For those of you that know me, you know I am a stay at home mom. I am pretty domestic, I keep a clean home, make healthy-ish meals from scratch, and am generally pretty good at my job. But when I screw the pooch, I do it big time!
Last week one of my dogs who shall not be mentioned (but his name rhymes with Hodie) crapped all over my wool rug in front of the sliding glass door. Oooohhhh I was pissed, but that is nothing new, seems like I am always pissed about something or other, so I cleaned up the crap. if you have ever had the pleasure of cleaning crap out of a wool rug, you know that the washing part though disgusting and gag worthy is not really the hard part. The hard part is the drying. My rug has been drying for a week. FOR A FRICKING WEEK YA"LL!!!
So can you tell I was just thrilled to see that though one week later, and several days of CA sunshine, my rug was still damp? Today I had the bright idea to just put my rug in the dryer for a few minutes to finish the drying process. I wasn't worried about shrinking it, cause it was 98% dry. Just 15 minutes of heat should do the trick. I threw the rug in the dryer, added a few dryer sheets and pressed the on button. 15 minutes later I was ready to lay my rug in front of the slider and forget it had ever happened.
Yeah, there are times in my life when I feel like a capable adult. This was not one of them. When I opened the dryer, I first noticed 3 black squares. At first I thought the black squares were the backing of the rug, and I was worried that my rug was falling apart. Not to worry....It was DIRT, and a whole fricking lot of it....I am talking a CUP worth of dirt in my dryer. The dryer sheets were black with dirt, as was the lint screen. SO GROSSSSSSSS! I was scared my mom was going to see me with my dirty damn dryer and spank me or something. It was so bad, it took an ENTIRE container of lysol wipes to clean it up.
Moral of the story: do NOT under any circumstances put a rug in your dryer, unless it has been washed in your washing machine first.
Also, you probably shouldn't ask me to do anything, cause I'm kind of dumb.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Just what the Dr. ordered
All right guys, here we go. I will attempt to write about how I feel with the awful week stretching out behind us, but every time I do, I think of the eternity of loneliness 26 families will face without their loved ones.
Saying that I am sad and angry seems trivial compared to the trauma that the Sandy Hook families have endured. I keep bouncing back and forth between feeling grateful for my children's safety, and then in the next moment feeling guilty for their safety. And, then feeling absolutely horrified that I would ever feel like I shouldn't be happy my children are safe.
My husband and I had decided we didn't want to tell our children about the massacre. We didn't want them to have to carry that emotional burden. Our Kittens are 9, 7, and 6. We were mainly concerned that our 6 year old wouldn't understand that even though the bad guy hurt many people, that she was in fact safe. But just like anything else in parenting, you can plan out all the details, and then guess what? Life happens. My older kittens found out, and told our younger kitten that they couldn't tell her the "Secret." Of course K had to know what the secret was. So, I shifted parenting gears and cuddled up on a bed and told her this awful, sad, secret. I told her that a bad man did the most terrible thing you can do. I told her what he did and where, and that this man did the same thing to himself, and that he is gone and can not hurt anyone else.
But that is kind of a lie isn't it? He has hurt everyone. His actions haunt me every day. When I see my children cuddled up together, it is so sweet it breaks my heart. My heart aches for those parents that will not know that sweetness any more. On the other hand, when my children have pushed me to the absolute limit, and I lose my shit...I feel awful that I just yelled at one of my kittens. Knowing that 20 sets of parents would give anything to be pushed to the limit of their sanity by their children that are gone. So I am bouncing around in this emotional wasteland. Back and forth, Joy, Guilt, Anger, Sadness, Relief.
Yesterday was our first real day of Christmas break. It was our first day of jammies till 8:30, and slow breakfasts eaten one by one as each of my kittens likes to start their day at a different time (much to my annoyance and dismay). I went for my solitary run in the cold air, and then rushed home to get ready for a playdate with my favorite friend and her awesome boys. They came to the house at 10:30 and stayed till 4:00. It was the longest playdate in my parenting history! But, it was just what the doctor ordered. The kids ran and played and were loud and argued and laughed and asked for way too many sweets (which we gave them so we could have five more minutes of peace). They played outside and inside, and ate grilled cheese and tomato soup (mainly cause I had no other food in the house). And while they were doing that my wonderful friend lightened my load, the awful secret is no more. We laughed and talked, and cried a little too, but for a 6 hour period on a Tuesday my heart wasn't sad and low.
So to my beautiful friend and her beautiful boys, thank you for waking me up to the beautiful life that is still here.
Saying that I am sad and angry seems trivial compared to the trauma that the Sandy Hook families have endured. I keep bouncing back and forth between feeling grateful for my children's safety, and then in the next moment feeling guilty for their safety. And, then feeling absolutely horrified that I would ever feel like I shouldn't be happy my children are safe.
My husband and I had decided we didn't want to tell our children about the massacre. We didn't want them to have to carry that emotional burden. Our Kittens are 9, 7, and 6. We were mainly concerned that our 6 year old wouldn't understand that even though the bad guy hurt many people, that she was in fact safe. But just like anything else in parenting, you can plan out all the details, and then guess what? Life happens. My older kittens found out, and told our younger kitten that they couldn't tell her the "Secret." Of course K had to know what the secret was. So, I shifted parenting gears and cuddled up on a bed and told her this awful, sad, secret. I told her that a bad man did the most terrible thing you can do. I told her what he did and where, and that this man did the same thing to himself, and that he is gone and can not hurt anyone else.
But that is kind of a lie isn't it? He has hurt everyone. His actions haunt me every day. When I see my children cuddled up together, it is so sweet it breaks my heart. My heart aches for those parents that will not know that sweetness any more. On the other hand, when my children have pushed me to the absolute limit, and I lose my shit...I feel awful that I just yelled at one of my kittens. Knowing that 20 sets of parents would give anything to be pushed to the limit of their sanity by their children that are gone. So I am bouncing around in this emotional wasteland. Back and forth, Joy, Guilt, Anger, Sadness, Relief.
Yesterday was our first real day of Christmas break. It was our first day of jammies till 8:30, and slow breakfasts eaten one by one as each of my kittens likes to start their day at a different time (much to my annoyance and dismay). I went for my solitary run in the cold air, and then rushed home to get ready for a playdate with my favorite friend and her awesome boys. They came to the house at 10:30 and stayed till 4:00. It was the longest playdate in my parenting history! But, it was just what the doctor ordered. The kids ran and played and were loud and argued and laughed and asked for way too many sweets (which we gave them so we could have five more minutes of peace). They played outside and inside, and ate grilled cheese and tomato soup (mainly cause I had no other food in the house). And while they were doing that my wonderful friend lightened my load, the awful secret is no more. We laughed and talked, and cried a little too, but for a 6 hour period on a Tuesday my heart wasn't sad and low.
So to my beautiful friend and her beautiful boys, thank you for waking me up to the beautiful life that is still here.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Angels among us
Hello my dearies!
It is that time of year, when I try so hard to make wonderful memories with my children. I try to each day infuse a little bit of joy and magic into their day. It usually ends up with me screaming at them to hurry up and do whatever it is I am trying to do with them (decorate the tree, make cookies, make an ornament) while at the same time not make a mess that I will have to clean up later. This leads to me feeling like a horrible sham of a mom, and my husband trying to convince me later, that all moms do this, but I know the truth...it's just me and my crazy brain...whatever though, this is me, and I am good with it. Sorry kids, but therapy will help later.
Here is some great news though! A few weeks ago, I was reading my most favorite blog Momastery. They unveiled their new Holiday Helping Hands through their non-profit Monkee See Monkee Do. The idea behind it is very simple. If you have a need, you post it, and then someone that is able to give can fill that need. Times are hard, you know what I mean? We struggle sometimes with bills, but so does most everyone I know. However, one of my neighbors really struggles. It is hard to see that need and not be able to do anything to make it better. So, as I was reading Momastery, I thought to my self "Self, we can do something, we can tell my neighbors story, and put her need out there, and maybe, just maybe someone will fill that need." So, I typed up her need, and then deleted it, and then typed it up again, and then deleted it again, and on and on. Until I finally just hit send and said a prayer. I prayed that my neighbor wouldn't hate me, that someone would want to help, and that I wouldn't be taking away from anyone else's need.
God was listening. 45 minutes after I hit send, my email starting dinging. 45 minutes later. 45 MINUTES LATER!!!!! Can you hear me jumping and crying and laughing? Because that is what was happening in my living room while my children slept and my husband was working late. The dogs thought I had finally slipped into a full mental breakdown. But it was pure joy, and awe.
3 Angels answered my prayer that evening. One offered to send a $500 check, one offered to send a gift, and one offered financial support in the spring when she gets her yearly bonus. 3 women, 3 angels, taking care of a stranger, no questions asked, no judgement, just love and acceptance. That right there folks is a miracle, it is God's work, it is LOVE IN ACTION!!! A few days ago, I was able to hand my neighbor $500 cash. I was worried that she would be angry. Instead she was just stunned, and happy and in total disbelief. That right there is another miracle, it is God's work, it is LOVE IN ACTION.
Sometimes God says "Pay attention, I am right here with you, among you. Everyday." Guess what guys? He totally is. All of these women, my neighbor included gave me the best gift I could ask for during this Christmas season. I got to see the face of God. It was in those emails from those women at 12:15 on a Wednesday night, it was on my neighbors face as I placed that money in her hand, and it was dancing in my living room with me as my children slept.
So, I send up one other prayer...as I scream my way through the holidays, while I rush around to concerts, performances, practices, and class parties, I pray that I remember that even in those moments there are angels among us. :)
It is that time of year, when I try so hard to make wonderful memories with my children. I try to each day infuse a little bit of joy and magic into their day. It usually ends up with me screaming at them to hurry up and do whatever it is I am trying to do with them (decorate the tree, make cookies, make an ornament) while at the same time not make a mess that I will have to clean up later. This leads to me feeling like a horrible sham of a mom, and my husband trying to convince me later, that all moms do this, but I know the truth...it's just me and my crazy brain...whatever though, this is me, and I am good with it. Sorry kids, but therapy will help later.
Here is some great news though! A few weeks ago, I was reading my most favorite blog Momastery. They unveiled their new Holiday Helping Hands through their non-profit Monkee See Monkee Do. The idea behind it is very simple. If you have a need, you post it, and then someone that is able to give can fill that need. Times are hard, you know what I mean? We struggle sometimes with bills, but so does most everyone I know. However, one of my neighbors really struggles. It is hard to see that need and not be able to do anything to make it better. So, as I was reading Momastery, I thought to my self "Self, we can do something, we can tell my neighbors story, and put her need out there, and maybe, just maybe someone will fill that need." So, I typed up her need, and then deleted it, and then typed it up again, and then deleted it again, and on and on. Until I finally just hit send and said a prayer. I prayed that my neighbor wouldn't hate me, that someone would want to help, and that I wouldn't be taking away from anyone else's need.
God was listening. 45 minutes after I hit send, my email starting dinging. 45 minutes later. 45 MINUTES LATER!!!!! Can you hear me jumping and crying and laughing? Because that is what was happening in my living room while my children slept and my husband was working late. The dogs thought I had finally slipped into a full mental breakdown. But it was pure joy, and awe.
3 Angels answered my prayer that evening. One offered to send a $500 check, one offered to send a gift, and one offered financial support in the spring when she gets her yearly bonus. 3 women, 3 angels, taking care of a stranger, no questions asked, no judgement, just love and acceptance. That right there folks is a miracle, it is God's work, it is LOVE IN ACTION!!! A few days ago, I was able to hand my neighbor $500 cash. I was worried that she would be angry. Instead she was just stunned, and happy and in total disbelief. That right there is another miracle, it is God's work, it is LOVE IN ACTION.
Sometimes God says "Pay attention, I am right here with you, among you. Everyday." Guess what guys? He totally is. All of these women, my neighbor included gave me the best gift I could ask for during this Christmas season. I got to see the face of God. It was in those emails from those women at 12:15 on a Wednesday night, it was on my neighbors face as I placed that money in her hand, and it was dancing in my living room with me as my children slept.
So, I send up one other prayer...as I scream my way through the holidays, while I rush around to concerts, performances, practices, and class parties, I pray that I remember that even in those moments there are angels among us. :)
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
I got your prayer right here.
Last Sunday while in church I sunk to a new low.
In my defense, our middle kitten B has started CCD, and his official education in the catholic church has begun. As part of his education, I like to make sure our children participate in mass by singing, and reading prayers aloud. You should be aware that we attend a teeny tiny church, where we sit right up front, with no choir. Therefore, everyone MUST sing. Everyone except my very cool husband...and of course now, my son.
As I noticed that my son (who is supposed to be learning and participating in mass) is not singing, I hand a prayer card to my husband and quietly whisper "help him sing." Father Rex, looks right at me, and I think in my pompous head that he must totally approve of what I am doing. Never-mind that he is leading an entire congregation in mass. I am certain that I just earned the equivalent of an adult A+. While I am gloating in my head (though I should be focused on singing a prayer) I glance to my left and notice that my son is not singing.
So, I ever so gently, with maybe a teeny bit more urgency, whisper just a little louder "Please help him sing." Here is where it gets weird. My husband looks at me with a crazy startled look, and whispers "I got it, he is singing" while motioning "calm the F down" with his hands. I am shocked...cause I am pretty sure I just got shushed. When I glance up I notice Father Rex glance at me and then quickly look away, like he is slightly embarrassed for me, or my husband...I can't really tell. I don't think I need to say that I am pissed.
But, I am in church. So I have to think about love and kindness and forgiveness. Meanwhile Father Rex is prattling on about how women were made from man, and that we are meant to be friends with our spouses, and to be a good friend to our spouse, we first, need to be a good friend to God. Sounds good right? Yes.
No, because the only thing I am thinking in my head is "LIAR, LIAR, LIAR...HE WAS NOT SINGING!!!" I am seriously angry and just hating on my husband, thinking how can he possibly lie so easily right here in front of God? And then, oh yeah, God probably isn't really thrilled with my behavior right now either.
Whatever. He was not singing. Pray on that.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
I am the mean mom.
I have a problem. I just realized that 90% of the time I flip out on my kids it actually has nothing to do with them. They are the icing on a very HUGE cake.
Here's what happened.
Yesterday, I went for a 5 mile walk, which is a lot for me considering that I haven't worked out in, oh I don't know, 9 years. After my walk I was planning on getting some chores done around the house and then relaxing in my very clean home just listening and enjoying some silence. I made myself a beautiful egg white omelet with heirloom tomatoes, onion, cilantro and fresh avocado, a slice of wheat toast and some fresh ripe cantaloupe, chuck in my steaming hot fresh cup of coffee and it sounds perfect right? Riiiiiiggggghhhhhhtttt.
Until there is a knock at the door, and it is my neighbor, she needs a ride, and I am the only option. Here is where I become a huge coward, chicken-shit, baby. Instead of saying no, because I already have plans and an amazing breakfast to consume, I say yes. I quickly wolf down my delicious breakfast, sling back the coffee and then hop in the shower. We leave to run her errands. We get home exactly 30 minutes before I have to pick up K from school. Great, enough time for me to eat a quick lunch, and then go pick up K.
I had to run to the hardware store, so we do that, and then I take K for an ice cream. We then have enough time to run home, fix the sinks, and then go pick up M and B from school...now pay attention because here is where I turn into a total asshole. When we pick up M and B, B saunters out first and asks if M has math club today. I tell him no, DUH it is Tuesday not Monday, and to go find his older sister (like he should know her schedule?) While he goes to find her, here comes M, without a care in the world, moving slowly, swinging her water bottle, and the vision of it just sets me off. I ask here where her brother is. She tells me she doesn't know. I tell her to go find him. She tries to explain that they got out of class late. I then remind her that she is ALWAYS LATE (not true). Right about then, here comes B (running by the way), pleased that he has found his sister.
Now the non-asshole type person would just say "great we are all here, let's go home!" Not me. I'm the asshole remember? Here is what I say to my kids: "EVERY DAY IT IS THE SAME THING, WOULD YOU ALL PLEASE JUST COME OUT TOGETHER? IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK? YOU DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT HIM, YOU DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT HER. GOT IT? GOOD" In the midst of my tirade, on the sidewalk in front of the school a little part of my brain whispers "except on Monday when she has math club."
Let's just say the rest of the evening kinda followed suit until I dissolved in tears in the kitchen while I confided to my husband that I am a mean mom. I cried, he hugged me, and we were both laughing, but I was still crying, laughing, crying, laughing. I know I should have just told my neighbor no. That I couldn't take her, but maybe tomorrow. My tirade was about me, my inability to tell someone no (unless you are my child, and then that is almost all I say) and the rush around that I do to get the kids here and there. I know that it isn't the worst, but it is certainly not the best.
Later, in the evening after the kids were tucked into bed, and I had whispered my apologies to them, I asked my husband if he fell in love with my before he figured out I was crazy, or because I was crazy. He said he fell in love with me because I was crazy! I said "Really? You love all those crazy tears in the kitchen?" He quickly responded, "Oh that, no, that's just nuts!"
Here's what happened.
Yesterday, I went for a 5 mile walk, which is a lot for me considering that I haven't worked out in, oh I don't know, 9 years. After my walk I was planning on getting some chores done around the house and then relaxing in my very clean home just listening and enjoying some silence. I made myself a beautiful egg white omelet with heirloom tomatoes, onion, cilantro and fresh avocado, a slice of wheat toast and some fresh ripe cantaloupe, chuck in my steaming hot fresh cup of coffee and it sounds perfect right? Riiiiiiggggghhhhhhtttt.
Until there is a knock at the door, and it is my neighbor, she needs a ride, and I am the only option. Here is where I become a huge coward, chicken-shit, baby. Instead of saying no, because I already have plans and an amazing breakfast to consume, I say yes. I quickly wolf down my delicious breakfast, sling back the coffee and then hop in the shower. We leave to run her errands. We get home exactly 30 minutes before I have to pick up K from school. Great, enough time for me to eat a quick lunch, and then go pick up K.
I had to run to the hardware store, so we do that, and then I take K for an ice cream. We then have enough time to run home, fix the sinks, and then go pick up M and B from school...now pay attention because here is where I turn into a total asshole. When we pick up M and B, B saunters out first and asks if M has math club today. I tell him no, DUH it is Tuesday not Monday, and to go find his older sister (like he should know her schedule?) While he goes to find her, here comes M, without a care in the world, moving slowly, swinging her water bottle, and the vision of it just sets me off. I ask here where her brother is. She tells me she doesn't know. I tell her to go find him. She tries to explain that they got out of class late. I then remind her that she is ALWAYS LATE (not true). Right about then, here comes B (running by the way), pleased that he has found his sister.
Now the non-asshole type person would just say "great we are all here, let's go home!" Not me. I'm the asshole remember? Here is what I say to my kids: "EVERY DAY IT IS THE SAME THING, WOULD YOU ALL PLEASE JUST COME OUT TOGETHER? IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK? YOU DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT HIM, YOU DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT HER. GOT IT? GOOD" In the midst of my tirade, on the sidewalk in front of the school a little part of my brain whispers "except on Monday when she has math club."
Let's just say the rest of the evening kinda followed suit until I dissolved in tears in the kitchen while I confided to my husband that I am a mean mom. I cried, he hugged me, and we were both laughing, but I was still crying, laughing, crying, laughing. I know I should have just told my neighbor no. That I couldn't take her, but maybe tomorrow. My tirade was about me, my inability to tell someone no (unless you are my child, and then that is almost all I say) and the rush around that I do to get the kids here and there. I know that it isn't the worst, but it is certainly not the best.
Later, in the evening after the kids were tucked into bed, and I had whispered my apologies to them, I asked my husband if he fell in love with my before he figured out I was crazy, or because I was crazy. He said he fell in love with me because I was crazy! I said "Really? You love all those crazy tears in the kitchen?" He quickly responded, "Oh that, no, that's just nuts!"
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Growing up when you are already grown up?
So loves, here is the deal:
Life has been hard lately. I see so many people in pain and struggling, and it is hard to keep being thankful when there is so much sadness. It is hard to see people hating who they are and what they have done, and it is hard to see that they think they are the only ones that feel this way. If you are in pain here is what I want you to know:
It is going to be OK. Maybe not today, tomorrow or even three weeks from now, but there are good days ahead. You will smile again, you will laugh, and you will love again.
You are perfect right now, in this moment, without changing one thing about yourself. We all have flaws, we are all broken, and we are all perfect even with our flaws and imperfections. There is no need to change who you are, God loves you just as you are. The way to love yourself is to be OK with those flaws. To recognize them, and accept them, just as you accept them in others. Those awful feelings that come when you examine your flaws, feel them, accept them and then move on. Do not allow your perceived shortcomings to drive you to addiction and acting out. Move on.
You are not the only one that feels badly about themselves. We all feel that way at times. Every person you meet and encounter has their own bag full of insecurities. You are not alone.
If you have someone in your life that loves you, they need to love you with all of your flaws. Otherwise, they do not love all of you. Life is short, surround yourself with people that love you.
We are not guaranteed happiness in this life. There will be good days, there will be bad days, and the majority of days will be a little of both. However, you do deserve peace in your life. If you do not have peace in your home, make the changes necessary to achieve it. Sometimes this means leaving a situation, or demanding action from others in your life. Do it, because you are worth it.
Ask for help when you need it. It allows others to take care of you and to do Gods work.
Give help when you can. It makes it easier to deal with life when you have done something good.
Love the people you love. Tell them. Show them. Every single chance you get.
When you have behaved like an ass, own it. Apologize, make amends and then move on. When you grovel, you do two things. First, you begin to manipulate a situation by making it about you. Second, you give the person that you wronged only one option...they must punish you further because you have insisted on it. Enough, move the F on.
Do not be a martyr. If a situation is not working, leave. You are an adult, you know what is best for you. Do not worry about what people will think of you. The people that truly love you will not care.
Do not allow others to be an expert on your feelings and thoughts. You are the expert on You, always.
Being an adult is hard because the mistakes and missteps that we make have consequences that reach far and wide. But you have only one chance to live your life to the fullest, take that chance and make the most of it.
XOXO
nik
Life has been hard lately. I see so many people in pain and struggling, and it is hard to keep being thankful when there is so much sadness. It is hard to see people hating who they are and what they have done, and it is hard to see that they think they are the only ones that feel this way. If you are in pain here is what I want you to know:
It is going to be OK. Maybe not today, tomorrow or even three weeks from now, but there are good days ahead. You will smile again, you will laugh, and you will love again.
You are perfect right now, in this moment, without changing one thing about yourself. We all have flaws, we are all broken, and we are all perfect even with our flaws and imperfections. There is no need to change who you are, God loves you just as you are. The way to love yourself is to be OK with those flaws. To recognize them, and accept them, just as you accept them in others. Those awful feelings that come when you examine your flaws, feel them, accept them and then move on. Do not allow your perceived shortcomings to drive you to addiction and acting out. Move on.
You are not the only one that feels badly about themselves. We all feel that way at times. Every person you meet and encounter has their own bag full of insecurities. You are not alone.
If you have someone in your life that loves you, they need to love you with all of your flaws. Otherwise, they do not love all of you. Life is short, surround yourself with people that love you.
We are not guaranteed happiness in this life. There will be good days, there will be bad days, and the majority of days will be a little of both. However, you do deserve peace in your life. If you do not have peace in your home, make the changes necessary to achieve it. Sometimes this means leaving a situation, or demanding action from others in your life. Do it, because you are worth it.
Ask for help when you need it. It allows others to take care of you and to do Gods work.
Give help when you can. It makes it easier to deal with life when you have done something good.
Love the people you love. Tell them. Show them. Every single chance you get.
When you have behaved like an ass, own it. Apologize, make amends and then move on. When you grovel, you do two things. First, you begin to manipulate a situation by making it about you. Second, you give the person that you wronged only one option...they must punish you further because you have insisted on it. Enough, move the F on.
Do not be a martyr. If a situation is not working, leave. You are an adult, you know what is best for you. Do not worry about what people will think of you. The people that truly love you will not care.
Do not allow others to be an expert on your feelings and thoughts. You are the expert on You, always.
Being an adult is hard because the mistakes and missteps that we make have consequences that reach far and wide. But you have only one chance to live your life to the fullest, take that chance and make the most of it.
XOXO
nik
Friday, September 7, 2012
So, what do you do?
Not so long ago, someone asked me what I did for a living. I told him happily that I am a stay at home mom. He responded "That is a shame, you seem like such a smart woman, and you aren't contributing anything to society!" I was stunned. I could only look at him with a blank stare on my face while silently choking back my rage.
I am here to tell you that I fully support each families decision to raise their children however they see fit. I applaud working parents that somehow juggle it all, I support my fellow stay at home parents that do what I do, and I flat out swoon over working single parents, that have no choice in the matter, yet go out and make that shit happen every day. We are all doing the very best we can for our children, each and every one of us.
Now here is my response to the "gentleman" that feels I contribute nothing to society.
Dear Sir,
I am sure you did not mean to offend me when you gave your opinion about how I contribute nothing to society. The fact remains that I am shaping young minds on a daily basis.
I am the parent that sits at the homework table making sure my children not only do it all, but understand completely the lesson that the teacher taught in class...see that there, I'm contributing to my child's education.
I am the parent that volunteers in the classroom, not just for fieldtrips, but to help students with their small reading groups, organize homework, quiz students on math facts, and sometimes CLEAN the classroom...see that there I am contributing to YOUR child's education.
I am the parent that helps out in the library, at recess, and wherever else I am needed to fill in because our aides have been cut...see that there I am contributing to fixing the budget shortfall.
I am the parent that applauds for ALL CHILDREN when they receive an award so that they know there is an adult that has seen their achievement, and recognizes how hard they worked to reach their goals (I have many pictures on my camera of other people's children holding up awards so that they can be emailed later to parents that would have loved to have been at the awards ceremony, but were unable to get away)...see that there I am contributing to YOU and YOUR child's mental and emotional health.
I am the parent that drives the car to and from activities loaded with other people's children. You would be amazed at the glimpse of their world that I learn about, I know who is dealing with divorce, who is losing their home, who has had a loved one die recently, and who and what our children are afraid of...see that there I am contributing to society by being a support and helping them deal with difficult life issues...a rolling therapy session!
I am the resident that is at home during the day to notice that a strange car is in our neighborhood or that an elderly neighbor hasn't stuck to their regular routine...see that there I am contributing to our communities safety and well being.
I am the "smart woman" that has chosen to stay home and be with my children because it works for our family...see that there I am allowing someone else the opportunity to have a job, because lets face it, if I was interviewing for it, the job would be mine!
Saying that all I do is stay home all day and clean house and cook, is grossly oversimplifying what I do. It would be akin to saying that all people do that work in an office is talk on the phone and send emails. Yes, it is part of what you do, but certainly not all of it! We ALL contribute to society, and we should be mindful that just because something works for one family does not mean that it is a better, or more appropriate way to live.
You sir are an ass.
Whew, I feel better already!
I am here to tell you that I fully support each families decision to raise their children however they see fit. I applaud working parents that somehow juggle it all, I support my fellow stay at home parents that do what I do, and I flat out swoon over working single parents, that have no choice in the matter, yet go out and make that shit happen every day. We are all doing the very best we can for our children, each and every one of us.
Now here is my response to the "gentleman" that feels I contribute nothing to society.
Dear Sir,
I am sure you did not mean to offend me when you gave your opinion about how I contribute nothing to society. The fact remains that I am shaping young minds on a daily basis.
I am the parent that sits at the homework table making sure my children not only do it all, but understand completely the lesson that the teacher taught in class...see that there, I'm contributing to my child's education.
I am the parent that volunteers in the classroom, not just for fieldtrips, but to help students with their small reading groups, organize homework, quiz students on math facts, and sometimes CLEAN the classroom...see that there I am contributing to YOUR child's education.
I am the parent that helps out in the library, at recess, and wherever else I am needed to fill in because our aides have been cut...see that there I am contributing to fixing the budget shortfall.
I am the parent that applauds for ALL CHILDREN when they receive an award so that they know there is an adult that has seen their achievement, and recognizes how hard they worked to reach their goals (I have many pictures on my camera of other people's children holding up awards so that they can be emailed later to parents that would have loved to have been at the awards ceremony, but were unable to get away)...see that there I am contributing to YOU and YOUR child's mental and emotional health.
I am the parent that drives the car to and from activities loaded with other people's children. You would be amazed at the glimpse of their world that I learn about, I know who is dealing with divorce, who is losing their home, who has had a loved one die recently, and who and what our children are afraid of...see that there I am contributing to society by being a support and helping them deal with difficult life issues...a rolling therapy session!
I am the resident that is at home during the day to notice that a strange car is in our neighborhood or that an elderly neighbor hasn't stuck to their regular routine...see that there I am contributing to our communities safety and well being.
I am the "smart woman" that has chosen to stay home and be with my children because it works for our family...see that there I am allowing someone else the opportunity to have a job, because lets face it, if I was interviewing for it, the job would be mine!
Saying that all I do is stay home all day and clean house and cook, is grossly oversimplifying what I do. It would be akin to saying that all people do that work in an office is talk on the phone and send emails. Yes, it is part of what you do, but certainly not all of it! We ALL contribute to society, and we should be mindful that just because something works for one family does not mean that it is a better, or more appropriate way to live.
You sir are an ass.
Whew, I feel better already!
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