Sunday, June 18, 2006

Home but Not Alone...

If you read my recent posts, you'd know that Dear Hubby and Son #1 are at Boy Scout Camp two states away. I've always had trouble sleeping when I'm home "alone." I think it stems from when I was a latch-key kid and my parents would go out and stay out late. I could never fall asleep until I saw their car's headlights as they pulled into the driveway and I knew they were safely at home (my bedroom was in the front of the house).

Several years ago when Dear Hubby was a police office, he worked the midnight shift. I didn't sleep well then either until I knew he was safely at home. Which makes me wonder? Why the heck not? What am I afraid of? Am I afraid of the Boogeyman getting me (I did watch an awful lot of horror movies as a teen)? If I'm not afraid for my own personal safety, perhaps I'm worried about my loved ones who are "out there." Personally, I think it's a little of both.

As for the boogeyman, I'm not really alone. I'm here with Son #2 (who turned 9 yesterday) and Son #3 (age 4). Anyone tries breaking in here, they'll no doubt be scared off by the noxious odors and loud belching noises that only 9- and 4-year old boys can make. Remember the scene from the movie "Home Alone" where Kevin used his toys to booby trap his home because of the big bad burglars? Yeah, that's pretty much what my house looks like right now...

Last night I caught up on my reading, made some jewelry (*more on this in a minute). When I started to get tired, I tucked the sheets and blankets in on *both* sides of the bed (Dear Hubby hates his side tucked in), added about 4 more fluffy pillows and slept rather well. We'll see how it goes tonight.

Other thoughts for the day:

Happy Father's Day to Dear Hubby, F-I-L (father-in-law) and any other Dads who might stumble upon this blog. My own dad passed away in 1991 (I was an adult). He and I had several rocky years that I think we were just on the verge of outgrowing. To over simplify, I apparently inherited his temper but not his sense of humor. Since his death, I haven't felt a profound sense of loss. Not sure why and will probably never know unless I'm willing to shell out big bucks for therapy. I do know this: while I may not miss him as a father, I do miss him for the grandfather he would've been to my kids. They would've had a blast together. He had the opportunity to meet my sister's kids (they lived in a different state), but he died several years before my children were born). To my kids, he's just a name - Grandpa Jim. The only one in either Dear Hubby's or my family that served in the military so he's the resident veteran. Someone to think about on Memorial Day and Veteran's Day. He joined the Army at age 17 with parental consent during the Korean War.

Beaded Jewelry. A fellow blogger, Flip Flop Mamma (check out the link on my blog page, if you haven't already), asked what kind of jewelry I make. First of all, I'm notorious for starting projects and never finishing. My New Year's Resolution this year was to find a hobby and stick with it. So far, I've been at this one for a little over 6 months. My former neighbor taught me how to make the beaded jewelry using the wire on which to string beads. I taught myself to make the embellished chain jewelry (i.e. little dangles). I'll try attaching a couple of older photos because Dear Hubby has my digital camera with him at camp Blogger isn't letting me do it right now.). What do I do with this jewelry, you're wondering? Not a damn thing. I'd be one heck of an accessorized girl if I'd ever wear any of it, but I don't. I'd love to sell a few pieces - not to get rich, but to cover the costs of supplies (so I can buy and make more). Perhaps this is a very practical way of nurturing my creative side. It's a lot easier to store a few dozen pieces of jewelry in my 1163 sf house than it is to store large canvas painting, you know what I mean?

9 comments:

~d said...

its the add kicking in...blogging and jewelry making....I am impressed, though! I think I have done good if I can keep the kitchen clean and the laundry done.

(((HUGS!)))

Elle*Bee said...

Hey, you blog, eBay AND cook which is much more work than I do!

Farm Girl said...

Glad to hear you were able to catch up and even slept pretty good. Hope last night went well too.

Elle*Bee said...

Not as well last night, les. Son #3 wasn't feeling well and to cuddle with me in my bed. He has to be right up against you, too. I'd try to scootch (sp?) over and without his even waking, he'd would instinctively know that there was empty space and assumed it. He's feeling much better today so it's back to the room he shares with Son#2 tonight.

~d said...

DID. DID eBay. I put everything away after 'the storm'. and have only sold like 2 things since...cannot concentrate enough. Hummmmm.

Anonymous said...

I was gonna say that you should sell the jewelry on ebay, but I guess you figured that out since you're friends with ~d. ps. I also have an evil eye that works wonders, I forgot all about it! I used to use it when I helped at youth group, when the kids weren't paying attention during lesson, I'd just flash the evil eye and they straigten up!

Elle*Bee said...

flip flop mamma, ~d says she hasn't been selling on eBay lately. I had considered it, but for the type of stuff I do, I probably wouldn't make much $. I'd probably do better at the occasional craft show, altho' I'm horrible at networking. There are a few boutiques in the area that have similar styles of jewelry - I really should inquire how I might get a few of my pieces in there. Blogger still won't let me upload pix, and I don't feel like messing with photobucket right now. sigh.

Stacy said...

I don't sleep well when my hubby is away. Maybe it's just because you're so used to having him there. I know that's the case with me. I expect a warm body next to me and when it's not there I get uncomfortable.

Elle*Bee said...

welcome, j's mommy. I think for me it's mostly the boogeyman thing - I watched way too many horror movies as a teen! Don't get me wrong, I enjoy his company but there are nights when I'll turn it first (not often) and I just know that if I leave the living room, he'll fall asleep in front of the TV. Sure enough, I'll wake around 2 am, realize he's not there. He's snoozing on the sofa. Do I go get him? Noooo....instead I just stretch out and enjoy the space. Shame on me! ;-)