Screaming in my face

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Years ago, my husband took me cross-country skiing.  No big deal unless you understand I have no tolerance for myself in learning things.  I am a perfectionist with no patience.  Can you think of a more toxic combination?  That day as I attempted to climb a hill in my slippery skis, I had it.  I sat myself down, ripped off my skis and hurled them over the hill.  I was proud to keep the swear words in my head.  My husband hid behind a tree watching the whole scene.  We had been married long enough for him to know the monster.  To this day, I have only played chess twice with him. (Yes, I was learning how to play.)

Yesterday, my two-year-old daughter decided it was time to learn to dress-- it was time to walk away from the toddler years.  During her first attempt, her two legs got stuck in the same hole. As I walked in, she sat on the floor refusing help from anyone.  Her screams were enough to scare anyone away.  My husband chuckled, "Yup she is yours."  Besides the wonderful assurance, of yes she really is mine, I must ask. Why? Oh why, must we give our worst qualities to children? I would never pass on that defunct gene if I had my choice.  The combination of perfection expectation and screams at first-failure are a lethal dose.  I still do it.  Well, I swear or pout now. I can promise you it is a quality that is not hot in an old married lady with kids.

Comments

M+J=K3+E said…
I Hate It when I see my kids doing stuff I hate about myself or even worse repeating what I say to them in the same tone influxtion. Oh, the joys of motherhood!
February 23, 2009 at 10:42 AM
mindy said…
Ahhh yes. I think it's true that God does have a sense of humor. Sometimes it just doesn't seem that funny to us. :)
February 24, 2009 at 7:21 AM
Scott-n-Allison said…
I think there are some things that you simply HAVE to blame on nature...not nurture. Let her stubborness be one of them. You'll feel better about yourself! :)
February 27, 2009 at 2:24 PM
L said…
I still do it too, but I skip the pouting and concentrate primarily on swearing. But, it's quite refreshing and comforting to know I'm not alone in my flaws. Thank you for keeping me company.

Lisa
March 3, 2009 at 3:29 PM
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