Sunday, March 4, 2012

The ROLL of Toilet Paper Genetics

GENES...we all have them. Scientists are continually mapping out genes. They make us who we are, how we look. Genes are also a controlling factor of our actions and behaviors. I can't deny that I have more than a few quirky genes. So, I am not out to belittle or pick on the uncontrollable behaviors of male gender in my home. This is purely a theory or hypothesis, with mounds of evidence. Due to all need for genetic mapping and understanding of the human genome, most assuredly science hasn't tackled this one yet and probably never will. So, here is your chance to understand one of the genes that the male gender is lacking or the appropriate trigger to cause this gene if present to begin functioning properly.

More often than not, I find the toilet paper roll empty. I ask, is it a hard task to replace it? I shouldn't even have to ask the question. The answer... uhm I shouldn't have to to address the issue. Should I ?

My views really differ from those of the opposite gender in our house. It must be GENETIC, thus relieving them of any conscious awareness of the matter.  Genetic make up is also the reason I am bothered by the neglectful ness of the male gender in this regard. Women do not have the," slothful toilet paper roll gene." We do however have the, " know how things should be gene."  I witness to you that it is purely genetic and that it only gets worse.

I find the roll empty, I replace it. But wait, I can't, there is not any more in the bathroom cabinet. Oh, what to do? Duh, go downstairs and get more rolls to replenish the supply. Simple  and easy. Not only to stock the cabinet but actually put the new roll on the dispenser. Who would have thought of doing such a thing?

Now the male gender in my home, I must admit will get a new roll out, if there is one readily accessible. Where is the new roll placed? Most often found sitting on the back of the toilet. I find this frustrating. Why? I assure you that the next time this person uses the bathroom HE will not need to sit to use the facilities! Wait, maybe here is the answer. He has done his "duty," for the day. Not worried about looking for the toilet paper, because he'll just, pardon me, " shake it dry," next time.

The gals in the house on the other hand, will have to reach back behind to find the roll. It should be directly to the side, conveniently handy. I really find this bothersome, yes I am uptight. I know!  I take medication for that disorder, apparently not enough. Notice I said disorder, by all means genetic in nature, but it can be treated.  There isn't a drug that can change the genetic disposition of the,"slothful toilet paper roll gene." Sad, I know.

As I said, it only gets worse. If a new roll is found in the cabinet and not placed on the back of the toilet, it is frequently found sitting on the edge of the bathtub. Once again, not where it belongs. I admittedly acknowledged that I don't have to twist around to find the roll, it's directly in front of me, hidden behind the shower curtain and potentially soggy.

We have a tiny bathroom. One could be in the shower and if need be, take aim for relief without getting out of the shower, if you are a male. Us gals don't have that option, we scrape our elbows on the bathroom cabinet, where the additional toilet paper is found, and bang our knees on the bathtub. We women have it rough. Sadly, our bathroom down stairs is smaller. If one is sitting your knees will rest against the door when closed. This is the teenage sons toilet. Guess where the toilet paper is? Yes, back of the toilet. He is genetically inclined, not to put it on the edge of the shower, no tub here.

Back to the issue at hand. The other morning I had used the bathroom and the toilet paper needed to be replaced. The cabinet was empty as well. As I am leaving the bathroom one teenaged young man enters the bathroom, obviously not taking note of the empty roll. I proceed in my march downstairs to get the needed supplies, unawares to the young teen. My little princess was with me. I asked her to take the toilet paper upstairs to her brother( 3 ROLLS). She excitedly ran up stairs and placed the toilet paper rolls just outside the door. When the teen realized his predicament and open the door to holler for help, to his surprise he found just what he needed. A bit later he asks, "did you put the toilet paper outside the door?" "Yep, well your sister did. I asked her to put it there," I said. "Oh, thanks, when I noticed the roll was empty, I started stressing,"says he. Now, I wouldn't want anyone stressing in the bathroom. It can be very detrimental to ones well being! "ELVIS." A few minutes later I pass by the bathroom and notice... 2ROLLS of toilet paper sitting outside the door. I turn to the teen sitting on the couch playing 0 with his Ipod and ask," REALLY? I save your butt and you can't put the other rolls of toilet paper away?" "Uhh..., sorry," he says. I shake my head. I pick up the extra rolls and go into the bathroom and put them in the cabinet. Yes, I also took the new roll off the back of the toilet and put it on the dispenser. I am trying not to mumble too much, because the male gender in my home do have the," lift the seat up to pee gene." Well most of them. That is one thing their father has drilled into their heads, SO HAVE I! Sitting on a wet seat is the worst. Almost as bad as not having toilet paper readily available. I am thinking, by telling you this theory, I will be more accepting to the lack of the gene that says," Oh, I used up the last of the paper, I ought to replace it so that next person doesn't get stuck without." It is not pleasant to be stuck in the bathroom.





Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

A Missed Thanksgiving




I am truly thankful for many things!


My husband, our children, chocolate(DARK)


The list could go on and on, but I don't have time to blog, facebook, or go hiking with my BFF, because of them!


Who are "THEM," you say?


Watch out "them" is everywhere!


"Them," is harden, crusted, slimey, gooey, stickey, smelly DISHES that are abundantly stacked into our sink EVERY WAKING MINUTE!


So here is to " THEM!"





Do think my tactics will work?



NO! It is worth a try.


Friday, October 14, 2011

30 miles of Solitude



A few months back I decided to do a " sprint triathlon."



Call me crazy.




There is a gorgeous canyon that I have been riding. As the weather has cooled and the leaves are turning the ride is so incredible, (incredibly hard and exhilarating!)

I know, I haven't been posting for a long time, not that anyone would notice. Any who, life is crazy busy with work, soccer, household duties ( moms chores ), and so forth. I have been enjoying life. Even more so when I get to go for a run, swim, or a long ride.

"Here's "to a moment of solitude! I hope you enjoy the ride....

The climb...






Slow winding grades full of brilliant colors, such as life.

Solid foundations peeking. Giving strength to endure.
















Peace

Each climb, reaching its peak, brings a long breath and a thirst- for life.





The rushing down hill turns tempting me, to feel the wind and the breath of life. ( Sometimes bugs too)



The down hill stretch, pumping me full of energy.




I can't explain the feeling... you'll have to experience it yourself.

Come ride with me.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

I Know That My Redeemer Lives



Music warms my heart and soul.

Several Sundays ago, as I was alone traveling to work, I heard this song on the radio. I felt the warmth and love of my Savior so immensely. A feeling that often gets lost in the busy lives we live.

When I am at church our lovely children are vying for my attention. It is extremely difficult to focus on the meeting or even the purpose why I am there. So every 7 weeks or so, I make it an appointment with the local religious radio station to boost my spirit as I head to work. A whole 15 minutes to myself. I turn up the volume and sing as loud as I please. Nobody is around to hear my mistakes or my off pitch voice. It is awesome.

I work at a hospital doing CT scans. I am constantly exposed to others with illness, cancer or acute trauma. I love my job and the opportunity it brings me to help and care for others. Yet it is also an environment that can often bring you down. So my date with the radio, is a great pick me up before a 10 hour day at work.

Many renditions of this song can be found on "YouTube." I searched for the one that touched me as it did that Sunday morning. Many of the prints displayed are among my favorites but the one I love the most is titled "Forgiven." Look for the print of the woman in a red dress kneeling at Christs knee.

I hope you'll take the time to listen. Maybe even alone, so you too can break out in song.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Christmas and New Years 2010
I carried my camera every where with me. Did I think to take any pictures?
No!
I do have some that I took at home Christmas morning but you'll have to wait until I load them up on the computer. Don't wait with bated breath, you might be waiting a long time.
So these few from my cell phone will have to do.

A little cuddle time while waiting to open presents at Grandma and Grandpa I's


Our baby Calvin's grave.
This is a quick snap shot from the cemetery on Christmas Eve.
Dark ,yet solemn.
Every year this is my most cherished moment of the season.
Our family gathering in remembrance of our son and brother.
Huddled together we have a quiet, simple prayer.
Jason ( dad, Father, husband) always offers the prayer.
My heart swells at this moment as we give thanks for all we have.
Our love is sent on to Calvin.
All here, on Christmas Eve, as we begin our celebration of Christ.
His life, gospel and the fullness of His atoning sacrifice for us all.
All that will bring a fullness to ours, when we are reunited with our son and brother
Calvin.


What is this you ask?
I'll call it "snow painting," with smoke bombs on New Years Day.
Milo had a blast!
What a great way to start of the new year with fire, smoke, and color.
It brought a smile to my face, watching the two youngest having fun in the cold crisp air of the first day of the new year.
With the chill of the winter season, who wouldn't want a cup of piping hot cocoa?
This is Lily's wonderful snowman she made at school.
I love it.
I love hot cocoa at night too...
It makes me all melty, warm inside.
( The spell check doesn't like my form of the word melt. Too bad.)
I am definitely going to hook up with this snowman.
I hope you do too!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

I am no longer dreamin'......



...of a White Christmas!

We woke up to a 15 inch blanket of beautiful white snow!


Our poor ugly bush that blooms once a year.

Yesterday, before the snow got heavy I had decided that it actually looks pretty twice a year.

In the late spring when it blooms and when covered with a light fresh snow.

I am afraid that the evening snow is too much for it.



My hubby out shoveling for the 2nd time today!



After driving Tommy 3 blocks to school, it took 15 mins to do so, we discovered that they had cancelled it.

YEAH, snow day!

Milo was beyond excited that he got to have a " SNOW DAY!"

Which totally surprised me.

We always get snow. I think that they decided to just break early for the holiday.

So what do you do on a snow day?

You bundle up and play........

I didn't have to go to work until 1pm so why not.

First off, we built a huge snow fort.

It is imperiative to have one when having a snow ball fight.



Then onto a backyard sledding hill for Lil'.
I am so glad, that I took the time to play today.
I love you Milo and Lily!

Whilst playing in the yard we heard a huge crashing sound.
As we tuned towards the sound we witnessed a tree caving under the weight of the heavy wet snow.
A creek runs along our backyard. One of the trees on the creek bank fell into the the neighbors fence across the way.

We will be having a "White Christmas!"
Thanks to my moms prayers.