Monday, January 31, 2011

A new book, an update on my "Christmas tree", and the art of keeping your mouth shut...

This year we didn't put up our Christmas tree and I can report there have been no long-lasting negative ramifications to our mental health. Actually, the first of January rolled around and I was pretty happy not to have to put the tree and decorations away.

A friend of ours was so disturbed by our lack of a tree she gifted us with a dwarf Alberta spruce with appropriate decorations. I've since removed the decorations and that cute little spruce is growing up a storm.


 Check out all the new growth




Our Christmas cactus bloomed heavily this spring in the late fall and just a few days ago it put out one lovely perfect bloom...


That's pollen dusted on it's petals...


And the book?

I went a bit crazy at Amazon last week and ordered three new books.  Absolutely outrageous for cheap thrifty little moi, but since we have met and exceeded all our Dave Ramsey goals I figured it was ok.   The Spiritual Art of Being Organized arrived today. I won't offer a yay or nay until I've finished reading it (which will probably be later today.) 


How About Keeping Our Mouths Shut?? (which is almost impossible for me)

Another book I ordered is "The Way We're Working Isn't Working", which I've mentioned before.  It was a library book and I was quite impressed.  I gave it to my husband to read (a workaholic) and managed to keep my mouth shut (we women talk way too much) the entire time he was reading it. 

I never questioned him (a miracle) or worse said, "See - I've been telling you that stuff for years" (waaaaay not good!)   After reading the book for about a week I witnessed him closing down his office at a somewhat normal time and actually sitting in the living room reading a book.  Hmmmmmmmmm.  Still, I said nothing.  About two weeks after that he started quoting stuff from the book.  Whoooooooooeeeee!  Still, I said nothing.

At the end of last week I mentioned I wanted to re-read parts of the book but it was due back Monday.  Veeeerrry nonchalantly he said, "Maybe you should get us our own copy from Amazon."  Still, I said nothing.  Aren't you proud of me?

It's out in paperback now...




9 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a great post, Adrienne! That book must have said some powerful stuff. You know I've been laid off for almost two years now and have yet to find a replacement job (ridiculous to even say it, isn't it?). I still struggle every single day with finding a reason to get out of bed, if it's not to go to work! There is definitely something wrong with that picture. I feel very worthless so much of the time because I'm not working (and believe me -- I have tried). When a person has worked for 3/4 of their life and then all of a sudden, they don't have that element in their lives anymore, it just leaves me wandering. Does the book cover any of that aspect?

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Sounds like a book I may need to read! :D
Thanks for sharing the review. Actually I have some books piled up now that I need have not read. My problem - when I try to read a book, I get sleepy.

Susan said...

All sounds very intriguing, Adrienne. I can definitely use the organizing one. ha! Take care. Susan

Adrienne said...

Jan - I still struggle every single day with finding a reason to get out of bed, if it's not to go to work!

Now that sure doesn't seem like you from reading your blog. Most the time you make me feel like a real slacker.

The Way We're Working is more about haveing balance in our lives and how to get things done without exploding. Some of the book is directed to corporations or businesses but I find it just as valid for a homemaker who is, after all, the head of her own business.

My mother once told my ex sister-in-law when giving advice early in her and my brother's marriage, to treat her home like a business - because it was her business. She was to have a schedule, get dressed in the morning, keep a home account book, etc. I never forgot that.

Jan - your home and the well-being of your family is not a job but your very ownbusiness. You are the president and sole-prop of the most important business in the world. Way more important than whatever you did before.

Adrienne said...

Susan - I'm almost finished and while it's a pleasant book and I've gotten a few good tips, there are better books out there.

Adrienne said...

Glenda - read the above comment if you're referring to the organizing book. If you're talking about The Way We Work - everyone needs to read that.

BODECI body said...

I know what you mean. With men the less said the better! I have also noticed how I need to keep my mouth shut when offering more than I can deliver! I hate feeling obligatory! NOt healthy for both parties. Keeping our opinions to ourselves can often be the most difficult, I cannot think of a single person who has wanted my opinion if they haven't asked for it!! Great post.

La Vie Quotidienne said...

These all sound interesting...books at Amazon are always far too tempting. No one ever listens to me so I don't give advise...makes life easier.

Anonymous said...

You mother gave some excellent advice. Thank you, in turn, for sharing it with me, Adrienne. I suppose this means I need to get out of this robe and put on some clothes, huh? I realize it's a mind-set. I think the idea of communicating with your husband via the book was a fabulous way in which to proceed.

My hubby is deaf, so a lot of our communication is done in writing, although he does read lips. He, however, is like Glenda who posted above. When he starts to read, he falls asleep. Being deaf limits his stimulus tremendously. I'll stop now -- that could cover an entire month of posts (haha)