One Literacy Coach: This Was Supposed to Be a Different Post

Oh my goodness, be quiet. Can't you see I'm trying to write. Since when do you get up on a Saturday morning and clean? Are you doing this on purpose? I cannot think with you clanking dishes and clomping around. Sweeping? When do you sweep anything but the garage? Now you're looking at me with that I'm-superior-because-I'm-working look. And here comes the interrogation.

"You gonna sit at your computer all day?"

"Nope, I just have to get my post in."

(Pause)

"You gonna cut up this mango, it is getting old."

"Yup, I'll do that in a little bit."

"You wanna help me clean the sun room today? (This actually means, am I going to clean the sun room today.) There are boxelder bugs everywhere."

"Yup, I was planning on doing that. I just need to finish my post."

"You gonna go to Kroger's today?"

"YES DEAR, I JUST NEED TO FINISH MY POST."

"Okay, you don't need to yell."

(Pause)

"It says here in the paper that tuition is going up at BGSU."

(silence)

"You almost done with whatever you're doing on the computer?"

"Yeah, I'm done."

13 comments:

AnonymousMarch 19, 2011 at 11:06 AM
I love this! I felt like I was in the room witnessing the entire conversation, like a fly on the wall...or should I say boxelder bug???
TamMarch 19, 2011 at 12:29 PM
Love your Signs of Spring! I think your husband wants a little attention. This is truly a slice. I have a husband and 3 older boys.
Linda BMarch 19, 2011 at 2:08 PM
It is interesting what happens when we get on the computer, huh? It's as if it's a competition, & your relating of the morning showed the feelings very well indeed. So-did you also get to clean the sunroom?
MichelleMarch 19, 2011 at 3:11 PM
Ha! I think I had the same conversation at my home this morning with my husband! As soon as I sat down with my bowl of cereal and opened my laptop I hear, "Oh look. Mommy is blogging again." Just need to post today . . .this so made me laugh! Loved your conversation and how you typed it up! See, sometimes the best slices are the ones you weren't counting on!
SueBMarch 19, 2011 at 4:41 PM
Aren't husbands fun? It's so reassuring that those conversations happen in other homes!
NoraMarch 19, 2011 at 5:07 PM
Great slice. It is amazing how a family can innocently go about sabotaging your focus.
AnonymousMarch 19, 2011 at 5:45 PM
This was so fun to read - I could just hear it and see it - feel it!
TaraMarch 19, 2011 at 6:35 PM
I love the way you crafted this...the two voices bouncing off each other - the frustrations of a slicer!
Christy Rush-LevineMarch 19, 2011 at 7:15 PM
I love this line: I'm-superior-because-I'm-working look. I know that look. I don't even think my husband really feels that way--it is my own projection because I feel guilty because I am not working. Great post!
KimMarch 19, 2011 at 8:32 PM
I can SO relate to this post! My husband wears that looks so well-- even though I don't think he cares one way or the other, I feel guilty. We shouldn't feel guilty for trying to get better at something that is meaningful to us.

You did a super job with this post.
Donna SmithMarch 19, 2011 at 9:47 PM
Nice exchange! Did you share it with him????
jenb.March 19, 2011 at 10:21 PM
Love it! Short and to the point, and very relate-able! :)
LunaMarch 19, 2011 at 10:46 PM
Great slice ... I think you should encourage your husband to start slicing -- both that mango and online!