Weekly Craft Update – January 11, 2016

Look at me, second Monday of the year and I am actually remembering to post. Considering how crazy busy life has been these first eleven days of the new year, I’m pretty proud of myself. 

A bit of a non-crafty update first…

Back for my birthday my DH got me a Fitbit. He had received one from his best friend for his birthday back in July, and so it was time for me to get in on the action. I love it. The watch itself is fairly accurate at counting steps, and since the model I have also tracks my heart rate and sleep patterns, it is thankfully very comfortable to wear nearly 24/7. Obviously I don’t wear it in the shower and it does need to charge occasionally (which I have found works best if I just toss it on the charger whenever I am getting a shower or bath, since I can’t wear it then anyway). The default setting is 10,000 steps a day, plus 10 flights of stairs. I took my DH’s advice and bumped it down to 5,000 steps and left the stairs where it was. I soon found that I was averaging between 6,000 and 7,000 steps a day and close to 20 flights. So, within the first week, I changed my goal to 8,000 and 20 flights. I did not manage to hit that daily, but for the most part, I did well. I knew I weighed in at about 150ish pounds when I got it, and I know I was snugly fitting into a US size 10 jeans. Not terrible I know, but, to put into perspective, before kids, I was maybe 110 pounds and fit into a size 3. I knew I wouldn’t get back there quickly, so I set my weight goal for 130 pounds and just paid more attention to keeping moving more throughout the day. As of a couple days ago, a few things have happened. I am comfortably into a size 7 jeans, and to date have lost a total of 13.4 pounds, putting me at 136.6. My goals are now tougher. Upped back to 10,000 steps a day, and pushing it to 25 flights. Since I am a bit of a Netflix junkie, I have found the best thing I can do, is start an episode (usually around 45 minutes give or take), strap 5 pound ankle weights on each leg, grab my 3 pound hand weights and walk in place on our mini trampoline. I like that since I do have a few joint problems, and so walking on the tramp gives me a softer service to walk on. Then I’ve added doing stuff with my arms to start toning them up too. I’m less than 3 years from the big 4-0, and I think 40 is gonna be pretty. 😉 

Okay! Enough bragging. 

I have also made time to stitch. I say made, because it is important to me, and I find it very soothing. Not many changes this week, but as I’ve always said, progress is progress even if it is just a few stitches. So, here’s your picture. 

  
Also, I got a lovely present in the mail. A dear friend of mine, Sady, knows how much I adore owls. So, she colored this for me, full of purples (my favorite color), and just full of love and light. I had to share it with all of you. I will get a frame for it soon, and put it somewhere I can see it often. 

  
That’s all for me today. Happy crafting, keep smiling!!

2015 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2015 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 380 times in 2015. If it were a cable car, it would take about 6 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

Updates, Musings, and Random Ramblings…

So… yeah, it’s been a while. I know I kept saying how busy I was over the summer… well… it got about a million times worse.

Early August we went up to visit family in Michigan. Had an AMAZING time, ate too much, walked a LOT, spent some amazing time with friends and family.

The day after we got back DS started back into dance full time. Four classes a week, plus privates, and now, rehearsals.

A week after that, both DD and DS started back to school. DD with her senior year and DS with 7th (still at home with me online).

THEN, a week after that I started back to school. Only two classes this semester (I wasn’t completely crazy!) and both online.

*whew*

Okay. THEN, September kinda went somewhere. It’s mostly a blur of school and classes and driving.

Now here is October. Let’s just break it down into bullet points.

• We moved. Not far, but still, we moved.
• I fell down the last three steps of the attic stairs and sprained my ankle.
• I’m not 100% sure where anything is at the moment.
• Last but not least… we’ve had four days of sun in the last three weeks. Yes, we are in SC (for those of you that don’t remember) and very very very blessed and lucky to not have been troubled by any of the flooding. Okay. Let me rephrase. I’m popping Vitamin D like it’s candy, and I’m so sick of everything being damp, but house is fine, car is fine,we are fine.

Oh and did I mention it’s only the 10th? *facedesk*

Midterm for one class was supposed to be this past week, it’s this coming up week now. (The city has been well.. shut down for the past week).

Now. There are a zillion gofundme pages for different people, families, organizations going right now because of the flood. If you can’t do much but want to give money, I’m going to point out two things. One, the Red Cross is always taking money. They are a decent organization, and have been here since day one. The other, is more for personal reasons. The “other” ballet company in our city lost EVERYTHING. I mean… EVERYTHING. They had JUST renovated their studio, and by the second day of flooding they had water 8 feet up the wall. EIGHT. FEET. Costumes, music, posters, brand new flooring… everything gone. They have set up a gofundme page here: https://www.gofundme.com/CCBFlood if you can, and feel so inclined, please donate. They are trying to salvage what costumes and things that they can, but as a lot of you fellow crafty type people out there know, fabrics that have been soaked, especially the lighter, airy fabrics used for costumes, (and soaked in not very clean water…) are nearly impossible to salvage.

If dance isn’t your thing, by all means, I’m sure if you google “go fund me columbia sc flood” or “go fund me south carolina flood” you’ll find dozens of pages. Pick one and help some one out.

As for my crafting… yes, I am still doing some… well I have been. I will do my best in the next couple of weeks to get pictures and updates out to you. I have managed to squeeze in some Christmas crafting while doing everything else (and before you get any big ideas, I take the time I sit at studios to crochet, nothing fancy and I’m not super woman I promise). And I will get some pictures out of that, and just know, if you open a box and see something I’ve posted here, just pretend to be surprised lol.

Don’t forget I do still have my Etsy site up and running. I did make a sale the other day! lol Nothing big, but it made me happy. The link is in the “about” tab up top (you’ll have to click it to see it) and by all means, give me a favorite or even better buy something *giggles*.

Okies, I am exhausted and should prop up this ankle of mine (it’s better but still pretty swollen and LOTS of prettily colored bruises everywhere). Keep smiling, keep crafting, and pray for SUN! ❤

Weekly Craft Update – March 9, 2015

Look at me, two weeks in a row!

Busy week this past week as usual, DS and I travelled both this past Thursday and Saturday for ballet, as well as all the usual running around and fitting school in between. 

I did have time to get some stitching done, which makes me happy. I feel like, so far, this one is going much faster than the ballerina. Here is this week’s progress…



Last week I also mentioned that I was starting a new afghan. It’s amazingly enough my first ripple pattern. It is done in lion brand’s homespun which is so soft and lovely, but it does like to separate a bit, so I’m getting used to that. Here are two pictures of the progress. I’d hoped to have more done, but there wasn’t always a good place with decent light to sit and spread out a bit at the theaters. 





That’s it for this week! Be sure if you haven’t yet, take a peek at my Etsy shop, you can find the link in the “About” link at the top of the page. Give the shop a like if you can! Thanks for everything and keep smiling!

I Just Don’t Get…

People…

Before I get to showing off the progress on the cross stitch this week, I had to kind of get this out of my brain.

This post has literally been on my mind for a couple weeks now. For various reasons.

The title (I just don’t get people) is something I actually say frequently. Because, truly, I just don’t “get” (or understand if my vernacular is too Southern American for some of you) people. Not saying everyone, not saying even certain people all the time, but there is usually at least once a day, that at some point I am going to look at something on Facebook, TV, or out in the “real world” and say, at least to myself, but usually DH as well, that I JUST don’t GET people.

If you’re wondering, it’s because I just don’t get WHY some people do certain things, or how someone can be so idiotic and still remember to breathe, or why people get so obsessed with certain things/people/celebrities/fads/etc, or especially in the world of Facebook, why people think it’s okay to be downright, MEAN, rude, etc.

Yes, I am one of those logical, less emotional than most, introverted, “weird” people. No, I don’t have pointy ears, so no, I am not Vulcan. At least as far as I know I’m not.

Lately though, it just seems that amongst my groups of people I interact with in various ways, be it through Facebook, other online things, out in public, first hand accounts I hear from others, etc, that one of the biggest problems out in the world to day is a lack of manners, coupled with a lack of common sense.

Okay, so, mostly I see this on Facebook. Which is why I keep my friend’s list pared down to people I actually am either, related to, interact with (or have interacted with in the recent past) some what regularly, or people that I know because our children interact regularly. Some I am much closer to than others, and that’s not good or bad either way, just the way life is. I don’t like having hundreds of friends on Facebook, for several reasons, one is my privacy and the privacy of my children, but also, there is just no way, in any realm of existence I have the ability, energy, or need to keep up with 900+ people, most of which I might have met once in my life, or went to high school with nearly 20 years ago. Would I like to possibly know some of them better? Of course, but there are factors that cause issues with that as well. Time, schedules, the fact that I don’t like just sitting in front of my computer all day (did that for a while, it’s bad for the waist line), the issues I have with long phone conversations (I’d much rather text lol), the fact that I am rather introverted and so idle conversation is difficult for me, as well as, I don’t follow most celebrities, movies, etc, and have rather odd tastes in music, books and movies/TV.

Anyway, I digress.

What I don’t understand, is why people find it necessary to do things like “look I’m obsessed with this particular celebrity, Join ME!” (aka let me invite you to every single page I come across, and share EVERY picture/video/status so it floods your timeline). And yes, I’m aware I can block them from being on my timeline, but then I might miss it if something important is actually said. Or, how about the statuses (gee thanks Facebook for letting people be tagged in these too, as if pictures weren’t enough) that call out a particular person and their behavior for the whole world to see. *facedesk* Really people? Dirty laundry goes in the washer, not on Facebook. Or, “this is my political/religious viewpoint on XYZ, and if you don’t agree you are WRONG and STUPID!!”, all of this is usually one, only said to get people talking, and two really horrific if you start reading the comments. Like, evil, mean, horrible things said about each other, none of which I can guarantee would be said if you were sitting across the table from them or down the bar. Not for most people anyway.

Now before I get bashed even more. Yes, I am aware of people having the right to say what they want to say, express opinions on all types of subject matters and be obsessed with whomever they please (as long as it’s not stalking and/or potentially dangerous). Yes, I do realize that they are bringing whatever is said to them on themselves, etc. But. Seriously people? If it was real life, would you be shoving these pictures in peoples faces? Would you be going up to random people you don’t know and saying “well, so and so did XYZ?” Would you really start screaming foul language and calling people names JUST because their beliefs don’t fall into line with your own? I REALLY doubt it. Most of you at least, would never consider it.

The age of the internet, which I am of the generation that has watched it start with crazy annoying loud modems and BBS systems, to this insanely HUGE amount of information at my fingertips, 24/7 where ever I am. In just over 20 years, it has moved from network TV and the newspaper to being our biggest source of news, to now, where a lot of your headlines can be found trending on your Facebook homepage.

What I want people to think about though, is something I was raised with. If you don’t want it on the front page of the newspaper for everyone to see, don’t do it. And now, it’s, if you don’t want the whole WORLD to see it, in the blink of an eye, don’t do it. Digital foot prints are out there, and there to stay. If you don’t want people to think you’re an @$$h0le then don’t act like one online. Stop hiding behind the screen and act JUST like you would in public, online. And for the sake of everyone who’s path you might cross in life, STOP… THINK… use some common sense and stop reacting like the whole world is after you or that everything said is a personal attack. Have a problem with someone? TALK. Don’t like what someone posts on Facebook? Tell them, hide them, or unfriend them. Easy as that.

Not quite sure if this post took the direction that I originally intended but I hope you all get my idea. Stop, think, smile, truly consider if your words and actions are truly benefiting anyone besides you and your own personal agenda.

Past Projects

So, a couple of people that I follow have been posting pictures of projects completed before they started blogging. I’ve been meaning to get around to this, and so I finally did this morning. DS thought it was funny me standing on the furniture to snap pictures. 🙂 I don’t have many, because most what I do is for gifts, and so I don’t have everything that I’ve ever stitched or crocheted I my possession anymore. I also don’t remember most of where these projects are from or their names lol, but I do like them.

In no particular order, here are the projects I have around the house.

If you can’t tell, irises are my favorite flower lol.

Enjoy everybody! And keep smiling 🙂

The Grass is Greener…

You’ve all heard the saying, “The grass is always greener on the other side.” These days I’m sure most of you have probably heard the more modernized version of this, “The grass is greener on the other side, because it’s fertilized with more bullsh*t.”

I have to agree with the modern update to this, personally.

Okay, before people start throwing popcorn and calling me a pessimist, no, actually I’m usually quite the optimist, and very much the realist, (just ask DH, he gets a little annoyed sometimes when I’m constantly pointing out the bright side of things). I do believe the cup is half full, or just needs topping off at least, and there is usually quite the silver, gold, or at least shiny tin lining to every cloud. You may not always be able to see it, but it’s there.

Now. On to the saying…

Too many people I think in this modern day society we live in, live by the first, older, version of the saying. Always moving from place to place, job to job, relationship to relationship because it JUST seems a little greener other places. Never once slowing down enough to appreciate what they have.

You know, when I was younger, and faced with a decision, several people throughout the years have always told me, “make a list of the pros and cons”. Which has definitely stuck with me, and I have done it, maybe not extensively on paper as I once did, but I have done it, for lots of major decisions. It’s a concrete way to look at everything that is going to be effected by whatever decision you are trying to make. It can also help pull you back to reality a little bit, and really makes you examine the whole decision very closely to make sure you are seeing all parts of it.

For example. Let’s just say you are looking at changing jobs. Pros are typically more money, or a better benefits package, things along those lines. Cons can be further travel, or an unfamiliar industry, etc. Then you have to decide what’s more important, these better benefits or money, or longevity with a company. Most people forget, even in something as simple as changing jobs, that the cost of the longer commute will negate any raise, or that vacation they wanted to take next summer isn’t going to happen now because you won’t have any leave time built up. All things you have to look at, and weigh how important they are for you, and your family.

Now, to get to the touchy part of this, and again, before anyone starts screaming that it’s aimed at them, or I’m horrible, I will promise I have no one in particular in mind, and this is my opinion. Doesn’t make me horrible. *grins*.

This is mostly referring to married people. Too many times these days, once the going gets tough, the tough pack their shi*t and leave. Remember that old saying? “When the going gets tough, the tough get going” doesn’t mean, they get going out the door! It means they buckle down and get to work, “bulldogging” their way through whatever tough situation is going on. Another meme that I’ve seen recently, usually pictures an older couple, “the reason we’re still together after so many years, is because in our day, when something was broken, you fixed it, and didn’t throw it away.” That is SO true.

I remember as a little girl, wandering through my Pop’s old workshop. The smell of a lawnmower and gasoline still make me think of it. But, to a little girl, it was fascinating. Bits and pieces of everything! Wire, nuts, bolts, screws, old baby food jars, FILLED with little things, broken fans, parts and pieces from this and that. All because, if something broke, he FIXED it.

So, let’s get back to the “old days”. FIX things when they are broken. And I don’t just mean material things here folks, I mean friendships, relationships (and yes, I know some are broken beyond repair, I’m not THAT much of an optimist), work issues, and even that old fan that is making a funny noise. Take it apart, look at the insides, and figure out what’s wrong. Then try to fix it. The grass really isn’t always greener on the other side. Yes, sometimes it is, but make sure you know WHY it’s greener before you move to a new pasture.

Smile everybody! 🙂

Teenagers…

*deep breath*

Training up teenagers is NOT easy. It is probably one of the hardest jobs on the planet. Ever.

Teenagers are moody. Teenagers are sensitive. Teenagers are unreasonable. Teenagers make NO sense a lot of the time. Teenagers test every nerve and bit of patience you have. Having a teenager is one of the many things that keeps me awake at night worrying.

BUT

My teenager (16 going on 17… admit it, you sang it along with me), is actually a pretty cool kid. She is an artsy type. Loves theater, art, musicals, Greek mythology, Batman, Dr. Who, and all kinds of stuff. She has a pretty decent head on her shoulders, is fairly mature for her age, but still loves a good Disney movie once in a while, (hey we watched her favorite “Hercules” ON her 16th birthday, and yes, her obsession with all things Greek Myth related started at age 2). She loves to read, and will devour just about anything you put in front of her. I started her on Little House books like I did, then she moved on to the Narnia series. She hasn’t stopped since. In fact, as punishment for lack of chore-doing or homework missing, we’ve had to take the books AWAY so she doesn’t sit in “her” spot on the love seat with the little dog and her book lol.

I don’t typically give parenting advice, unless I’m asked. Mostly because when people realize how young *I* am to have a 16 year old, most of them think I don’t have a clue, so they don’t ask. So, first things first, let’s go ahead and get this out there. Yes, I am 35. Yes, you did your math correctly, I was 19 when I had her. I don’t regret a thing. (Hey I’ll be 37 when she graduates high school! Which ironically enough, will be exactly 20 years after I did lol). Do I recommend starting that early for everybody? No. It takes a certain amount of maturity to be able to handle all things parenting related at that age. But, I grew up fast. I worked, paid for my own health insurance, took myself to my doctor’s appointments (and later took DD), moved out on my own, etc etc etc.

That being said. DH and I work VERY hard to make sure that both kids, but especially DD now, take a slightly different path than we did. I want her to go to college (and finish). Even if it’s online from home to get her core stuff out of the way first. I want her to find a career and work hard at it. We are strict parents. We know what we got into as teenagers, and don’t want our kids to follow that path. So yes, gatherings with friends either happen at home, or at a friend’s house with parents in attendance, or somewhere very public, with me there somewhere, (ie walking around the mall). Now, before you think I’m completely neurotic. Yes, DD has a “boyfriend”. He’s actually a great kid, they’ve been friends since day one of their freshman year, and are really great close friends. His parents are of like mind as us. And he has a younger sibling too. Which, by they way, make GREAT chaperones, they LOVE to tattle on older siblings lol.

Recently tho, we found out that one of DD’s friends wasn’t exactly making the best choices in life for a not quite 16 year old (she’s a few months younger than DD). I had noticed, that it seemed to me anyway, that DD was pulling away from said friend, who’s life seems to just be one problem, mass of drama, after another. So, in one of our car rides home, I asked a few questions. Heard about various incidents, both in school and out, and suggested that maybe it was time to pull back a little and not spend as much time with this person. Which I explained, if these are the things that are happening in her life, it’s probably best to keep a distance. Don’t need the “birds of a feather” to become an issue for her. Now, scroll back up to where I said, “Teenagers test every nerve and bit of patience you have”. Read that a few more times lol. Because, not the best decision in this situation, DD told her friend that I said it was best to not spend as much time together. *cue … um… poop and fan please*

*facedesk*

This led to two days of angry phone calls, texts, accusations, insults, etc. Among various things, I now know, well, first and foremost, I most definitely made the right decision. I also know, apparently *cough sarcastically* my daughter will never have any friends if she picks them by their grades, O.o , I’m a horrible mother for taking my DD away during such a tough time, (tough time being that apparently there is stalking by an ex of the “friend” and um… I want my daughter near that WHY?!?), and that people think I can be manipulated by a crying teenager on the phone. O.o again, I’ve been at this for 16 years, plus I have two nieces, two sisters, and have been around kids most of my life of various ages. C’mon I was a theater kid my WHOLE life. (not to mention, I’m just not one of those overly emotional chicks. I’m more likely to cry when I’m pissed off than I am at a book or movie. Sorry ladies, but I just don’t deal with tears well, I’m more likely to tell you to suck it up and fix it lol)

Now, yes I mentioned we are strict. And I’m not kidding. Lets go ahead and be blunt. There’s really only one reason two teenagers want to spend time alone. And well. We all know what THAT can get you. So, yes, although I trust that we have taught DD well the consequences of sex, I don’t trust two hormonal teenagers to necessarily make the right decision. And so, yes, I am going to suggest that it’s not a good thing for my DD to spend a lot of time with someone who not only is consummating her relationship with a boyfriend, but being allowed to have sleep overs with said person. *facedesk* Sorry, but I will judge you on how you parent. I won’t tell you how to parent your child, we all have different styles. And if it works for you and your kids GREAT. But don’t come crying to me when they drop out of school, tell you they hate you, run away, get pregnant, or whatever, and ask me “What happened?!?”. Mostly because you won’t like it when I tell you it’s because you were too worried about being their friend to actually be their PARENT.

*begin rant*

You are the parent. You are in charge. You are NOT their friend. Yes, they have feelings, and those feelings are valid, but sometimes you are going to hurt those feelings. Teenagers need to hear “no” just as often as a 2 year old. Allowing your child to make all their own decisions and force your hand on giving into them are just manipulating you. I’ve heard it before “they’ll run away”. Okay, fine, call the cops, worry, pace, freak out, but let the cops find them and bring them home. “They’ll hate me”. You have NO idea how mean I thought my dad was when I was a teenager. Looking back, he was just doing it all to protect me. If you’re really worried about them hurting themselves, that’s what therapy is for (or just having them admitted, you again are the parent and can have them put on a suicide watch if you are that concerned). If you are really worried about them hurting someone else, be careful, but be ready to call the police. Let them realize that there are consequences to acting that way. That’s the BIGGEST problem I see today. Too many parents want to be friends with their kids, and don’t force them to realize there are consequences to their actions. You are not here to be their friend. Not now. Once they have turned into functioning adults, sure no problem, but not as teenagers (or younger).

*end rant*… ish

I am going to end this with one of my favorite pictures I’ve used on Facebook lately when seeing posts about teenagers. It’s great, and some day I will either find this or make this. lol

Going to end this here for today. Just remember. Parenting is HARD, parenting is WORK, but parenting is the MOST rewarding job out there. Smile everybody!

Music

This could potentially be a very VERY long post…

I am a huge music buff. I have a rather broad taste, ranging from Classical to Heavy Metal. Literally. I’m not kidding! Thankfully my dad has an awesome taste in music, plus my history of theater, and then the things I found myself, etc etc. You get the idea.

I’ll give you an example, I have a rather eclectic list on my iPod right now, so let me shuffle and give you a random list.

1. Nirvana – Lake of Fire
2. P.O.D – Youth of the Nation
3. Muse – Plug In Baby
4. Skillet – Hero
5. The East Village Opera Company – Overture (Le Nozze Di Figaro) [Redux]
6. Black Eyed Peas – I Gotta Feeling
7. Epica – Adagio
8. Les Miserables: International Cast – At The End of the Day
9. Halestorm – Out Ta Get Me
10. Muse – Uprising
11. Trans-Siberian Orchestra – Fur Elise
12. Sirenia – The Other Side
13. Volbeat – The Mirror And The Ripper
14. Love Spit Love – How Soon Is Now
15. Avenged Sevenfold – Scream
16. Chicago (Soundtrack) – Nowadays
17. Apocalyptica – Not Strong Enough
18. Mamma Mia! (Soundtrack) – Mamma Mia
19. Epica – The Last Crusade
20. System of a Down – Toxicity
21. Volbeat – Still Counting
22. Garbage – #1 Crush
23. D’Oyly Carte Opera Company (HMS Pinafore Soundtrack) – Can I Survive the Overbearing
24. Coal Chamber – Loco
25. Rob Zombie – Dragula

So, as you can see, listening to my iPod if you don’t know what you’re getting into is probably like dealing with an ADHD DJ on speed… I currently have almost 500 songs on it right now, and the whole thing is like that. Pop, Rock, Heavy Metal, Musicals, etc etc. I like what I like.

The funny thing is. You have a LOT of musical purist out there. I’m not “enough” of a metal head because I listen to other stuff. I’m not a “real” theater buff because I don’t know every word to every musical (and will openly admit there are some I’ve either never heard or don’t care for). I’m not good enough for pop because except for rare exceptions I don’t like most of it. It better be unique and not so mainstream for me to actually be willing to listen. And I get strange looks being from and living in the south, and my dislike of a most Country music. Then I’m just weird because I like a lot of European hard rock and metal. (See Epica above, but what you don’t see on the list is the Nightwish, Lacuna Coil, Within Temptation to mention a few).

I guess the point to this randomness today is this. Don’t lock yourself into a particular genre of music. Music is such an amazing thing, full of emotions and meanings and everything like that. Keep yourself open to different styles, bands, genres, all of that. It’s worth it. Trust me. I still find things new to me almost every week. Do I have favorites? Yup. Do I have certain things I listen to when I’m in a particular type of mood? Yup. Do I love to share my love of music with others? OH most definitely.

Keeping smiling, singing, rocking out, whatever! 😀

Television/Commercials and How it’s Killing the Men

Probably my last post for the day, but this is one that has been bugging me for a WHILE now, so I need to get it out.

I don’t watch too much live TV these days. I’m rather addicted to “binge watching” on NetFlix or Amazon Prime. But, with my sports addicted DH there are plenty of times that “regular” TV is on. Plus, I am plenty guilty of just hitting the button on my way by, and half listening to whatever is on while I craft, clean, etc. (and we are not discussing my addiction to Days of Our Lives, we’re just not, okay?)

Now, that being said, I have my opinions on what the extreme feminist movement has done to the world, but THAT is for a different post. It is one I will address at some point, but it is not what I want to talk about here.

What I want to talk about here is, when did all the men in the world become bumbling idiots that can’t cook, clean, diaper a baby or generally function without something ridiculous happening?

Why do I ask? Well, have you watched “regular” TV lately? Most, and when I say most I mean close to 95%, of commercials, sitcoms, and even movies today portray men as something just evolved above neanderthal, maybe early Cro-Magnon man. They are either nothing but sexually charged idiots that chase anything with boobs, or so inept around the house they are congratulated for not burning the house down. *facedesk*

First off. I was raised by a stay at home DAD. Yes, my daddy is the one that was home with me from my birth until I was almost 8. Even after that he was the “primary parent” for lack of a better term. My dad is the one that taught me how to cook, how to do laundry, how to clean, and who is still the best soother for any fussy baby I have ever seen.

Secondly, I am married to man that cooks better than I do (now I can out bake him, no problem, but day to day cooking, he’s got me beat), cleans without complaint (and very well, he’s a lil OCD *giggles*) and although I don’t let him touch the laundry (I’m strangely picky about how laundry is done, but I have clothes in great shape that are more than 10 years old, so it’s for a reason) he would do laundry in a heartbeat if I needed help. He has been up in the middle of the night with fussy and sick kids, been with me at the hospital (even if he hates hospitals with a passion) when our son was born and when he had surgery. We co-parent. Because we are both parents. I did not magically get pregnant and have children. Not that I am by any stretch dissing single parents, so please don’t think I am, but it takes two people. At least! My dad helps, my in-laws help, I have close friends and we all gladly share advice, babysitting, teenager wrangling, etc.

Anyway, I digress.

Why do we consistently emasculate men on TV and in Movies, and then expect them to stand up and be men? Maybe I’m old fashioned. But in my book, men are supposed to hold open doors, do the heavy lifting and be MEN. Do I think my dad is any less of a man because he stayed home with us? Absolutely not. I completely understand the situation and why they chose to do things the way they did. But seriously, how do we expect to portray them as incapable of something as simple as making pigs in a blanket, but then expect them to stand up and be manly. Last time I checked, wrapping little hot dogs in crescent rolls and sticking them in an oven doesn’t not take a genius IQ, nor does it make anyone less of a man.

Just in case you aren’t quite sure, I copied the Bing dictionary definition of emasculate:

• e·mas·cu·late

1. castrate somebody: to remove the testicles of a male human being or animal
2. weaken somebody or something: to deprive somebody or something of effectiveness, spirit, or force
3. remove stamens from flower: to remove the male reproductive organs stamens from a flower, e.g. to prevent self-pollination

The second definition is the one that truly speaks to me here. Men want to feel manly. Ladies, let them hold open the doors, take the car for an oil change (or change it themselves), and do various home repairs. Or whatever they want to do. It’s okay for them to get into sports and yell at the TV when their team is losing, it’s what they do. Don’t like it? Tough, get a hobby or learn to like sports. It’s okay for them to drool over the hot chick in the latest Bond flick. Guess what, he’s just drooling, you know who’s bed he gets into every night, deal with it and stop being so insecure. Men are men. They like women (and yes I’m speaking about straight men before any of my gay friends get huffy). They like sports (most of the time). They like cars, or action movies, or radio controlled stuff, or video games. Most men, in some way, are nothing more than grown up 13 year old boys. And that’s okay! It’s what they are! We love them. But, love doesn’t mean change.

Does it drive me nuts sometimes when DH is watching sports and yelling/cheering at the TV and it makes me jump? Yeah sometimes, but it’s something he loves and is passionate about. So, put in the earbuds or go in the other room, there is no rule that I have to sit through every game he wants to watch, just like he doesn’t have to sit through a single episode of Cutthroat Kitchen with me. Is it okay that even all these years later DH still has the hots for Alyssa Milano? Of course, he doesn’t say a word while I’m drooling away over Christian Kane, or Chris Hemsworth or um.. anyway lol. Because again, I am married to HIM he is married to ME. I am secure in our relationship. As is he.

So, stop being insecure. Stop thinking you have to have a man to be a woman. Stop worrying all the time that you’re going to lose him because he looks at a girls butt or boobs when he sees them. Deal with it. I’m not saying deal with it if he’s a cheater, but that’s NOT what I’m talking about. I’m talking about men being men. Let them be men. Being independent is great, but there is also nothing wrong with leaning on your man either.

Anyway, I’ll stop the ramble here. Think about it tho, if you want a man, treat him as one! Smile!! It will make your day better, and just might make it better for someone else too!