Thursday, January 08, 2009

Writer's Workshop-Mamakazam

I was feeling a little overwhelmed last night and decided not to participate in Mama Kat's writer's workshop today. I didn't think I had it in me to write anything. at. all.

Then I visited her site today to see what I had missed out on. I decided I couldn't pass this one up, so I'm just late on the draw......but no worries. It's not the first time, and it certainly won't be the last.

Here's the prompt I chose:

Ask a loved one to use 6 descriptive words to describe you and report your findings. How well do they know you?

I got all excited about this one, although on second thought, I'm beginning to think I'm a tad self centered to be so enthusiastic about something all about me.

Anyway. That's beside the point.....or IS it the point? I'll have to think on this one.

Back to the story.

I quickly called my husband at work, and sweetly asked him if he was busy.

He said, "it's not too bad right now, why?"

I said, "because I need you to tell me 6 words that describe me".

EASY, PEASY, right?

I'm mean, shouldn't a loved one be able to spit 6 words out in like 10 seconds?

Apparently not.

He said, "I'm really sorry, but I've been slammed all morning, and I'm backed up (but not in that way.....with work). I'm too busy to do this right now".

He seemed regretful that he couldn't help me out, but I have my doubts. When I asked him to get back to me he didn't sound very appreciative of this opportunity I've given him.

Humpf.

So then I decided to ask my boys. Remember, they are 3, 3 and 4. My first mistake might have been interrupting Go, Diego, GO! to ask this small favor of them. They assured me they understood my question, but, whatever. With much thought, this is what they came up with.

1. angie
2. angela
3. mom
4. mamakazam (my favorite)
5. angie
6. I don't know

What happened to pretty, nice, kind, generous, smart, wonderful, amazing or a dozen other coveted attributes?

I figured that just wouldn't do. I needed more.

So I decided to call my sister.

I figured she'd be nice since:

1. It's her birthday today (HAPPY BIRTHDAY!) and she just received a diamond ring from her husband that I happen to know she's over the moon about, thus, she's in a good mood.
2. I'm taking her out to lunch for her birthday so it wouldn't behoove her to not be nice.
3. She's my sister and she loves me.

This is her list:
1. outgoing
2. responsible
3. caring
4. giving
5. clean
6. considerate

Now, I happen to like her list. I would just like to know why it took her so long to come up with numbers 2 through 6? And, what happened to smart?



To see what others are saying, visit Ms. Kathy today!
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82 comments:

Mandy said...

Your kids comment was too funny! I will have to ask mine and see what they say...I have a feeling it will be something very similar to your boys!

Michelle said...

I didn't bother asking my husband either because I knew he would be swamped with work.

Your boys list was adorable and your sisters was fab!

Stephanie said...

hahahaha i love the kids comments :) it's always nice when people say nice things about us!

One time my sister asked Mr. S this...he had a really hard time. I chalked it up to a limited vocabulary. hahahaha

Melissa said...

Too funny... I love Mamakazem.. I wonder where they came up with that one???

Cajoh said...

Cool Nickname— if you have a story about how you got it we would like to hear it.

Anonymous said...

Mamakazam is my favorite too!
And I have to say, if I asked my husband to do this, I'd probably get a similar reaction. Suddenly he'd be swamped with work!
Actually, I think he'd feel funny about announcing what he thinks about me to the bloggy world. Which I guess I can't really blame him for.
Anyway, that's a great list from your sister. :)

Unknown said...

Haha, I love the boys list. Angie is exactly how I would describe you as well! Lol, nooooo... I have plenty other nice things to say about you! How come nobody said pretty?! I would def. say pretty! Though it's not the most important attribute, it's always nice to hear!

Unknown said...

I love how you asked numerous family members for their input. Boo Daddy- next time play along. And your sister was probably too busy admiring her ring which caused her delay in response time. : )

Becky said...

Your kids are adorable! My hubbie and I had a similar conversation today when I asked him at work about 6 words to describe me.

Debbie said...

Came over from MamaKat's. I love that your husband wasn't busy, then suddenly was. Husbands are so transparent. And what is up with your sister using "clean"? I think I would go back and edit that and put in Beautiful. Yes, that would make it all perfect.

Jen said...

I love what you boys said. I was going to ask Hayden for this one but I chickened out.

AutoSysGene said...

Well, at least you know if your kids ever get lost they know your first name! LOL!

Thanks for the giggle!

Crazymamaof6 said...

awesome! love the kids list. mamakazam! is FABULOUS!

whoohoo for your sister to pull through.
it probably took so long because if she did the sisterly think and depending on the pecking order in your family she put bossy, or whiny, or self-centered. it wouldn't go over well. she was smart to take her time.

isn't that just the way with husbands too busy for a little flattery.

super fun post. love the challenge.

Ash said...

Mamakazam!

So wonderful. I think you need to rename your blog that - or at least copyright it.

If you don't mind, I am going to use it tonight when I put dinner on the table...

Voila and MAMAKAZAM!

Diane said...

aaawww your kids' list was too cute! and, aint sisters just a pain?! lol

very entertaining post!

Unknown said...

I've asked my husband the same thing before and received the same answers. I guess he figures that they have to live with me, so he keeps his mouths shut. Problably pretty wise move. :)

Cheffie-Mom said...

I love your kiddo's answers!! So funny!! This is a great post!!

Danyele Easterhaus said...

love the boys list! it's awesome! mommakazaam. u need to trademark that name!

Anonymous said...

LOL for your kids' words!
Hmph! is right about your husband! Men!
And I think what your sister said is nice :)

Anonymous said...

aww!!! How completely adorable!!

I love it when others "critique" me.

so fun.

Aunt Julie said...

I just LOVE reading the writing that comes off these prompts each week! You've got a pretty funny bunch over there, ya know?

Unknown said...

I can totally see that happening with my family! Great post!

Anonymous said...

Your kids...too funny! Love it!

Angela said...

That's pretty much how I felt when they named the first one then said, uh.....um.....uh.....let me think.......GOOD GRIEF you shouldn't have to think so hard until at least number 6 definitely not at #2!! ha! Good going! I think I'll ask my boys tonight!

Suzi said...

I have to say that mamakazam was my personal favorite. Don't you just love kids at that age? I have 3 boys, 7, 6, & 5.

Deb said...

this, my friend, is hysterical. i love how you took us through the process, instead of just writing about the final results.

i don't know if YOUR husband is like this (probably not), but MINE is always short on time when i track him down at work (which is rare), but if HE calls home, he is offended if i don't have time to entertain him, since how busy can i really be??

anyway, lesson to take away: do not interrupt your kids while watching tv if you want any kind of real information from them.

mamakazam is a great name for you. it's your superhero name.

and finally, of COURSE, i would have to agree with your sister.

Heather said...

You got a pretty good list. I like the clean one. Great attribute to have! :D Happy Birthday to my sister.

p.s. I think you are pretty! But not in a creepy girl to girl way.

Jennifer said...

I loved your kids comments. I asked DH as he was packing to up to head to work. I knew asking my teens when they come home would be a huge mistake, but I felt confident asking DH. I was wrong.

Happy Birthday to your sister. :)

jenn said...

Your sister is nicer than mine. Haha. I had my sister describe me. She wasn't mean mean, but not as nice as yours. Wanna trade?

Kristin said...

Can I call you Mamakazem from now on?

Mrs Anne said...

you are just a little peach!..

add that to your list!

xo

Unknown said...

This prompt seemed to strike quite the chord... I loved reading yours, Mamakazam!

Unknown said...

p.s. my verybusyatwork husband took literally the whole work day to come up with his saccharine-y answers. Bless his heart.

KatBouska said...

Yay for nice sisters!! Did hubby EVER get back to you one that!?!

I got Maile's answers by asking her: "ok Mommy isssss.....what?" and she'd fill in the blanks.

It took a little time. But her answers were super cute!

Kristin said...

I love the boys' answers! Classic. Rachel's list is nice. Happy Birthday Rachel!

Jaysi said...

I love the boys list. I think I am going to ask Luke tonight over dinner. That is too funny.

Quirky said...

Those are GREAT characteristics!
I stopped asking my husband those things, because he always comes up with reasons why he can't do them. I'm sure he loves me for SOME reason... I just don't really know why :)

Amy McMean said...

Clean? There's one you want on your list

Jaime said...

Awwww....cute answers. I also love Mamakazam! I would totally hold onto that one!

Anonymous said...

lol. I love the kids. My hubby lucked out. He was really busy at work today, so i didn't get to ask him for a list, though, I might do a follow-up and get those words out of him.

jori-o said...

Mamakazam--THAT is a keeper!

Ya, these six word lists are bringing out an interesting side in all of us...maybe we should all follow it up with what WE thought certain people would have said--because so far everyone seems to be surprised!!

Your sis sure came through, though! I'll go ahead and say it--you ARE one smart cookie!!

And genuine and kind. And gorgeous. Add those to your list!

girlytwins said...

I love Mamakazam. That would be my favorite too. I might have to ask my girls what they would say about me.

I also love that you are clean :) And I think smart and pretty are just givens.

sassy stephanie said...

Love the answers the boys game, especially the Mamakazam. Too funny!

Jenni said...

Mamakazam! LOL!

Susie said...

If I called my husband with that question, he would laugh my ear off:-)

Unknown said...

You have awards waiting for you at my site.

Casey's trio said...

Have the boys made you a cape yet....because you need one to go with mamakazam for sure!

bichonpawz said...

The kids list is hilarious! You should rename your blog to mamakazam! I love that one!! Your sister's was very nice!

Krazy Armstrong K's! said...

Hey Angie! I read somewhere (over at Laceys blog) that you LOVE to organize.... well im not neary as far away as she is so....... huh huh nudge nudge wink wink :)

Cupcake Dessert said...

LOL our families never say exactly what we want do they? I love your kids words!!! Those ages are so fun!!!

United Studies said...

Perhaps he just thinks so much of you he couldn't put it into words?

Kelly Deneen Raymond said...

Oh, husbands. They sure do know how to let a woman down sometimes. heh. Your kids are adorable, and thank goodness for your sister! :)

Laurie said...

Here are 6 Angie that I think of from getting to know you through MOMO and blogging

1. Caring
2. Funny (many times you have me laughing)
3. Selfless
4. Nurturing
5. Likeable
6. Intelligent

Kally said...

I love the boys' list! Makes me wonder what my little monkey might tell me.

KatieZ said...

This is about how my words were. It was like pulling teeth from everyone to get an answer from them! But I finally got a good answer from my hubby and my mom! This was a cute story tho! Tell Hubby that you still want an answer from him!

Unknown said...

I love that you asked your boys - too sweet!

And our sister said clean - that's too fun!

What a cute post to read today! : )

stefanie said...

Mamakazam! that's great! I don't want to know what my girls would say.

Shannon said...

Too funny! The kids crack me up. I want my kids to call me Mamakazam too. Do you mind if I steal your nickname and demand that my kids call me that?? OK, that may be a tad strange.

You sisters list is lovely and very accurate I think. Smart would be on the short list for sure!

Anonymous said...

Clean, huh? I like it. I think Mamakazam is my favorite, too!

Bonnie the Boss said...

Adorable and Smart would have been top on my list. Great mom, modivated would have been there too.
I changed my blog address, so follow this comment to find me.

Cristin said...

Oh my hubby would seriously squirm if I put that question to him! And my kids would probably come up with 6 ways to say Mom.

Unknown said...

LOL - i think your first mistake was interupting Diego..but they still did a pretty good job... I would have probably gotten a bunch of mommy's and maybe even a daddy thrown in there just because my daughter's a weirdo :)

Tonya Staab said...

Just for kicks I think I may have to ask my family. Bet I'll get the best responses from the 2 year olds.

latree said...

beautiful, smart, warm, inspiring, friendly, and mamakazam :D

Anonymous said...

Thinking it would be fun I just asked hubby that question...his response.."why do you want me to do that?" Men!

ParentingPink said...

Found your site through Cutie Booty cakes. Love it!

I think my hubby would have reacted the same way -and so would my three girls...especially if I interrupted Dora (or Diego!). LOL

Jenners said...

I LOVE your kid's comments! So so funny! I'm sure it was like pulling teeth to get that out of them!

And I love that your husband was not too busy until you asked him the question and then suddenly he has no time! He's not an idiot -- seems like most of the husbands didn't see the trap they were walking into in time .... at least he avoided it!

Rhea said...

hehehe What a sweet sister! You did catch her in a good mood. Now call her when she's in a bad mood and ask for a six word list again. Then we can compare the two. hehe

More Than Words said...

This was such a good post!!!!!! Very funny!!!

Anonymous said...

So cute. I love the ones the kids came up with.

Coachdad said...

Wow...loved your post. I am new to this and just started my own blog. I am glad I found yours. Beautifully done!

Jessica said...

What a fun workshop. I love your kids answers:)..

Unknown said...

what sweet descriptive words! that's a great idea!

Scribbit said...

Mamakazam? The best!

Live.Love.Eat said...

LOL. While your sister's list is very accurate, I am sure, I so love your children's list. That was so cute and gave me a very nice chuckle today!!!!!!

Stephanie said...

Oh, I love it! I can see the boys' little brains turning and trying so hard to come up with something! Reminds me of Thanksgiving when I asked Vivian what she was thankful for....and all she could think of was puppies and birdies. Oh, and I adore the nickname!

Kaylan said...

Hey Angie! I love your blog! I'm brand new to bloggin and just created a blog myself. I'm so glad I just happend upon your blog this morning through a friends page! Your kids are beautiful, I absolutely love their responses, too cute! Can't wait to get a chance to read more in days to come!

Kaylan

Gunnisac Sandersons said...

oh Angie! Don't worry, you already know you are smart, pretty, and all those other coveted adjectives. She wanted to let you know you are more! I hope you know that you are very much so all the best descriptive words!

Jennifer P. said...

Love those sisters--they always come through for you :)!

I happened to ask my boys what they liked best about me--one said that they liked that I took them to wal mart, and the other said I made really good enchiladas (which are frozen) so....yeah.....I'm so glad I've devoted my life to this craft of motherhood :).

tiarastantrums said...

yeah - sisters are the best!

Connie said...

What a funny post Angie...I love that prompt....

CC said...

Never interrupt Diego. Never.