Tuesday, October 28, 2008

My OCD works for me...

There is a continuous debate in my home over who is OCD, what are they OCD about, who in the house is the least dysfunctional. This war has waged for years! And I am comfortably happy that it will continue to do so until the day I become a part of the Earth.

When I think about OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), I think of...the inconveniences that come with it, the bickering, the anxiety over doing or not doing something in particular. Suffice it to say, the unpleasantries have typically reigned as the sole focus. Recently, I've realized that my OCD has an upside. A major one in fact. One that makes an inconvenience not feel inconvenient at all. What could be good about OCD, you ask?

Let's put this into perspective of tonight's events when my realization came to be. I was at the store picking up my much needed things when I arrived at the checkout. I then realized that I had forgotten my fabric bags (my damn memory and ADD). What do I do with all this stuff they want to shove into plastic bags. It's not rocket science of course. I say, no plastic bags, thank you. I elected to put everything in the cart just like it was when I approached the counter. Was it convenient? Not really, but I don't want to use plastic bags anymore. I also insist on recycling, even if I have to (gulp) dig my hands into the nasty garbage to do so, even if I'm doing it at work after others. I will always consider myself and my family a work in progress - knowing there is always more that can or should be done - it's just yet to be discovered. The bottom line is that I've become obsessive, and finally my OCD is worth something.
It's so important to realize these things are things we HAVE to do, even if no one is watching. As always share links below if you want.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Is that really me?

I recently discovered that I have officially become...my mom (to the right) or dad (in certain ways). I sometimes hear myself and think, wow, is that really me? Am I really saying that? Omg, what happened to me?
I don't know when it happened...but one day the words just flew out of my mouth...and before I knew it, I couldn't stop. It went something like this:
"Tyler, please pull your pants up."
"Tyler, can you turn your iPod down? It's too loud, and that's not good for your ears."
"No. I don't want you watching my Beavis and Butthead DVD's, The 40-year-old Virgin, Wedding Crashers or anything else like that. What made you think I'd say yes?"
"You're not staying up that late, even if it is the weekend."
"What kind of music are you listening to??"
"No. You are not getting a tongue ring."
And oh how the list goes on. I used to pride of myself as a parent that could keep a decent balance between my coolness and my Mom-hood. I knew how to pick and choose my battles...yes to longer hair, no video games all day long.
In my defense, saggy pants are one thing...and showing the fully booty of boxers is another. I don't want to be a nag, but I've realized that my recurring requests are the necessary evil of surviving these teen years for both our sakes. Mind you I am tremendously thankful for the fact that drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol are not a problem (I pray this continues.), but it doesn't eliminate all the other things that have to be curbed and all the guidance that is yet to be given (desired or not). I imagine me continuing to say no to many other things...in addition to this recent tongue ring request that apparently Tyler's girlfriend's parents were cool with. I suppose I am conservative in ways I hadn't realized. I guess I'm looking out for my 30 year-old son (17 years from now) who wished he never got the tongue ring.
I often wish I had more friends that had children my son's age so we could share stories or swap ideas. It'd be nice to talk about how I'm being eaten out of house and home, how he's struggling with dependence and independence, and as you know the list goes on. Maybe it's time to join Mom's Cafe. The joy of community...reaching out and connecting with others when you lack the connections you need in your immediate surroundings. Until then, I suppose I'll continue to consult with my elders on their teenage rearing wisdom.
Here's to hoping that his long locks are enough for now!
I suppose for now, I will continue to enjoy the other side of puberty...just like my parents probably did.

Friday, October 3, 2008

First come, First sold

I always strive to be fair, kind, generous, and supportive to others and their needs regardless if I know you or not. Unfortunately, I've found this to be a negative when it comes to selling things. Case in point, I had a yard sale once and I was selling a pretty decent high chair or similar item for $20. One could argue that was too much to ask at a yard sale, but honestly, I keep my stuff in primo condition and it was reasonable in my opinion. So a prospective buyer appears, and marvels at my goods, widdles me down a bit prior to realizing they have no cash on them...and therein lies my problem. The goodness in me shines as I agree to place the item on hold til they return.

I'm sure you know what's coming next. They don't return. And what I've learned is that I don't want to extend the kindness to others now because I fear it will be at my own expense. My internal debate continues to this day as far as whether or not I should be doing this for others, because surely there are some deserving people that would follow through on their promise and be considerate.

So that brings me to the online dilemma, my husband and I are active craiglisters (he's a borderline addict which I find incredibly funny) and what I've noticed is that people that call first expect first dibs, even if someone wants stop by sooner to see and maybe buy what we're selling.
And the reality is that I feel bad that even when someone says, "Look, I'll pay, consider it sold." I have to say, sorry, we'd love you to have it but we have to sell to the first buyer that comes by. All that said, I'm really curious what other seller's takes are. Do you have a first come, first sold approach? Have you been burned too? (I don't mean by the Craigslist scammers.)

Comments are encouraged and welcomed!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008