Monday, February 15, 2010

Sacrifices

It was that time to start thinking about what I wanted to give up for Lent. Usually it takes me awhile because I try to come up with something that I will miss the least, something that is easy to give up (great Catholic, aren't I?). But this year I knew it well in advance and although it could have been a New Years resolution, I thought it would be better for lent, because if I messed up, well, HE would know. So what did I give up? I am giving up asking people for help and favors. Anything that I can do myself, for myself and others.


If you have been reading some of my recent posts, you know that I can get up on my high horse when I feel people (my family in particular) aren't pulling their weight. As my friend Pat from Gypsy Heart said, "Do I look like I am walking around with a shirt that says Hilton on it?". Well, I think I got most of that out of my system, or at least I came up with some solutions and some things I will just have to live with. They are universal problems and well, if the universe hasn't figured it all out... So you might think it odd that I am giving up the very thing that I have been fighting for, but no, I'm not in the least. I will continue to have my expectations, but it is time to take a look at my responsibilities and how I manage to bump them off on others (gasp).


Case in point: Abigail uses my car for school (and for her mani/pedi's, tanning, mall runs and the occasional visit with a friend). So I only see fit that since she is using my car, I can ask her to stop and buy milk and pop, drop off a package at the post office, bring home the dry cleaning and take the car through the car wash. After all, she is using my car. And well, there we have it, all of Blondie's errands for the day are taken care of. I sit back with a Cheshire cat smile and if I want, I can stay in my jammies all day. And I have. Occasionally I don't even brush my hair.

I do this with The Husband too. I catch him before he leaves from work to ask him to pick up this or that at the grocery store or stop by a friends house to get a book I am borrowing. After all, I am in the middle of making his dinner. Probably in my jammies.


So I ask you to look into your heart of hearts and tell me if you ever do any of this. This taking advantage of a good situation. Do I sound ruthless? In my head I justify this, as I have illustrated. But is it fair?




I racked my brain trying to come up with something to justify my behavior. I was starting to meet some resistance on the part of the slaves, er...family. I was accused of never leaving the house (true), of blogging half the day (true), of neglecting my duties (well, um, okay...true) And so I made my decision and decided to start straight away with my new found sense of doing it all myself. Active Blondie. Off and running everyday. Smiling and laughing all pink cheeked with energy and glee. Well, it didn't take long to fail miserably and here is what happened.
On Saturday I went out to Michael's with my daughter and then out to lunch. Afterward I was to stop at the pharmacy and pick up prescriptions for myself and The Husband. Emily and I had a wonderful afternoon and it was only until I was back home, in the house hanging up my coat, that I realized I had forgotten to get the prescriptions. The very first thought that popped in to my head was, The Husband can pick them up on his way home from the office, where he had gone to work for a few hours. My sacrifice never crossed my mind. To make a long story short, The husband was NOT happy to hear from me and was even less happy when he found the pharmacy had closed by the time he got there. And so we did not speak to each other all evening, as that is how it usually goes when things get ugly between us.


The next morning I lay in bed thinking and admitting to myself that I had been wrong. Wrong from the minute I hung up that coat instead of putting it back on. I got out of bed with a renewed purpose.
And there in the kitchen I found a dozen roses, a luscious carrot cake and a mushy Valentine's Day card from The Husband. I went and gave him a big hug and kiss and all was good between us. But then I did something, something so small. I threw on some clothes and actually brushed my hair and I went to the drugstore, got our prescriptions and also picked up a magazine, batteries for my camera, some discount Valentine's Day chocolates, a newspaper...the whole time thinking, "Wow, this getting out thing is fun!" But most of all I realized the err of my ways. And that if I wanted to get on my high horse over chores not getting done or a golf bag sitting in my living room for a week, that's okay. And it is okay to delegate duties to everyone to keep a house running. And it is okay to ask for a favor once in awhile. But as a woman of the new millennium, I have to take care of myself and not rely on others to do it for me. And thankfully I have a husband who knew I would figure it out.
I won this award from Hummer of Joyous Tomorrows. Thank you so much. As this was a lengthy post, I am going to list 7 things about myself and pass the award on in my next post.

Thanks so much for visiting me today.

63 comments:

Lori said...

I do that to my husband all the time. I ask him to go to the store and get me something after I get home, and I just passed the dang store. That's just how I roll...LOL I'm getting better... I went to the bank today and of course it was closed. I was going to get hubby to do it for me tomorrow, but after reading this I think I'll do it on my lunch break tomorrow...
Have a nice week.. Wish I could stay in my jammies all day... I would do it in a minute..
Oh, What did you get at Michael's????

Lori

Julie Marie said...

Hi Janie... a great post, as always! I don't see anything wrong with asking your family for help from time to time... I just usually do everything for myself... don't get me wrong, Jack always offers to help with everything... I have just always been very independent and done things for myself (and most everyone else!)... but I like to! I do not like to be waited on (I know, alot of the ladies out there will thing I AM nuts)... but I truly enjoy doing things for others... I told you before, I even enjoy housework and folding laundry (now the ladies will really think I am nuts)... Good luck to you on whatever you decide to do... as I know you are a strong lady, and I so admire strong women, and women who speak their mind, as you always do!!! Looking forward to your next post and learning seven more things about you! xoxo Julie Marie

Bunny Jean said...

Oh Blondie... I so understand. It becomes so easy to rely on someone else (Hubby) to pick up "a few things" on the way home from work. After all he drives right past the store.

I've had many days spent in jammies and in my own world... maybe blogging. Selfish?

Well, that has changed since he has already made the move to Ca. I now have to "plan" ahead or just do without. I am feeling more self reliant... something I had always felt in the past.

I must say I look forward to his visits back home. We both do!

Sometimes we forget to appreciate the things we have... until their gone.

Talk to you soon ;)
Bunny Jean

Ticking and Toile said...

Well for now I don't have children who can drive yet....but I've often wondered if I would ask them to help me out like that.....(no, I know I'll be asking them!!) ..and I do occasionally ask hubby to stop on the way home....But, I think you are right in that we could all do a better job of looking for opportunities to serve each other. Do little things to make our loved ones lives a little easier. When we do, everything just seems to go better.
btw, I don't know what it is about this blogging thing, but I have found myself MANY days jumping in the shower at 1:45 just before running to pick up the kids from school....eek. My new thing this year (sorry I'm going on forever) is to do everything else..FIRST. then I don't have to worry or feel guilty.
And also this....I think you are absolutely FABULOUS!!!!! :-)

Shellagh

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Good Morning Jane, now girl I have Len run for me all the time ha ha!! as I can't really sit witout a tail bone anymore he does do alot of my running and that's ok as I still cook for him and do the laundry and house...Being my own boss for over 32 years I learned to delegate duties to others and don't have a bit of promblem with it now ha ha!! Love the flowers and cake...now that to me is romantic sighs....Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
Well, I am quite the opposite of you. I never ask anyone to do things for me and as a result, I take on way too much. I need to delegate a little more

My husband (retired) does do the grocery shopping and most of the cooking. He has had a cold all week and hasn't been able to do much. Believe me, I started realizing just how much he does so that I can play on my blog or in my booth or go junkin.

Great post.

hugs
Sissie

Unknown said...

Hi Jane,


I understand your dilemma and your feelings.

I find that I have to get out at least once a day. It makes me feel productive and gets me out and about in the mix of things. The more you stay indoors, the more you don't want to do anything and start to feel a little down and lazy. I make a LIST of all the things I want to do that day. Sometimes the list is long and I don't get everything done, sometimes it is short and totally doable. If the list is long and everything cannot get done, something moves to the next day or next few days. You also have to prioritize your list. If you need your prescriptions today, they can't be moved until tomorrow, you get them done first. I have turned around many a time and had to go back out.
I know that my husband has had a long and stressful day at work and I never ask him to stop by the store, because he doesn't like it and he has been at work all day and is tired. I have not been at work all day and I consider it my job to get these kinds of things done. I would totally consider asking my daughter to swing by the grocery store if have forgotten something, but I would not give her my list. I don't go anywhere on Mondays. I get my laundry done and my chores. I usually am in sweats for most of the day. I have to force myself away from the computer. I'm not shy about having my kids do dishes or vacuum. This is a huge help.

Try to make a loose schedule that works for you and make a LIST, I fought the whole list thing for so long, but it really does help to keep you organized. Especially if your like me and can't remember what you wanted at the grocery store the minute you walk in!

I have a list for the day, the week and the month. Sounds super organized but it isn't. For instance, I know I want to plant flowers this month. I see it in my date book, it nags at me and before the month is over, I will have them planted, even if it is on the last day of the month. It will somehow make it to one of my daily lists.

Now, if I had a job, it would be a different story. I would totally ask him to stop by the store if it was on his way and not mine. The kids would have longer lists of things to do. I also live in California and don't have to deal with the snow. So take what you want from my advice and tell me to go pound sand with the rest! (hehe)

xoxo,
janie

Theresa said...

It is just fine to ask for help with the errands. Especially if your daughter is using your car.

Sounds like you had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Anonymous said...

I have to say I'm the one who does all the errands, or most of them...mostly because my husband's job is very demanding of his time... but, there is nothing wrong with delegating some chores and errands to other family members.. running a household is a family chore... everyone has to chip in. If she' borrowing your car, nothing wrong with taking care of what you would have if you had your car.

Getting out of the house, though, is usually good for the soul, not just the errands at hand. Even if it's just to take a walk up the road and back.

Gail said...

What a stunning revelation! And it feels good, so it must be right. But did you give up anything or gain something?

Did you pick up some canvas for me while you were at Michael's?

Susan Freeman said...

I'm guilty of staying in my jammies all day. In fact I'm in my jammies now! You have inspired me to get dressed and do all of the chores I promised myself I would do on this President's Day Holiday. I will feel much better about myself when I do and I'll remember to give my husband a big hug and kiss when he walks through the door tonight.

I love that you speak your mind. I am always here to listen and Bentley will always be sympathetic.

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

Barb said...

Hi Jane, Your cake and flowers are lovely.

I don't do the guilt thing anymore. I spent too many years of my life doing that. I try and not place rules on myself anymore, Jane. But, remember it took me years to get to this point.

Don't eat too much cake and save a piece for me.

Hugs, Barb ♥

Unknown said...

Blondie, I adore you! You are so funny and honest. I love this post!! I HAVE to ask my big family for help and get after them all the time or I would never make it!! It is hard enough to do all I do but I need help!! I think you are totally right!! LOL!!

YES, lets meet up in South Haven this summer!! That would be so much fun!!
Big Hugs and the cake and roses are gorgeous!!!
Amy

Lovely Scribbles said...

Oh, Jane, I just love your complete candor and transparency. :) It's what makes your blog posts so delightful and endearing! I'm glad you woke up to a lovely Valentine's treat. It sounds well deserved!

April said...

Jane~
You are so brave to admit what you've done...I do the thing! Often times, I feel like I take advantage of people and situations to make my own life a little easier. You know what, though? We're only human and we need help from others from time to time. There is nothing wrong with asking for a little assistance once in awhile. We are in this world to help one another...that's what LIFE is all about, right? So, don't beat yourself up too much.

Your hubby was so sweet to have surprised you on Valentine's Day. I'm sure it made everything "all better". :)

Anonymous said...

Oh, this hit close to home, although for me it's not my jammies. For me, it's sweats. When I am in my sweats then it's a day for me and I too ask those I love to run errands.

My hubby knows I hate going to the bank, the video store, Home Depot, need I go on??? Yet, I can spend hours in TJ Maxx just browsing. I'm hopelessly spoiled but that's not my fault.

I'm a princess :)

The Muse said...

here, at the painted nest...my beloved is the grocery getter :) mainly due that he is the chef! we would be in utter chaos if this muse were to attempt such a feat!

glad to hear and see the romance of your life is still beautiful!

Brenda Pruitt said...

Well, I hate to get out too, as you know. I love to stay home all day in the cozy little house and only venture into the yard. Or out to the mailbox. So I schedule one or two days per week and get it all done. Thus I can sit back with the Cheshire cat grin and don't ask anyone diddly. Your time is worth something too. Don't forget that. But I do understand where you're coming from. But if they're already out...
Brenda

Betsy Brock said...

I so loved this post! I think we've all done this to some extent. :)

I do love it when I get to stay home all day long. I think I'm a hermit at heart! lol.

Cape Cod Rambling Rose said...

What a GREAT post! I too find myself taking advantage sometimes. It is great to be waited on (and not just when we moms become ill)! lol Then I realize there really are lots of things I do around the house so routinely that I don't even think about them, so I shouldn't feel guilty to ask for help once in a while. =)

Sue said...

This is interesting...I don't entirely agree with you. I think if your kid is using your car, they should have to run errands, put in gas, take it to the car wash...or buy their own car. I have 2 twenty-somethings, so I've been there and I think it is good for them to learn that if they get something...it doesn't hurt them to also give something.

I also ask my husband to pick up stuff because he is already out and about, and I'm not. But, I'm not a sleep in or stay in your jammies person. I'm up and dressed when he leaves for work and I'm a neat freak, so the house is always under control. He never seems to mind...in fact, I think he'd rather pick up something than have me get my car dirty:) He's a neat freak about the cars!

I do think getting out of the house is good idea. I find myself staying in way too much, mostly in the winter. I don't really like driving and doing it in ice and snow really isn't my thing.

Sue

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Janie, I hear you. I do this to Mr. Magpie at times, and I feel guilty. But he lets me know. LOL!

I think you have an easier excuse about not getting out because it's cold there. But I'm glad you are and that you are feeling better about things.

Sounds like fun shopping Michael's. I need to go there today, and here I am... blogging! LOL!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Simple Home said...

Okay, I'm feeling a little guilty right now :-) This was a great post. You are wonderful about revealing the real you, and that's part of why we all love reading your blog. (You've got lots of great ideas and beautiful photos too).
Blessings,
Marcia

Tamerie Shriver Halliday said...

Hi Jane

Great post, as always! If I had a husband/boyfriend, I probably wouldn't ask him to pick stuff up for me because I actually like doing errands. I always walk to the post office or the grocery store or wherever I need to go. I just look at it as another way to get more exercise. If I'm pressed for time, I'll ride my bike. I realize, especially in winter, that's not really possible for you to do. Luckily, I don't have to worry about that here. In fact, it is about 80 degrees and sunny today. I walked by the beach and it was pretty full!

Anyway, it sounds like you made the right choice for you for Lent.

Hugs,
Tamerie

Charlene said...

You sooooooooooo made me laugh with this post! And I loved the Valentine one prior to it. The hearts on the window & the snow in the background! Thanks for stopping by to see my snow photos. I know it was not an exciting post since you see so much of the white stuff. Have a great week. HUGS! Charlene

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

I know this won't help...but all I am thinking is...hey, lent doesn't start yet....!!
Bad influence...and you should not listen to me!
But, hurray for you - you did it, and maybe not on the day you thought...but the next - that's a big step!
Now....when lent ends - what will happen???!!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Jane,
You are a such an honest, lovely person. I am so glad I got to meet you. I feel your pain dear. Being the oldest of 8 kids I have the caretaker in me. I do all the errand running, not just for Dan and myself, but sometimes for my Mom and daughter too. Go ahead and ask others to help out when you need to. By being the opposite, everyone expects me to do things for them. Dan will just do things without asking. It's my Mom and daughter that expect me to be an errand runner. I am getting better at it but as you can see the opposite can work against you too. Hugs, and I hope this made sense. Cindy

Judi said...

I don't think there is anything wrong with your daughter doing some errands for ya if she's using the car ~ but I see your point about getting home and just hangin' the coat up, and forgetting the prescriptions LOL! Your honesty is refreshing and glad ya had a big kiss and made up :) Judi

Lori said...

I find myself being the opposite ~ going out of my way to get something when it is on his way home.... I have been getting better and he is getting better too as I used to get a look or a sigh when I asked him to run an errand. That is probably why I would just do it myself. But isn't that what marriage is all about?? Giving and taking and doing things together. Oh yeah ~ I love jammie days!!

Kat said...

Honestly, one of the advantages of having a child who can drive is letting them take over some of the errands. But I would never, ever, EVER ask DH to go to the grocery store - bless his heart, his mother traumatized him for life regarding grocery shopping lol. I love that you are so brutally honest, but don't beat yourself up. We all have our days. Hugs, Kat

Suzann said...

Interesting. Made me think. I'm still thinking.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

You are so smart and so honest with yourself. If I didn't work, I'm sure I'd be right here in my pjs in front of the computer all day long! Good post. laurie

Kathleen said...

Hmmm..Lent..I have to think about that! I remember when my sister would give up smoking for Lent. She was so miserable and cranky her kids begged her to ungive it up. lol.. But now no one smokes!
I don't think it is wrong for you to ask your dd to pick things up if she is using your car!
I worked for 33 yrs, so now I am a little slow to get started in the morning..my guilty pleasure...my only vice..:)
Love your writing, Jane!

shabbyfufu said...

Janie....you are a hoot my friend! Yes, I must admit that I am guilty of asking hubby to do things "on his way around town"~ meaning that I am too lazy to do these things myself! Hope you had a lovely Valentine's Day...xoxo

xinex said...

Hi Janie, Al is so sweet,beautiful bouquet of flowers he gave you. As of asking family members to run errands for me, well, unfortunately I have no one else to rely on (they all live in another state) but John, but he is always busy working and what little time he can spare, he tries to catch up on his charts and dictation. I do occasionally ask him to get some diet coke, after all he is the one who can't live without it. But otherwise, I am it! But I am guilty of being in my jammies all day long, unless I have friends coming over or I have errands to do which I put off a lot, lol...Christine

stefanie said...

ok, I don't think asking for some of the things is bad, she does use your car, and gas, so she should help, I think you are being to hard on yourself!

Fifi Flowers said...

Looks like a FAB Valentines for YOU!!!

Maryrose said...

Hi Janie,
This is a great post. It is always so easy to ask someone else to do it...like you said they are right there. I am finding in my old age (who knew) that my hubster wants to do more for me when I don't ask. I was doing what you talked about and decided to take charge and try and organize my life better. No small feat...still can't do it. But because I am not nagging (as he sees it) only asking (as I see it) he does more. Crazy....he doesn't necessarily do what I want him to do...but he does. I love this post and I can totally relate. :)
PS.. Cali is sunny and warm and my bunco girls can always use some new blood.

Unknown said...

Hi Jane, I have to say.. that of ALLLLLLLLLLL my flaws, this isn't one of them. But my mom always did this to me, my dad and brother. It would drive me crazy.

Is it time for Lent? I'm a Baptist and we don't focus to much on this although I think we should. Good for you!
~Liz

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Oh wow! Giving up for Lent! Wow! A trip down Memory Lane. [Not a great trip for me, but a trip, never the less. >,-)]

I'm very glad that you came on something which you view as a good thing, for you to "give up or do." Yeaaaaaaa you.

Just as long as you haven't gone all the way to "total home slave hood." And you have not. :-)

Suzy's Vintage Attic said...

Hi Blondie

I am the opposite. I prefer to get things myself, to make sure I get exactly what I want. Also, as I work from home it is easier for me to pop out when it suits me.

I still haven't decided on what to give up for lent...chocolate seems like an obvious one as I like it sooo much...I need to make up my mind soon though!

Don't be too hard on yourself...;-)

Warm wishes
Isabelle x

Beth at Aunties said...

Is this confession time??? I too am so guilty!!! I never use to be like this and ran from morn to night
Now, I am usually calling my sister to stop and pick something up after she worked HARD all day teaching in special ed. I called my husband just as he got off the freeway last night to see if he would swing our daughters and grab something. It took him another 1/2 hour to get home. :)
I needed this read! I really love getting out and running the errands. I have been telling myself I need to spend less time blogging and more time doing! I need to get off my high horse and start carrying my whole weight. Well...maybe not quite.. my whole weight. LOL ~♥

Kathryn @ Bonafide Southern said...

I understand you completely! I often ask my husband to stop on his way home to pick up this or that. It's just convenient. On the other hand though, he often asks me to "bring him a coke since I'm up anyway" (although I'm not headed near the refrigerator) so I figure that one request from me equals one request from him! :)

The Muse said...

thank you for the congrats on my blog post concerning my sons' s engagement :)

Beth@The Stories of A to Z said...

Aw, so sweet and I can relate. I require a lot of my hubby and he mostly complies happily but sometimes a take advantage of his generosity. Always know we are loved in spite of our short comings!

savvycityfarmer said...

it's time for me to do some serious thinking over here ... I should mostly give up whining

.... I go postal on my family if they tromp on me ... I should just figure out how to let them know without so much drama.

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

Oh Jane...we can only do better the next time! And I know you DO have a sacrificial heart!

What a sweet husband!

Hey I saw that you won my sister, Dianes' giveaway... congrats!

xinex said...

Hi Janie, I don't know my schedule, it is at home. I know we are going on a cruise next month (around March 20). I don't rememnber having any plans for April but I kmow John asked me to book for flights to Fl for Memorial Day weekend. use Photoscape for my mosaics and yes, you can add wordings to them from within the program. It's pretty user friendly but I can show you when you come for a visit if you haven't figured out yet by then. The baby's doing fine. I did some errands today for me and my daughter so I made a little side trip to shop, not much cause I do not know my way around that much. Brendan loves his big bed!..Christine

Sandra said...

I think most of us are still trying to figure it out...but it sounds like all is well and you had a good Valentine's Day!

Elaine said...

Maybe you are just a natural born manager, delegating and getting everything done. Nothing wrong with that. But you do need to go out once in a while.

As for Lent, it's hard to think of something to sacrifice. Last year, I gave up complaining and it was hard to have a single conversation with anyone. A true learning lesson.

Anonymous said...

I gotta say by the number of comments, I think a lot of us have the same issues in common! I am glad you and hubby kissed and made up though. Although I wonder -- how long would it have taken you? It always take me longer.

June said...

Jane I loved this post so much. I realized when I was reading this that I did the very same thing when my children were home. It was so easy to go day after day without even having to leave the house. But the kids grew up and left and it forced me back out there, and I found that I had missed being out and about in public.
What a great read this was sweetie. That was so awesome of your husband to treat you with roses and goodies.
hugs

Shellbelle said...

"And thankfully I have a husband who knew I would figure it out."

This was the best line in your post. Isn't it wonderful to know that no matter how off kilter we can get at times for whatever reason, our loved ones are always there in the end? And the same is true of us for them. Family……it's a good thing!

Joyce said...

I can relate to your post and the part about the golf bags sitting in the room for a week:) Since I tend to like things done my way I prefer to do things for myself so that I know they will get done. Now forgetting things is so bad I have to staple my list to my handbag when I leave the house some days:)
Joyce

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

Hi Janie,
What an insiteful post. Makes us all think about it in our own lives. Thank you!
~Debra
Blog: Capers of the vintage vixens

Jenny said...

Your daughter might not be happy that you will be using the car more! LOL!

I think it's great that you will spend more time out, being held up in your house is not healthy.

Jennifer Juniper said...

I would totally take advantage of getting some errands run for me! I think it's brilliant :)

Kathleen Grace said...

Boy did this hit home. I have a husband who is willing to wait on me hand and foot and I am ashamed to say I've gotten quite used to taking advantage of it. I've been feeling a bit guilty about it lately and your post was the last straw. I need to get off my hiney more and do for myself, or better yet, wait on him a little bit for a change.

Gypsy Heart said...

Hey dear one,
You must care for yourself first ~ you can't do for others if your well is depleted. Repeat often! :-)
Seriously, I think you can find a happy balance with everyone and schedule a lot for your daughter while she has the car. Perhaps that would be a bit easier than asking hubby when he's exhausted??? Just a thought ~

The flowers and cake are absolutely wonderful! LOVE fresh flowers so much. I'm glad all is well. You deserve only the best!

xoxo
Pat

Nancy said...

My husband has a sports car sitting out the winter and takes my car for work. BUT, it wouldn't matter. He goes out so if anything needs doing during the week, he does it, including the trips to the post office with my business shipping. Okay, I'm starting to feel guilty. A little.

Of course I spend all day in my yoga pants. I do get out of jammies into these, but really it doesn't count because I wouldn't go out of the house in yoga pants. Brush my hair, oh, okay, will go do that! :-)

I had already decided to start at least doing my hair and make up next week. However, it will be for me because I won't see anyone. It is difficult to envision a place like this even for me all surrounded by my things from civilization. :-) Okay, my plan is in print so I should have more energy for it now.

Great post!

Decor To Adore said...

A big pat on the back to you for

A. Finding an area of your life that you could improve yourself. (That is sometimes SO hard to admit!)

B. Being such a big girl and admit in blogland that there is an area in your life that you could improve yourself.

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

Sometimes I go to work without running a brush thorugh my hair so good for you for making that extra effort! :-)

I don't know...I thought your justifcation of asking family for help was pretty...well, justified! We constantly run little errands for one another. And I will admit, perhaps Mike is a wee bit better at doing it than I am. ;-)

Terra said...

I enjoyed your story of what you decided to give up for Lent, and why, and how it is actually a great improvement in your family life.