Saturday, July 25, 2009

Slacker.


Last night we went to a local community event. Music, bounce house, beer, wine and food.
There were lots of kids running around and the six year old joined the pack soon after we got there. We have a rule - she has to check in with me if she's changing venue. She's really good about it. Other than the check in - she's free to roam. It's a small contained area and I (and she) know many people there.

It's been a long week. The husband has had to be at work most evenings. I needed a break so it was great for me that she was off running around and I was having a beer. The baby was crawling around my feet chewing bark. A woman approaches me.
"Is that your second child by chance?"
"Yes?"
"It's just, I thought you'd want to know she's eating popcorn off the ground."
"Right. Thanks for letting me know."
Do I really need to explain how I feel right now?
Guilty, embarrassed and selfish might be a good start.

Then I hear from a friend that my daughter and her crew are cutting in line at the bounce house. Uuugh.
Here's the thing - I want to care. I want to go and talk to her about respect.
I want the one year old to eat fresh food I have bought or made for her - but I also REALLY don't want to.

I really want to talk with adults.
I really want to finish a mouthful of food or beer uninterrupted.
I really want to listen to some music that doesn't have Twinkle, Twinkle in the lyrics.

I do stop the baby from her ground grazing but I leave the six year old deep in naughtiness. If that's her worst trick today - I'm ahead.
I drink my beer, dance a little and go home a happier, more energized mommy.

4 comments:

  1. Hey, as long as there's no blood, they were fine. I have had Maaaaaany days where I want to just walk out the door and not stop. I just want to not have the ISSUES that go with children, 24/7.

    And at least it was popcorn instead of the mulch. Free calories, right?

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  2. OMG I can totally relate to you! We were camping and my 2 year old was running into the woods behind our campsite (cliff included). I was so tired. I just wanted to sit for 3 minutes un-interrupted!!! I knew I needed to get him, but I couldn't get up. I was so tired. I whistled as loud as I could, like I was calling my dog. My 2 year old came running back. Problem solved ;)

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  3. And the last part is what counts the most...a happy person! Good for you!

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  4. Good golly, how I can relate. Especially after all these summer days of togetherness!

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