Friday, July 12, 2013

I am an Aquarian



I am an Aquarius "The Water Bearer" with the inner need to be near water. The lake is my happy place and being a Canadian has made that difficult with lakes frozen for half the year!

My vision for our backyard as we attempt to turn it into our little haven, has always included a water feature or fountain.

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n.

1. A harbor or anchorage; a port.

2. A place of refuge or rest; a sanctuary.

 
I just found the above definition fitting as the theme for our backyard is “The Lake”. Long Point. Many memories growing up there on weekends. My parents had a boat at the Marina, my grandparents had a cottage on the channel, my sister worked at the Campground (as she grew up in this beautiful place).

 
So without much money raised from our yard sale, I didn’t know if this vision would come true. Which is why I had such a great day yesterday with the bargains I found! So first as I asked the guy in the back of Rona about the scratch and dent box, I was excited to see it full of 4X4’s – not very big but they could really work for the right price! “How Much are the pieces?” I asked. “Well I’m not sure” he said “that’s just my garbage stuff”. I played it cool then replied “Hmm, well I guess that it should just be free then?” I tried not to let the desperation be heard in my voice.

 
He told the lady at the gate to let me load up whatever I wanted from the box. I turned to my friend and said “Start the truck!! Start the truck!!” – Yes, my IKEA commercial moment. Here was the score:
 


 

 

I only spent $6 on a can of spray paint and we got this load home and sorted neatly where it can be now used to build things in my backyard. Now if I could just afford a water feature. God also blessed me with these sale items later that night:

 



Half Price! and the spitting Koi was also marked down from $39 to $20....so it looks like this could happen after all!
Now if I could just find a man willing to dig a big hole....here he is contemplating that idea:
 

 I also must add the awesome moment shared with my husband at one of our favorite places. The Double Decker Ice Cream bus. The best ice cream sandwiches in the world!

 

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

JUST GIVE ME 15 MINUTES!

Seconds after my husband arrived home yesterday to discover he had lost the keys to our shed, a loud unpleasant moment occurred including swearing and drama that to me seemed completely over the top. I was determined to change the reaction of my husband coming home tonight by having dinner ready, putting on a sexy little black dress and spontaneously suggesting we head to the bedroom for dessert. His reaction was much better and although he worked a 12 hour day, he had no limitations due to lack of energy.

However, 10 minutes later when I asked what he might be willing to do from the “To Do List”, his reply was that he was too tired and it would have to wait. “But I only am asking for 15 minutes of you time!” was my reply and immediately the circus in my head began screaming “That’s NOT FAIR!” and “Oh sure but you had enough energy to have sex with me!”
 
 
 
After quieting the screaming angry voices I managed to express my needs as follows: 

“I am disappointed. I worked hard all day too, I need for you to participate in our home”

“I am upset with your lack of willingness, and procrastination. You have not even looked at the list. Some things there do not require physical exertion – could you do 5 minutes?”

“Where is the Compromise, Teamwork, Give and take? I feel like I am the only one giving.”

Although many have said that all the self-help books in the world will not fix my marriage (or me), I decided I was going to get 15 minutes of his time so I picked one up and began to read it to him

Solutions Discovered:


DREMMEL 1-0-1


For a $5.00 bargain at a yard sale, my Dad recently bought me a Dremmel Tool. I discovered it had Heavy Duty Cutting Wheels in the box. I attached one, plugged it in and within 2 minutes had sparks flying and cut through the steel padlock.
 
This procedure gifted me with the chance to face a fear, (of grinders that spark!) try something new, (this awesome little power tool) and left me with a great sense of accomplishment. One more step up the self-esteem ladder!
 

Speaking My Mind


After reading 2 stories from “I Love You More”, I was interested to hear another wife share that she entered counseling and learned that she “needed to stop walking on eggshells and speak my mind about my needs” and that she felt like she was mothering him and needed a teammate. I was immediately proud of myself for the courage I displayed in discussing my needs and frustrations. I was able to talk with my husband about not wanting to nag at him but hoping he would start putting efforts in without being asked.

Date Night


We have all heard that it is helpful for couples to have a regular time to relax and just enjoy each other’s company. For us this has always been Friday nights. The end of the work week, and it usually involves sloth and gluttony in front of a large TV screen – so, once a week I will try to be okay with that.

I will also be making an effort to:

1.       Relax once in a while

2.       Try to be more empathetic about his busy work day

3.       Have a tea with his Mom to learn how she motivated him
 
 
 

Lessons Learned & Questions to Ponder


  • Maybe it is my expectations that need to change?

  • I need to stop trying to change him and just do the work on the house because I want to, and I feel good when it is done. (FLY Lady!)

  • Discussing my feelings, needs and desires is healthy for my relationship!

  • Who can I ask for help with our Yard Sale this weekend?


My Self-Help Books Referred to This Week


SINK REFLECTIONS - Author: Marla Cilley, FLY LADY


I LOVE YOU MORE - Authors: Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott




THROW OUT FIFTY THINGS, Clear the Clutter, Find Your Life - Author: Gail Blanke