April 05, 2007
On Bated Breath
So I know you've been waiting for "the rest of the story". Yes, Bob, I had tried putting my hand into the toilet to feel around - to no avail. Later Andy tried the old coat hanger effort, again to no avail. He then disappeared into the basement and made a bit of noise for a sufficient amount of time that the boys and I were convinced he'd made some sort of effort at something having to do with the toilet and diaper scenario (though the cat, who'd taken a peek, whispered something about beer and strange ceremonies. . .). When he emerged from the nether regions of our house (still in his work clothes I might add - a little suspicious to anyone but me?) he declared the situation permanently unresolved and encouraged us to continue an optimistic use of the downstairs toilet in hopes all would be well. Thus far it is. Thank you for your stories, your well wishes and your tea spewed through the nose. That is all.
P.S. Did (does?) anyone else have the alligator-coming-up-through-the-toilet fears growing up? Andy says an alligator is simply unrealistic, whereas the eel is a sober fear grounded in actuality. Where I see that an eel might be able to traverse the system of pipes more aptly, I see no way an eel could actually make contact with the bum, whereas an alligator has legitimate bum biting potential.
Somewhat on topic...tim and I would like to do cloth diapers. Question: How many and which do you recommend from Mother-Ease?
Posted by: ari at April 5, 2007 10:51 PMI didn't have the bum-biting fears...I was afraid that I'd get sucked down, esp. in public restrooms with the violent sucking. It lasts even till now: I am afraid that the motion-sensor on public restrooms won't let me get away from the toilet in time to buckle up, make sure my belt isn't hanging down anywhere, and hunker in the far corner of the stall while it FLUSHES LOUDLY AND UNCONTROLLABLY. (shiver) I hate violent-flushing toilets and I'm afraid of getting sucked in.
Posted by: Krista at April 5, 2007 11:06 PMJoel does all kinda stuff in his work clothes. He did change before taking the kids to the playground. Good luck with the diaper!
Posted by: katiek at April 5, 2007 11:49 PMWe must mention this to Terry ~ the aforementioned uncle that helped diagnois Willa's problem.....
Posted by: Mom at April 6, 2007 08:17 AMwhy couldnt an eel be a biter? it's not that far to reach! they're sneaky critters too. I had one in my fishtank long ago and he escaped. didnt make it far though.
a co-worker did have a giant frog or toad great her in the potty in her country home, but I dont think there was biting involved.
...not to add to your irrational fears :-)
Posted by: bobw at April 6, 2007 11:24 AMI'm not sure what you're implying by "irrational", Bob. You obviously haven't seen the classic Piranha. And it's not that I doubt an eel would bite, it's the getting from the water to the bum that I question. Though your story of the escaping eel does raise some query. Of course you yourself said he didn't make it very far. An alligator on the other hand could have gone quite far. . .
Posted by: lynnp at April 6, 2007 11:55 AMI am SO glad you clarified that it was an EEL in the picture. I was SO disturbed. . .you can't just go from talking about a toilet to a photo like that!! I gagged!!
I was always more afraid of bugs on the underside of the toilet seat. I bunked with a girl who had a very bad experience involving a scorpion on the underside of the toilet seat at camp one year. It flashes through my mind almost every time I sit on a toilet, esp out in the country. If I'm in a rustic setting, I always lift the seat and check.
Posted by: willa at April 6, 2007 11:21 PMMy fear was of a snake and the spider under the rim, not an alligator. I have heard awful stories of that! As far as scorpions, we lived in a cabin in the woods for almost a year that was completely infested with scorpions and everytime we went to the bathroom, we took the toilet brush and swiped around before sitting. And also shook out shoes and sheets and never walked barefoot!Ahh good memories! Anyway...
Posted by: Christina at April 7, 2007 09:52 AMmy eel didnt make it far b/c once he was out of the tank he was on the carpet. so he came to a very dry demise. but I dont doubt that an eel could raise at least 1/3 of his body out of the water without much effort.
Posted by: bobw at April 7, 2007 12:00 PMLynn I loved your diaper stories and all the comments. Just in case you were in any doubt, I was the one who flushed the breast pad. Yeah it didn't make it far thank goodness. Though Bob freaked about it. As for potty fears, I've always feared that a fish would jump up and nip me in the butt, and these fears still live on. Well they aren't as strong but I've had them on occasion. You know if an eel could fit through the pipes a smallish fish could too? I had minnows bite me in the pond we swam in and didn't like it. Maybe that's where these fears stem from. ok this comment is way too long. love ya,
Michelle