Christian's comments

Reviewing Priorities - Blog Entry

13 Nov 2008 08:29 PM

Christy and I have had numerous conversations about this very topic over the past 14+ years. It used to go like this.

"You never do X."

"I will do X for you, but I rarely think about it. Just ask and I'll do it."

"I don't want to ask. I want you to think about doing it and just do it."

It really does come down to priorities. What Christy feels is most important is not what I feel is most important, and vice-versa. I agree it is important to understand that and then continuously communicate in a positive way. Negativity in the situation just adds to the tension.

I can't claim I do those things she feels are important with a smile on my face all the time. Most of these little tasks are ones I detest doing, but I will do them if she asks... nicely... because I love her and want to help out where I can.

How to Keep Your Pet from Cheating on You - Blog Entry

10 Oct 2008 04:02 PM

Sadly, some may use similar techniques to keep their spouses in line.

Great post and series, Courtney. Show your pets the respect and attention they need and they will be loyal, especially dogs.

Today's "Why I Got Married, Why I Stayed Single" Series - Blog Entry

25 Sep 2008 09:08 AM

These statistics pique my curiosity:

5. 44% of women have contemplated leaving their husbands.

6. 31% of men have thought of leaving their wives.

Approaching half of all women contemplate leaving their husbands?! Less than a third of men contemplate leaving their wives? Is this because men are more likely to seek out what is lacking in the marriage elsewhere, i.e. stepping out? Do women feel the only way out of a bad situation is to quit? These questions have somewhat of a negative connotation, but those numbers shock me.

What I Think About on 9/11 - Blog Entry

11 Sep 2008 01:27 PM

Thanks, Courtney. Live the moment. Oh, and you inspired me to write about what I think about on 9/11. You know where it is.

"A Dog is Not a Barbie Doll." (and Other "Greatest" Quotes) - Blog Entry

23 Jul 2008 10:37 AM

"A dog is not a Barbie doll." ... I didn't see the "Greatest Dog" show, but it sounds like Victoria Stillwell. Christy and I are big fans of her British show, "It's Me or the Dog", shown on Animal Planet. She says things like this all the time about owners who purchase a small dog as an accessory, treat them that way, and then wonder why the dog does not act like a proper dog (bathroom outside, agressive with other people and dogs, etc.). Victoria usually follows up this comment with the quote, "A dog is a dog." Another of my favorites.

What a Hairball Looks Like - Blog Entry

09 Jul 2008 02:43 PM

Ugh... Truly gross... Having witnessed this myself, I had to force back the bile when I opened the entry.

Welcome back, Court! I missed these mini-escapes from the day.

So sorry to hear about the reason you were gone. My condolences. I know Christy will feel the same when she hears.

RIP Grandma Dorothy

Lawn Guardians and R-E-S-P-E-C-T - Blog Entry

07 Feb 2008 10:03 PM

Bake him a cake or cookies. Decorate in green frosting and take them to his house. Without Murphy... unfortunately, because he's such a good, cool dog.

Murphy, Tornadoes, and One Ruff Night - Blog Entry

07 Feb 2008 07:53 AM

Excellent! Dogs really are huMANs best friend.

Mixing Politics and Marriage - Blog Entry

05 Feb 2008 07:55 PM

My state has a Super Tuesday primary. I cast an early ballot last week, though.

I have heard of too many marriages where one influences (or dictates) the other's decision in the polls. Sometimes this is due to a strong personality on one side of the marriage. Sometimes this is due to lack of interest in current events by one of the parties.

Early in our marriage, my wife and I agreed 100% on the issues, so this was never a problem. In the past several years, this has changed slightly to more like 60-80% of the issues. When she asks, I encourage my wife to make her own decision after I explain why I plan to vote a certain way. Even so, she gets concerned about one canceling out the other's vote.

This isn't the point, though. Even though we are married, we are each individuals with our own opinions. At the end of the day, we need to place a vote whether they differ or not. It's part of the beauty of the process. It's how it should work.