I'm not sure why it's assumed mothers are innately able to handle a half-dozen schedules and/or tasks at any given moment. But somehow we keep living up to the stereotype -- no matter how stressful it becomes.
There was a moment today I was multi-tasking to the limit. But for once, it was completely enjoyable.
I was trying to do work, of course, but also keep an eye on how the first round of The Masters was progressing... plus keep tabs on the Twins' rain-delay game against the darn Yankees... plus watch the baby eagles.
Oh yes, if you want something as addictive as Angry Birds, check out these non-angry birds in this non-video game. It's just video of a Daddy and Momma Eagle in Decorah, Iowa, taking care of their 2 newborns with another one on the way. I got to see the Daddy deliver some fish today for lunch. That was cool. Lots of teachers are incorporating this into their classrooms, too. Neat stuff. Check it out: http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles
So that can be a time-waster, educational as it is. But I somehow managed to keep tabs on all those important events today without getting stressed out.
Then came Round 2.
Pick up Carter waiting at the library after baseball practice... Then get to the school to drop something off by 6... Then stop to pick up a wedding card and gift bag and nylons and that fun stuff I could have gotten on the weekend... Then get laundry going while packing... But do my nails, too, and not touch anything while the polish dries... make sure the phones are charged and the camera batteries, too... and make sure Carter has everything he needs packed for his weekend at the sitter's.
But since I couldn't handle ALL of that and remember soon enough that we're out of milk, someone had to run back to the store. Thankfully, my darling hubby, recognizing my mother of all multi-tasking meltdowns in progress, volunteered to do that.
Whew.
Thank God it's almost Friday!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Get it Started!
There have been signs hung around my workplace reminding us that today is National Start! Walking Day. It must be a real holiday. I mean they have a website and everything.
What I found interesting is that there is an exclamation point after the word Start! -- right in the middle of the phrase. I think that's a not-so-subtle message that getting started is the most important thing. It doesn't matter how far you go or how many minutes, just Start! walking... or running... or just moving!
Today was a perfect day to do that, too. The temps were almost 50 so I actually got to run outside at lunchtime and I didn't even need a hat! That's a sure sign Spring is just about here. (I hope.)
I for one am looking forward to more days like today. This inconsistent weather has wreaked havoc on my running schedule. One day it's sleeting like winter then it's raining like spring. I am partial to the sunny like summer days myself. But I prefer the temp right at 50! That'll keep this ol' bag o' bones moving anyway!
The other Start! today was a special moment hubby and I shared. We like to call it our first real sign of "so this is what the teen years are going to be like" frustration. Oh don't worry, I won't give you the play by play. It's tough to type with one hand anyway when I'm squeezing a stress ball with the other.
Perhaps today was also National Start! Saying the Serenity Prayer Hourly Day. I must have missed the poster for that... Wonder if they have a website...
What I found interesting is that there is an exclamation point after the word Start! -- right in the middle of the phrase. I think that's a not-so-subtle message that getting started is the most important thing. It doesn't matter how far you go or how many minutes, just Start! walking... or running... or just moving!
Today was a perfect day to do that, too. The temps were almost 50 so I actually got to run outside at lunchtime and I didn't even need a hat! That's a sure sign Spring is just about here. (I hope.)
I for one am looking forward to more days like today. This inconsistent weather has wreaked havoc on my running schedule. One day it's sleeting like winter then it's raining like spring. I am partial to the sunny like summer days myself. But I prefer the temp right at 50! That'll keep this ol' bag o' bones moving anyway!
The other Start! today was a special moment hubby and I shared. We like to call it our first real sign of "so this is what the teen years are going to be like" frustration. Oh don't worry, I won't give you the play by play. It's tough to type with one hand anyway when I'm squeezing a stress ball with the other.
Perhaps today was also National Start! Saying the Serenity Prayer Hourly Day. I must have missed the poster for that... Wonder if they have a website...
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Responsible Adults
Sometimes being the responsible adult isn't all that fun. But then we have to remember there were many, many times in our lives we wondered if we'd ever get to this point... the point of being grown-up AND responsible.
The not-so-fun part of being a responsible adult came today at work. Well, work in general. We need to do it. Even on days when I am looking out the window at the sunshine and thinking about golf. I always get the itch during Masters week (or what we like to call Hole-y Week). But no, I stayed put at work -- mainly because there is still piles and piles of snow everywhere so no courses around here are open yet anyway.
But next week, well, I can't guarantee how responsible I'll be.
Another interesting challenge I have is dressing like a grownup. Not that I buy clothes that often, but I can tell you where I head first if I am -- to the "cool" clothes in the Juniors section. I know, I am on the cusp of 43 years old. I have to move on and dress like a mature woman. Can I do that and not be boring?
With our friends' wedding coming up this weekend, I knew I needed to get a new dress. Hey, hubby will be in tux so I better look good. The problem is that I donated all my "old" dresses and skirts to Goodwill and any nice clothes I have are too work-y looking. So Jim and I stopped at Kohl's on the way home from work. That way I could get something he liked -- hopefully -- without compromising comfort.
We get in there and I say, very grownup-like, "OK let's bypass the Juniors section and head straight to the Women's Department -- and let's hope there's something that doesn't make me look matronly." It honestly took less than 3 minutes to find a dress and coverup. I took two sizes into the dressing room, squealed in delight that the smaller one fit and was thrilled with the dress. It's both pretty and cute... in both our opinions.
Thankfully, when we got home, we realized my boots would look great with the outfit so I didn't have to worry about buying new shoes ... which would equate to 3- or 4-inch uncomfortable heels if I am still letting hubby dress me. Phew.
Our other act of responsible adulthood occurred on the way home. For most of us, one of our first grownup responsibilities was voting. And today was an election day.
Around here, we had few races but, due to all the contentious activities happening in Madison and throughout the state, there were big crowds. We actually had to wait in line about 10 minutes. No complaining here. I love to see that level of participation!
I also love the I am no longer working at the newspaper and covering the results until deep in the night. Now on election night, I can be home by supper, hang up my "responsible adult" hat and get to bed early.
That's what we grownups do.
The not-so-fun part of being a responsible adult came today at work. Well, work in general. We need to do it. Even on days when I am looking out the window at the sunshine and thinking about golf. I always get the itch during Masters week (or what we like to call Hole-y Week). But no, I stayed put at work -- mainly because there is still piles and piles of snow everywhere so no courses around here are open yet anyway.
But next week, well, I can't guarantee how responsible I'll be.
Another interesting challenge I have is dressing like a grownup. Not that I buy clothes that often, but I can tell you where I head first if I am -- to the "cool" clothes in the Juniors section. I know, I am on the cusp of 43 years old. I have to move on and dress like a mature woman. Can I do that and not be boring?
With our friends' wedding coming up this weekend, I knew I needed to get a new dress. Hey, hubby will be in tux so I better look good. The problem is that I donated all my "old" dresses and skirts to Goodwill and any nice clothes I have are too work-y looking. So Jim and I stopped at Kohl's on the way home from work. That way I could get something he liked -- hopefully -- without compromising comfort.
We get in there and I say, very grownup-like, "OK let's bypass the Juniors section and head straight to the Women's Department -- and let's hope there's something that doesn't make me look matronly." It honestly took less than 3 minutes to find a dress and coverup. I took two sizes into the dressing room, squealed in delight that the smaller one fit and was thrilled with the dress. It's both pretty and cute... in both our opinions.
Thankfully, when we got home, we realized my boots would look great with the outfit so I didn't have to worry about buying new shoes ... which would equate to 3- or 4-inch uncomfortable heels if I am still letting hubby dress me. Phew.
Our other act of responsible adulthood occurred on the way home. For most of us, one of our first grownup responsibilities was voting. And today was an election day.
Around here, we had few races but, due to all the contentious activities happening in Madison and throughout the state, there were big crowds. We actually had to wait in line about 10 minutes. No complaining here. I love to see that level of participation!
I also love the I am no longer working at the newspaper and covering the results until deep in the night. Now on election night, I can be home by supper, hang up my "responsible adult" hat and get to bed early.
That's what we grownups do.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Tough Break
The alarm came so early today for poor Carter, who got into the routine of sleeping until 10 last week during Spring Break. It's really hard to feel sorry for him, isn't it?
I do feel a twinge of guilt when he tells people he did absolutely nothing during break and that he was bored. But what I'd give for a week with nothing to do!
He apparently has next year's Spring Break all planned out already. "Everyone came back tan!" Everyone? And since when have you cared about a tan?
So next year, whether my sister likes it or not, we're heading to Texas and laying by her pool all week! "I'm not even swimming -- just getting tan," he said. (Those who know how much I love the sun know I won't fight him on this!)
With break over, he was supposed to start baseball today. However, they have been unable to fill the middle school coaching position. Any volunteers?? No, hubby can't do it. It's impossible for us to work an hour away and get back into town by mid-afternoon for practices. Someone else is going to have to step up -- and soon. They have a game next Tuesday already.
Jim is already coaching a WRYSA (Rapids youth) baseball team this spring/summer. In fact, he's doing a "draft" for that as we speak. By default, Carter is on his team but we still have to tease Carter that he might not get picked ('cause parents have to pick on their kids once in awhile).
I'm doing my baseball thing tonight, too. My "thing" is just watching my Twins on TV. They are on TV so rarely here in central Wisconsin. I was surprised to see them on Monday Night Baseball already. They are playing the stinkin' Yankees and were scoreless until I started watching!
They've had a rough start to the season. I hope that since Carter's break is over, the Twins will get one tonight!
I do feel a twinge of guilt when he tells people he did absolutely nothing during break and that he was bored. But what I'd give for a week with nothing to do!
He apparently has next year's Spring Break all planned out already. "Everyone came back tan!" Everyone? And since when have you cared about a tan?
So next year, whether my sister likes it or not, we're heading to Texas and laying by her pool all week! "I'm not even swimming -- just getting tan," he said. (Those who know how much I love the sun know I won't fight him on this!)
With break over, he was supposed to start baseball today. However, they have been unable to fill the middle school coaching position. Any volunteers?? No, hubby can't do it. It's impossible for us to work an hour away and get back into town by mid-afternoon for practices. Someone else is going to have to step up -- and soon. They have a game next Tuesday already.
Jim is already coaching a WRYSA (Rapids youth) baseball team this spring/summer. In fact, he's doing a "draft" for that as we speak. By default, Carter is on his team but we still have to tease Carter that he might not get picked ('cause parents have to pick on their kids once in awhile).
I'm doing my baseball thing tonight, too. My "thing" is just watching my Twins on TV. They are on TV so rarely here in central Wisconsin. I was surprised to see them on Monday Night Baseball already. They are playing the stinkin' Yankees and were scoreless until I started watching!
They've had a rough start to the season. I hope that since Carter's break is over, the Twins will get one tonight!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Will the Real Spring Please Stand Up?
I almost feel bad for those people that got to go somewhere warm and sunny for Spring Break. They were jolted back to Wisconsin reality this morning when the robins were competing with thunder for sound awards -- and both were chasing after a bit of hail.
That led to a day of clouds and drizzle and just plain b-r-r-r! It forced us indoors for the day but did not necessarily spur me to have an ultra-productive day or anything.
Carter and I went to early church, then joined Jim (who was back in town) and his sister later at their cousin's for a confirmation party for Jim's god-daughter. Was nice to see some of his side of the family over lunch.
This afternoon, Carter and I priced a few more garage sale items then loaded up the CRV so we can deliver the goods to his former sitter's house tomorrow.
Since that left a few vacant spots in the basement, Carter took it upon himself to rearrange the furniture a bit in the game room down there. Then, I heard the sweet sound of a vacuum cleaner. Yes, it is a very sweet sound when I'm not the one operating it! Do you think Carter is already sucking up (literally) in advance of his birthday? Or has Spring Break truly been that boring for him?
Who cares? He vacuumed!
I found myself on the couch later and darned if it didn't trap me and force me to watch an hour or so of golf. What a wicked couch! (Now I'm dying for the real Spring to arrive so we can get out and play!)
Tonight I started some planning for my next scrapbooking project. Just like I did for Casey, I'll be putting a little book together for Clay's graduation in 2 months. Trust me, that is not a lot of time. Good thing I strive on deadlines.
Now if only Mother Nature could follow a deadline. Uhm, it's supposed to be Spring, lady! Get with the program!
Please.
That led to a day of clouds and drizzle and just plain b-r-r-r! It forced us indoors for the day but did not necessarily spur me to have an ultra-productive day or anything.
Carter and I went to early church, then joined Jim (who was back in town) and his sister later at their cousin's for a confirmation party for Jim's god-daughter. Was nice to see some of his side of the family over lunch.
This afternoon, Carter and I priced a few more garage sale items then loaded up the CRV so we can deliver the goods to his former sitter's house tomorrow.
Since that left a few vacant spots in the basement, Carter took it upon himself to rearrange the furniture a bit in the game room down there. Then, I heard the sweet sound of a vacuum cleaner. Yes, it is a very sweet sound when I'm not the one operating it! Do you think Carter is already sucking up (literally) in advance of his birthday? Or has Spring Break truly been that boring for him?
Who cares? He vacuumed!
I found myself on the couch later and darned if it didn't trap me and force me to watch an hour or so of golf. What a wicked couch! (Now I'm dying for the real Spring to arrive so we can get out and play!)
Tonight I started some planning for my next scrapbooking project. Just like I did for Casey, I'll be putting a little book together for Clay's graduation in 2 months. Trust me, that is not a lot of time. Good thing I strive on deadlines.
Now if only Mother Nature could follow a deadline. Uhm, it's supposed to be Spring, lady! Get with the program!
Please.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Hip-Hop
For those of you not living in our house, the latest news -- if you haven't heard -- is that now it is officially LESS than a month until my baby is a teenager!
As you may have guessed, Momma ain't too happy with this news. And in our house, the saying goes, if Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.
So I did the only logical thing a mother in my condition could do. I kidnapped Carter and forced him to go see a "kid's movie" with me.
Honestly, I really didn't have to twist his arm too much. Hubby left town this afternoon to go to a bachelor party for his friend Scott over in Green Bay. So Carter and I knew we'd have a "free night" and knew the movie HOP was coming out this weekend. So we sort of planned for it -- and Momma sort of crossed her fingers hoping no gang of girls would call and ask him first.
I guess I got lucky.
So after we got our Saturday chores done -- housework and running for me and batting practice for Carter -- we went to the 5 p.m. show. As luck would have it, one of my best friends was there were her "littler" kid so I got to visit briefly with her. That was cool. Almost like a double date.
The movie was a cute Easter story. With enough funny stuff to keep an almost 13-year-old interested. We liked the music, too. Some song came on and Carter leans over and says, "This would be good to run to! We gotta check out the soundtrack." Of course, I was partial to their version of "I Want Candy." (You know me and '80s music!)
And honestly, after seeing all the Easter eggs, chocolate bunnies and jelly beans (even though they are technically Easter Bunny poop), I do want candy.
And I want my little boy to stay little!
As you may have guessed, Momma ain't too happy with this news. And in our house, the saying goes, if Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.
So I did the only logical thing a mother in my condition could do. I kidnapped Carter and forced him to go see a "kid's movie" with me.
Honestly, I really didn't have to twist his arm too much. Hubby left town this afternoon to go to a bachelor party for his friend Scott over in Green Bay. So Carter and I knew we'd have a "free night" and knew the movie HOP was coming out this weekend. So we sort of planned for it -- and Momma sort of crossed her fingers hoping no gang of girls would call and ask him first.
I guess I got lucky.
So after we got our Saturday chores done -- housework and running for me and batting practice for Carter -- we went to the 5 p.m. show. As luck would have it, one of my best friends was there were her "littler" kid so I got to visit briefly with her. That was cool. Almost like a double date.
The movie was a cute Easter story. With enough funny stuff to keep an almost 13-year-old interested. We liked the music, too. Some song came on and Carter leans over and says, "This would be good to run to! We gotta check out the soundtrack." Of course, I was partial to their version of "I Want Candy." (You know me and '80s music!)
And honestly, after seeing all the Easter eggs, chocolate bunnies and jelly beans (even though they are technically Easter Bunny poop), I do want candy.
And I want my little boy to stay little!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Fooling Around
What's the old saying? Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me?
I make it a point not to get fooled on April 1st -- which means I have to be on my guard around even those unsuspecting characters. I also make it a point on April 1st to try to fool at least one person.
This year, Carter was my victim.
I knew based on routine this week, that Carter would call me around 9:30 or 10 right after he rolled out of bed. Usually before he eats anything or even has a chance to watch much TV. So I figured I could fool him with some devastating sports news -- if I made it sound believable.
When he called, I asked if he'd seen the big story on SportsCenter yet. He said no. I told him Ray Allen (one of his favorite Celtics) was retiring immediately so he could go out on top after securing the 3-pointer record and winning last night. Carter was shocked and not happy.
Don't worry. I wasn't going to push it until he cried or anything. He was surprised when I said, "April Fool's!" Then woke up a bit more and started plotting his own joke.
In the afternoon, he went over to play with the girls next door. Before he left he put some peanut butter on his shoe. When he got there, he said something like, "Oh no! I stepped in dog poop!" Then proceeded to lick some of the tasty "poop" off his shoe!
Knowing how squeamish Carter can get, they pretty much suspected right away it couldn't be the real deal. At least he tried!
Now I am hoping that I actually am the butt of an April Fool's joke -- because I don't want this to be true...
The Twins are playing their first game of the season at Toronto. Of course, it's not on TV HERE so I have to follow it on the computer. A few minutes ago they were down 10-zip. Yes, 10! Must be the computer playing a joke, right?
I wore my Joe Mauer jersey all day today for good luck. But apparently it is too early in the season for my karma to reach long distances -- especially without a passport. Grrr. At least they are on the board now in the 7th inning and rallying!
Don't worry. Even if we don't rally all the way back, I am not foolish enough to think this is a bad sign for the rest of the season. It just means we've got nowhere to go but up!
I make it a point not to get fooled on April 1st -- which means I have to be on my guard around even those unsuspecting characters. I also make it a point on April 1st to try to fool at least one person.
This year, Carter was my victim.
I knew based on routine this week, that Carter would call me around 9:30 or 10 right after he rolled out of bed. Usually before he eats anything or even has a chance to watch much TV. So I figured I could fool him with some devastating sports news -- if I made it sound believable.
When he called, I asked if he'd seen the big story on SportsCenter yet. He said no. I told him Ray Allen (one of his favorite Celtics) was retiring immediately so he could go out on top after securing the 3-pointer record and winning last night. Carter was shocked and not happy.
Don't worry. I wasn't going to push it until he cried or anything. He was surprised when I said, "April Fool's!" Then woke up a bit more and started plotting his own joke.
In the afternoon, he went over to play with the girls next door. Before he left he put some peanut butter on his shoe. When he got there, he said something like, "Oh no! I stepped in dog poop!" Then proceeded to lick some of the tasty "poop" off his shoe!
Knowing how squeamish Carter can get, they pretty much suspected right away it couldn't be the real deal. At least he tried!
Now I am hoping that I actually am the butt of an April Fool's joke -- because I don't want this to be true...
The Twins are playing their first game of the season at Toronto. Of course, it's not on TV HERE so I have to follow it on the computer. A few minutes ago they were down 10-zip. Yes, 10! Must be the computer playing a joke, right?
I wore my Joe Mauer jersey all day today for good luck. But apparently it is too early in the season for my karma to reach long distances -- especially without a passport. Grrr. At least they are on the board now in the 7th inning and rallying!
Don't worry. Even if we don't rally all the way back, I am not foolish enough to think this is a bad sign for the rest of the season. It just means we've got nowhere to go but up!
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