Category Archives: Relationships

Labor Day

It’s Labor Day today, and I guess technically I should not be writing, because the blog, while a labor of love, still definitely requires work. These days it’s easier to think of the words than to get them on the page, so I wait for a burst of energy, type what I can and then switch to dictation, even though the sentences never quite come out right. Then there’s more typing to correct all the weirdness. It’s laborious for sure.

When I was gainfully employed in the publishing industry, I knocked out emails like it was the easiest thing in the world. Day and night, using those typing skills I’d first learned in 6th grade computer lab. Now I’m so behind in basic communication that it’s embarrassing. I should have an auto reply on my gmail and text platforms: “Sorry, I am unable to reply to your message in a timely fashion because I used all my energy to put my contact lenses in. And by the way, it didn’t even work; my husband ended up putting them in for me. I’ll try to get back to you at some point this month.” And then some emoticons: a kissy face, a surprised cat, a thumbtack, the Golden Gate Bridge. Just because. Read More>

|Categories: Life, Relationships | Tags: , , | Permalink

The Way Things Are

As a family, our morning routine needs work. Yesterday was the first day of kindergarten, and despite our efforts to arrive early, we did not even manage to arrive on time. Scarlett wears a uniform, I had planned quick and easy breakfast options, Rob was up early to shower. But it didn’t matter, because, not to be dramatic, everything takes us forever.

Today we actually had to wake Scarlett up for school. This child has never had to be woken up for anything, but we were told that kindergarten can be exhausting, and that appears to be a true story. She rolled around for a few minutes before springing out of bed, ready for another day. Oh, to wake up like that. She then proceeded to eat two pieces of toast and a banana as though it were a three course meal that she was reviewing for The New York Times, by which I mean sloooowly. I know we’ll get the hang of this, and I really don’t want to stress her out, but watching someone get ready at a snail’s pace turns out to be one of my least favorite things.

On the plus side, the first day of kindergarten was fantastic. She may have been the last kid in the class, but it was a mellow morning and no one seemed to mind. It was a half day, only three hours long, and Rob and I attended a parent orientation meeting after dropping her off. I spent the rest of the morning sitting outside, getting to know other parents, before it was time for early pickup. Scarlett was disappointed when it was time to leave, which I consider a very good sign.

Chatting with the other moms and dads felt so normal. I really liked everyone and I felt like we were going to be part of a great community. As we left, I was tired but definitely in high spirits. Things are good.

But things are hard, too. Read More>

|Categories: Life, Parenting, Progression, Relationships, Vanity | Tags: , , | Permalink

Vacation

You want to know what’s not relaxing? Vacation, for Rob. To be fair, vacation for anyone with children cannot be described as relaxing, as these little bundles of energy tend to get up early, ask for things like food, and then want you to watch them and take care of them all day. So it’s just like being at home, but without most of your stuff.

Of course, we have some added stressors, as everyone who reads this blog is more than well aware. I’m sure Rob could have a truly lovely vacation, if he would just travel alone. But instead he brought a puppy, a five-year-old, and his increasingly disabled wife. Not his smartest decision. Not a recipe for sleeping in (or even sleeping through the night.)

You know your situation is unusual when the five-year-old is the second most self-reliant person in the family, and the 12-week-old puppy is handling himself pretty well, too. Sigh. I am the weakest link.

For example, both Scarlett and Otto can at least feed themselves. When Rob finally settles down by the pool to enjoy a sandwich, he has to balance his own food intake with mine. This is a completely new development, and it’s sort of unfortunate that it began when all of our meals are on display. I keep my attention on our table at each restaurant, quietly wondering what other people are thinking of our performance. Maybe they just think we’re really in love? I doubt it, and I don’t care that much (less so every time), but I do wish my husband could enjoy a meal without having to help me enjoy mine. Read More>

|Categories: Life, Parenting, Relationships | Tags: , | Permalink