Don’t get me wrong…I love technology, but I certainly wouldn’t call myself an addict. The Captain on the other hand is extremely addicted. His biggest addiction? I’d say the internet. Most of the time it’s not a big deal. I honestly don’t mind that he sits in front of his computer at night while I watch the shows I want to watch. We get to sit in the same room and watch TV..and I don’t have to listen to him complain about what’s on. But this past weekend we traveled to Vermont, and I started to get worried as I saw the panic in his eyes when we lost cell phone service. That meant he was cut off from his precious internet, texts and phone. Oh the horror! I had no idea of the extent of this addiction…but I am beginning to worry.

As I thought more about it I realized it’s not only Captain Awesome that has this addiction to his “smart phone”. Yes, they are great, and keep you easily connected, but I am beginning to think that all this data at your fingertips is just leading to people not actually talking to the people that are in front of them. I have friends…won’t mention names….that will constantly have their phone out and texting while we are out. Who are you talking to? Do I bore you that much that someone who isn’t here is entertaining you via text more than I am in person? One text isn’t bad…or event two…but to constantly have your phone out is just rude.

In Vermont we finally got some cell service when we hit the outlets. Yes outlet shopping is like a slow death to men, but I couldn’t believe The Captain and our friend, who were both sitting next to each other,were  each on their phone constantly updating their football fantasy scores. It was like if they turned away for one second the world would end.

Texting while driving? A HUGE pet peeve of mine. Is what you have to say really important that it can’t wait till you are parked? I tell The Captain he’s going to kill me one day because of his texting. I know it’s morbid but it’s horrible! No if’s and’s or butts about it…when Pooh Bear is in the car there will be no texting.

I see people out at restaurants all the time on their phones. Even couples, where one of them is on the phone chatting while the other is sitting there. Yes, I will admit sometimes there are important phone calls, but let’s be honest…most of the time they aren’t. We have entered a world where people on the other end of a phone, or computer screen take over real life conversations. If this is how it is now, what happens when even more technology comes about? How about my children? I already see kids out with their parents watching videos on portable DVD players, or playing with their cell phones rather than speak with their parents. Is that what I have to look forward to? I’ve gotta be honest…this kind of scares me!

What do you think? Do you let technology get in the way of how you deal with people in real life?

Ok…I am looking to have a very serious, open and honest adult conversation here. When I say conversation I mean that I really want feedback from my readers. That means everyone. Men and Women. This conversations is for those in relationships and for those who are married.  Some people might read this and think I am insane for bringing it up, but one of my friends requested that I blog about this and I am going to do it…To put it eloquently I want to talk about bodily functions..

In relationships we take the good with the bad. It’s always nice to talk about the nice things and the personna we show in public. But as people say you never know what goes on behind closed doors! This past weekend a male friend of mine texted my husband along with other men asking this simple question…Have you ever passed gas ON your wife/girlfriend. A simple statment like that started a big to do with the men and my friend decided he wanted to poll people to find out what others find appropriate behavior when it comes to flatulence in a relationship. What is appropriate? Does it differ between men and women. I found this question to be very interesting, and although we are all adults I find that we act like children when it comes to this subject. I can’t throw stones because I certainly act like a child when someone mistakenly lets one go…but I think I can be adult enough to hear what others have to say.

I have been with my husband about 9 1/2 years and over that time have never intentionally passed gas or done any sort of bathroom business in front of him. He on the other hand isn’t as courteous. Many ask me why I allow it to be that way, and my response is I have no idea?? I really don’t. My husband hates it so I don’t do it? My friend who wanted the poll on the other hand…we’ll call him “J” let one go directly on his wife’s leg…she then told him that it was completely inappropriate to do that. BUT…I do know that his wife is comfortable enough to be free with her bodily functions in front of him…so I guess to each their own.

So here is the question to my readers. What is appropriate and what is not? Should women be allowed to be free in their own home to be less than lady like? Do rules apply to women that do not apply to men?

Don’t be afraid…go ahead and answer!!

The first segment I am calling “Ask and ye shall receive”. It is a very simple concept, yet for some reason us women have such a hard time doing it. What is it you ask? Asking for help. We just don’t do it! I think the interaction in the movie The Break Up says it best. The main character Brooke is upset that her boyfriend doesn’t help her with the dishes. They argue and finally she says “I want you to WANT to do the dishes!” and his response is “Why would I WANT  to do the dishes?” Does this fight sound familiar? I know it does in my house.  I am sure most women can relate to wanting her man to want to help out and to do things with out being asked…but I gotta tell you that I honestly don’t believe it’s in their genes. Are there men that will?? Yes of course! Women who have those men…praise the lord for it because there aren’t many!

So here is what I have learned. It is amazing how much help your man will give you if you only ask for it. That’s right. In most cases all you have to do it ask. Will my husband clean up the kitchen on his own?? Nope! But I have learned that if I ask him to do so he will. Will it ever be his idea to vacuum??? Nope, pretty much never…but if I ask he certainly will. I know I know..many of you think that it’s not fair that we have to ask the men to do things, and it’s true. No one has to ask me to make dinner or do the laundry…but the way I see it is…it is what it is.

We could all do the girl thing forever…you know the girl thing. Just sit there and hope that your man knows exactly what you want him to do….and when he doesn’t, be angry about it. I have been trying to do that less. After 8 1/2 years I have realized that my husband just doesn’t get it. So here is some homework. If there is something you want your guy to do just ask him! Is it as good as having him decide to do it on his own?? No…but is it better than sitting there angry wishing he would just do it? YES!

I hope you enjoyed the first post in the segment I call Wifey 101. Us women have to stick together and share our knowledge of the male species. So please feel free to share your experiences by commenting…and if you are a blogger and would like to do a guest post and post about something  you’ve learned then please contact me!

My Wedding Schedule

Between January and September I have 5 weddings to attend. 4 of them being this summer, and my husband and/or I are in the wedding party (ok mainly my husband, I am only in 1, lol) in all but 2 of them. I think being a bridesmaid is a lot more involved than being a groomsman. Being a bridesmaid means you get the dress, the shoes, the hair done, the shower gift, and the bachelorette party. The good news is I absolutely LOVE weddings so I am so so excited to be part it! Being a groomsman means getting fitted for the tux about 3 months before the wedding…going to the bachelor party…throwing some gel in your hair after your shower…showing up at the altar and saying “dude, are you sure you want to do this?”. (I know that they say this because my husband was mic’d when his friends jokingly decided to say that to him!)

As it turns out it is only May and my weekends are pretty much completely booked for the entire summer. Most of those weekend activities include something for either me or my husband and the weddings we have. Not only are our plans busy with these weddings, but our cash flow is also impacted. I try to look on the bright side, at least we are getting hit all at once and can rebuild! My husband and I were pretty smart. We took the gifts that we got from our friends whose weddings were coming up and we put the money in a separate account. It was never really ours to begin with since we will be gifting it back to them!

I guess it’s something of a rite of passage….the time in my life where a lot  my friends are getting married and starting their new lives. I am very happy to a part of this special time for them! So for all the bride and grooms to be…Good Luck and try to enjoy your special day! It goes by way too fast!