I guess that I wasn't meant to escape the recent "flu-bug". My head is stuffed, breathing is heavy and of course my ability to be sarcastic is running high. As Grasshopper No.3 would say, "suck it up. Rub some dirt on it". So that is what I am going to do!
The good news is that the snowstorm that we were supposed to get today passed gently to the south and I don't have to shovel that white sh--.
I watched a movie on TV this afternoon and it was about a young mom with one child dying of cancer. I've seen real life scenerios play out to that same theme in the last year. The movie ended very nicely with everyone being thankful for having known the young mom. I guess the only reason I mention the movie is that they have a "stay in bed all weekend" marathon coming this weekend on Lifetime. I remember my sister Addie acknowledging that sometimes she crawled up on the couch on a weekend and would watch "warm movies" all day Saturday. Because I'm feeling so sh--y, it actually sounds like a good idea.
Now the "look". Grasshopper No.4s wife Jenny admitted that she can move "mountains" with the "look". When she wants a family to do something, the process begins with a glaring stare but no words. If the kids or husband challenge the stare, the "look" can change to disbelief or disgust. Again, no words. The family member ends up with a guilt trip. So the family ends up doing things for mom that they really don't understand. There is this feeling that somebody screwed up and they better fix the problem. Of course Jenny is smiling on the inside because the "look" can motivate beyond discription. I think they should register the "look" as a dangerous weapon and make moms carry an owners permit. Do they hold school for moms to teach them this sh--". I'm teasing Jenny about the "look" but all moms seem to have the mysterious power. There is an implied consequence of sleeping on the couch or the room turning mysterious cold.
There are many forms of the "look". A raising of the the eyebrows indicates disbelief. The "look' can be focused and stern with the mouth turned down to show madness. I have come to recognize most "looks". You know when you are in trouble when Mom is acting strange and you ask "honey, what is wrong"? The answer that brings fear to every family member is "oh nothing". You know something is wrong and an earthquake might occur under you house in the next 24 hours.
I'm going to avoid the subject of sympathy because I have the ugly cold. I might say something that is offensive. I might just do as Addie suggested. I might crawl up on the couch in the basement, turn the heat high and watch touching movies all day (in between NFL playoffs).
Stay warm!
Love,
Dad