Beloved thinks I’m taking our reversal-of-fortune situation a little too far. I think I’m just being pragmatic. Why shouldn’t our kids start contributing? How hard can child acting/modeling be? I must say, my children are cute…especially Middle (no offense Oldest and Youngest), and I’m pretty sure they can go to school, do sports, and whatever else they do whilst having lucrative careers as child actor/models. It’s not like I’m not doing my part. I am furiously working on my Romance Novel which I’m confident will solve most of our problems. In actual fact, I find our reversal of fortune a little comforting. Everything seems somehow sweeter, more poignant. Life’s choices are more straightforward as there are fewer of them. I almost feel, what is the word, smug! In our new, simpler, not-spending-money world order our decisions are made for us. This Christmas is an example of the joy we received from simple togetherness...a-a-a-l-l-l Christmas break long.
In fact, there was so much staying-home togetherness being had that by the time we were in the car on Christmas Eve driving to a friend's house, we had a knock-down drag-out that ended with me demanding to be let out of the car and Beloved happily obliging. I had a lot of time to think and came to quite a few conclusions walking those blocks that night. Number one, the next time I decide to pitch a fit and storm out of the car I will not wear my YSL leopard print pumps as they are super uncomfortable. Number two, we may not be perfect, but I like the way we are (I might put that on our Christmas card next year). Yes, there is the occasional storming out of the car/house/bedroom/hotel room/ski slope/mother-in-law’s house in Florida/camping trip (a decision I regretted immediately), etc., but all in all, I love being with my darling family. I know the boys feel the same way, unpleasant comments aside:
- “ I hate you” (from any child to any family member in vicinity)
- “Why do I have to spend 'time' with you! There is nobody I’d rather not spend 'time'with” (Oldest to Beloved and me)
- “Fat Ass” (I know what you’re thinking, but they value their life and would never say that to me, rather it is said incongruously to each other)
- “Shut up” (which I really take offense to. In fact, I made a rule those words were absolutely not to be said in our home. "Fat Ass" seemed somehow less offensive, especially when directed at someone other than myself. Beloved helpfully suggested they say, “stop talking fast” instead, which I suppose addresses the letter if not the spirit of the law.)
I guess when it really hit me that I find comfort in our little family unit because of our imperfections, not in spite of them, was when Beloved did a little “soul-searching” (I know!) and went through a brief but disconcerting “friendly” phase. He ran around doing alarming things like chatting in a pleasant manner to my friends when they called, or asking Rosee, in a chirpy manner, “how are you doing?” wherein she immediately burst into tears and had to be talked out of handing in her resignation on the spot. It was a relief to us all when he came in one night and in horrified tones asked what on earth I was thinking hanging Christmas wreaths on all of our windows (as if I had plastered the neighborhood with expensive nude photos of myself)! The next day he hung up on Barb when she called because I wasn’t home, told Micki it “wasn’t his department” when she asked if we would like to come to dinner, and brushed right past Rosee not bothering to answer her pleasant “Good Evening” wherein she immediately started fingering her rosary beads in gratitude to her answered prayers. That was when we knew it was all going to be okay.
Kim, I think you would be a great stage mom!
(I'm considering becoming one myself since I just quit my job w/ that INSANE UES family) Did you read the article in NYmag about the Fanning girls?
Posted by: kari | January 07, 2011 at 02:09 PM
OMG, I almost spit my soda out reading this!!!! You are hysterical and I already love you!!!! I will be following your blog, that's for sure!!! I came over at Dolores's suggestion!!!! XO, Pinky
Posted by: Pinky | January 07, 2011 at 03:00 PM
That's a relief. I was afraid beloved's friendly demeanor on the phone might call for an actual conversation with the man. We can't have THAT kind of nonsense going on!
Posted by: Kelly Hoffman | January 07, 2011 at 03:27 PM
Kim I only wish you would write more often....even though I know it takes almost ALL of your time working on the Romance Novel ( I am sure I am in it)
You really make my day!!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Posted by: Karena | January 07, 2011 at 04:36 PM
I think it is a great idea, teach them to take care of you at an early age. Maybe you could also take in some renters, namely me. I would be willing to pay you in return for living it your lovely home! xo, MB
Posted by: MaryBeth | January 07, 2011 at 04:42 PM
stockings, wreaths...by the by, it is january, did you send Christmas cards yet? perhaps you can use the boy head shots.
Posted by: NY girlfriend | January 07, 2011 at 05:33 PM
love your post. now we know what to get you next xmas, some very practical leopard flat walking shoes for those family bonding moments. xx
Posted by: Hudson | January 07, 2011 at 05:50 PM
So glad to see another post Kim. You are too funny! I hope you don't mind, but I posted your post on my Facebook. Can't wait for the romance novel!
Posted by: Delores | January 07, 2011 at 07:00 PM