Recently I've taken on the chore of grocery shopping. What was always Craig's task has now become mine - by choice - after all, why should he put in a long day and then come home only to run to Hornbacher's? It certainly isn't my favorite household job, but I have a new appreciation for marketing. Especially now that I'm addicted to cooking shows.
Some things I've learned:
1. The best time of day to shop is late morning. The shelves are stocked, the produce is fresh and there isn't a large crowd. This is useful knowledge since I tend to get shopping cart rage.
2. People at this time of day (say around 10 or 11 a.m.) are more inclined to commiserate. There's something endearing about discussing how to ripen fruit or the quality of meat at the butcher. No one is in a rush, we're all just taking our time perusing the aisles. So refreshing compared to the hustle and bustle of a five o'clock trip to the store.
3. The cashiers tend to be a bit more relaxed and chatty. I equate this to not having to deal with "happy hour" at the grocery store. I should note that I've never, not once, had a rude clerk at Hornbacher's (which is why we shop there).
4. The employees who bag your items and put them in your car really do appreciate a tip. Now if I could just get them to come over and put my groceries away.
5. It's best to make grocery shopping your one errand for the day. Otherwise, you could lose a whole chicken and a liter of Coke in your truck (but this has never happened to me).
I still dislike buying groceries, but in a month or so I'll wish I had the time to make the trip. Good thing Hornbacher's delivers.
-MM
Showing posts with label attitude. Show all posts
Showing posts with label attitude. Show all posts
It's Official
I'm officially a student again. I have never been more excited than I am now. Even for my math class.
It's so gratifying to know that this time, without a doubt, I will finally walk across that stage and accept my diploma.
I digress. I'm getting ahead of myself. It's going to be a long few years. My family will suffer, my home will suffer, but I'll make up for it, I swear I will.
There are four people who have motivated me to get the job done:
1. My Mom. While co-parenting with our Dad, and a separated family, she graduated from college at the age of 33 and had a successful career in law enforcement. She also managed to be the best mom.
2. My Dad, who, with two small girls, finished college, married my Mom. After that, he finished his Master's degree. My Dad is pretty neat.
3. My sister finished her degree even though we were in the midst of our Mom being sick and then dying. She also just received a promotion (again) and is thriving being a paralegal.
4. My high school friend, Amanda, graduated from college a while back. I was so impressed while following her journey. I think it's awesome that she had to courage and tenacity to finish her degree.
I don't necessarily do things "perfectly" or follow society "rules", but I do have the best family and friends. Thanks to you who have set an example.
-MM
It's so gratifying to know that this time, without a doubt, I will finally walk across that stage and accept my diploma.
I digress. I'm getting ahead of myself. It's going to be a long few years. My family will suffer, my home will suffer, but I'll make up for it, I swear I will.
There are four people who have motivated me to get the job done:
1. My Mom. While co-parenting with our Dad, and a separated family, she graduated from college at the age of 33 and had a successful career in law enforcement. She also managed to be the best mom.
2. My Dad, who, with two small girls, finished college, married my Mom. After that, he finished his Master's degree. My Dad is pretty neat.
3. My sister finished her degree even though we were in the midst of our Mom being sick and then dying. She also just received a promotion (again) and is thriving being a paralegal.
4. My high school friend, Amanda, graduated from college a while back. I was so impressed while following her journey. I think it's awesome that she had to courage and tenacity to finish her degree.
I don't necessarily do things "perfectly" or follow society "rules", but I do have the best family and friends. Thanks to you who have set an example.
-MM
A Rubber Tub
I'm in a sentimental mood. Here's why:
Lately I've been focusing on getting closets/drawers/bedrooms organized. I want to have our house in order before school starts in August. I've discovered some wonderful items (even Craig's Scheel's gift card that was lost long ago) and have been puttering around, willing myself to find a place for things.
Yesterday I started the long dreaded task of cleaning Murray's closet. The majority of the contents include our Mom's files and memories that we tossed into a Rubber Maid tub when we cleaned out her house, to be dealt with when we felt a bit better. I didn't know that three years later, I would still feel the same raw grief that I felt when she got sick, the morning she died, and the months after.
Despite my sadness, I've had a lot of smiles and laughter. Our Mom saved things that only a mother knows would be important someday. My journals from high school (oh the shame), Maggie's ridiculous drawings, other items that Mom must have know that we would appreciate. I'm catching a glimpse of the quiet, gentle and committed woman that she was. I found two of her four badges (my sister has the others) and I had to sit still and cry for a while. That's the catch 22 of memories: the good ones never fade, but the bad ones don't either.
So, while reminiscing in my shared childhood and adulthood with my sister, my Mom's motherhood, and life in general, I can say that it's been a good experience. Healthy, cathartic. It's not easy, but I'm determined to finish the project - Mom always said, "Do things well and completely" - and so I will.
But maybe tomorrow. And with my sister.
MM
Lately I've been focusing on getting closets/drawers/bedrooms organized. I want to have our house in order before school starts in August. I've discovered some wonderful items (even Craig's Scheel's gift card that was lost long ago) and have been puttering around, willing myself to find a place for things.
Yesterday I started the long dreaded task of cleaning Murray's closet. The majority of the contents include our Mom's files and memories that we tossed into a Rubber Maid tub when we cleaned out her house, to be dealt with when we felt a bit better. I didn't know that three years later, I would still feel the same raw grief that I felt when she got sick, the morning she died, and the months after.
Despite my sadness, I've had a lot of smiles and laughter. Our Mom saved things that only a mother knows would be important someday. My journals from high school (oh the shame), Maggie's ridiculous drawings, other items that Mom must have know that we would appreciate. I'm catching a glimpse of the quiet, gentle and committed woman that she was. I found two of her four badges (my sister has the others) and I had to sit still and cry for a while. That's the catch 22 of memories: the good ones never fade, but the bad ones don't either.
So, while reminiscing in my shared childhood and adulthood with my sister, my Mom's motherhood, and life in general, I can say that it's been a good experience. Healthy, cathartic. It's not easy, but I'm determined to finish the project - Mom always said, "Do things well and completely" - and so I will.
But maybe tomorrow. And with my sister.
MM
Marriage = Teamwork
We all have things that we excel at and then, there are those other things that we could do a bit better. For instance, when it comes to our household, DH is the picker-upper-organizer-put-things-in-their-place guy. Myself, I'm the sanitizer-scrubber-make-sure-the-ants-stay-away guy. Craig is also the do-the-laundry guy, but I'm the clean-clothes-putter-away-guy. Our personalities work beautifully when we sync. And when we do, we're an amazing team.
There are times though, when we aren't on the same page. Last week, I decided to clean the entry way. Doing so, I shoved everything from it into the front porch and put back what we needed...and left the rest...in the porch. Craig was sweet not to say anything and he still isn't pushing me about finishing the job I started. I suppose it has to do something with the fact that he cleaned the truck and put the junk in tubs (that I had purchased to organize the porch stuff) and placed them on one of the couches. At least his mess is contained and we can approach it when we have some time. Besides, most of it is the boxes from my old office which I'm still struggling with the fact that I have to put away. Sometimes, when I know that DH has a particularly busy travel schedule, I will even help with the mowing (this doesn't sound like a big deal, but our mower is self propelled and only has one speed - FAST - which means I'm literally running behind it and wheezing and sneezing the entire way). Doing chores that will ease his load makes me feel as though I'm a contributor.
But when we go to Craig's parent's home, or the lake, we manage to stick together. I may help with cooking or cleaning, but Craig is mowing, updating the computer, picking up dog remnants, washing the boat or dishes, and what have you. My point is simple: even when we don't agree, it usually works out in the end.
This is one of the very many beautiful things about marriage; pray together, stay together. Work together, stay together. It just doesn't get any better.
God bless our late, injured and active troops.
One more thing: Does anyone know how to transfer pictures from my phone to my blog? I've tried, but it's not working. Thanks in advance!
There are times though, when we aren't on the same page. Last week, I decided to clean the entry way. Doing so, I shoved everything from it into the front porch and put back what we needed...and left the rest...in the porch. Craig was sweet not to say anything and he still isn't pushing me about finishing the job I started. I suppose it has to do something with the fact that he cleaned the truck and put the junk in tubs (that I had purchased to organize the porch stuff) and placed them on one of the couches. At least his mess is contained and we can approach it when we have some time. Besides, most of it is the boxes from my old office which I'm still struggling with the fact that I have to put away. Sometimes, when I know that DH has a particularly busy travel schedule, I will even help with the mowing (this doesn't sound like a big deal, but our mower is self propelled and only has one speed - FAST - which means I'm literally running behind it and wheezing and sneezing the entire way). Doing chores that will ease his load makes me feel as though I'm a contributor.
But when we go to Craig's parent's home, or the lake, we manage to stick together. I may help with cooking or cleaning, but Craig is mowing, updating the computer, picking up dog remnants, washing the boat or dishes, and what have you. My point is simple: even when we don't agree, it usually works out in the end.
This is one of the very many beautiful things about marriage; pray together, stay together. Work together, stay together. It just doesn't get any better.
God bless our late, injured and active troops.
One more thing: Does anyone know how to transfer pictures from my phone to my blog? I've tried, but it's not working. Thanks in advance!
Extreme CLEAN Home Makeover: The Beckerleg Edition
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAGS! I LOVE YOU!
Sounds funny to go from there to here, but it is what it is. See below.
The ants go marching one by hurrah, hurrah!
The ants go marching none by none HURRAH, HURRAH!
Yes, we had an ant problem. I was too embarrassed to admit it, but it turns out that in cool, wet, temperatures, it can happen to anyone. I went through approximately $100 and four hundred and fifty-nine hours of cleaning to rid our home of them, and I do think, just maybe, I've succeeded. And they weren't the nice sugar ants either. They were huge and nasty and black and just gross.
Speaking of cleaning, keeping busy has been a life saver for me. Housework to the extreme, yard work (woman on a mission), working ahead on school work (again, woman on a mission) and I'm beginning to feel a bit better. My hands are raw, my body aches and I'm probably smelly, but it's good. I have been deep cleaning this house since the "unfortunate incident", but it's been worth every second. The strange thing is, I can't stop. I really don't have any other major projects, but every time I turn around, I think, "Oh dear, the ceiling fans need dusting", or "Shoot, I scrubbed the entry way, but forgot to put everything I threw in the porch back" or, "For crying out loud, now I have to sweep...but I just did!" So I guess I do still have some big tasks left. Good thing, too. I love to be busy?????.
After a wonderful, but long day, Craig and I have collapsed. As my dear Grandmother says, "the housework is never done". She hit the nail on the head, as usual....the key now is to keep up with it - another great piece of advice from the Great K. And don't be afraid if you visit us and I'm spraying Raid Indoor and wiping every little surface with bleach. It's just my new normal. Good riddance, ants (although I'd like to tell you to get the bleep out)!
P.S. I would LOVE to hear any advice for cleaning and maintaining the clean. HELP!
Sounds funny to go from there to here, but it is what it is. See below.
The ants go marching one by hurrah, hurrah!
The ants go marching none by none HURRAH, HURRAH!
Yes, we had an ant problem. I was too embarrassed to admit it, but it turns out that in cool, wet, temperatures, it can happen to anyone. I went through approximately $100 and four hundred and fifty-nine hours of cleaning to rid our home of them, and I do think, just maybe, I've succeeded. And they weren't the nice sugar ants either. They were huge and nasty and black and just gross.
Speaking of cleaning, keeping busy has been a life saver for me. Housework to the extreme, yard work (woman on a mission), working ahead on school work (again, woman on a mission) and I'm beginning to feel a bit better. My hands are raw, my body aches and I'm probably smelly, but it's good. I have been deep cleaning this house since the "unfortunate incident", but it's been worth every second. The strange thing is, I can't stop. I really don't have any other major projects, but every time I turn around, I think, "Oh dear, the ceiling fans need dusting", or "Shoot, I scrubbed the entry way, but forgot to put everything I threw in the porch back" or, "For crying out loud, now I have to sweep...but I just did!" So I guess I do still have some big tasks left. Good thing, too. I love to be busy?????.
After a wonderful, but long day, Craig and I have collapsed. As my dear Grandmother says, "the housework is never done". She hit the nail on the head, as usual....the key now is to keep up with it - another great piece of advice from the Great K. And don't be afraid if you visit us and I'm spraying Raid Indoor and wiping every little surface with bleach. It's just my new normal. Good riddance, ants (although I'd like to tell you to get the bleep out)!
P.S. I would LOVE to hear any advice for cleaning and maintaining the clean. HELP!
Chin Up, Buck Up
I've had sme time to process since last Wednesday when I announced the latest hurdle. It sounds easy to move on, and sometimes, it feels that way. That's not to say I don't have my moments. Relying on my inner strength, my faith, family and friends is helping. Today was the first day that I went to the office, despite the fact that I was dreading it. I woke up this morning with an attitude of, "take names and kick a**, but Craig reminded me that it's not my style, or in my blood to do so. So I went to work with a cheery face, worked on getting organized for the people who will be taking over my work, and grinning when I wanted to cry (not that I didn't have tears when I left).
I had a quick, healthy lunch, came home, started some more house work and when I couldn't help it anymore, I called my loved ones. I feel better at the moment, and remain positive that I will continue to do so. As I've said before, keeping busy is an immense relief. By the end of the week, the majority of deep cleaning will be done and then I will focus on my creative writing course (which I need and am excited about).
As far as projects go, does anyone have advice for caring for an out of control Umbrella Tree Plant? I love it dearly, but am afraid to split and and re-pot it for fear of an untimely plant death. The poor thing is thriving, but her roots are growing out of a very large pot. Help!
The best news? I don't have to worry about missing Ellen or Oprah. If I work hard all day, I can have 2 hours of entertainment and solace until we begin our evening. LET'S DANCE!
I had a quick, healthy lunch, came home, started some more house work and when I couldn't help it anymore, I called my loved ones. I feel better at the moment, and remain positive that I will continue to do so. As I've said before, keeping busy is an immense relief. By the end of the week, the majority of deep cleaning will be done and then I will focus on my creative writing course (which I need and am excited about).
As far as projects go, does anyone have advice for caring for an out of control Umbrella Tree Plant? I love it dearly, but am afraid to split and and re-pot it for fear of an untimely plant death. The poor thing is thriving, but her roots are growing out of a very large pot. Help!
The best news? I don't have to worry about missing Ellen or Oprah. If I work hard all day, I can have 2 hours of entertainment and solace until we begin our evening. LET'S DANCE!
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