This entry was posted on Thursday, January 28th, 2010 at 11:25 pm and is filed under Time Out. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
The last day of Time Out is upon us. I want to thank each member of the Time Out Panel for being honest and straightforward; I think the series was a terrific success, and I learned a lot. We laughed, we cried. It was better than Cats. I’ll read it again and again.
So today I thought I’d close the series by just asking the moms a little something about themselves, and pry a bit deeper into their personal lives because, after all, that’s really what blogging is all about, right? And I also thought I’d take a moment and throw my own two cents in and give my own opinion on this particular topic because, after all, it is my blog, and I haven’t met a person yet who doesn’t love a good compliment; sort of explains my logic in selecting this panel and is my way of saying thanks.
We all have characteristics within ourselves that we are proud of. If you could pass one personality trait from yourself on to each of your children, what would it be and why? How about one personality trait from your spouse or partner?
Mr. Lady
Whiskey In My Sippy Cup
From me? A little bit of artsy-fartsy-ness. I’m no Picasso or Beethoven or Hemmingway, but I’m fairly artistic. I really hope that my kids grow up to have appreciation for art; not just the actual, physical product, but the creative process. From my husband? Athleticism. My husband was a hard core, record-holding athlete in his day, and the man hasn’t met a sport yet he can’t play. I, having the coordination of a Jello mold, find this a very admirable quality in a person. He’s more conscientious and disciplined for having grown up a rigourous athlete, and I hope my kids take some of that from him, too.
Author’s Opinion: Mr Lady is one of the first bloggers I started reading and she will probably be the last. With her ability to twist pop culture and raw emotion into one blog, as well as the possession of wit that could cut glass, I am sure that her children are not only intelligent and well-rounded, but will also buy mom flowers every day on Mother’s Day well into their Golden Years. And that’s something.
Barbara Boucher
TherExtras
Tough question. [And to think I asked for this question over naming my favorite 80’s metal band.]
I am most pleased when I see my children show good social skills. We worked really hard to develop ours theirs. Believing that personality has a strong natural origin (over being learned) I have pretty much resigned myself to accept who they are and the frequent signs of quirks from my side of the family. From my Studly Hubby I most hope they carry his optimism. Always.
Author’s Opinion: Barbara is a straight shooter, and I respect her ability to not conform to the “norms” within the blogosphere. She’s one of the most intelligent women I know; we have joked about my inability to even remotely comprehend her blog on a regular basis; My guess is that any child of hers probably doesn’t buy Cliffs Notes, and any kid would be better of for that.
Kori Jones
See Kori Rant
From me, I would like my children to inherit the belief that no matter what happens in life, things will always get better; there is a cycle to it all, good and bad and it will eventually come back around to good again. As long as we keep getting up and doing the best that we can with what information we have, we can do anything. From my partner? The ability to control his temper, because God knows they aren’t going to learn that from me.
Author’s Opinion: Kori gets down on herself a lot, but the truth is I have never come across an individual with a stronger spirit or a more giving heart. The amount of adversity she has overcome in her life makes my head spin, and she always manages to keep fighting on. Kori is a true inspiration, and her kids will most certainly benefit from her strength and compassion.
McMommy
The McMommy Chronicles
From my husband? How to grill a steak perfectly.
From me?
The appreciation for a good guitar solo in an 80s hair band, a good glass of wine with someone whose conversation you always enjoy, and how when I pee? Yeah, it all MAKES IT INTO THE POTTY! Not on the shower curtain, not gathering in a little puddle on the floor—IN.THE TOILET. (A PSA to Matthew and Carter’s future wives: These two are a work in progress, but hopefully by the time I pass them off to you, we’ll have this little aim situation taken care of. Unless you like living in frat houses. WAIT A SECOND. On second thought, if you DO like living in frat houses, move along. I sure as hell don’t want you marrying MY angelic sons!!)
Author’s Opinion: McMommy is funny, and her blog is light and easy to read. She sees more traffic than Los Angeles on a Friday at 3:45 PM. Because she is a mommy and has some time to write and got lucky? WRONG! She works hard. Mcmommy is shrewd, savvy, professional and frankly, is the best social media marketer I know. A wolf in sheep’s clothing, this one, and don’t let her fool you. Her kids will KILL in business one day if they want to, because McMommy knows what she’s doing. Much respect.
Aline Pfingsten
RedSparks
I’m obnoxiously good with finances. I balance my checkbook down to the last cent and it’s always correct. I should have been an accountant, except then I might be considered boring and I’m certainly not that. So, I really would like for my daughter to learn and appreciate the value of money. Juggling finances and being good at it is an important trait especially later in life when she has a family. As for a personality trait from my spouse, that’s easy. His incredible sense of humor, his ability to make us all crack up at any time, all the time. After eleven years of marriage I can say he can still get me doubled over crying my eyes out. Laughter in a home is a good thing.
Author’s Opinion: Aline is my wife. Knowing my children came from her puts my mind at ease that they will come out OK. We fight once in a while, as do all couples that have been married for as long as we have. But we laugh, too. So hard and so often. I have had the best nights of my life with her, and that’s just because she’s FUN. Not a lot of people are FUN, and I consider myself lucky to have found her. I believe that the NUMBER ONE factor in a successful marriage is that you must enjoy being with your spouse more than anyone else on the planet. And I do. My kids will be fun too, because of her, and there’s a great deal of comfort in that.
This marks the end of my series, and I REALLY enjoyed doing it. Thanks again to all the moms involved; I had a great time. Funny. I have this weird feeling I used to get on closing night of a school play. Lets do it again one day, shall we?
That’s a wrap. Strike the set.
If you’d like to read all of the Time Out series, click the links below for previous discussions.
-Matt
RedSparks.com
January 29th, 2010 at 5:36 am
Ok, I rarely get serious on a blog….but Matt, you seriously just made my whole morning. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TWO CENTS!!! You have always been one of my top 3 favorite blogs to read. Your writing keeps me captivated and I love the way in which you tell a story. I don’t know how much free time you have right now, but I STRONGLY urge you to write a book. Not kidding. You must. It would be a huge success as I feel so many parents can relate to you. You’re gonna be a STAR, BABY!!
McMommy´s last blog ..State of the Union (hic!)
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Matt Reply:
January 29th, 2010 at 9:02 am
@McMommy, Thanks so much for participating. It was great to have you involved. And you never know, I just might. Hey. If I never realize my dream of playing metal guitar in front of 150,000 screaming fans, then maybe I could settle for THIS type of stardom, right?
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January 29th, 2010 at 5:53 am
These are good thoughts, all of them. This is a toughy….I guess I would say I wish she would get my drive and passion. She is persistant, already, so maybe she did get a little of me, after all!
Candace´s last blog ..OMG, I AM IN LUVVVV….
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Matt Reply:
January 29th, 2010 at 9:03 am
@Candace, It shows early, doesn’t it? I am sure she will pick that up from you, and I really appreciate all of your feedback throughout this series!
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January 29th, 2010 at 6:53 am
I am fairly certain that I’ve been bred out of the gene pool. Two of my three children are so much like their mother, especially in the freckle department, that I’ll take anything of mine that makes it into them, even if it is something as simple as a wayward urinary trajectory. From the girl. Since I adore my wife, this isn’t a problem. I hope that my children get her amazing math mind and her artistic talents. I hope they get my faith and compassion.
Arby´s last blog ..Parenting 101: The Golden Trophy
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Kori Reply:
January 29th, 2010 at 7:57 am
@Arby, I had to laugh at this one…of my four kids, not one of them even comes close to looking like me. Not even. So I just want them to have something of mine…almost anything!
Kori´s last blog ..Friday Fragments 01/29/10
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Matt Reply:
January 29th, 2010 at 9:05 am
@Arby, Great words, especially about your wife. Nice to see husbands stepping forward and openly showing some affection towards their spouses. Sounds like your family will do just fine.
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Arby Reply:
January 29th, 2010 at 10:31 am
@Matt, are you kidding? My wife saved me in more ways than I can list here. All jokes aside (and on my blog there are a lot of jokes about our family), she’s an absolute blessing.
Arby´s last blog ..Parenting 101: The Golden Trophy
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January 29th, 2010 at 7:27 am
This was great! Had fun reading.
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Matt Reply:
January 29th, 2010 at 9:06 am
@Loukia, Thank you for stopping by, and for commenting on other posts. I hope you’ll be back!
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January 29th, 2010 at 8:32 am
Kori is my best friend and I couldn’t agree more with your assessment of her!
Mr Lady is the coolest mommy blogger on the planet.
April´s last blog ..Re-thinking education (yes, again)
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Matt Reply:
January 29th, 2010 at 9:06 am
@April, Yep. I know how to pick em.
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Mr Lady Reply:
January 29th, 2010 at 9:34 am
@April, you’re on crack about me, but dead on about Kori. She is my goddamn hero.
Mr Lady´s last blog ..Beauty Or Beasts. Your Friday Two-Fer.
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Kori Reply:
January 29th, 2010 at 5:29 pm
@Mr Lady, I think you must both be on some crack. Or something. But I love you both anyway.
Kori´s last blog ..Friday Fragments 01/29/10
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January 29th, 2010 at 9:35 am
Matt, thank you for this week. It’s always interesting to read such different ideas on one topic, from a similar demographic. I’m flattered to have been included!
Mr Lady´s last blog ..Beauty Or Beasts. Your Friday Two-Fer.
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Matt Reply:
January 29th, 2010 at 3:41 pm
@Mr Lady, why thank YOU! And we both know that you did me the bigger favor
.
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January 29th, 2010 at 9:40 am
Thank you to all the fabulous ladies participating in the Playpen series this week. It’s been a pleasure; I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading your answers and getting to know each of you a little bit better. Although I don’t comment much but I check in and lurk about quite often. Matt couldn’t have picked a better panel of women!
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Carl Spackler Reply:
January 29th, 2010 at 10:38 am
@aline, did you just call me a lady?
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Matt Reply:
January 29th, 2010 at 3:42 pm
@aline, thanks for doing this, babe. I know it was kind of hard to fit into the schedule with that baby we have and all.
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January 30th, 2010 at 7:25 am
Visiting from Kori’s place, and you are dead-on about her; she’s a gem.
As for me, I would find it very fulfilling if my kids share my faith and ability to give problems up to God. From my husband, I hope they will inherit his childlike spirit for having fun (and keep it!)
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