Sunday, September 9, 2007

Votre, Mon et Notre and the Crazy Schedule

The next three months of my life are going to be a trial to test my personal fortitude, strength of will and character. I will be working full-time, attending graduate school full-time, juggling a giant load of homework all while trying to maintain a healthy and sane personal life. (Not to mention planning a trip, learning a fourth language and trying to keep this blog regularly updated). The fear has started to set in my heart and I'm worried about whether I will make it through - whether I will be strong enough to come out the other side unscathed. The last time I had a crazy-hectic schedule, I had less on my plate than I do now and I came out of the experience the worse for wear.


In crazy times like these, I try to find support amongst family and friends. But I also realize that I need to be responsible for developing my own strength and tranquility. And sometimes a really good story can transport you to your comfort zone and while you are there you build up your own confidence. That story for me right now is Yours, Mine and Ours (1968).


This particular film stands out in the midst of many other "large family" stories. This particular sub-genre has two of it's one sub-categories. The first being two familys coming together while clashing and bonding in With Six You Get Eggroll (1968) and The Brady Bunch (1969-1974). The second features an excessively procreative couple such as in Cheaper by the Dozen (1950) and henceforth any sequels, remakes and remake sequels. Yours, Mine and Ours (1968) has two excessively procreative individuals coming together to combine their large families (11 and 9) into one monstrosity of a household (20!). What's inspiring is that the story is based on real life events. They successfully manage meals, clothes, ailments and personal dramas in what seems like an impossible situation. The situation is very difficult for the couple (played by Henry Fonda and Lucille Ball) but they get through it because they rely on their abundant love for their children and each other to get them through. Plus they realize the importance of organization, perseverance and strict scheduling in maintaining a hectic life and they put all of this to work at all times.


It's a heart-warming and inspiring story. When I watch this film, I think to myself if this one couple can manage raising a family of 20, soon to be 21, then why can't I manage myself. I'm only one person managing my own life, and I have no other lives dependant on me. If they can manage 20, I can certainly manage 1.

1 comment:

  1. I just watched Yours, Mine and Ours today for the first time! What a great film - I laughed out loud even if I was by myself when seeing it (my boyfriend thought I had gone insane). I love the morning routine scene, and the shopping! Nothing seems complicated after having watched that...

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