Thursday, March 21, 2013

Ten Things I Do Not Know How To Do

     I am always trying to learn new things. I feel like there are so many interesting things in the world I have never even heard of yet that I'll never get to knows all the cool stuff. This fact bothers me a little bit, if I am being honest. Like today, for example. TED talks are happening in Cleveland. But when did I learn about it? Today! And when did the tickets sell out? 21 minutes after they went on sale, on a day long before today.

     There are lots of things I have done/can do which surprise people. But there is plenty I do not know how to do.  For example:

1. I do not know how to speak Spanish. Even though I have lived in Texas, California, and Venezuela, I'm pretty much an English-only kind of girl. It's embarrassing. I mistake more words than I get right, which is even more embarrassing. "Why are you calling that a 'kitchen'?" I ask my husband. "It means pig" he replies. 

2. I do not know how to write a resume. You would think this shouldn't matter to me. I am not employed. But maybe some days I wish I was. Or maybe I wish I could be if I wanted to be. 

3. I do not know how to drive a stick shift. I've driven tractors. Does that count at all?

4. I do not know how to shut up. Seriously. I tell myself I will. Then I don't. Ever.

5. I do not know how to ask for what I want without feeling guilty. From trivial things like "Would you fill up my water bottle for me when you go downstairs?" to "Could we go see Leonard Cohen in concert?" I feel guilty as hell if I ask. 

6.  I don't know how to grow old gracefully. When I notice things I used to without thinking about them are now physically straining or overwhelming for me I sort of lose my mind.

7. I don't know how to parent my 'grown' children. They still seem so vulnerable to me. I really want to make them take naps and then later we will make cookies and watch Joe Scruggs videos and go to Chuck E Cheese. 

8. I don't know how to be a better person. I promise myself I will have more internal patience. I will change my inner dialogue. But then the same things that bugged me all my life happen and (surprise!) they still bug me. My inner dialogue doesn't change. I still feel guilty about it. 

9. I don't know how to make myself finish things.




Mama’s Losin’ It

9 comments:

  1. You CERTAINLY know how to make people laugh. And now I'm thinking . . . "Hey, I don't know how to do that either!"

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  2. I don't speak Spanish, either. I have even taken classes!

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  3. Can't do the stick shift, either. And definitely can't shut up. Loudmouths, unite!

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  4. I am glad I was not taking a big drink of liquid when I got to the end. #9 on your top ten list is the best! Made me laugh so hard.

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  5. Co-sign on asking for things! I can't. I'd have to be on the edge to ask for help. I get chastised by my boyfriend for it all the time! My mom always taught me growing up to do it all myself and it's hard to let it go!

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  6. Terrific! What a clever list. When I saw this prompt I felt overwhelmed by how many things I don't know how to do that I got dizzy.

    Re: #3. I've tried. Oh boy, did I try to learn how to drive a stick shift. But it just didn't work. (I shudder at the memory!)

    Thank you so much for stopping by! I truly enjoy your posts :->

    ~Ann
    http://www.annagainandagain.com

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  7. Driving tractors totally counts!

    And I think all the other things just shows that in life we are always learning and trying to improve.

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  8. How funny!!! We almost have the same list! Thank you for stopping by my blog :). I m taking a break from school work (a 2 hr break!) to blog some more. LOL! I am now a new fan :)

    Jessica
    The Wondering Brain

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