do end up getting what Wendy has put on the list. Well, most of the time.
That night I was glancing through the meat section. I was visiting Kroger, for those keeping score at home. Kroger often has in store items that are close to the selling date, which they put on manager's special. This means they are price reduced. Those words rate on my top ten radar. We have found some pretty good deals. So I am perusing the isle looking for that special sticker. I found a few items that met my cheap price and taste bud. There was a package of turkey legs. It was on sale. I thought, well, why not? So I purchase it.
Fast forward a few days. I tell Wendy we have those turkey legs as we do our daily discussion of what we eat. We both veto the turkey a couple of times. Finally over the weekend I wear Wendy down and the turkey will be eaten for dinner. So I put the legs in the oven to cook. We pull them out. They look okay.
The turkey legs were pretty tough to eat. It was hard to get into the meat. It also was mainly fat and bone. Wendy said they sort of tasted like ham. It was not the greatest in the world. I told Wendy I could not imagine eating a turkey leg from the fair. I hate to throw away food, but I had to toss my piece. I had eaten some, but not much. I am glad that I had gotten it on sale.
To make us feel better we had some doughnuts, which we had bought on manager's choice.
That night I was glancing through the meat section. I was visiting Kroger, for those keeping score at home. Kroger often has in store items that are close to the selling date, which they put on manager's special. This means they are price reduced. Those words rate on my top ten radar. We have found some pretty good deals. So I am perusing the isle looking for that special sticker. I found a few items that met my cheap price and taste bud. There was a package of turkey legs. It was on sale. I thought, well, why not? So I purchase it.
Fast forward a few days. I tell Wendy we have those turkey legs as we do our daily discussion of what we eat. We both veto the turkey a couple of times. Finally over the weekend I wear Wendy down and the turkey will be eaten for dinner. So I put the legs in the oven to cook. We pull them out. They look okay.
The turkey legs were pretty tough to eat. It was hard to get into the meat. It also was mainly fat and bone. Wendy said they sort of tasted like ham. It was not the greatest in the world. I told Wendy I could not imagine eating a turkey leg from the fair. I hate to throw away food, but I had to toss my piece. I had eaten some, but not much. I am glad that I had gotten it on sale.
To make us feel better we had some doughnuts, which we had bought on manager's choice.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
A la cart
Last night Wendy, Joy, and I were at Kmart. She was looking for the baseball card holder sheets for storage for coupons. We were usually a cart to wheel around Joy in her carrier. As we are exiting the store I put back the cart or try to.
There were two rows of carts. I did not really pay attention. So I choose one row of carts and try to place the cart in line. It does not go. I think well I do not have it lined up right. I try again. Nope. Try one more time. Nope. Again. Denied. According to Wendy, it was BAM! BAM! BAM!
At this point Wendy is laughing and puts me out of my misery by informing me the two rows of carts are different. So I put the cart in the row over. Success.
All the way to the car, Wendy is laughing about my lack of observation. I am not sure how I made it this far in life.
Good thing I am not Amish and have to deal with buggies on a regular basis. I would probably put it in the wrong barn.
There were two rows of carts. I did not really pay attention. So I choose one row of carts and try to place the cart in line. It does not go. I think well I do not have it lined up right. I try again. Nope. Try one more time. Nope. Again. Denied. According to Wendy, it was BAM! BAM! BAM!
At this point Wendy is laughing and puts me out of my misery by informing me the two rows of carts are different. So I put the cart in the row over. Success.
All the way to the car, Wendy is laughing about my lack of observation. I am not sure how I made it this far in life.
Good thing I am not Amish and have to deal with buggies on a regular basis. I would probably put it in the wrong barn.
Friday, June 10, 2011
I second that emotion
I have come up with a new term for Wendy to keep me in check. Granted I may not remember later and when she mentions it, I will have no idea what she is talking about.
Remember in school when you had the scantrons and people always said have your number 2 pencil? You had to use them to take a test. Apparently I was in a mood last night and Wendy accused me (guilty as charged of being testy). My mind today went to the phrase number two.
It could also be used to describe a bowel movement. So why not go further and describe a crappy attitude?
When I am in my funk Wendy can ask, "How is Number Two?"
Maybe it will flush out an answer and hopefully the correct one.
Remember in school when you had the scantrons and people always said have your number 2 pencil? You had to use them to take a test. Apparently I was in a mood last night and Wendy accused me (guilty as charged of being testy). My mind today went to the phrase number two.
It could also be used to describe a bowel movement. So why not go further and describe a crappy attitude?
When I am in my funk Wendy can ask, "How is Number Two?"
Maybe it will flush out an answer and hopefully the correct one.
Thursday, June 09, 2011
You feel me?
Feelings. We hear so much about them and most people show that they have them. All we want is someone to understand what we are feeling.
I am reading a book by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott called Trading Places. The Parrotts are psychologists who deal with marriage and other relationships. Oh yeah, they are husband and wife. The main theme of this book is empathy. They say the best way to have a good relationship with a spouse is through putting yourself in the partner's view. This leads to true understanding.
It is important to get to the underlying issue. People will not be upfront with you. I know I am not. I will bury the issue that is bothering me and focus on something else. It takes head and heart action to take the time to fully understand someone's feelings. Then the real concern can be handled.
The Parrotts say that most couples feel they do not understand what the other is thinking. It can be difficult. The good news is they say it is not as difficult as it sounds, if you work at it.
If you think like your spouse or the special person, then you can truly understand. It can be a scary thing, but not as scary a misunderstanding between a couple.
I am reading a book by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott called Trading Places. The Parrotts are psychologists who deal with marriage and other relationships. Oh yeah, they are husband and wife. The main theme of this book is empathy. They say the best way to have a good relationship with a spouse is through putting yourself in the partner's view. This leads to true understanding.
It is important to get to the underlying issue. People will not be upfront with you. I know I am not. I will bury the issue that is bothering me and focus on something else. It takes head and heart action to take the time to fully understand someone's feelings. Then the real concern can be handled.
The Parrotts say that most couples feel they do not understand what the other is thinking. It can be difficult. The good news is they say it is not as difficult as it sounds, if you work at it.
If you think like your spouse or the special person, then you can truly understand. It can be a scary thing, but not as scary a misunderstanding between a couple.
Follow the leader
It is amazing to me how many innovators say that the key to success is reading. I live to read, but I admit I am a page turner. It seems that great leaders and other successful types are able to take what they read and relate it to what they are trying to accomplish.
I take a little bit of enjoyment when I see that someone I am reading about is referencing someone I have hear of. I have heard about a lot of interesting people that are being referenced in the books I have read. The hard part is to remember them once I turn in the book.
Word up!
I take a little bit of enjoyment when I see that someone I am reading about is referencing someone I have hear of. I have heard about a lot of interesting people that are being referenced in the books I have read. The hard part is to remember them once I turn in the book.
Word up!
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Reasons I love my wife
It is not so anniversary that I have forgotten (LORD, I hope not) why I am writing this. I was just thanking about my lovely wife. Here in no particular order (except the ones she rearranges) are:
WHY WENDY IS A WONDERFUL WIFE
-Without her I would be lost. Literally. I have no sense of direction and she is like a GPS.
-She is a loving and wonderful mother.
-She is committed to what she believes in.
-She is my tech support when I cannot figure out a feature on my computer, phone, printer, watch, well pretty much everything I own.
-She listens to me rant about her favorite shows before throwing the remote control at me.
-She saves me a lot of money with her coupon cutting.
-She gets me out of the house and occasionally lets me back in.
-When I explode, she is there to pick up the pieces.
-She is my fashion sense. You can tell when I leave the house before she wakes up.
-She knows just how long to cook something. I usually burn it or leave it too cold.
These are just a few of the reasons I love my wife. It has been only a few years, but I will have plenty to come up with more reasons.
WHY WENDY IS A WONDERFUL WIFE
-Without her I would be lost. Literally. I have no sense of direction and she is like a GPS.
-She is a loving and wonderful mother.
-She is committed to what she believes in.
-She is my tech support when I cannot figure out a feature on my computer, phone, printer, watch, well pretty much everything I own.
-She listens to me rant about her favorite shows before throwing the remote control at me.
-She saves me a lot of money with her coupon cutting.
-She gets me out of the house and occasionally lets me back in.
-When I explode, she is there to pick up the pieces.
-She is my fashion sense. You can tell when I leave the house before she wakes up.
-She knows just how long to cook something. I usually burn it or leave it too cold.
These are just a few of the reasons I love my wife. It has been only a few years, but I will have plenty to come up with more reasons.
Monday, June 06, 2011
My wife is always right...
When will I learn to listen to her?
This weekend upon returning from visiting Wendy's parents, we decided that it was time to pick up some more baby food. We had been in Target over the weekend and saw they had some pretty good prices. So Sunday afternoon we load in the car to head to Target. I had played on using a coupon for a BOGO ice cream. Unfortunately, it was not near the Target I expected. That is another story.
Before we leave Wendy wanted to change her shirt. She pulls out a red shirt and says to me, "I wonder if I should wear this?"
I respond, "Why not?"
"Because anytime I wear a red shirt to Target people think I work there."
"There shirts are collared and you are not wearing khaki pants. You should be fine."
We arrive at the bullseye and are standing in the baby aisle. Then you guessed it. A woman pushing a cart with a child and dragging a man behind her comes yelling, "You got a dressing room here?"
Wendy responds, "I don't work here. Sorry."
Never underestimate what people will say.
When I reflect upon it, I wish I had said, "Nope. We encourage people to just use the middle of the aisle."
It seems a lot of stores have a dress code. Maybe it helps some people identify the store employee, it also helps lead to confusion.
Now if I could only pick up a paycheck for the times we have been mistaken for employees...
This weekend upon returning from visiting Wendy's parents, we decided that it was time to pick up some more baby food. We had been in Target over the weekend and saw they had some pretty good prices. So Sunday afternoon we load in the car to head to Target. I had played on using a coupon for a BOGO ice cream. Unfortunately, it was not near the Target I expected. That is another story.
Before we leave Wendy wanted to change her shirt. She pulls out a red shirt and says to me, "I wonder if I should wear this?"
I respond, "Why not?"
"Because anytime I wear a red shirt to Target people think I work there."
"There shirts are collared and you are not wearing khaki pants. You should be fine."
We arrive at the bullseye and are standing in the baby aisle. Then you guessed it. A woman pushing a cart with a child and dragging a man behind her comes yelling, "You got a dressing room here?"
Wendy responds, "I don't work here. Sorry."
Never underestimate what people will say.
When I reflect upon it, I wish I had said, "Nope. We encourage people to just use the middle of the aisle."
It seems a lot of stores have a dress code. Maybe it helps some people identify the store employee, it also helps lead to confusion.
Now if I could only pick up a paycheck for the times we have been mistaken for employees...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)