It's been a while since we've visited my in-laws in West Texas and I though I hate to take time off of work to drive back and forth for family visits; nice visits, but it's not my definition of VACATION!
This past year we've seen the "folks" quite a bit. With a new niece (their grandbaby) only a short distance from us, my in-laws have been making the long trip to visit my brother in-law and his family a few times this year. These visits "our way" have made it convenient for us to see everyone (at my brother in law's, a short 2-1/2 hour drive from us) and not have to make the long 5-hour trip to to visit my husband's parents. Yes, I realize for most people driving so many hours would surely place you in the the next state (or country for those across the pond), but for Texans it isn't the case.
So, at the end of the month we have a long weekend trip planned. After an entire year since we last visited (for my husband's 25th high school class reunion) we are overdue to make the pilgrimage west. It sure feels like a pilgrimage. It's a long trip with deserted roads, it's HOT, its oh so boring of a trip. Nothing interesting to see after the initial hour drive. The scenic highlights are oil rigs.
The drive is the worst part of our trips there, because truthfully I have enjoyed every visit since my honey first took me to meet the extended family and childhood friends. I usually fall asleep for part if not most of the drive.
My husband always insists on driving. The music selection is geared more to him though we trade off back and forth, but there is not much for me to do in the car. Reading usually makes me carsick so I snooze!!
I'll be scrambling this evening to pack and bracing myself Friday for the long drive in 100 plus degree (Fahrenheit) weather in the West Texas plains. I better start hydrating now to be on the safe side!
Wishing you cool Summer days.
Wedding Photos
Friday, June 22, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
The "Estrogen Channels" - Helpful or harmful?
Like many women I enjoy watching certain female oriented cable channels. You know, the ones where they often play dramas or romantic comedies? My husband calls them "the estrogen channels" and tuning in usually makes him scurry out of the room.
On occasion he walks in right at a pivotal moment when I find myself sobbing or sighing and he mocks me. What he fails to realize is that these movies/shows put me in a vulnerable mood. Instead of teasing he should"move in for the kill" or "sweep me off my feet". After all, the ground work has been laid for him.
My honey often thanks me for never forcing him to take me to watch "girly" movies. I won't ever force him to do that, just like I expect him not to force me to join him on some of his interest that are not "my thing".
There are times when I've realized that the "estrogen channels" can be dangerous! Yes, I admit it to YOU and have also to my husband! Watching scenes where women are showered by what is considered romantic gestures such as receiving flowers and jewelery can make the average woman envious and start to measure her mate by these standards.
I confess, I not long ago whined to my husband about not being romantic as he used to... Poor guy looked concerned. The very next day right before I left my office for the day my husband called me as he often does before heading home. This time he called to tell me he had gotten out of work early and was planning on stopping at the grocery store on his way home. He asked me to text him a short list of what we may need.
I swear, it hit me like a ton of bricks How could I accuse him of not being romantic? Isn't his constant participation in our marriage JUST THAT?? He is considerate and shares in our daily chores. He doesn't just take and take. He doesn't sit back and let me do it all though some times I have to send up a few flares when he gets lost in his hobbies! His offering to do grocery shopping without being prompted is as romantic as receiving flowers from him.
What married woman who works (more so if she's a stay at home mom), and comes home to do the usual, cooking, cleaning, laundry wouldn't prefer her husband handle one task from the mental "to do list" instead of getting flowers?
Isn't some action that spares us even 20 minutes in a day the equivalence of a gift? Twenty minutes can be converted in to time to pamper ourselves: a short soak in the tub, less stress and a more relaxed dinner conversation, a cat nap, whatever one could fit in 20 minutes!
I will continue to remind myself of the many unconventional ways my honey IS romantic in my real world and try to leave the stereo type romance on the boob tube strictly for entertainment.
On occasion he walks in right at a pivotal moment when I find myself sobbing or sighing and he mocks me. What he fails to realize is that these movies/shows put me in a vulnerable mood. Instead of teasing he should"move in for the kill" or "sweep me off my feet". After all, the ground work has been laid for him.
My honey often thanks me for never forcing him to take me to watch "girly" movies. I won't ever force him to do that, just like I expect him not to force me to join him on some of his interest that are not "my thing".
There are times when I've realized that the "estrogen channels" can be dangerous! Yes, I admit it to YOU and have also to my husband! Watching scenes where women are showered by what is considered romantic gestures such as receiving flowers and jewelery can make the average woman envious and start to measure her mate by these standards.
I confess, I not long ago whined to my husband about not being romantic as he used to... Poor guy looked concerned. The very next day right before I left my office for the day my husband called me as he often does before heading home. This time he called to tell me he had gotten out of work early and was planning on stopping at the grocery store on his way home. He asked me to text him a short list of what we may need.
I swear, it hit me like a ton of bricks How could I accuse him of not being romantic? Isn't his constant participation in our marriage JUST THAT?? He is considerate and shares in our daily chores. He doesn't just take and take. He doesn't sit back and let me do it all though some times I have to send up a few flares when he gets lost in his hobbies! His offering to do grocery shopping without being prompted is as romantic as receiving flowers from him.
What married woman who works (more so if she's a stay at home mom), and comes home to do the usual, cooking, cleaning, laundry wouldn't prefer her husband handle one task from the mental "to do list" instead of getting flowers?
Isn't some action that spares us even 20 minutes in a day the equivalence of a gift? Twenty minutes can be converted in to time to pamper ourselves: a short soak in the tub, less stress and a more relaxed dinner conversation, a cat nap, whatever one could fit in 20 minutes!
I will continue to remind myself of the many unconventional ways my honey IS romantic in my real world and try to leave the stereo type romance on the boob tube strictly for entertainment.
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