Monday, August 31, 2009

In Which I Write about Many Many Many Different Subjects

I know you love catch-up posts, and I promised you one. And like I said, I know you've been waiting with bated breath. So here goes:

Long run on Saturday:

Hard and nasty. 20 miles was NOT just 2 more than 18. No. I swear it was 10 more than 18 and I had a worse attitude in the mix. I felt slow and tired and weak and just plain lame. And then I was a basic beast for the rest of the weekend.

HOWEVER...I think sometimes when I push myself to the outer limits of exhaustion, I end up with some remarkably emotional experiences. This can be bad (as in crying for 10 minutes about how hard 20 miles was) or it can be good (as in feeling overwhelming love for my husband, my God, my children, my friends, and gratitude for the ups and downs in life.) Really crazy "one with the universe" kind of stuff went on after the run. Loved it. This did not make up for the next 36 hours of emotional battiness, though, so I think I'll refrain from using a 20 mile run as a way to commune with the infinite, thank-you-very-much.

My general incompetence at many things:

This deserves a nice long post of its own. Let's just say that while I am good at some things (I play a mean piano, I bake decent chocolate chip cookies, I forgive quickly, I generally see the good in people, I read fast), there are many more things at which I (ummm, sorry Mom...) SUCK. These include not procrastinating, following through on important details, being organized, stopping myself from eating the fifth chocolate chip cookie of the day, reading too late at night, staying up too late at night in general, etc. etc. etc.

But by far one of my worst failings?

Packing.

Honestly. I am a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad packer. I can plan, make lists, start laundry three days in advance, swear up and down that "it will be different this time" and guess what? It's never different. I have stayed up all night trying to get things packed more than once. In fact, once I stayed up all night TWO NIGHTS before we left on vacation, just trying to get it all together. I still stayed up until 3:00 am the next night. I get distracted. I spend 1 1/2 hours on a new vacation playlist. I decide every article of clothing in the house must be washed and folded. There's the clothes for 6 people, the food for the drive, the chargers for every electronic gadget we own, the bills that must be paid...

I'm having a panic attack just thinking about it.

Twentieth Reunion:

That will get its own post.

Summer Vacation Pics:

Own post.

Driving with Ben:

Terrible. Rotten. Horrible. Mind-numbing.

I love the boy. He's a joy. He's darling. But he becomes a whiny demon when he gets strapped into a car seat. We're supposed to be going to Spokane to see Dave's brother this weekend. I want to cry when I think about it.

First week of school:

Oh. Sweet joy.

I felt so guilty before school started. I felt terrible for being angry at the fighting children. I felt worse when I told them how happy I was that they were going back to school. My mother-in-law swears she was terribly sad for the first day of school every year. She missed her children dreadfully when they left. I somehow think that's a sign of good mothering. If it is, however, I'm the poster child for bad mothering. The first day they were in school I couldn't believe how much less stress I felt. Whew.

So I love them, those sweet children of mine, but it's OK for all of us to get a break from each other a few days a week. (That judging voice in my head? I'm trying to shut her up. She still thinks I should feel guilty...)

The one caveat: I truly miss Kate. It's easier to have only Ben around, but I miss having her around to play with him. I miss practicing with her while Ben naps. Sigh. (Now the judging voice is becoming more shrill. "You should enjoy all your children equally." Shrew. Keep your judging to yourself.)

And the showings:

Hate them. Love that my house is clean most of the time, though. Today I got a call at 9:50 that someone wanted to see the house between 11 and 1. I sent Ben to Liz's and did the cleaning blitz.

Got home at 1:15. No one showed. Nice.

So there you have it. A lovely little catch-up for all of you. Pictures next time.

9 comments:

Danielle said...

I don't think its bad mothering for being happy about school. I sure hope it's not, because school starts tomorrow, and I have been close to tears of sheer joy several times today. Who wouldn't want less fighting and cleaning? Really...who?

Lara Neves said...

Are you the same person as me, or what?

Maybe it's a musician thing. The passion and the procrastination and everything else.

I don't think it means you're (I'm?) a bad mother that you are excited about them starting school (I can hardly wait!), I think it means you maybe don't live your life revolved around your children. I don't know.

Liz said...

my brain cells are gone so my response is simply a :)

Gaylene said...

Bad mother? Nope! I can hardley wait for next year--They are driving me a bit insane. I will be happen to reserve a room for several of us at the big white house on the hill on Provo. I may be going sooner than most though!

Camilla Millar said...

You know you've got a good blog when I smile because you've updated today. Thanks for sharing your life and your stories. . . .love ya (p.s. to the judgemental mom: I miss my girly-girl more during the day than my dude)

Amber said...

You are a divine mother! Get a new voice in your head that reminds you of all the good things you do for your kids, all of those sweet, tiny moments that keep you sane and happy.

Austin and Leslie said...

You seem to pack just like my mom. ;) She'll plan weeks in advance, and have all the laundry done and clothes folded, but somehow she still manages to stay awake all night long packing up until the very minute she leaves for the trip.

Malisa said...

mmmYep. We don't have a prefered child here. Nope. Defenitly not.

I will be just as happy as you are about school AFTER Sept. 18th. Then we can enjoy this new stage together. As for right now, I am cursing the PTA.

Anonymous said...

Its just that kreativ vibe kickin in...you've been nominated beautiful! hugs, katrina