January 18, 2011 by Current Publishing

DISPATCHES » Taste of the Chamber - The Carmel Chamber of Commerce is hosting the annual Taste of the Chamber next week. The event is a great opportunity for local businesses to exhibit their products and services, and also for residents to see what is available in their own community. Taste of the Chamber has local restaurants and catering companies that will offer special samples of their food. The event is Jan. 20 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 for Chamber members and $10 for guests. For more information visit www.carmelchamber.com. » City Council meeting – The Carmel City Council meeting on Jan. 17 was cancelled for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. The next meeting is tonight, Jan. 18, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. » Community Day at the Palladium – Visit the brand new Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel on Saturday Jan. 22. The Palladium opens to the public on Saturday at 10 a.m. with an official ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. followed by a concert by Carmel Brass. Community Day lasts from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. with an afternoon of free concerts, tours, and plenty of music. The celebration continues for a full week too. For more information visit www.thecenterfortheperformingarts.org.

I need to be less critical

COMMENTARY By Danielle Wilson I’m just a few days in to the New Year and already have to amend my resolutions. First off, I’m throwing out the “Learn to like a new food.” It’s never gonna happen (because I don’t want it to), and nobody really cares (because mushrooms are disgusting.) Second, I need to add, “Be less critical of Doo.” See, my husband is the fun parent. Postponing homework and piano practice so he and the kids can finish a movie is no biggie. Playing “Need for Speed” takes precedence over clutter, dishes and laundry. When Doo get homes from work to find the house a disaster and the “to do” list growing at an alarming rate, his response is generally, “Let’s order Chinese!” And bedtimes? Don’t even get me started on bedtimes. I am the exact opposite. I like schedules and routine and tidiness. I admit to having control issues and to being obsessed with punctuality. And if my daughter has an 8:30 bedtime, then she needs to be in bed at 8:30. Would I like to be a fun parent too? Of course, but as they say in “Modern Family,” having two fun parents means your children go to school in pajama pants and pay for things with a $100 bill.

Bottom line, our parenting styles and personalities complement each other. I love this about us, but it doesn’t always stop me from climbing up on my “high and mighty” box to make Doo feel like a delinquent child. Case in point: This past weekend, I spent an entire day in bed with a stomach bug. Doo was on house and kid duty for a solid 24 hours. The next day, I came downstairs to find that Doo had done absolutely nothing, except hang an antler trophy in a son’s bedroom (too high and off center, I might add). That’s it. No dishes, no laundry, nada. I was not subtle in expressing my frustration. Always quick on the uptake, Doo immediately sprang in to action, taking down holiday decorations and putting the kids to work. Sweet, right? But what did I do? I criticized every single decision he made. “Babe, why didn’t you wait for me to get you the ornament box? They are going to get broken sitting on the table!” “Honey, did you put the front hall garland with the kitchen chandelier garland? I have separate boxes for those!” “Doo, those couches are too far apart. You need to move them again!” And believe me, every one of those remarks was made with enough eye-

rolling and passive-aggressive condescension to dishearten even Pollyanna. Is it any wonder that he never wants to help? I know subconsciously that I shouldn’t criticize, and yet there are times when I cannot stop. I resent that he gets to be the fun one and that I am stuck in the Wicked Witch of the Wilsons role. But seriously, how hard would it be for me to step back and thank him for his efforts? When will I learn to accept that his way of doing things isn’t wrong, just different? And if our kids go to bed 20 minutes late, what’s the big deal? So I’ve decided that 2011 will be the year when I ask myself, “Do I want to be loved or do I want to be right?” And yes, there will be times when I just want to be right, damn it, and tell Doo exactly where he and his mushroom pizza can go, but I’m going to work really hard at the being loved part. Peace out.

Danielle Wilson is a Carmel resident and contributing columnist. You may e-mail her at danielle@ currentincarmel.com.

Do I want to be loved, or do I want to be right? 11013 INFINITI Carmel Current_F_1_18

1/12/11

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» Local insurance agent in national ad – Local Allstate agent Kim Gaskill is featured in a new Allstate advertisement which will run nationally. To see the ad visit www.youtube.com/Allstate and search for “Allstate TV: Agent Standing By”.

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» Awards announced for UCPA awards – The United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Indianapolis has named a date for their annual dinner recognizing those who have worked to help create a positive image for those with disabilities. The ATTITUDE Awards dinner is an opportunity to thank those who have done amazing things for those with mental and physical disabilities, and this year will be held on March 12. Carmel resident Luke Broyles will be recognized at the dinner for his award winning film “Michael”. To learn more about the dinner and UCPAGI visit www.ucpaindy.org.

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