Wife Swap/Trading Spouses

[Janet]

I watched Wife Swap last night and it got me to thinking....oh no!!! Anyway..usually they have a wacko of varying degrees and then they have what you might call the straight shooter, rigid...etc. Which are you?


I'm probably the wacko, if I had to choose one or the other. I'm not as rigid as the ones whose house has to be perfect at all time...child/children in everything under the sun..etc. I do like my house clean and most of the time it is, but it is never completely spotless. I am not on the go all the time either, I spend way to much time on the computer either here or YT.

So which are you??? :)

[RLC12345678]

Well, unfortunately I think I am more on the rigid side. I have said this before on other posts, but I am somewhat of a germaphobe. I am beginning to think it is a problem. :rolleyes: I also like to have everything in it's place and tidy. I don't have children yet, but with my furbabies, they have to be looking sharp at all times. I do the haircutting myself, so they are always groomed and bathed. I also HAVE to be on a schedule. When I don't have a schedule, I freak out and am a very unpleasant person to be around. Luckily, my husband is much the same way as I am so we make a pretty good team. But he is not a germaphobe like I, so that is something that I am currently working on because I know it can sometimes be ridiculous. :rolleyes:

[Janet]

Well, unfortunately I think I am more on the rigid side. I have said this before on other posts, but I am somewhat of a germaphobe. I am beginning to think it is a problem. :rolleyes: I also like to have everything in it's place and tidy. I don't have children yet, but with my furbabies, they have to be looking sharp at all times. I do the haircutting myself, so they are always groomed and bathed. I also HAVE to be on a schedule. When I don't have a schedule, I freak out and am a very unpleasant person to be around. Luckily, my husband is much the same way as I am so we make a pretty good team. But he is not a germaphobe like I, so that is something that I am currently working on because I know it can sometimes be ridiculous. :rolleyes:


I guess maybe I am really more like in the middle then. I'm not a germaphobe, but I don't want to take chances and somethings just totally gross me out. I do like to have everthing in it's place too and I'm on the guys all the time to get this or that put up. Right now I'm going through this "thing" with my son. I have a throw rug in the boys bathroom that belongs in front of the sinks. Every time I go in there lately, it's moved to the wall. I HATE THAT!! It doesn't belong there. I've told my son that if I find it where it doesn't belong again, that will be one day without video games (he's only allowed to play them on weekends for 2 hours each day).

My husband is definitely not like that at all. He is a real slob. Like I said before, he has a garage that will hold 4 cars real close, but you can't get a car in there. I think I would be more picky if I had newer furniture and carpets or laminate. But I can't afford it now. I would totally love to redecorate, but then I'm afraid I would become very neurotic (sp). I use to be VERY picky about all that, but as I've aged I've relaxed a bit.....I think.

[RLC12345678]

I guess maybe I am really more like in the middle then. I'm not a germaphobe, but I don't want to take chances and somethings just totally gross me out. I do like to have everthing in it's place too and I'm on the guys all the time to get this or that put up. Right now I'm going through this "thing" with my son. I have a throw rug in the boys bathroom that belongs in front of the sinks. Every time I go in there lately, it's moved to the wall. I HATE THAT!! It doesn't belong there. I've told my son that if I find it where it doesn't belong again, that will be one day without video games (he's only allowed to play them on weekends for 2 hours each day).

My husband is definitely not like that at all. He is a real slob. Like I said before, he has a garage that will hold 4 cars real close, but you can't get a car in there. I think I would be more picky if I had newer furniture and carpets or laminate. But I can't afford it now. I would totally love to redecorate, but then I'm afraid I would become very neurotic (sp). I use to be VERY picky about all that, but as I've aged I've relaxed a bit.....I think.


I think I am a lot like you, Janet. At this stage in my life, I am more in the middle. My hubby and I are in transition mode right now. We are living in an apartment. So, it's not "ours" so I don't really care if things in it get messed up. The furniture is ours, so I do care about that stuff. But as far as the floors getting dirty from the dogs or the walls getting dinged or something, I could really care less. :rolleyes:

[Janet]

You will definitely feel different once it's your own place. But still, as picky and nutso as I was about things when I was younger....that has changed somewhat. I would probably still be as wacko, but with the two guys here, it's a losing battle at times. I either had to relax a little or be a bi**h all the time.

[rivermom]

I watch that show weekly and I really can't compare with either side. They are both too radical for me. I am not one to keep a PERFECT house but it does stay clean.

I am not the other side of "wild/crazy" follow no rules, and fly by the seat of my pants kinda gal either.

I am just a simple woman who likes my quiet home, my fur kids, horse, and wine.

I am sure though I could never do a wife swap because Id have to murder the woman who ever came into my home to remove my fur kids. I just couldn't handle that.

[RLC12345678]

I watch that show weekly and I really can't compare with either side. They are both too radical for me. I am not one to keep a PERFECT house but it does stay clean.

I am not the other side of "wild/crazy" follow no rules, and fly by the seat of my pants kinda gal either.

I am just a simple woman who likes my quiet home, my fur kids, horse, and wine.

I am sure though I could never do a wife swap because Id have to murder the woman who ever came into my home to remove my fur kids. I just couldn't handle that.

Are you kidding? If I ever did Wife Swap I would be taking my furkids with me! :p :p :p

[Janet]

Are you kidding? If I ever did Wife Swap I would be taking my furkids with me! :p :p :p


You got that right!! I could never leave them and worry about some anti-pet person coming in. If they were ever mistreated...I'd have to...well...I will never have to find out!!!

[RLC12345678]

You got that right!! I could never leave them and worry about some anti-pet person coming in. If they were ever mistreated...I'd have to...well...I will never have to find out!!!

Yeah, me neither, Janet! I'll never have to find out!:p :p :p

[rivermom]

Are you kidding? If I ever did Wife Swap I would be taking my furkids with me! :p :p :p


I never thought of that! Perfect idea! :thumbup:

[Mandy]

I would never dream of doing wife swapping, i like my home neat and tidy, i do a lot of cleaning and want my home to smell and feel fresh, but it's not perfect!
Anyone that would ever remove my furkids, or even think of removing them!! OMG i would slap the living daylights out of!! No no i would never let any stranger take care of them, and no i wouldnt take them with me, gosh that other house might be riddled with fleas or germs :eek: EWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!

[Willow]

I don't think I fit either. I only watched this once and it made me angry to watch. The one I saw had a dairy farmer and a Southern Belle trade places. The dairy farm hubby missed his wife sooo much that he was crying plus the woman they switched and sent to him wouldn't let the kids help their dad in the barn and the kids were crying because they missed helping the dad and the "temporary" wife called it abuse and child labor. The poor kids were devestated and I have always wondered what kind of emotional trauma that stupid show caused those kids. The dad was crying because he had no help and was running the farm completely by himself and he told the camera he never realized before that how much his wife really did to help him and he couldn't wait to have her home. They had a really good relationship I think becuase she really couldn't wait to get home to him either. She was sick of dealing with the other woman's kids because they were spoiled brats who refused to even ride the schoolbus to school.

No, I do not like that show. I think it is detrimental to the families that have children. Think of the separation anxiety the kids and spouses go through. I could never do it. I would absolutely cause bodily harm to ANYONE who harmed my kids, physically or emotionally. I mean, one could only IMAGINE how they would treat my kids! Both fur and skin!

[Emmsmom]

Nope I couldn't do the show either! I would just loose it if some strange woman came in my house and treated my child and my dog like crap. THey really do have families that are on opposite ends of the stick. I am really laid back to a point but having a stranger LIVE in my house for a week would drive me insane!

[Janet]

My husband would probably like it...LOL, but my son, that's a different story. He is strong willed, but also very sensitive. If anyone hurt his feelings or made him feel bad about himself, would definitely have to answer to me. I'm not one for revenge on anyone or anything, but when it comes to my son (and my furbabies) they better be watching out!!! :mad:

[DianaB]

I wouldn't ever do that show either. You know that they're not going to pick people who are a like because that won't make an interesting show. They have to pick complete opposites. I wonder how many that do the show walk away going "Well, that was a fun experience. Let's do it again!" That dairy farmer sure wouldn't be saying it! I'm surprised that he agreed to do it. Dairy farming is a lot of work and it HAS to be done twice a day!!

[Tiramisu]

I have a co-worker who has been accepted to do "Wife Swap". She's my VP's Admin that I fill in for when she's out (a lot). She leaves on May 29th to go to her other family. She's 40ish, married to her second husband, with 3 daughters - 8/14/16. Her name is Katrina and she'll be the OCD clean freak, trying to look like her family is perfect.

The preliminaries take a couple of months - background checks, psychologist, medical, bloodwork, employment clearances, etc.

They'll tell her where she's going when she gets to the AP. They pay $20,000 to do the show!

[goofywife]

Wow, you are going to have to let us know when it will air, so we can watch it.

[Tiramisu]

Wow, you are going to have to let us know when it will air, so we can watch it.

They don't even tell them when it will air until about a week before. If you watch it, remember that what she does has no bearing on me. I am not her mentor, nor do I approve of her work ethics or child rearing standards. Is that a fair disclaimer?!

[judy]

I think for 20K I would do it. I would board the dogs first. I live alone and my daughter has her own family. How much harm could she do?

Of course, they'd never pick me. Darn! I could really use $20,000!

[HALEY]

well im more on the rigid side, since i spent my life's savings on all my new furniture in the house, and still remolding, all my extra money goes back into the house, i like it to look nice when people come over, yes i am a neat freak, and i hate spiders, they freak me out !!!! But i have calmed down some since i had Micah, i don't clean as much, cause i love Mommy and Micah time, i clean in the mornings and when he goes to bed and weekends... so i am getting better..

[goofywife]

I don't think that I would be a candidate for the show, I am a bit of a germaphobic, but I don't think I am unreasonable. I like a clean house, but I don't wash the windows every month. I like to have fun, but I understand when its time to get work done.

Whom ever would be chosen to be with my DH might have a problem. He is all black and white and very detailed in everything he does (He is a bit of a perfectionist). He needs me to give him some color.

[janc]

I'm neither. My house is rarely spotless because of dogs and my hubby. I would be sweeping 24/7 and I'm not going to do that. My kids all played soccer because they wanted to and Liz (the youngest) was quite involved with after school activies in high school. Lucky for me I taught just down the road from her high school so I just stayed at school till she was ready. I never tried to talk them in to doing anything. They had plenty of ideas themselves.

[janc]

I have a co-worker who has been accepted to do "Wife Swap". She's my VP's Admin that I fill in for when she's out (a lot). She leaves on May 29th to go to her other family. She's 40ish, married to her second husband, with 3 daughters - 8/14/16. Her name is Katrina and she'll be the OCD clean freak, trying to look like her family is perfect.

The preliminaries take a couple of months - background checks, psychologist, medical, bloodwork, employment clearances, etc.

They'll tell her where she's going when she gets to the AP. They pay $20,000 to do the show!
Please let us know when she's on so we can watch. How exciting for her!

[Janet]

That would be pretty cool to know some one on a show like that. When you find out when it's on...let us know too. And your disclaimer was pretty good.

[Tiramisu]

Katrina leaves tonight for her Wife Swap taping. She says she got a hint and thinks she'll be going to Florida. I've been trying to convince her that she'll be in an Alaskan igloo. She was hoping for Brad Pitt, but didn't want to give Angelina to her hubby (even pg with twins). I'd make such a fool of myself doing something like that.

[Tink]

I think that show's annoying. lol
So what happens when one of the "mismatched" couples really clicks and they decide NOT to go back? It could happen quite easily!

[judy]

I watched it last night. It was interesting. The men got something out of it. The wives had their daggers out. They reacted to each other like idiots.

[Gina]

I am missing out here.. When is the show on? Let me know so I can watch it, I have seen coming attractions that's about it.


So your friend will be a celebrity wow! and will be paid pretty nicely. Let us know when it will be aired. It should be fun watching...

As for me I do like a very clean house and I am anal about it. I do run around due to work but I don't think I would like to be a candiate on the show. lol

[Tiramisu]

Update (Well, not really!) They haven't given Katrina a definite date, but it looks like the new season starts in October.

She was outside St Petersburg, Florida with a Rastafarian family - kids 7yo, 5yo, 4yo, and 2yo - and it sounds like she really struggled with the religion. She actually started to leave, but decided to stay "for the money" and says she had to be a real bitch to get through the show.

Her family loved the wife they had!

[Janet]

How exciting Sandy!!! Don't forget to let us know when it airs. I'll keep watching the listings, but sometimes they don't put the names of the families and other times they do.

[DianaB]

I had to check to see what "Rastafarian" was. It sounds like it could have been really hard to deal with. I don't think that I could handle it very well. Has your friend gotten back yet? Would she ever do it again?

[Tiramisu]

I had to check to see what "Rastafarian" was. It sounds like it could have been really hard to deal with. I don't think that I could handle it very well. Has your friend gotten back yet? Would she ever do it again?

Katrina was only gone for about 8 actual days. She said she'd never do it again - but her personality is always seeking attention. She doesn't get paid until the show airs and has already spent the money (on credit cards) for a family vacation.

[Tiramisu]

Drum Roll ..... Katrina's Wife Swap show airs on Halloween - Friday, October 31st. She says she hasn't seen a preview. I'm trying to talk her into a viewing party, but she says her hubby won't go for it. So, put that on your calendar and see the Vice President's secretary that I fill-in for sometimes.

[judy]

How exciting!

[DianaB]

I've seen a few of the Wife Swap shows lately. Wow! I don't think that I could do it! They put absolutely opposite people to swap with. One woman fed her family healthy food and the swap mother fed them candy and junk. I thought that the Dad's did a good job of keeping their cool but I'm sure that everyone was glad to go back home. I'll keep an eye open for your friends show.

[Janet]

Drum Roll ..... Katrina's Wife Swap show airs on Halloween - Friday, October 31st. She says she hasn't seen a preview. I'm trying to talk her into a viewing party, but she says her hubby won't go for it. So, put that on your calendar and see the Vice President's secretary that I fill-in for sometimes.


I have it on my calendar now, but would you mind terribly if you remind me here again...LOL. You know how I am...LOLOL

[Tiramisu]

I've seen a few of the Wife Swap shows lately. Wow! I don't think that I could do it! They put absolutely opposite people to swap with. One woman fed her family healthy food and the swap mother fed them candy and junk. I thought that the Dad's did a good job of keeping their cool but I'm sure that everyone was glad to go back home. I'll keep an eye open for your friends show.

Diana, that's co-worker - not necessarily friend.

[Tiramisu]

I had lunch with Katrina yesterday and she says they have edited her show and left out all the good stuff where the guy was cursing at her and she was about to leave. She just sent me this picture of the guy she was. Remember October 31st!

[Janet]

Oh my goodness, what did she have to do? Hope she had a great time! I'm looking forward to seeing it. I wonder why they cut out their arguement....usually they leave that stuff in or else it sure looks like it.

[judy]

She looks happy, and is very pretty. I'm not really understanding the mud.

[DianaB]

She looks happy, and is very pretty. I'm not really understanding the mud.

Me either. Does the picture have your co-worker in it? Did they get muddy in the show? Lastly, what channel does this show come on?

[Tiramisu]

Katrina's not in the picture and I don't think the mud was in the show. I think it was just some ritual the family goes through. I'm assuming that's his wife.

It's on ABC here.

[Tiramisu]

Katrina's not in the picture and I don't think the mud was in the show. I think it was just some ritual the family goes through. I'm assuming that's his wife.

It's on ABC here.

Here's a bit I found about the show:

WIFE SWAP - Air Date: Friday, October 31, 2008
Time Slot: 8:00 PM-9:00 PM EST on ABC
Episode Title: (#505) "Martin/Vallone"

A RASTAFARIAN MOM WHO RELIES ON JAH TO PROVIDE FOR HER FAMILY SWAPS LIVES WITH A MONEY-MINDED MOM WHO BELIEVES HARD WORK WILL BUY HER FAMILY THE BEST, ON ABC'S "WIFE SWAP"

In Florida, the Vallone family may only have $30 in their bank account, but they are rich in karma, that is. Wife Jana (30), husband Jason (33) and their four children, Ezekiel (7), Shashamane (5), Malachi (4) and Sheba (2), live in a trailer where all four kids share a bed. Jason is a singer in a reggae band that's waiting for its big break; instead of working a nine-to-five, he devotes his time to the band. Jana cooks, cleans and home-schools the kids according to the principles of ONE LOVE. At the Vallones', Jah will provide, so if the kids want to go to the beach instead of learning spelling, Jana and Jason head to the ocean.

A world away in Texas, the Martins pursue the American dream in their well kept home. Wife Katrina (39) and ex-marine Troy (36) value order and meticulous financial management. They always have a financial goal in mind, whether it's an upgrade to their pool or an $8,000 home theatre system. Their three daughters, Allyson (16), Charlene (15) and Emily (9), have a rigorous schedule of chores which MUST be completed by 4.30 p.m. when Troy inspects their work. Troy polices the girls and is especially hard on his biological daughter, Allyson who craves a closer relationship with her dad.

Once in Texas, Jana is horrified by the girls' chores and can't understand why Troy is so harsh with his daughter. In Florida Katrina is shocked at Jason's unconcern for providing for his family, as she watches the kids do whatever they want. In the second week, Jana clashes with Troy as she tries to show him that happiness comes from giving to others and also tries to heal the rift between him and his daughter. In Florida Katrina and Jason clash when she sends him to work at a job, and the Vallone kids experience public school for the first time. At the end of their time together, will Jana be able to heal Troy's wounded relationship with his daughter? And will Katrina convince Jason to pursue the American dream?

[Tiramisu]

Friday night; 7:00; Channel 13

Sneak peak!

http://video.aol.com/partner/abcshort/wife-swap-sneak-peak-wife-swap-1031/73389-150156

Hope the link works!

[DianaB]

OMGosh!! Things got so bad that she actually went to a motel!!!! The guy that she was with was really rude!!! Like I said, I think that they pair up completely opposite people! I've been watching reruns and some of the people that are traded are really weird people. I just watched one where one the families believes in fairies and talks to trees!!!! The woman put pentagrams (in tape) all over the family's garage. My husband would have literally thrown her out over that alone!!!!

[Tiramisu]

I've known Katrina for around 10 years and (other than looks) I'm not sure we'll see the real person on this show. I'm more interested in seeing her husband, kids, and house.

A little background: Katrina has 5 siblings and her parents were divorced. She married an older guy (Joey), had a daughter (Charlene), divorced Joey, re-married Joey, had another daughter (Emily), and divorced Joey again. She had been dating another older guy (Ken) for a few years and he told her he would never get married. Two years ago, she met Troy (twice divorced) and they had been dating for a year when she found out that Joey was getting re-married. So, Katrina and Troy got married the week before Joey did. Troy has a daughter (Allison) and son (Trey) from his ex in North Carolina. They seem to take turns keeping the children because his daughter has now gone to live with her mom and the son is with him and Katrina here.

Don't get me wrong, I think Katrina is a very smart woman. She is Admin to one of our ExxonMobil VPs and is very efficient in that position. She is out-of-the-office ALOT and I cover for her. So, I'll leave you with that and see what your opinions of her are, if you get to watch the show.

[DianaB]

I won't be able to watch the show because we don't get the networks and we're having a get together tomorrow night. I'll see if I can watch it on-line though or I'll look for reruns. It looked really interesting!!!

[Tiramisu]

Did anybody watch Katrina's show? I thought she'd come across more "bossy" and not back down to anything. I was disappointed.

[pope1982]

Oh my goodness, I saw that show just last night!
I was a little disappointed, thinking I had missed it, but then when I saw your description of the rasta family and "jah" lol...

I really did feel sorry for Katrina when it was time to say goodbye to the children. I missed the big blow up that led to her leaving the house :eek: (I must have changed the channel at a commercial).
I could see he did feel badly when she started to tear up talking about not being able to properly say goodbye to the kids she'd fallen in love with over the past 2 weeks.

I could understand why he was feeling defensive. She was resentful towards him for having to deal with the children most of the time while "he went out and played too late", and it seemed she picked at everything about their life style so I think she came at him too hard and broke him down a little. And he was such an easy going guy!

Other than that, I mostly felt sorry for Katrinas daughters! Troy came across as a real ass. I think the girls really liked the mom they got :) I know I did, she was pretty cool :thumbup:

[Janet]

CRAP CRAP CRAP!! I missed it...I forgot totally all about it and I have it on my calendar and a note stuck to my monitor. I wanted to watch this one so bad and for no other reason than that Sandy knew her. Now I'm going to have to do as Diana and try and find it online somewhere.

[DianaB]

I can't find it online anywhere but it will probably be played as a rerun one of these days. I'll have to keep an eye open for it.

[judy]

I was out trick or treating. I forgot to DVR it! Diana, if you find it anywhere, please let me know.

Darn!!!