Four years ago, it was the best Christmas present ever. Today, it belongs to somebody else.
When we first moved into our house in August of 2006, DH and a neighbor really bonded over something I found absolutely ridiculous--video games. Even now, I don't understand why men like these things, but then again, most men don't understand why women love blogging, so... I guess we're even. Anyway, DH and our neighbor would spend hours repeatedly killing each other in some gruesome war-role-playing game.
A few months later, I got the hint, and bought the same gaming console for DH for Christmas. (To this day, he still says it was the best present I ever got him; I still maintain it was the worst thing I ever did to myself.)
Over the years, DH has used the gaming console to keep in touch with friends from college, coworkers who are now on different shifts and even his brothers and brother-in-law. But in the last six months or so, he's stopped playing it completely (so much so that he forgot about the automatic renewal fee for the console's gaming membership, leaving me to spend a testy 45 minutes on the phone with customer service negotiating a refund).
Then, about two months ago, he decided to break up with video games once and for all: he decided to sell his system--controllers, headset, games and all. He wasn't able to get the price he wanted during the holiday season, but ultimately decided to lower his price and take what he could get for it. (A shocking side note: I didn't play a role in his decision--his choice to get rid of the gaming system was his, and his alone!)
DH blames the "failed" relationship with his video games on a hectic work schedule, a fuller social life, and a two year old who simply demands too much of his attention. It had become obsolete in his adult life.
It got me thinking about this bible verse from 1 Corinthians 13...
I understood as a child, I thought as a child:
but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
...and the childish things I've put away in my own life in recent years.
Before G's birth, I spent most of my free time shopping for high-end clothes. They were my passion. But once G came--along with the need for an endless supply of sippy cups, diapers and apple juice--I put away my credit cards and started shopping more reasonably (as in, retail; the word still makes me shiver a little bit).
Even more recently, I've given up other things that represented my "childish" ways--my XM radio subscription, my pricey gym membership, monthly pedicures... in some ways, even my job could fall into this category of things a more immature version of myself couldn't live without, but the adult in me "gave up" in order to be a better wife and mother.What things in your adult life (tangible and intangible) have you given up in order to be a better person, wife or mother?
My parents bought my husband and I a Wii system 2 years ago...I can count the number of times we've used it on two hands. It's sad. As far as things I've given up since having my son 16 months ago: shopping, manis/pedis, going out to dinner with my husband, "me time." But like you said, it's all worth it. ...I do have a gift certificate for a manicure, which I plan on getting during my lunch break tomorrow (unfortunately I couldn't give up my job....maybe one day though?!)
My husband still loves his video games, but this post gives me hope...that one day, he'll grow out of them. I really hate buying him video games for birthday and Christmas...they're so expensive and there are so many better, other things I could get him instead!
Anyway, I gave my freedom to be able to buy myself clothes whenever I wanted to. Now, I've got to makes sure that B has the clothes she needs because she grows out of them at a faster rate than I get tired of mine. I used to have an endless supply of clothes and shoes until she was born. It makes me sad sometimes, but it also makes me happy to put B in some really cute clothes :)
I had to really think about this one...
DH gave up his luxury (w/ in L) car, as it mostly sat in our garage while he drove a work Demo anyway.
Me... I gave up time. Time to read, time to be lazy. Manis/Pedis come & go with time & money, but sitting on my couch watching TV for hours, that is a thing of the past.
However, I think the biggest thing I gave up was my spot on the fast track at work.
I'm still able to be successful & keep my job for the health insurance, but working 60 hour weeks & meetings with the VPs of our company - NEVER.
And honestly, I couldn't care less... Saturday everyone else in my department is working, but I will be doing errands, going to a soccer game, and getting my hair done before a trip with DH next to Vegas (for his work/pd by his work) week. Then Sunday, while my co-workers are here, I'll be hosting my son's birthday party. I'm sure this will impact me at some point, but right now - I'm living & thrilled.
I admit - I've never even used a playstation - I'm not quite sure how people can be obsessed with it!