After 15 Years, He Can Still Surprise Me

I chose this picture because it cracks me up every time I see it and is the opposite of this post.

The Mister and I were talking the other day. I don't really remember how it came up, but we were talking about people being uptight and he asked me if I thought I was uptight. I replied yes because I really think that I am. I tend to be obsessive and I think obsessiveness lends itself to being uptight or is a part of being uptight. The Mister was surprised and told me that he doesn't think that I am. That surprised me because I think I am very obviously uptight. I'll tell you why.

I have unbending beliefs and attitudes towards certain ideals, other people's attitudes and beliefs, and life in general. For instance, I am a believer of science and the things in our world that have been proven with physical evidence. If I can see a thing, I believe it exists and that it is true. I'll explain this further...I believe that ghosts (or whatever you want to call them) exist because I have had unexplainable things happen right in front of my eyes. On the flipside, I don't believe other people's ghost stories because I didn't see it for myself. I'm not saying that they're lying, just that I have to see it to believe it. I believe in the existence of prehistoric life because I have touched a mammoth tusk with my own two hands. What makes me uptight in relation to this topic? I don't understand how people can believe in something that they've never seen for themselves. I don't understand faith and I think those that have faith in the unproven are naive and looking for comfort and for explanations for the unexplainable. And you will never change my mind until I can see and touch evidence to prove my beliefs wrong.

Vices. I am completely uptight when it comes to drinking, smoking, and doing drugs. This makes me somewhat of a judgmental hypocrite since I occasionally enjoy a glass of wine or something stronger, but excessive drinking upsets me and I hate being around it. But who am I to say what is excessive for someone else, right? Still, I don't understand addiction and why someone opens themselves up to being controlled by a substance. Taking Excedrin for my migraines bugs me but I take them to function. No matter how bad my insomnia gets, I avoid taking OTC sleep aids. They scare me. I've always hated prescription drugs so there is no way I would take illegal drugs. And smoking. If you don't know where I stand when it comes to smoking, then you know me not at all.

Lies. I don't like being lied to. Who does? But I'm unforgiving about it. Don't effing lie to me. Not to spare my feelings. Not because a lie is easier. Not because the truth will land you in crap. I don't forget lies. If you think that I have, you'd be really, really wrong.

Parenting. I'm an uptight parent. I like to know where my kids are at all times. I like to know who their friends are. I always talk to the parents of my girls' friends before they are allowed to sleep over at someone's house I've never met previously. Even the oldest child. I don't let my kids bully other kids. In fact, I make my kids look out for other kids that are littler than they are. One of the conditions the Mister and I have for paying for the oldest child to have a cell phone is that her cell phone is open to on the spot inspections without warning. If she doesn't like it, well, I don't enjoy paying $300+ a month for our cell phone plan so that she can have a data plan. The same can be said for her Facebook and e-mail accounts. If she wants it to be completely private, get a job and pay for it by herself. My kids have chores. They have rules. They have a mom that is interested in their grades. I don't think I'm so uptight that I haven't cut the umbilical cord, but I do think they are somewhat tethered by apron strings. Oh wells.

I'm set in my ways and I am not open to other people's opinions. I think that makes me uptight. I am nothing if not honest and I can admit that about myself but I don't think being uptight makes me a bad person. Maybe an un-fun person but I can live with that.

Check it Out! It's New!

I'm trying out something new. I hope it's fun and will end up being a regular feature on my blog. If you decide to participate too, please leave me a comment so that I can go and read what you had to say!!

Rules for 5QF: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then watch for the linky post to appear Friday morning and LINK UP!

1. How close to your childhood dreams is your life now?

I have no idea. I guess in terms of being healthy, happy, and alive, I've achieved my dreams. Professionally though, I feel directionless right now.

2. What is one must have item for the summer?

Flip flops. That's it. Nothing else need be said.

3. Do you have your kids stay up on school stuff during summer vacation? (Or, if you don't have kiddos, did your parents make you keep up on school stuff during summer?)

I try to keep them reading and interest them in educational shows that I like to watch on the History Channel. Stuff like that. But I don't have them practice their multiplication facts or anything like that.

4. Do you can or freeze fresh produce?

Nope. The year I had a tomato forest in my backyard, I really wish that I knew how to can and/or freeze them though.

5. Do you get ready for the day first thing in the morning?

It depends. If it's a workout day, as soon as I roll out of bed, I put my workout clothes on so that I don't change my mind about working out, lol. A day like today where all I had was a client meeting over the phone, I'll admit, I'm still in my pajamas and it's after 10, BWAHAHAHA!!

Retro TV: Mad About You

Even before I became obsessed with Friends, I was a huge fan of Mad About You. Before this week, I hadn't seen an episode for years but we have a new channel (at least I think it's new. With 1000+ channels, I can't keep track) that airs two episodes Monday through Friday. It's now firmly embedded in my DVR recording list.

I totally missed Paul and Jaime Buchman. They were who I wanted to be when I grew up. They both had successful careers, they had a fantastic apartment in NYC (I still envy their bookcases), and they had nifty, if neurotic, friends. Oh. And they had Murray the dog after whom I named my second rabbit.

Other than the last couple seasons, I loved every minute of this show. MABEL was one of the biggest disasters of sitcom television, in my opinion. I'm happy that I have a chance to escape into their world a few times a week.