28 November 2008

Friday Wrap-Up

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Here we are, still at the front-end of a 4-day weekend, and I've got TONS of things to do! As y'all know, I recently finished painting the "sitting room" off the master bedroom - now it's time to finish painting the bedroom. BIG project, but one that will give immense satisfaction once it's finished.

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I didn't do the obligatory Thankful post yesterday, primarily because I really attempt to express gratitude every day. I don't save it up for a once a year expression, however I did have a bit of an "Ah-ha" moment yesterday.

When husband got up yesterday morning, I sat down across from him, put my hand on his thigh, and said, "I know that I don't say this nearly enough, but I appreciate all that you do to provide for this family." I gave him a hug and kiss and quickly ran went to the kitchen. You see, exchanges like this are extremely difficult for me - they make me feel vulnerable - and that feeling is overwhelming and beyond uncomfortable.

Within minutes, husband followed me to the kitchen, looked me in the eye and said, "If it weren't for all that you do for this family, I wouldn't be able to do what I do." We hugged. I cried. This was his first ever verbal acknowledgment of my contribution to the family, and his sincerity was evident.

The "traditional" meal I cooked was wonderful, and even though there were just the three of us here, it was a great celebration. But the most special moment of the holiday was that exchange between husband and I. Progress, for both of us.

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... and just because sometimes a picture paints a thousand words ...


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34 comments:

Karen said...

For some reason I got a little teary from that exchange with your husband. I might be emotionally weak from all the Nyquil. It is so important to have your contribution acknowledged.

An Artist Exposed said...

I was really pleased to read your post. It cheered me up on a difficult day.

Nolens Volens said...

Shitcock! Guess you needed anonymity plus an audience to normalize you. What a fuckwad you are. LOL!

I must've missed something somewhere - I remember you being on the outs with your hubby and how he wasn't speaking to you at all. What exactly happened that "made it all right"?

we're doomed said...

You can't win if you don't play. I think your husband, yourself and your kids won yesterday.

You can Call me AL said...

AWESOME!
Glad you had a great day!

boo said...

I'm so glad for you! Sounds like your Thanksgiving worked out perfectly.

Ms. Inconspicuous said...

That's a great moment. :)

Jormengrund said...

Small and slow steps tend to weaken even the hardest of hearts.

Glad to see that you're able to slowly get things on the mend Dana!

I'll be sure to drink a small toast to you and yours tonight!

rage said...

That's cool that he said that.

Osbasso said...

Where did you find the GIFT thing? That's excellent! He really IS a fuckwad, isn't he??

Lu' said...

The exchange between you and your Hubby made me tear up. I am so very glad you were able to take that step and receive validation in return. That step I'm sure was huge in its potential for hurt, wow YOU GO WOMAN! Right on Dana. Oh I am so tickled. I know you could very well have one step forward and two steps back but every step forward changes things for keeps and steps back are just history. Thank you for sharing Beautiful.

Biscuit said...

The first part made me smile, and the second part made me laugh/shake my head at the reality of it.

I think what Nolens Volens doesn't understand is that extremes of emotion can't be sustained for extended periods of time. Even on the "good" end. Life must go on, and the dust settles.

JW said...

That was a delightful and uplifting story. I'm glad you were (both) able to bring that moment to fruition.

As it happens, I have no problem saying things like that. Not as such. If anything, I worry I say it too often! And it does sometimes seem to embarrass The Beloved though I haven't quite figured out why yet!

It's a shame you ended up by pointing out that I'm a "total fuckwad" ;)

Vixen said...

Aww, Dana. That makes me happy.

xoxo

Dana said...

Karen, I did too! I think sometimes I don't make it clear how much I actually want my marriage to work.

Artist, I hope your sadness today is not related to the family illness you mentioned in your blog!

Nolens Volens, it's not "all right" We continue to work on this daily. One of the big issues is his withholding of love when he becomes upset.

Dana said...

Doomed, I think we all won too!

Al, good to see you! It was a good day, even though I anticipated less.

Boo, it was a moment - one I'll remember for a long time!

Dana said...

Ms. I, it was ... a very great moment!

Jormengrund, I think husband and I both have hard hearts, and we were both in tears after that moment! Please do drink a toast to us!

Rage, I think it only took me to make the first move.

Dana said...

Os, it's amazing what you can find when you google "Fuckwad"!

Lu, the exchange lasted only seconds, yet it really did make a huge impact on both of us!

Biscuit, "normal" people get a bit crazy, and one "you suck" is never overcome by 100,000 "You are great"'s.

Dana said...

Ro, husband and I are both reluctant to share that type of vulnerability. And you, my dear, are not a Fuckwad - you lack the anonymity!

Vixen, I really did take my marriage vows seriously and it was a happy moment!

Fabsterrant said...

Dana bless you and all those you hold dear. May you always find happiness throught the year.

Real Live Lesbian said...

First off, I don't think I'm a TOTAL fuckwad! ;)

And wow...what a great moment. I'm so glad he finally acknowledged your hard work. Here's hoping that turns into a regular event!

Anonymous said...

That cartoon is hysterical.

Glad your husband realized you are worth being thankful for and appreciating. Big step!

buffalodick said...

That beat the hell out of turkey- don't you think? Good for you al!

Anonymous said...

I'm prolly some degree of a fuckwad!

Thats really great about y'alls moment!

Moosekahl said...

I'm glad the exchange happened. It warmed my heart (yeah, a made me cry a little...I'm an emotional wreck this weekend all with good things). Have fun painting! I'm going to go to a hockey game tomorrow night.

Dana said...

Fabsterrant, happiness has been elusive, but seems to be within my grasp.

RLL, you? A total fuckwad? Nah ... not most days anyway! *giggle*

FF, I couldn't pass up the cartoon. Not only is it hysterical, but so true!

Dana said...

Buff, yes, the moment was far better than any turkey I could have ordered.

SS, we all have our fuckwad moments, but some people just seem to enjoy living the fuckwad life!

Moosekahl, for such a short moment, it sure was an important one!

Unknown said...

That was a lovely exchange between you and your husband. Thank you for sharing the story.

Anonymous said...

The tender moments with husband? Very encouraging!

The cartoon? Very indirect and subtle!

katherine. said...

seems that both of you still have somethin' in your hearts for one another....

nice sigh

captain corky said...

I'm glad you had a good day with the family. Good stuff.

Another Suburban Mom said...

I am glad that you two had a nice moment. I hope that there are many more for you!

Jill said...

That hit me in my heart Dana, what a wonderful thing to share on such a special day. ((hugs))

Deech said...

OK...I am laughing hysterically at the graphic! ROTFLMAO!