Poor Geoff

As I write, we are en route to my husband’s family “compound.”  As usual I’m not necessarily looking forward to the trip because I feel the need to be “less handicapped” visiting my husband’s family and friends.  I should point out right now, that this need is coming solely from me, and not necessarily anything Geoff’s family has said or done.

I recently read a blog post from a fellow disabled blogger listing her privileges.  One of her wishes is that when she and a significant other go out together, others would not feel sorry him.  I never really knew how to describe why I felt uncomfortable around Geoff’s family, but I think she hit the nail on the head.  I take every, “You work so hard” or “Poor Geoff” moment as a direct insult and reference to my own shortcomings as a wife.

Admittedly, this is a result of my own self-esteem issues. Do others think this when they see Geoff and me together? Probably, but why do I care?  I should be comfortable enough in my own skin.  Clearly, I’m not. But, hey a girl can dream can’t she….

Peeing in a Concrete Jungle

It is Ottenberg family vacation time and the itinerary has me quaking in my boots.  Right now, Maia and I are holed up in a hotel in Downtown Atlanta while Geoff attends a conference during the day. Yesterday, she and I went to the Children's Museum and the Georgia Aquarium and a day of fun and excitement. Phew, I am paying for it today!  

Museum's Fairytale Exhibit

Penguins!!!!

Getting away from home has been so nice, but I wish we didn't have the pups with us.  Being in the middle of a concrete jungle means that there is no place nearby to walk Pepper and Chupí.  As per our agreement, dog walking duty falls on Geoff's shoulders.  Yet, my dumb-ass decided to help out last night, and walked Chups on my own after dinner.  It was my first attempt at dog walking since I've become dependent on crutches.  And yes, Maia came with me.

The three of us set out for our adventure in a light drizzle during the early evening, but late enough that there were few others on the street.  Chupí refused to pee on fire hydrants or the side of the building, so we walked on.  Maia was in charge of the poop bags.  Little did I know, we were in a modern day adaptation of Hansel & Gretel.  As we walked, she unrolled bags to make sure we didn't get lost.  We made it to the corner of the block when I hear an, "Uh oh, Mommy." Oh those fateful words send shivers down my spine.  She ran out of her path medium.  Luckily the rain made the bags stick to the sidewalk.  In my mind's eye, I imagine I looked like that guy from "There's Something about Mary."  It took me FOR-EV-ER to balance and bend down, pick up, and roll/fold up those damn bags!

Occupy Atlanta has taken up residence in the nearest park, so there were too many barricades for me to attempt a trip to the park with the kid, dog, and crutch in the rain and dark.  So, however illegal it may be, I tempted Chupí up into a building's landscaping to do his business. Take that Big Business....

Bah...Humbug...

Even my stars are crooked

I love the holiday season. I know, that seems counter intuitive considering my crusty exterior and all.  For Christ's sake (Yes, you too may marvel at my unintended pun), Thanksgiving has just been put in the refrigerator.   I tried to psych myself up by playing Christmas carols, living vicariously through my joyous daughter, but alas I am just too tired.  I can't count on the Hubby to help me get into any sort of spirit.  He begrudgingly assembled the tree, brought in the Christmas boxes and ran Flo Jo style (sorry Honey, but you do run like a girl) back into our bedroom to P90X it or whatever it is boys do behind closed doors.
Gone are the days of Norman Rockwell and June Cleaver.  From an outsider's point of view I am sure that I more closely resemble Peg Bundy.  My cleavage hanging out, derriere firmly planted to the couch.  Little do they know all of the crazy stuff that one can do from my little corner of the couch.

For instance:

Reindeer Noses

• I removed the noses from juvenile reindeer and bagged them to the delight of Maia's classmates.

• Note that each bag includes 8 brown noses and a single red schnoz. With 13 classmates, that means I had to snare, clean, & slaughter 117 reindeer. All from my couch. That takes quite a bit of planning. (Note the polar bear I managed to stuff in there as well).

Color Pencil Vase

 

 

 

 

•  As if that wasn't enough brown noses, I whittled this gorgeous vase for my daughter's teacher.

See, so I do just fine in my little corner.....