The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

THE GOOD: I've been wearing pre-pregnancy pants for a week now. Even though they are really tight, they are zipped and buttoned!

THE BAD: My thick, luscious hair is falling out! It just started and it is everywhere!

THE GOOD & THE BAD (hopefully not the ugly): I'm getting my hair chopped off Thursday night. I have mixed feelings, but now that it's coming out in gobs I'm much more excited for a change. Right now, when I take the time to really do my hair (in my dreams!) it looks great, but that's a whole lot of hair and a whole lot of time! So, I'm hoping it gets done more often with shorter locks.

Back to School: Labor Day

Today is Creative Writing Monday. Oma's lesson: Write Away: Labor Day.

Prompt: Write a paragraph about your philosophy of work. Thought questions: Is work worthwhile for it's own sake, or does it have to have a monetary value? How are you teaching your kids to work? Did your parents make work fun or was it something to get finished before you could have fun?

After a few hours of mulling this over, while cleaning the house, this is what came out:

On New Year's Day I semi-jokingly told my sister-in-law, "I have two resolutions this year. One: have this baby. Two: stay sane." Trust me, of the two resolutions, pushing a 9 pound, 2 ounce baby out of my body was a piece of cake. Since that point of no return, there have been many moments sitting on the couch in a sleep deprived stupor. Fed newborn relaxed in my weary arms. Active toddler requiring, demanding, or sweetly seeking my whole attention. Three days of dishes rotting in the sink. The garbage overflowing with tiny, dirty diapers. The fridge empty.

I sit here, on the couch, in a sleep deprived stupor, drool on the corner of my lips, pitying myself, "Why can't I get all of this done?" "I'm so tired, I'm going to vomit." "All I want is a clean house." "Why won't Brian do more?" (Because a husband who works full-time, does the dishes, bounces newborn and entertains toddler is, clearly, not enough for my irrational sleep deprived mood.) Just as my pity party really starts to pick up I remember what a wise man once told me, "Forget yourself and go to work."

My hesitant thighs lift my heavy body from the well molded cushions. I place Oliver in his bouncy seat, eying him a moment, making sure he won't fuss. I browse through iTunes deciding on It's a Hard Knock Life. Not because it's great pity party music (although it definitely fits the bill), but because it's Isabella's favorite dancing song, and if I put it on repeat it should keep her busy, bouncing up and down, for a good 15 minutes. I rush to the kitchen sink, slide on my favorite pink dish gloves, turn on the steaming tap water and start scrubbing. What seems like moments later, with sweat dripping down my brow and soap bubbles filling the sink I am singing, "You'll stay up 'til this dump shines like the top of the Chrysler Building!" Thoughts of my life, my family, and my ability to work fills my uplifted heart with joy. Tears blur my vision as I watch my smiling Isabella bounce up and down, between the mountains of laundry.


**If you want to help edit my work, I'd love some feedback on this one. Please e-mail me with any editing suggestions.

Back to School: Be Real

Friday's class is "Discovering Your Personal Philisophy". Last Friday's lesson: School of Thought: Be Real. I had a bit of difficulty deciding what to write, so I just took Oma's prompt and went with it. (Note: this is not an attempt at creative writing--which is on Mondays. Just self exploration.)

And, just as a FYI, Thursday's class is "Home & Family Relations", this week's lesson: Family Matters: Love being Green. Since it was a very personal assignment I did not post my "homework" on the blog.

Prompt: As a trusted mentor, write a letter advising yourself what to do about a current situation in your life. Prompt: "Dear Friend, I know you're worried about ____. Knowing you like I do, I'm sure you feel____, but I trust your instincts. You seem so____.

Dear Friend, I know you are worried about juggling all that is required of you right now. Knowing you like I do, I'm sure you feel overwhelmed and tired, but I trust your instincts. You seem so willing to become the best mom for your children. Take a deep breath--or better, 10 deep breaths--when you feel like you might burst. The moment will pass, the children will be happy again, and Brian will tell you how much he loves and adores you. The babes will only be babes this one time, the laundry will get done, the kitchen doesn't always need to be clean and it is okay to sit down and do nothing sometimes. Nap daily, prioritize, play with the kids. Do not let yourself get overwhelmed because you don't function well. When you feel overwhelmed nothing gets done and you feel frustrated. It's a viscous cycle: prevent it!

Remember what makes you feel good. Running, check...you're on that and doing great! Sleep...work on that. Go to bed once both kids are asleep. You can catch up on movies later. Hold Isabella, read to her, hug her, and tell her how important and wonderful she is. Be patient with her; it will strengthen your relationship. Keep Oliver smiling and happy, it's so easy. Laugh with him, those are the sweet moments you will always remember. Remember to take quiet moments for yourself. Reflect and meditate for a moment while the kids are asleep or content in their activities. Fill each day with gentle, sweet moments. Remember, you can do this! These beautiful children are why you are here! They are what life today, and for eternity, is all about!