Friday, October 12, 2007

Butt Warmer Weather

Every day I drive my son to school. The bus picks up right outside our house, and he does take it home, but he likes for me to drive him in the morning. I also admit to feeling better, having those last few cozy minutes with him. And watching him run from the car to the school. It eases my mind; he is safe. The car (ahem) I drive him to school in is an obnoxious vehicle. It really is. But it was cheap. Because we paid it off for my father when he got stuck with it in the divorce. So...in reality, we were "helping out" when we bought the loaded up (Leather seats, XM, power, moon roof, you name it, it has it) Yukon XL. I know...I know...we are awful, and it guzzles gas, and practically burps it right back at you but the Pacifica lease was up....and it was so darned cheap for a 2 year old vehicle, that we knew the owner of. That's my excuse (poor as it may be) and I'm sticking to it.

My son calls the heated leather seats "butt warmers". If you have never experienced heated seats it is a little disconcerting at first (think "oh my gosh, I feel like I have peed my pants) and then soon becomes heaven. Especially if you have arthritis in your back, frequent back pain or sciatica. In the cold weather we will jump in the car and my son will shout, "Butt Warmers!!!" and everyone hits their button. Well today was the first day, this school year, that he shouted "butt warmers!" and he made me smile. Even though I dread the cold weather, am miserable when there is no sun...and wonder most days how I will make it through the winter and the holidays without Leonard. I appreciate my son, and his cheerful laughter with his friends outside this afternoon. I appreciate that my daughter's best girlfriend is here with us this weekend and that they ran out to the store for me (to replace the rotten potatoes that I was going to use in the stew...but that's another post in itself seeing as I just bought them)...and I know she will make my daughter smile and not yell at me for all of the wrongdoings I have done to her in her 17 years. And all is "normal"...whatever normal is going to be. I am savoring this brief moment of not being tormented, and I hope it lasts a little while.

And...the bracelets that I mentioned a week ago? They arrived today, in time for the benefit tomorrow night. Wow is rush shipping ever expensive. But they are beautiful. And all the neighbors wanted one. I have two on as I type this. One to wear and one to give away. To share the memory of the delightful, caring, and generous man that I was so lucky to be with.


***Additionally**** If anyone would like a bracelet please email me and I can get one to you. It's what I want to do.

14 comments:

Shannon said...

It sounds like tody is a better today. What stew are you making? We call them butt warmers, too, and they always make me feel like I just peed my pants

HUGS.

Anonymous said...

Good evening, Laura:

Oh boy! Living north of the tundra and living with fibromyalgia, these butt warmers thingies sure sound d-e-v-i-n-e! My only point of reference is an electric mattress pad - lol. There are dual controls and mine is usually on over-drive.

I am happy to hear you're getting a bit of respite today.

The bracelets sound really neat - I have a varied collection of them but none black -- classy! What color is the lettering? I am sure tomorrow's benefit will come off befitting the man being honored. Laura, I *really* hope you feel his presence there - keep your antennae up.

I am sorry that your dear daughter feels the need to say hurtful things. It's tough not to take it to heart although you're probably a proxy outlet for other things she's feeling. I hope she works it out soon. It's tough being 17. (and rough being the mom of a 17 year old too) As they say: "this too shall pass".

Sending you wishes to warm your heart to match your butt:)))

Jess said...

This post made me smile! My current car has heated seats. The first time my mom rode in the car and the seat was on she panicked that she had wet her pants!!

Laurie in Ca. said...

Well, it looks like I am missing out on another cold-weather treat, butt warmers! You sound lighter in spirit this evening and I hope you can enjoy the night and enjoy knowing that life is still good, though different. I think I remember being 17 and it was such a confusing and self-centered age for me. I feel bad for how I acted back then. I think Nicole will too, in time. I would love to have one of the bracelets and I hope you will feel Leonard extra close in your heart tomorrow night. Also, I think your car sounds great. I have an SUV too and don't feel guilty. It is the nicest car I have ever had and my hubby insisted I was worth it so who am I to argue with him? He could be Leonards father, they are so much alike in the special man department. Thinking of you tonight and hope you have some fun with the kids. You are a great mom and a very special lady Laura.

Love, Laurie in Ca.

Rach said...

Ah, yes, the peed-your-seat butt warmers! They truly are a godsend in the middle of winter, aren't they?

I'm having issues with my gmail account, do you still have my other email addy? I would LOVE one of your WWLD bracelets. :o)

Enjoy the peace you are feeling--isn't it wonderful? I'm trying to learn to enjoy the good moments. Maybe we can do this together.

HUGS!!!!

Shari said...

I have my own built-in butt warmers. My kids. I have a certain spot I sit on when I watch TV and pretty much the only times (lately) I watch TV is during the weekend-at night. I like this spot because it has the best "reading" spot for the closed captioning-no glare, the right distance so I can read it, etc. So if anyone's sitting there, they'll have to move. Ahh, the seat's warm. ;)

I didn't know cars had seat warmers. Wait, I think my father-in-law has one in his car (Acura).

I liked this post. It made me feel like you're getting stronger each day. That's a load of my mind.

Did you get my email? :)

Rach said...

Hey, Sweetie,

Just checking in to see how your weekend was. We thought of you all weekend. HUGS!! :o)

Unknown said...

Laura,
I had a dream about you last night. We were at Panera Bread, having coffee, sitting on their couch and you were telling me a story about Leonard. Kinda weird since we have never met isn't it? I just wanted you to know I am thinking about you

Jess T said...

I'm jealous! I want butt warmers! :)

Thinking of you!
Jess

Anonymous said...

Dear Laura,
Thinking about you this Monday morning and hoping the weekend was more peaceful for you.
I pray Leonard's benefit was everything you wished it would be.
HUGS and PRAYERS, Kathy

Anonymous said...

Hi Laura:

Looking forward to any up-date on the poker benefit.

Hope you are well.

Peace & blessings sent your way....

Courtney said...

Once again, I am so sorry for your loss but it has definitely made me cherish the time I have with my husband. This weekend had a bad moment where I stopped and thought, is this going to matter and it didn't so I stopped my absurd behavior and let the moment pass. I have truly learned to see my life with him through new eyes so thank you!

Courtney said...

By the way, would you mind if I add you to my side bar?

Shelly said...

I love butt warmers! Our new SUV has them, and it has helped my hubby and I not fight as much over the temp of the car. I can stay alot warmer with the seat warmer on! Yay!