Tuesday, March 13, 2012

WACKY WEDNESDAY... Life Interrupted

  I've returned to Planet Earth. I know you worried when you heard alien forces had come to collect all the beautiful, sexy people from Earth and I didn't say "good-bye."

Life attacked and it's been all I can do to tread water. My rubber ducky inner-tube is covered with patches and I just realized "Flipper" is a close cousin to "Jaws." Having eaten my weight in chocolate and Lays potato chips, I've grown to more than just a tasty morsel.

First, my husband has decided to retire. Then he decided not to. Then he filed his paperwork. Then he took it back. Now he's re-submitted it. Could have been the switchblade I held to his neck that made him finally commit. Now...we wait...to die, according to him. He considers retirement the last phase of life before death. Cheerful, ain't he? If his attitude continues to exude rays of sunshine, this "last phase" could come to an abrupt close much sooner than he's anticipating.

I know he's nervous. So am I. Having him around all the time watching my every move is going to cramp my style big time! I've already been "advised" my spending habits will have to be drastically curtailed - that we'll need to tighten our belts. I laughed out loud. I've got to get a belt around me first! And as far as "curtailing my spending" I told him we should start with groceries. I served  him a pea for dinner. Told him to chew between bites so he'd feel fuller. He accused me of being a smart-ass. Moi? I'm also supposedly "selfish and unfeeling." I threatened to turn into the "Stepford Wife" he thinks he wants. I served breakfast with a smile and after he downed three bites, I informed him you can't taste arsenic. See? I care. I didn't have to tell him.

We discussed selling the house - "downsizing." I pointed elsewhere. There's already been signs of "downsizing." Survivor benefits has been another fun topic.  If he goes first, supposedly I'll be rich enough to buy a palace. If I die first, he's screwed. Guess who's going first.

Second, I've decided to go on a diet...again. This never ends well. No Diet Coke, bread products, and practically no chocolate. I'm a bit edgy and my patience level is nil. Then, for some asinine reason, someone decided to rob me of an hour of sleep during this delicate time, and tonight alone, I received 11 political solicitation calls. If it happens tomorrow night, someone on the receiving end of an 800 number could be hearing from me.

Third (everything happens in 3's) I've been coordinating Utah RWA's Great Beginnings writing contest. I've never done anything this huge. Spreadsheets and I have a love-hate relationship. Just as I thought I had everything coordinated, lined up beautifully, and executed to perfection...all hell broke loose. I had judges drop out at the eleventh hour, leaving me curled in the fetal position sucking on my thumb (dipped in chocolate, of course). Luckily, my cheerleaders rallied, pom-poms shaking, and helped me back on my feet. My left eye may never stop twitching and my teeth have been ground to powder, but I think I see light at the end of the tunnel. It's a dim light...possibly just a firefly.

So by the end of April, I will have survived the contest, have a husband home waiting for me to return from the salt mines for the first time in 37 years, and more than likely, have gained back the seven pounds I've lost. I'll also be another year older. Oh...the joy.

My closing thought? When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. There's no guarantee tomorrow is going to be any better, but the day after that, may be...or the day after that.  "This too shall pass." Change is hard. Growing hurts, but it does make us better - increases our "learning curve."  We gather knowledge every day whether we're aware of it or not. I hope my sweet husband, whom I adore, learns to enjoy this new phase...or stays out of my way!

Thanks for sharing another Wacky Wednesday with me.

10 comments:

L.L. Muir said...

You're a better man than I for doing to contest.

I hadn't heard of survivor benefits...I'll have to look into that.

And if you're still off chocolate, for hell sakes don't come North on Saturday.

Sandy B said...

Oh Joelene, too funny. My husband retired 10 years ago and the world didn't end. I kept on doing what I was doing and he found new interests and was busier than ever. He also discovered a love of reading, so we have something new to share. Here's a hint if you like to eat out but are cutting back on your budget -- go for breakfast, not dinner, and take advantage of the "two-for one" deals at the local fast foods, who are now in competition for your breakfast dollar. Great way to start the day with your honey --

Calisa Rhose said...

Oh Joelene! I feel your pain already and my hubby isn't even talking retirement- oh but the day he does, the world as I know it will surely end! Where are your aliens? I'm sure everything will be great for you both.

Your everlasting, pom-pom shaking cheerleader.

Joelene Coleman said...

I think after you've worked for a company 35 yrs, suddenly not going there every day would be terrifying. I truly believe he's stay until he literally died if it wasn't for back surgery that said "whoa, slow down." Thanks for stopping by!

Sandy L. Rowland said...

Are our husbands related? He's not retiring yet, but he sounds the same. And survivor's benefits? I think we have the same insurance guy. If I go, he won't be able to afford the pea.

Love the post.
Hang in there. You're a survivor and will overcome the contest, your crabby husband and the call to chocolate--well maybe not that one entirely. All my best.

Unknown said...

As alwasys, you find away to laugh at the things happening around you instread of cry, at least in public. Good for you. I was worried about your husband and then you mentioned the diet and I became terrified. LOL. Just kidding. I love the whole serving him a pea. Too funny. Hugs!

Jewel's Gems said...

Joelene, my heart goes out to you and I admire you persistence in facing life head-on, living the motto: Come what may and love it.
You are an inspiration:-)

Loretta Wheeler said...

Hmmm, I don't think you can quit chocolate and go through initial stages of retirement at the same time. Something will implode...you may suck the universe into that black hole right along with you. Fill the hole with chocolate...quick!
Just to help you through this time, John and I have gone through periods of being home alone together several times. It's worked ok so far:) He's pretty self entertained...it can work:)...Of course I didn't fully disclose "how" he's entertained...sometimes it's watching me run up and down the hall with my hands in the air. He seems to derive a lot of satisfaction from that:)
Hang in there, gal, I'm mailing more rope!:)
Lo

Doree L Anderson said...

You have brightened my Wednesday. You lift me up. The fall will be loud and painful. Thank you very much=for everything that you do...do.

Jennette Marie Powell said...

Ah, retired husband syndrome... ugh. For years, I did all the grocery shopping, cooking, and housework while he ran a small business. (I'm full-time employed, but he worked much more than 40 hours/week.) When he sold the business, we came to an agreement: it was his turn to do the grocery shopping, cooking and housework. The best part? While he's busy cooking, I get free writing time. Good luck!