Sunday, December 14, 2008

Alarms

Alarms are important. They're necessary to alert you to a fire, a ventilator malfunction or falling oxygen saturations. I understand the need for life saving alarms and even alarms that tell you it's time to drag your butt out of bed to start another mundane exciting day. But seriously, do I really need an alarm alerting me to the fact that the washer is done and now it's time to transfer my clothes to the dryer? Or an alarm letting me know my coffee is finished brewing? I really think my clothes will survive the night in the washing machine and my coffee is just fine sitting in the pot. Whoever decided we need alarms alerting us that every machine and electrical appliance we use in our every day lives has completed its required task, clearly didn't live with a child hooked to machines designed to alarm only when things aren't good. I hear an alarm and the adrenaline kicks in and I'm ready to ward off death. Okay, so I'm unique. I recognize that for the majority of the population, the sound of an alarm doesn't trigger the fight or flight response. But c'mon, do appliances really NEED alarms?

Well, I'm off to save my clothes from a cold night in the washing machine.

As for my coffee, it's making its way to my coffee cup as I sit down to start writing out my Christmas cards. I regret to inform everyone, but Eric isn't the least bit interested in helping me write a Christmas letter this year. So look for a very boring Christmas card in your mailbox from the our family - no picture and no letter. But know that our card is sent with love and appreciation for the privilege of your friendship.

Have a great week my friends.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've got a washing machine that alarms, a dishwasher that alarms and a fridge that alarms if you leave the door open for too long. The other night I was watching a medical drama on tv and suddenly hared up the stairs to see what was alarming in Sam's room - only to realise it was on the tv!
Have a good week!

Anonymous said...

Ann- I love the way you are always right, do we really need alarms for everything?! I don't like being told what to do ever and I don't need my washing machine reminding me of what I have not done or still have to do.
The only alarm I really need is my alarm clock and most times I don't need that because my 6yr. old is in my room telling me it's 5:30am. But today my sick (flu with 105 temp)child was not in there to let me know we had over slept and would be late for work. Sometime in the middle of the night while trying to break his fever I must have laid the motrin bottle on top of the alarm. Alarms are only good to wake the dh so that he is not yelling at 6:45am. The last thing I want to deal with after a sleepless weekend and sick kid is a grouch dh adding additional stress in my day.
Love ya! Have a great Mon.
-C

Christy said...

Ann,
I was so amused with your entry today. I have been wanting to put an entry on mine about the pulse ox. Now, you have a different swing on yours with the other alarms part (very insightful I might add). Whereas I was just going to complain about it. I know that I should be grateful for the pulse ox, but lately I want to throw it out the window. That #$%%! alarm is awful and with her crazy dropping sats it alarms all the time. By the time I go and check it out, she's recovered and there's nothing to do. Ugh. I now hear it when I'm at the grocery store, or in my car. I think the beeping might be imbedded in my brain forever.

Thanks for the laugh!
~Christy

Anonymous said...

The coffee pot and washing machine trigger adrenaline in your part time nurse as well. Some wires need to be clipped somewhere.

Cindy said...

So true Ann. In my kitchen I have the refrigerator, stove, microwave and Anthony's kangaroo pump that all make the same noise. I'm not sure which way to turn when I hear that beep, beep, beep...Luckily, my the washer and dryer alarm can be turned off! Those are way too loud.