I talked to a friend today whose family is facing the death of a loved one, her father-in-law and the grandfather of her children. My heart is breaking for them because it is hard to be in the waiting time and I know from experience, it is difficult knowing just exactly how to talk to your kids about death. But what I know of my friends, I know that they are handling things well and in a very eternally-minded manner.
What amazed me was her loving spirit. I called her to offer to her my support of her and her family and to offer to her anything she and her family might need and instead she ministered to me and told me how much she has been thinking of me and what I am going through this week. She told me that she was not sure if she should even burden me with her circumstances, in light of mine. I found that rather ironic and also very humble on her part. She could not believe that I would even offer anything to her in light of my situation. What I told her is that sometimes, even when a person is going through a hard time, there is nothing better than to serve others.
After I described my situation with my ex-fiance and the mess with the rental house, the clean-up and his threats against me to sue me and so forth, she said that she has been wondering why I have had to go through so many things that seem to have a similar theme. I have gone through a series of difficult relationships. One of which was an abusive marriage, both spousal abuse as well as the sexual abuse of one of my children at the hands of my husband. And here I am going through another abusive relationship. She told me that maybe I'm being tested like Job.
It's an interesting thought. I hadn't considered it. I hope that I would be found to have the same faith as Job and would continue to praise the Lord should I lose my health, my family and everything I owned. I just figured I was not very careful or cautious or perhaps so desperate to be in a relationship that I didn't see the warnings until it was too late. The good news for me, is that I can be taught! Because I did eventually see the signs for what they were and I did end things. The break up was worse (almost) than any I have experienced before. It's been down right ugly as well as painful. Maybe there is a test element to it. Regardless, I believe there is a purpose and a plan. And God will use this circumstance for His Glory.
What I have learned:
1. Don't rush into any relationship.
2. Internet dating is not for me.
3. Let God do the leading.
4. Money and dating should never, ever mix.
5. Trust the instincts of my family...they have good insight and often see things before I do.
6. Pay attention to warning signs.
7. Pray, pray, pray.
8. Good things are worth waiting for.
9. If I am to marry again, the Lord will bring us together.
10. My Mom and my Grandmother are really, really wise women. I need to listen to them far more carefully then I do.
11. I have been incredibly blessed by beautiful sisters, incredible parents and other supportive family and I have really awesome friends.
12. God takes care of me in so many ways and continues to shower me with more blessings than I feel I deserve. But I am grateful.
13. I love my Lord more and more every day.
14. I love to sing and worship the Lord while driving to work and sometimes that is the best times I have to pray and spend time with my Father.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Being Strong
I had a really good talk with my daughter yesterday. I took an opportunity to teach her something from my own life. I'm in the midst of a really bad break-up and it is a case of domestic abuse because I am being threatened, intimidated and bullied in an attempt to be coerced and forced into doing things I don't agree with and don't want to do by a person that I once loved and was ready to marry, or thought I was ready to marry.
At first, I was feeling very intimidated and scared. I felt backed into a corner. I have been in this position before and I can recognize what is happening. I don't know if I am real good at handling it. But I didn't go in alone. I prayed before I faced him and I took my Dad. Immediately, he began to bully me and I just shut my mouth. I was more afraid that I would open my mouth and get myself into more trouble because I would say something I would regret (an unbridled tongue) because I could feel the anger rising and the feelings of hurt, betrayal and a mixture of my own shame and embarrassment for getting myself into this predicament. For me, that is a deadly mix and I have been known to say stupid things that make matters worse. So, I let my Dad do the talking. I did speak up now and then, when I felt I had the right words and the right amount of control.
Moving ahead, I had to finish up one final task and then call him one last time. He started to badger me about more things he wanted me to do and began to threaten me. So, I mentally, hiked up my boots, stood my ground and said, "No. I'm not going to do that. I have done enough. I'm finished." And I hung up the phone.
It was this particular moment that I wanted to discuss with my daughter. I wanted to cement it in her mind that it is ok for her to stand up for herself and to say No. She does not need to allow someone to push her around because they seem bigger or stronger or just plain talk louder than her.
She got it. She said, "Mom, you were strong when you told him you were done and then you hung up the phone." I told her, "Honey, you are right. I was strong. It was hard and I was kind of scared but I had to do it because it isn't right that he threatens me and does and says things to hurt me. I will do what I have to do to keep myself and you guys safe."
Then we talked for a while about anger and arguments and the difference between constructive arguments and destructive arguments. The difference is the what's inside your heart and what you want the outcome to be. Are you trying to be right and make the other person feel bad and you to feel powerful? Or do you see things differently but you want to understand the other person and grow closer together, but maybe you don't see things the same way? One way will build the relationship, the other will tear it down.
This part of parenting is very cool.
At first, I was feeling very intimidated and scared. I felt backed into a corner. I have been in this position before and I can recognize what is happening. I don't know if I am real good at handling it. But I didn't go in alone. I prayed before I faced him and I took my Dad. Immediately, he began to bully me and I just shut my mouth. I was more afraid that I would open my mouth and get myself into more trouble because I would say something I would regret (an unbridled tongue) because I could feel the anger rising and the feelings of hurt, betrayal and a mixture of my own shame and embarrassment for getting myself into this predicament. For me, that is a deadly mix and I have been known to say stupid things that make matters worse. So, I let my Dad do the talking. I did speak up now and then, when I felt I had the right words and the right amount of control.
Moving ahead, I had to finish up one final task and then call him one last time. He started to badger me about more things he wanted me to do and began to threaten me. So, I mentally, hiked up my boots, stood my ground and said, "No. I'm not going to do that. I have done enough. I'm finished." And I hung up the phone.
It was this particular moment that I wanted to discuss with my daughter. I wanted to cement it in her mind that it is ok for her to stand up for herself and to say No. She does not need to allow someone to push her around because they seem bigger or stronger or just plain talk louder than her.
She got it. She said, "Mom, you were strong when you told him you were done and then you hung up the phone." I told her, "Honey, you are right. I was strong. It was hard and I was kind of scared but I had to do it because it isn't right that he threatens me and does and says things to hurt me. I will do what I have to do to keep myself and you guys safe."
Then we talked for a while about anger and arguments and the difference between constructive arguments and destructive arguments. The difference is the what's inside your heart and what you want the outcome to be. Are you trying to be right and make the other person feel bad and you to feel powerful? Or do you see things differently but you want to understand the other person and grow closer together, but maybe you don't see things the same way? One way will build the relationship, the other will tear it down.
This part of parenting is very cool.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Bad Words
There was a time in my life when I knew every bad word and said them frequently. It started in junior high when I was tired of being a "goody goody girl". One day, I just decided to let the F-bomb fly. Suddenly, I was transformed (I thought) from the "good girl" into something not-quite-as-good-but-not-really-a-bad-girl. I could curse like a sailor.
By the time I was a senior in high school, this really began to bother me. It was around this time, that the Lord was tugging on my heart and drawing me to Him. He was cleaning house, so to speak. I wanted to quit swearing. I tried everything. I told my friends to hit me when I cursed. I tried the old rubber band around the wrist trick, in which I would whap myself every time I let a bad word fly. I still kept swearing and had red welts on my wrists and sore shoulders from my friends punching me in the arm. (I swore a lot).
When I finally had a real spiritual show-down in which I surrendered everything to the Lord and let Him come in completely, I abruptly stopped swearing. In fact, those bad words started to burn in my ears. I couldn't stand to hear them, let alone say them. It was the most noticeable thing at that point of conversion. At least in my opinion. I think my attitude began to change too but it was a little slower. I was still a little mouthy with my parents and determined to go my own way but by the time I headed off to college, I suddenly was so ashamed at my behavior just months before that I apologized to my Mom. She accepted with tears in her eyes.
So why am I talking about this now? Well, last week, Peanut said the "SH--" word as we were walking in to McDonald's. I wanted to have the earth open up and swallow me right then and there. I could not believe it. To make matters worse, there was another patron coming in behind me. I didn't even dare look at him. I marched over to Peanut and grabbed his chin and said, "That was a very bad word and we DO NOT EVER say that. Do you hear me?"
He sadly nodded. And then I heard Pumpkin He 4 giving a recap of Peanut's outburst. And worst, yet, laughing about it. My cheeks burned with shame, embarrassment and anger. It was time to have a BIG talk with all my kids.
Peanut informed me, as he is the family "reporter" (a nice way of saying Tattle Tale) that he learned that bad word from PH, who heard it at school and from BB who also was over heard telling him about S-X...AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
On Moving Day, I was in a very emotional spot. I was doing my best to hold it together but it was tenuous at best. I mentioned before that my friends were doing a good job of making me laugh. But every once in a while, things would slip out of my mouth that betrayed the inner turmoil and the simmering anger and fear that was just below the surface (I was worried that my ex-fiancee was going to show up while we were packing up and I was angry that he had not told me he was coming until the night before as he was boarding the plane. I hadn't talked to him in a month and the last time he spoke to me, he called me a back-stabber and all sorts of other nasty things, as well as being threatening and intimidating...hence my jittery emotional state).
At one point, I said the word "Crap" and immediately felt convicted and kind of slapped myself across the mouth. The guys kind of joked it off but my daughter was coming down the stairs and said, "That is a bad word and we don't say that in our house." Ouch. But she is internalizing my lesson.
Those bad words are floating around on the surface of my tongue again. I am angry with the previously mentioned person. My hackles are raised because he continues to threaten and intimidate me. However, the Bible says, "In your anger, do not sin." I'm trying to teach that to my children... It's ok to be angry, or sad, or happy....God gave us a full range of emotions and they all serve a purpose but we have to learn that emotions are symptoms of what is going inside, like a warning. Anger is telling us that there may be danger present and we need to be alert. But when that anger is used wrongly, to lash out at someone, to call them a bad name, to swear or curse at them, that is sin and that is not ok.
Our tongues are mighty and powerful. We have the ability to bestow blessings or curses. I guess that is why we have so many expressions about the tongue like: "Bite your tongue", "Hold your tongue", "Watch your tongue"... Even the book of James spends a great deal of time warning us about the dangers of the unbridled tongue. It isn't easy. And today, I'm feeling angry and threatened and my tongue is fighting to lash out and be just as nasty in return. I'm praying that the Lord will help me to Hold my Tongue and turn my anger over to Him and use it as it is meant to be use, a warning of danger. Wisdom is learning that there are times when it is far better to be quiet. I'm praying for wisdom.
By the time I was a senior in high school, this really began to bother me. It was around this time, that the Lord was tugging on my heart and drawing me to Him. He was cleaning house, so to speak. I wanted to quit swearing. I tried everything. I told my friends to hit me when I cursed. I tried the old rubber band around the wrist trick, in which I would whap myself every time I let a bad word fly. I still kept swearing and had red welts on my wrists and sore shoulders from my friends punching me in the arm. (I swore a lot).
When I finally had a real spiritual show-down in which I surrendered everything to the Lord and let Him come in completely, I abruptly stopped swearing. In fact, those bad words started to burn in my ears. I couldn't stand to hear them, let alone say them. It was the most noticeable thing at that point of conversion. At least in my opinion. I think my attitude began to change too but it was a little slower. I was still a little mouthy with my parents and determined to go my own way but by the time I headed off to college, I suddenly was so ashamed at my behavior just months before that I apologized to my Mom. She accepted with tears in her eyes.
So why am I talking about this now? Well, last week, Peanut said the "SH--" word as we were walking in to McDonald's. I wanted to have the earth open up and swallow me right then and there. I could not believe it. To make matters worse, there was another patron coming in behind me. I didn't even dare look at him. I marched over to Peanut and grabbed his chin and said, "That was a very bad word and we DO NOT EVER say that. Do you hear me?"
He sadly nodded. And then I heard Pumpkin He 4 giving a recap of Peanut's outburst. And worst, yet, laughing about it. My cheeks burned with shame, embarrassment and anger. It was time to have a BIG talk with all my kids.
Peanut informed me, as he is the family "reporter" (a nice way of saying Tattle Tale) that he learned that bad word from PH, who heard it at school and from BB who also was over heard telling him about S-X...AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
On Moving Day, I was in a very emotional spot. I was doing my best to hold it together but it was tenuous at best. I mentioned before that my friends were doing a good job of making me laugh. But every once in a while, things would slip out of my mouth that betrayed the inner turmoil and the simmering anger and fear that was just below the surface (I was worried that my ex-fiancee was going to show up while we were packing up and I was angry that he had not told me he was coming until the night before as he was boarding the plane. I hadn't talked to him in a month and the last time he spoke to me, he called me a back-stabber and all sorts of other nasty things, as well as being threatening and intimidating...hence my jittery emotional state).
At one point, I said the word "Crap" and immediately felt convicted and kind of slapped myself across the mouth. The guys kind of joked it off but my daughter was coming down the stairs and said, "That is a bad word and we don't say that in our house." Ouch. But she is internalizing my lesson.
Those bad words are floating around on the surface of my tongue again. I am angry with the previously mentioned person. My hackles are raised because he continues to threaten and intimidate me. However, the Bible says, "In your anger, do not sin." I'm trying to teach that to my children... It's ok to be angry, or sad, or happy....God gave us a full range of emotions and they all serve a purpose but we have to learn that emotions are symptoms of what is going inside, like a warning. Anger is telling us that there may be danger present and we need to be alert. But when that anger is used wrongly, to lash out at someone, to call them a bad name, to swear or curse at them, that is sin and that is not ok.
Our tongues are mighty and powerful. We have the ability to bestow blessings or curses. I guess that is why we have so many expressions about the tongue like: "Bite your tongue", "Hold your tongue", "Watch your tongue"... Even the book of James spends a great deal of time warning us about the dangers of the unbridled tongue. It isn't easy. And today, I'm feeling angry and threatened and my tongue is fighting to lash out and be just as nasty in return. I'm praying that the Lord will help me to Hold my Tongue and turn my anger over to Him and use it as it is meant to be use, a warning of danger. Wisdom is learning that there are times when it is far better to be quiet. I'm praying for wisdom.
Talking to Myself
I doubt I am the only person who talks to herself. I don't do it when others are around, or when I think I will be heard. Sometimes it's a pep talk. Sometimes I'm correcting myself. Sometimes I'm teasing myself. I think it is just taking the internal monologue I have and verbalizing it.
Today, I am alone for a few hours. The school kids are at school, after the bus driver and I had to discuss that yes, my kids are supposed to get on the bus today and I did make arrangements with the school for a pick up AND a drop off this afternoon. Peanut, reluctantly, went to daycare. He always claims he hates it there but then comes home chipper and happy. I told him today would be a short day. He figured he would skip nap time. Me on the other hand is praying he gets a nap. I'm tired of Mr. Crabby-pants who refuses to nap for me anymore and I bow at the feet of Sue who can get him to take an hour and half nap every day with NO problems and states he is the "best napper". My theory is she spikes the juice, but whatever.
Back to my day alone. It's peaceful and quiet and I am putting things away. I found the cables to my printer so I decided to hook that up. I have a big desk that is quite heavy. This is my monologue with myself:
"So, Tulip, how are you going to get those cables down the back and through the cut out in the back?
Hmmmm....good question. Maybe if I climb up on the desk and use coat hangers....that could work.
Silly girl..they are plastic coat hangers....they don't flex. ...Ohhhh, Right. Good point. Hmmmmm"
So, then I figured out that if I lowered the cord with the power box down the back, I could fish it through the hole in the back. I even found a couple of little bungee cords which I used to tie down the top of the cables. It was working fine until I encountered another problem.
"Tulip, the power box won't fit through the hole. the desk is too tight against the wall. Maybe you should try to plug in the other part of the cable and leave the box in the back....Ok, that should work...."
However, after much struggling, grunting, scratching of my wrist on the wood, I realized that this was not working.
"You know, maybe you should have put the whole cable together first. That would be easier. Of course, that would imply that you like to do things the easy way and we both know that you don't... ha ha ha...very funny. But that is a good idea. I will plug the other end of the cord in and then fish it through the hole."
I eventually got the cables pulled through but I had to repeat the process a few times when the cord slipped out of my hand. It was enough to make me want to scream. I refrained and maintained control and dignity. And now I sit back, admiring my desk and patting myself on the back because I got all my components connected and I have tucked all the wires away. It looks nice and tidy.
"Good job Tulip. You did it."
Today, I am alone for a few hours. The school kids are at school, after the bus driver and I had to discuss that yes, my kids are supposed to get on the bus today and I did make arrangements with the school for a pick up AND a drop off this afternoon. Peanut, reluctantly, went to daycare. He always claims he hates it there but then comes home chipper and happy. I told him today would be a short day. He figured he would skip nap time. Me on the other hand is praying he gets a nap. I'm tired of Mr. Crabby-pants who refuses to nap for me anymore and I bow at the feet of Sue who can get him to take an hour and half nap every day with NO problems and states he is the "best napper". My theory is she spikes the juice, but whatever.
Back to my day alone. It's peaceful and quiet and I am putting things away. I found the cables to my printer so I decided to hook that up. I have a big desk that is quite heavy. This is my monologue with myself:
"So, Tulip, how are you going to get those cables down the back and through the cut out in the back?
Hmmmm....good question. Maybe if I climb up on the desk and use coat hangers....that could work.
Silly girl..they are plastic coat hangers....they don't flex. ...Ohhhh, Right. Good point. Hmmmmm"
So, then I figured out that if I lowered the cord with the power box down the back, I could fish it through the hole in the back. I even found a couple of little bungee cords which I used to tie down the top of the cables. It was working fine until I encountered another problem.
"Tulip, the power box won't fit through the hole. the desk is too tight against the wall. Maybe you should try to plug in the other part of the cable and leave the box in the back....Ok, that should work...."
However, after much struggling, grunting, scratching of my wrist on the wood, I realized that this was not working.
"You know, maybe you should have put the whole cable together first. That would be easier. Of course, that would imply that you like to do things the easy way and we both know that you don't... ha ha ha...very funny. But that is a good idea. I will plug the other end of the cord in and then fish it through the hole."
I eventually got the cables pulled through but I had to repeat the process a few times when the cord slipped out of my hand. It was enough to make me want to scream. I refrained and maintained control and dignity. And now I sit back, admiring my desk and patting myself on the back because I got all my components connected and I have tucked all the wires away. It looks nice and tidy.
"Good job Tulip. You did it."
Sunday, April 6, 2008
10 Lesser Known Facts
A while ago, I was trying out a different blog site and wrote this. However, I have decided to stay on Blogger so I pulled this over. Why waste it! For what it's worth, here is 10 (possibly) Lesser Known Facts About Tulip Mom:
1. I have been a follower of Christ since I was 17. I don’t know why He loves me so much nor why He puts up with me. I am such a slow learner and so determined to do things the hard way. But I am grateful that He is a patient and loving Savior and finds me worthy of saving.
2. I have 4 children who light up my world. Because of them, I have grown up and become a much better person than I ever could have imagined I would ever be.
3. I went back to college when I was 31 to become a nurse so that I could feed those 4 kids and put a roof over their heads, or maybe just to keep shoes on their feet, since that seems to be what grows faster than any other part of their body, or what they wear out first. That would be boys for ya!
4. I work with serious and persistently mentally ill in a community setting. It is an awesome job. I set my own schedule. I don’t work weekends or holidays and I really do love what I do and feel that this is what the Lord has called me to do, next to being Mom. But if I had a choice, I would totally be a stay-at-home mom and home school my kids. However, it doesn't pay the bills when you are a single parent.
5. I have a very warped sense of humor. And I love to hear people laugh. If people laugh at my jokes, I'm on top of the world. If they don't, at least I entertained myself. But when I can make my kids laugh, it’s the best thing in the world! (But I usually have to get really corny and do what they do not expect, like sitting on a whoopie cushion).
6. I am a scrapbooking fanatic, waiting for a 12 step program. But then that would mean I would have to quit! I have too many pictures and too many pages to make to quit now! I’m still working on 2003!
7. I am also a quilter. I love to piece the tops together and then hand stitch the quilt together. It takes a long time but it is soothing to me. It's how I relax.
8. My secret dream is to write a book; a memoir of sorts. I had a horrific marriage marked by spousal abuse and child abuse but God is good and I have passed through that time with a lot of experiences and nuggets of wisdom I would like to share with others.
9. I love to travel. And now that my kids are out of diapers and sippy cups, the world seems much more open! My kids and I are planning a trip out west to visit my sister in Las Vegas next year and traveling through Mt. Rushmore, Flaming Gorge, Salt Lake City, and then returning through the Grand Canyon, Royal Gorge and the Rockies and hopefully, sleeping through Nebraska and Iowa (Well, the kids will sleep…I will have to find a way to suffer through).
10. If I could visit any where in the world, I would go to Italy.
1. I have been a follower of Christ since I was 17. I don’t know why He loves me so much nor why He puts up with me. I am such a slow learner and so determined to do things the hard way. But I am grateful that He is a patient and loving Savior and finds me worthy of saving.
2. I have 4 children who light up my world. Because of them, I have grown up and become a much better person than I ever could have imagined I would ever be.
3. I went back to college when I was 31 to become a nurse so that I could feed those 4 kids and put a roof over their heads, or maybe just to keep shoes on their feet, since that seems to be what grows faster than any other part of their body, or what they wear out first. That would be boys for ya!
4. I work with serious and persistently mentally ill in a community setting. It is an awesome job. I set my own schedule. I don’t work weekends or holidays and I really do love what I do and feel that this is what the Lord has called me to do, next to being Mom. But if I had a choice, I would totally be a stay-at-home mom and home school my kids. However, it doesn't pay the bills when you are a single parent.
5. I have a very warped sense of humor. And I love to hear people laugh. If people laugh at my jokes, I'm on top of the world. If they don't, at least I entertained myself. But when I can make my kids laugh, it’s the best thing in the world! (But I usually have to get really corny and do what they do not expect, like sitting on a whoopie cushion).
6. I am a scrapbooking fanatic, waiting for a 12 step program. But then that would mean I would have to quit! I have too many pictures and too many pages to make to quit now! I’m still working on 2003!
7. I am also a quilter. I love to piece the tops together and then hand stitch the quilt together. It takes a long time but it is soothing to me. It's how I relax.
8. My secret dream is to write a book; a memoir of sorts. I had a horrific marriage marked by spousal abuse and child abuse but God is good and I have passed through that time with a lot of experiences and nuggets of wisdom I would like to share with others.
9. I love to travel. And now that my kids are out of diapers and sippy cups, the world seems much more open! My kids and I are planning a trip out west to visit my sister in Las Vegas next year and traveling through Mt. Rushmore, Flaming Gorge, Salt Lake City, and then returning through the Grand Canyon, Royal Gorge and the Rockies and hopefully, sleeping through Nebraska and Iowa (Well, the kids will sleep…I will have to find a way to suffer through).
10. If I could visit any where in the world, I would go to Italy.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Favorite quote from Moving Day
Throughout the day, things would be needed like a power strip for my computer desk, a tool or some other odd item.
And someone would call out, "I know, I think it's in a Box."
It might be one of those "Had to be there" kind of things but it is a memory that I won't forget. There were parts of Moving Day that were difficult for me. I loved the house I was leaving. I was packing up a dream and putting the final nail in the coffin of a relationship. Plus there was the possibility that my ex could show up and I didn't know what was going to happen if he did but I was not looking forward to it.
So, the running joke as well as the other jokes that were plentiful were a great distraction and really helped me to enjoy the day.
Two years ago, I was moving out of my parents home, after living with them for 4 1/2 years. During that period, I had had another baby, gotten divorced, filed for bankruptcy, foreclosed on a house, surrendered a car and gone back to college and graduated with my nursing degree. That moving day was special because I was finally moving out on my own.
It was a very hot day in July, and my apartment was on the second floor. Some of the same guys that helped me today were helping me then. We did a little reminiscing today about that Moving Day. The quote of the day for 2006 was when one guy lifted up an antique chalkboard that belonged to my Grandmother (from her days teaching in the one room schoolhouse) and he said in a joking manner, "What is this...Slate?" And I said, "Yes...yes, it is."
I think he still has nightmares about my chalkboard. Every once in a while, I will say to him, "What is this....slate?" and we both start laughing. Good times.
And now I will have another little inside joke. "I think it's in a box." It's a good way to memorialize an important time. Today marks an important transition for me. Humor is my coping mechanism and how I heal. An inside joke seems appropriate.
And someone would call out, "I know, I think it's in a Box."
It might be one of those "Had to be there" kind of things but it is a memory that I won't forget. There were parts of Moving Day that were difficult for me. I loved the house I was leaving. I was packing up a dream and putting the final nail in the coffin of a relationship. Plus there was the possibility that my ex could show up and I didn't know what was going to happen if he did but I was not looking forward to it.
So, the running joke as well as the other jokes that were plentiful were a great distraction and really helped me to enjoy the day.
Two years ago, I was moving out of my parents home, after living with them for 4 1/2 years. During that period, I had had another baby, gotten divorced, filed for bankruptcy, foreclosed on a house, surrendered a car and gone back to college and graduated with my nursing degree. That moving day was special because I was finally moving out on my own.
It was a very hot day in July, and my apartment was on the second floor. Some of the same guys that helped me today were helping me then. We did a little reminiscing today about that Moving Day. The quote of the day for 2006 was when one guy lifted up an antique chalkboard that belonged to my Grandmother (from her days teaching in the one room schoolhouse) and he said in a joking manner, "What is this...Slate?" And I said, "Yes...yes, it is."
I think he still has nightmares about my chalkboard. Every once in a while, I will say to him, "What is this....slate?" and we both start laughing. Good times.
And now I will have another little inside joke. "I think it's in a box." It's a good way to memorialize an important time. Today marks an important transition for me. Humor is my coping mechanism and how I heal. An inside joke seems appropriate.
The Move is Done...But not the Unpacking
I think this was by far the best Moving Day. Everything went so fast and smooth. I had a lot of people helping me out. I had also gotten rid of a lot of bulky furniture but I think it probably helped that I had moved a lot of things for the kitchen over to the new house beforehand as well as almost all of the clothing, linens and towels.
We started at about 8:45am and by 1:30pm, the truck was unloaded, beds were put together and bellies were full of pizza. It was awesome.
My work however, is not done. Now I have to put everything away. And I am beat. I have been running full throttle all week long just to get to this day and now that everything is in, all the energy has left me and I am a shell of irritated nerves and sore muscles ready to form a coup and revolt if I force them to so much as lift another item.
And BB just walked in to announce "When are we eating?" and not satisfied with my answer of "I don't know." He replied, "Well, I want to eat NOW."
Well, son, maybe the magic food fairy can just wave her magic wand and make some food appear but your mother doesn't know any magic food fairy. So, you, dear child, will have to wait until I drag my weary carcass down the stairs to find a pot, a can opener and a can of soup.
So there.
Oh, and I will have to find spoons. And bowls. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAArrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggg.
(And apparently along with my irritated nerves comes a sarcastic wit as well. I need a hot bath and a massage. I can probably get the bath. Bummer. It will have to do. )
We started at about 8:45am and by 1:30pm, the truck was unloaded, beds were put together and bellies were full of pizza. It was awesome.
My work however, is not done. Now I have to put everything away. And I am beat. I have been running full throttle all week long just to get to this day and now that everything is in, all the energy has left me and I am a shell of irritated nerves and sore muscles ready to form a coup and revolt if I force them to so much as lift another item.
And BB just walked in to announce "When are we eating?" and not satisfied with my answer of "I don't know." He replied, "Well, I want to eat NOW."
Well, son, maybe the magic food fairy can just wave her magic wand and make some food appear but your mother doesn't know any magic food fairy. So, you, dear child, will have to wait until I drag my weary carcass down the stairs to find a pot, a can opener and a can of soup.
So there.
Oh, and I will have to find spoons. And bowls. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAArrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggg.
(And apparently along with my irritated nerves comes a sarcastic wit as well. I need a hot bath and a massage. I can probably get the bath. Bummer. It will have to do. )
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