Living in fear of our toilet

This may be an indelicate discussion about poo and toilets, so, if you prefer, please do not read any further.

We are not actually fearful of our toilet. We live in fear of our toilet getting jammed. We know how to use the plunger way too intimately. It is not the grownups that are usually the culprits either, it is one of the children. Not that it is on purpose. But man, since we had kids, you can't believe the stuff that comes out of them. Or not. Or what comes out days after it hasn't. This might be our main problem. Days, and then the breadth and width of stuff is much more than our toilet can handle.

Why is it that, once you have children, you spend a lot of time discussing and worrying as much about what comes out of them, as what goes in them? Nobody told me that it would continue to concern us after the potty training was over. Accidents in the clothes and backed up toilets. Great.

And we get so tired of the plunging. We also get tired of the hurried way we must try to stop the water from an overflow.

We did replace our downstairs toilet because it did get clogged so very often. Mr. Wild is very handy and figured out how to switch out the old for the new. The new we made sure had an extra wide tunnel out, was glazed all the way through, and has a good flush. Apparently many large tester balls could go down the new toilet. (we didn't do the experiments, it was touted on the company's advertising) So far so good, except now we can't seem to make sure the problem child uses the toilet on the first level. It used to be that the lower level was used all the time, so we were plunging that one all the time. Now, the second floor is used, which is a riskier proposition. We found out the hard way, the first time, that an overflow rains down into the lower bathroom. Yuck, yuck, and yuck.

Maybe we should replace the upstairs with a toilet that has a larger, glazed (read smooth and non-catching) outlet, but right now, after all the things that went bad this holiday season, let's just see if we can ride this wave. And convince the kids to use the downstairs.

I am a lazy cad, the last of the Christmas cheer is out

Yes, sadly, today is the day that we finally mailed out my "New Year's" letters to my very favorite family and friends. They needed the school photos in them, so I delayed that even a few more days than when I sent out our yearly letters to everyone else. I am so lazy, I did not send my parents' own present out until today. Sorry, Mom, it's in the mail. But you can enjoy it at anytime of the year.

Mr. Wild has been more than patient. He spent 1.25 hours folding, and sticking stamps and labels on the letters, then took them to the post office. I really love the yearly letters everyone sends us, but I wish I had more of my act together to reciprocate the gesture. This year, I had to fight with both computers, a stupid printer and finally had to wait until I went back to work and could use that computer to make my computerized label list work right. Efficiency was thwarted by Microsoft's stupidity of ever making Microsoft Works and/or placing Corel Wordperfect on IBM clones. So tired of the PCs. If I had more money, I would spend it on a Mac, but I don't ever see me having enough money to buy a Mac.

Oh, well, I guess I should be thankful that we have three functioning computers, incompatible as they are.

Dream job

This is what I would really like to be able to do. Mr. Wild and I have a working background in the same field. I wish that we could job share the same job, one that would have benefits and the whole package, but we would each only work 20 hours a week. Then we could both get the chance to stay home doing things in our community, spending time with our kids and doing field trips and school activities, and both get the chance to do some work in our field and feel like we're keeping our skills fresh and up-to-date. Problem is, I don't think our field is forward thinking enough to allow that.

We'd make a great team for a position. He has skills in areas that I'm maybe a bit weak in and vice versa. Some place would benefit from both of our expertises. Together, I think, we create a whole package.

Oh, well. Hopefully, I'll just keep the job I have. I'm in one of those fields that is considered non-essential.

Sky/ocean

Not on a daily basis, but every so often, my daughter's eyes catch me off guard. They look so blue. Like the blue sky of morning, with a few puffs of cloud floating by. Like the deep blue ocean, warm and vivid. Like those, but more. So much more blue, I just want to sit and get lost in them. They are bluer than mine ever were, that I can remember, and I'm just amazed at how they can hold me in their thrall. They make me feel warm inside, but also like my heart is breaking, they can be so achingly, painfully blue for me. And I just want to stare at them forever.

But I don't, because I'm mom and she's daughter and she's got more important things to do.

Family table

So, those of you with kids between the ages of 2 and 12 and are lucky enough to have cable/satellite are probably familiar with Nickelodion. So, perhaps you have seen those "public announcements" about having dinner at least 3 nights a week as a family. It always kind of makes me mad and sad at the same time. Mad because, heck, I have been doing that with my husband, and then one and then two kids since 1995, and before that my own family almost always had dinner together. I can't understand how people wouldn't sit down for that one meal to eat together. Then sad, because I realize maybe many more people do eat separately, or in front of the TV and never talk to each other at a meal.

I can't imagine not doing that. I really like to get home and help Mr. Wild finish fixing something or help him get something started. If we can't stand the cooking, then we all go together to get something and bring it home or eat it out. I like my kids telling us things. They are never really profound, but it is nice.

Me: So how was school today?
Wild Child #1: Fine.

Me: Did you do anything interesting?
Wild Child #1: Not really.

Of course, you ask #2 a question and she can fill several minutes describing what Mrs. N taught them, how lunch was, who she played with at recess. But that's her, all verbal.

So, yesterday, Mr. Wild was picking on #1 and #1 was kind of pissed and he had reason to be, so he elbowed Mr. Wild. Mr. Wild knew he deserved it and kind of laughed.

But #2 says: "Wild Child #1, you're mean." Then she quickly adds, "But I still love you." And smiles a big huge grin. It was all out of the blue.

(Me, I turn my head and have a supressed giggle)

#2 says: "Ohhh, that was funny!" (see, because Mom giggled at her statement)

(Me, more supressed laughter at her powers of observations.)

Then, Mr. Wild and I were discussing something about being naughty or not being naughty. Apparently, we must have all turned our heads to #2 because she hollers: "Why do you guys always look at me?!"

Mr. Wild and I dropped our jaws and then fell into lame protests that we didn't do that. Personally, I didn't think we did it that often, but perhaps we do it more than we mean. It's just that she's a sneaky person, sneaking snacks, gum, candy. Sometimes she gets away with it, sometimes not.* So, perhaps we have developed the habit of looking at her.

No matter what, the dinner table has been a source of fun for our family. If you don't make the time to do it, I suggest you do. These are antics that won't be repeated again. Ever. So make hay while the sun shines and enjoy it for as long as you can. Pretty soon, it may only be Thanksgiving and Christmas when you have your family around you again at the dinner table.

*In the sometimes not category: One night, a night that Mr. Wild was out with his D&D buddies (which his does once a week), I could hear #2 moving around in her room when she was supposed to be sleeping. I went upstairs quickly and flipped on her light just as she jumps back into her bed. She makes a quick wipe of the mouth with the back of her hand. Suspicious I say, "What have you been doing?" "Nothing." Why did you wipe your mouth, did you get into the chapstick?" "No." "Let me smell your lips." I lean down and sniff, but it doesn't smell like anything strong. She wipes her mouth again. "WHAT have you been doing? Have you been eating something?" She shrinks herself into her covers, "No." "Wild Child #2 (this is where I would say her name with a threatening tone), tell me what you have been doing."

She climbs out of bed and pulls her open door shut a little. Behind the door is the box of ice cream. From the freezer. Only now it's a bit melty on her bedroom floor. Unbelieveable! (thinking it, not saying it). However, I am not relishing the fact that someday soon my mean angry voice will no longer be enough to get a confession out of her.

Forays into the blogosphere

So, I haven't really ventured very far into the blogosphere until just a few days ago; New Year's Day to be exact. Doing one of those viral random tag posts made me move a bit beyond my comfort level and exploration zone. A couple of days later, I was exploring Irish Gumbo in a little more leisurely manner, as he was kind enough to stop by my blog, after I so randomly tagged him. I then wandered into Lost and Found in India. Somehow, I also wandered into 70 Plus and Still Kicking, but I can't figure out how I got there, I think through Lost and Found in India.

And, lo and behold, they've bothered to wander by my little piece of the internet to actually say hey. So very nice. Irish Gumbo even put me in his blogroll, a nice reciprocal gesture, since I just placed him in my blog follower list. I would have never expected that these folks would have or make the time to come by and comment. It is a very nice, warm, glowy feeling. I know I'm being sappy, but since my audience has consisted mostly of my friends, sister, and mom until now, it is kind of interesting to have some folks from farther afield to stop by and see what I am or am not saying.

Mostly, I think I've branched out so far, because of Feet off the Table. I picked that one from the roll of blogs that were continuously shown as updating on Blogger's main page (I think they've gotten rid of that now) and Feet off the Table sounded interesting (nice title!). Then, I see the author is name Aliceson, which I immediately take a liking to, because the name Alice is near and dear to my heart. It also doesn't hurt she's a mom in my part of the midwest, which is kind of fun. We've been comparing snow days notes as of late (please, no more snow for a while), as well as Christmas cookies (or I've been comparing cookies, I think she's got me beat).

So, I guess I'm just saying thanks to everyone for sharing yourselves and for the entertainment. It broadens my world and let's me think about a lot of different things.

Here's to a fascinating 2009. Let's see where it takes us.

P.S. Yes, I should update the photo for the day.

First random tag post ever

I've only been blogging since September. But, thanks to Aliceson over at Feet off the Table, I get my first tag to post randoms things and I have to do the following. Or I guess I could choose not to, but then where is the fun in that?

This is how it works:

1. Link to the person(s) who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they were tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

Six random things:
1. I made Renaissance Festival costumes for me and Mr. Wild just because, a couple years back. We did go to the Ren Faire in them.
2. I grew up in the great state of Iowa.
3. I secretly would love a good spa day and have it include a massage, mani, pedi, and a facial, but hardly something I can afford.
4. I read Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern in junior high (back when they did call it junior high).
5. I was in marching band as a flag squad member not only in high school, but also in college. Was even captain of both the high school and college squads.
6. I stood in line for the cattle call for playing the daughter of Meryl Streep's character in Bridges of Madison County. I didn't even get in the door.

Shoot, six tags is going to be hard, seeing as how I've only just ventured into the blogging world and I haven't made all these bloggy friends yet. I've had a great time keeping up with Aliceson. I'm sure we'd have a blast hanging out in a bar somewhere in the midwest sharing stories from the motherhood trenches. I may have to steal some of her bloggy pals. They'll be like, who? what? OR maybe I'll go random and steal them off the update page for blogger. I guess that would work too. (evil laugh)

Ok, here, in no particular order, I am tagging:

1. An Iowa Mom (because I was born and raised in Iowa, yay Hawkeye State)
2. An Island Life (because I have a cousin that lives in Hawaii and I hope to visit there soon)
3. Irish Gumbo (because I have a good Irish friend, even though this blogger doesn't seem to be Irish)

And like Aliceson, I need to bow out, because I haven't spent much time in the blogosphere to really have lots of links. If these people will indulge my intrusions, I truly appreciate their patience and understanding.

There, done!