Having the Extreme Gene isn't all bad. After all, it was my Extreme Gene that led me to buy a house on the park. The above scene is in my front yard, and I don't have to peform any landscape maintenance.Last fall I was taking out my trash, and a passer-by commented that on how lucky I was to live here. Well, anyone could have bought my house- its price was average for this city, not expensive. It's just that whirlingbetty possesses the Extreme Gene which caused her to drive by the 20 houses on the park every day until finally one of them went up for sale.
The Extreme Gene isn't all good, either. The interior of the house is either pristine or chaotic at any given time- nothing in the middle. When it's in its pristine state, you can be sure that whirlingbetty has just pulled an all-nighter getting it that way.
The Extreme Gene even marks my expenditures. The Child lives like royalty and owns several state-of-the-art electronic items plus their attendent games. I rarely spend money on myself, and never at full price- second hand, if possible!
Our late Chihuahua was given the run of the house, and it showed. I am still finding "treasures" (like moldy pizza crusts) which he buried 3 years ago. Our current Chihuahua is kept under strict supervision in the house and park. When he is set free in the house, he bounces off the walls like a kid at Christmas.
Dressed in new outfits from Land's End, The Child is driven around in a 17-year-old Honda Civic. The car may be old, but it too has also been treated like royalty. Last spring I sprung for a high-dollar rust removal job.
Now really, does this look like a 17-year-old car? The Extreme Gene explains its presence in my driveway as well as its excellent condition. Last summer when I took The Child to an antique car show, he asked me why I hadn't entered the whirlingbettymobile in the show, as he watched the proud Model-T owners buffing their vehicles.The Extreme Gene can be exhausting to live with. I'm going to have to take a nap now.
22 comments:
your Honda looks great...much cleaner than my 7 year old Saturn!
i totally agree with how you picked your house. i believe that people should find their neighborhood and then stalk it until the right house comes up for sale. most people don't have time to do that because they are moving for a reason. when i bought my house, i searched in the traditional way with the realtor. i kept thinking...this doesn't make sense! i am at the mercy of what comes up for sale in this one month period.
The extreeme gene is a good thing, Betty !
It means you care and are passionate about things being right for you.
Hence the great view from your home, the car that looks like new even if it is 17 years old - and even the high quality nap :)
Oh you lucky girl! I LOVE YOUR
FRONT 'YARD'...It would be great
to walk out the door and see that..
I know what you mean about the
child....The boy is the same way..
What ever is new he gets...
You did a great job with the car...
Doesn't look like it's 17. :)
HUGS!!!!!!!!!!
What a nice glimpse into whirlingbettyworld. I love your front yard. It is just lovely, and in it's own way, every bit as breathtaking as mine. And the car .... we need to be more like you there, Betty. We have become such a throw-away society and it is nice to see someone caring for and treasuring a possession like that. For me it is my 20 year old sweaters. I bought some new ones, but the old ones will continue to be worn around the house for warmth for another 10 years, I'm sure!
I like how you think. :)
Wow your car is looking good and The Child CRACKS ME UP.
Your Extreme Gene needs to visit my house for an all-nighter.. i'll pay! LOL
Just came by to say hello. Hope you and The Child have a good weekend :)
Omygawd! The effects of the Extreme gene must be difficult to manage, no?
I am afraid I am too comfortable, being so far removed from the E gene which manifested itself in the siblings but has bypassed me.
To each our genes :D
Dear Mary,
Yeah, stalking for a house is ideal but not always possible. I think if I ever move to a new city I will rent first so I can stalk for a purchase.
Thanks for the car compliment!
Hugs,
Betty
Dear Annie,
I strongly suspect that you know a thing or two about the extreme gene....
Hugs,
Betty
Dear Laurie,
Your enthusiasm makes me realize that I really am pretty lucky. Thanks for that!
Hugs,
Betty
Dear Lynilu,
I tend to hang onto old clothes too. Every once in a while i need a reality check from somebody at work to see if I'm carrying it too far.
Your views are so vast and infinite. So your appreciation of mine means a lot!
Hugs,
Betty
Dear Betty,
I like how you answer the comments on your blog! Thank you for a such a personal response to our comments. (-:
I can learn from you! I tend to not to respond to my comments although, I do read them.
Hugs back at ya!
Mary
Dear Patti,
An all-nighter at your house sounds fun. It's a lot easier to clean someone else's house!
I'll let you know the next time I'll be headed for Darlington....
Hugs,
Betty
Hi again, Annie! You have a great weekend too. I wish mine could be a little less busy.
Hugs,
Betty
Dear Shankari,
I bet you enjoy a lot of peace in your life without that E Gene! And you're right- it's terribly difficult to manage!
Hugs,
Betty
Dear Mary,
Hi again and thanks for the huge compliment. My blogging mentor, who is a guy I work with, taught me to answer comments this way.
Hugs,
Betty
17 years old? Nope, not even close. You definitely got your money's worth.
Right now my entire house is extremely in need of cleaning. What a difference a few hours will make. I hope.
:)
Dear Mary Ann,
Yes, indeed, I feel that I got my money's worth out of that car! And it ain't over yet...
Good luck with the cleaning!
Hugs,
betty
I echo some of the other statements I see here. That extreme gene seems to be working for your benefit. Beautiful view from your home. An awesome looking car. The only time we get the extreme gene to clean, it's when my folks come down to visit from up north. Except they haven't been here in a year now. Lots of cobwebs in the corners.
Dear Big Dave,
Sounds as if a visit from your parents is in order! (Everybody possesses the extreme gene under the right circumstances, as you say!)
Hugs,
Betty
Dear Betty...
I love your analysis of what you call the "Extreme Gene," and I wonder, could I possess this same condition? The Honda extraordinaire, the rose garden bountiful, and your gifted prose have lifted my spirits, as I tackle yet another deadline for my nemesis, Madison Avenue. Ah well...I wish you and the child well. Enjoy!
Ciao bella...XO
Dear Teri,
It's SOOOO good to hear from you!!!!!! I just can't wait until you resume blogging again someday, when Madison Avenue backs off a bit. You are dearly missed, chica!!!!!
Many hugs,
Betty
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