Monday, May 16, 2005

my latest pet peeve

In the last week I've realized that I have a new pet peeve. When people hear that we are moving the first week of June, their first question is always, "Have you started packing yet?" I'm so tired of being asked that question now I don't even try to come up with some proper excuse as to why we haven't started packing (as if I should need one), I just say, "No." Really people, do you care if I've started packing? Wouldn't you rather hear about our new house? Or why we're moving? This packing question bothers me on two levels: 1) it means I'm constantly reminded of something I need to do, but have not. It compares with around the time of college graduation when everyone is asking you, "So, do you have a job?" and you are constantly reminded that you don't have a job, which of course means you must be a loser and that there's no hope for your future even with this official piece of paper that says you're now educated, and 2) it makes me feel like I've missed out on some moving etiquette...as if it's so obvious that we should be completely packed by now or that we must have been sick the day they went over the timeline of packing a house in 6th grade.

The truth is, I'm not lazy or behind in my packing, I just don't feel like looking at packed boxes for the next three weeks. So, I figure I'll start packing a week before we move and then I'll only have to think about it for a week (and of course all the weeks that the stuff remains in boxes on the new premises). I'm probably naive to think we can pack our entire house in one week (with my husband going away for four days for a bachelor party weekend getaway in Estes Park three days prior to our moving day), but I've decided I would much rather be stressed for one week of crazy-mad packing versus three weeks of lolly-gagging packing.

P.S. Another one of those questions that gets really old, really fast is the "How are you feeling?" while you are pregnant. The pure frequency of that question cancels out the good intentions that are behind it. It's nice to feel loved, but honestly, this pregnant woman grew extremely weary of that question. For the sake of pregnant women, and people that will soon be moving, please come up with a more creative question.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

So when are we packing?

Anonymous said...

good luck on your move..are you going to pack this weekend?? cute baby!! Good Luck..Like the blog..

Anonymous said...

i found a similarly annoying question on my wedding day to be "are you doing ok?" or "if that's the worst that happens, it will be ok". you should pack whenever you want. clark & i have already started packing, just kidding.

Anonymous said...

So fun to learn about blogs..Hi Kristen. I recently was introduced to the world of blogs by Kerry. I love your site. My most annoying question as a new mom is "is she sleeping through the night?" I'm not quite sure if it makes her a better baby if she is. Or if I'm a bad parent if she is not. Good Luck with the packing.

kristen said...

lynne -- so glad you've found your way here! yes, i agree that the sleeping through the night question is the most annoying thing to ask a new mom. i don't think it means they are a better baby, or that you are a bad mom. why is that THE question everyone asks? as if their life depends on them sleeping through the night. i need to come up with a creative answer for child #2 (whenever that is). if you think of one be sure to share it.

hannah said...

ooops...i think i asked you that saturday night. im sorry!!!

Anonymous said...

I used to get so mad when people asked me how I was feeling when Marsha was pregnant. Come on people geez!

p.s. you are funny