The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

I live in a house with 4 males. This shouldn't need much more explanation for any woman that's ever walked a few steps in my shoes. Those who haven't, should consider themselves lucky.

I love all these guys, I'm married to the oldest one, gave birth to the smallest one, and inherited the remaining two. To say there's never a dull moment would be the understatement of the century. The seams are literally bursting with testosterone... it can be a scary place for a girl.

My bedroom is my only source of refuge. Granted I share this room with the aforementioned older one, but it's basically a utilitarian retreat for him. For me it's the only viable escape. I sit straight up in the bed to watch television, read, or type away on the laptop. I prefer the door to be closed at all times, it filters the noise. And when I say noise that would include but is not limited to: rowdy farting competitions, riveting debate of 'Family Guy' vs. 'South Park', or general male chit-chat, all of which leaves me rolling my eyes and shaking my head.

Last weekend I was enjoying a lazy afternoon of reading, in my sanctuary, of course. The man comes in and is looking for a little attention, I have no problem with that, but I did want to finish reading the chapter of the book I was reading. This book belongs to my church library and is a comedic array of short stories written by many different women. The front cover shows a 30-something woman (most likely a harried Mother) standing looking upward, almost sighing, the title of the book is "But Lord, I was happy when I was shallow". I put the book down to take a phone call, I didn't even see my husband pick it up, but he did. When I hung up I noticed he had a black Sharpie in his hand, thought nothing of it. A few minutes later I picked up the book to put it on my nightstand, instantly I knew something wasn't right about the cover, it took a minute or so to realize the 'not right' feature was the "Frito Bandito" mustache he'd drawn on the lady on the front!! If you're too young to know who the "Frito Bandito" is, Google him, there's several pics and even a Wikipedia link. I nearly died! HOW am I going to explain this to the librarian??

I couldn't help but laugh, but the look on his face was priceless when I said, "Um, hon, this book doesn't belong to me." He thought I was lying until I flipped open the back cover and he saw the library card with the church name plastered all over it, then he freaked!! He immediately told me I couldn't tell anyone that he had done it. Yes, returning a church book and quickly lying about the defacing sounds like a plan to me. It would be very easy to blame it on one of the boys, easy, yes, understandable, no. All of the boys are old enough to know better, as is the leader of their little pack who did do the deed!

What do you think, should I rat him out? Should I return the book seemingly oblivious to the graffiti? Should I imediately purge my soul and beg for forgiveness? Should I throw myself on the mercy of the library gal explaining that the testosterone levels inside my house are off the charts and I'm powerless against them?

I'm still tossing around ideas in my head. This isn't the first time, and most definitely won't be the last. I just somehow wish that these guys would have to live in a house of women, outnumbered and subjected to the varying monthly cycles, and maybe get a clue what it's like to be a genetic minority!

At home today with what may be strep throat. Fun. Not.

I can look out my bedroom window and see the green leaves, some brown ones mixing in with the green. I am very happy to have more moderate temperatures but with that comes the knowledge that the season of death will soon be here. I do love Fall and the brilliant colors that adorn this beautiful geographical location but the winter months tend to depress me very quickly. The gray skies and equally dull color palette scream death to me. The once lush, green trees more resemble long, bony fingers reaching skyward.

Odd that I'm dreading a time that isn't even here yet, huh? I think sometimes I look for things to dread. Do you do that? Almost like I'm waiting for the bottom to drop out. I tell myself I'm just being realistic, but deep inside I know I'm doing it deliberately. Why would anyone intentionally draw attention to a topic or thing that is guaranteed to make them a little 'blue'? Granted this is only a passing feeling, I've never been the type to get entirely bogged down by the blues, and for that I am grateful.

Other things I'm grateful for...

unconditional love

college football

my children

chocolate

my family

my friends

underwire

forgiveness

What are you thankful for?

Yes, I am still alive. I have so much going on in my life right now, things that must take priority over maintaining this blog, a few times I have considered 'closing the doors' but I know eventually I'll be back on somewhat of a regular basis--I have no choice, the happenings of the last few months have provided me with some fantastic material, lol.

The grand-prince is positively wonderful! I knew he'd be fun, I just had no idea how much.

Trying to catch up on all of you, hopefully everyone is doing well :)

I have been thinking of you.