This is one of those posts that I’d like to just type out, no spaces, no capitalization, no spell check. I’m not doing that partly because, well, no one could read it and partly because I don’t need one more thing that is a mess right now.
Since getting back from San Francisco, or maybe since the beginning of summer, I just don’t have my shit together. The longer days should mean MORE time to get things done but NOTHING is getting done. I have so many unfinished projects and tasks and lists that I am in a perpetual state of playing catch up.
Also, my brain is swimming with random worries because why NOT think of EVERY possible BAD thing that MIGHT happen!
I haven’t reconciled my checkbook since May.
My kitchen floor is a never ending battle of crumbs and smears. Why bother getting on my hands and knees to mop when it’s just going to look like hell after the next meal? Maybe I should just start feeding the children dry, easily swept foods for every meal.
Speaking of meals, Ella has become the pickiest eater ever, preferring to eat yogurt, slightly green bananas (others get thrown on the already filthy kitchen floor), Club crackers, and raisins. She rarely eats meat or cheese and loves chucking her cup on the floor that inevitably spills ON THAT DAMNED KITCHEN FLOOR.
We have spiders and crickets and, OH MY FREAKING HELL, FLIES. I keep forgetting to call a bug man (hellooooo phone anxiety) and to buy a fly swatter.
I’m always exhausted.
My email inbox has about 25 unread items, all of which I should be answering right now instead of blogging about them. DUMB.
I went out with friends twice this weekend getting home very late both Friday and Saturday, leaving Tate at home to care for the kids. On Sunday I was so exhausted that I took an afternoon nap when the kids went down and had to reject Tate’s wagging eyebrows. I haven’t had time for my OWN HUSBAND.
We need to start recycling. I fear that I alone am contributing to the demise of our planet.
I am so tired of cleaning mud off of Carson’s shoes.
The toys. Oh the toys. They are everywhere. I want to box them all up and ship them AWAY.
I’ve never had any sort of stranger, nobody-should-touch-your-privates talk with Carson. He’s OVER two and a half, I suck. But if I do say something, what do I say to him?
I feel guilty that I got THE CAMERA.
I feel guilty that Tate misses Alabama and I just…don’t.
Taking Ella anywhere is like wrassling a wild monkey. Not fun. Actually Ella IS a wild monkey. Only sometimes fun, mostly into everything and trashing my BLEEPING KITCHEN FLOOR.
How do you clean tiled showers? Am I supposed to scrub the tiled walls all the way up to the ceiling?
I’m sitting here, griping on the computer. Rewording and deleting and spellchecking when I should be tackling SOMETHING on my to-do list.
Mamma Mia made my ears bleed and I thought I might have to claw out my eyeballs. (I really should write a post about that and not THIS). I will never look at Pierce Brosnan, 007 James Bond, Pierce Brosnan the same way again. *shudder*
I’ve gained 10 motherflacking pounds this summer.
My towels smell musty even after washing them in hot water. My dishwasher is possessed and doesn’t always start when you push the START BUTTON. User error? I DON’T THINK SO FRIGIDAIRE.
Okay, I’m done writing my list, though, this doesn’t nearly encompass the lazy, overwhelmed, stuck in limbo-ness that is my brain.
Am I really going to post this?
Oh man have I been there. In fact I am still there and I am wondering if I will ever leave. But it has to get better, right?
But Why Mommy / Renees last blog post..Say My Name, Say My Name
My list has a few different items on it, (I don’t have a baby, but I do have a husband that’s been home, on disability for almost 2 years)…but I am in much the same state you are. I am right there with you.
Cindys last blog post..Middle School? Coming right up!
@Christy: Thanks for the vinegar tip! I’m definitely going to try it!
@Heather-Domestic Extraordinaire: I haven’t purchased it yet, but I’m going to go with the 50mm. I’d really like the 1.4, but I’ll probably end up getting the 1.8 because of price.
I think my lens after that will be a really good quality 70-300mm.
@Allison: Hi Allison! Welcome, thanks for the mad props.
I covet a front loading washer, but until mine DIES, I’ll be stuck with it.
@Rachel: We should totally start a “We can’t get our shit together club!” We could never have organized meetings and we’d always forget to bring refreshments!
@Kate: Life totally gets in the way of my blogging, too!
@merlotmom: I’m glad we can commiserate in our misery!
@Drea @ Monkey Monkey Underpants: You can’t get anything done with a baby on the boob! I KNOW!!!
Good luck getting the house ready for a showing, I just moved 6 months ago, so I feel your pain!
All I can say is I’m glad I’m not the only one.
bananass last blog post..10 things I’ve learned from my child
@Becky: Thanks for the tip on the Method stuff. It’s hard finding stuff that’s non-toxic and actually works!
Um, yes and yes and yes. Maybe this post helped a little? I sometimes feel better when I write it all down.
anymommys last blog post..The Obligatory Blog Post About Blogging
Here here! I seriously can’t even open bills anymore because well… unless the toothfairy pays for the electricity now, I don’t know how WE’RE going to do it. I’m in charge of managing the checkbook and I haven’t checked our bank account for WEEKS because of the terror. Blah. And I don’t know when I last vaccuumed…
Jesss last blog post..Living two lives at the same time
My house is a mess, my kids are living on TV, and I can’t even remember to respond to e-mails as I read them. I understand – I think we’re all on overload right now.
I have automatically made an agreement with myself to accept a lower standard of clean because let’s face it – there’s more to life than cleaning. So what if the floors get vacuumed twice a month at best?
Someday we’ll get caught up.
It is frightening that you got inside my head and then said all that out loud. But I feel better now. Thank you.
I just want wine. Lots and lots of wine. Then I feel guilty about that too.
I think my insides smack of depression much of the time. Due to TOO MUCH IN MY BRAIN – that puppy’s gotta be tired, therefore anxious and depressed I am…
Thank you for making me feel kind of….normal.
Heathers last blog post..The Miles Tree
I’ll raise your 10 lbs to 15
As much as Remington Steel scared me in Mamma Mia (it seemed like he kept swallowing his tongue when he was singing) I generally really liked the movie.
ooohhhh…except for when the engaged couple did there little song on the beach, that was spooky…until everyone else joined in.
Helens last blog post..A Little of This and a Little of That…
Gaining 10 lbs this summer is ALL the rage, didn’t you know?
I had to turn the check book over to Wally. After 11 years playing accountant, it was his turn. I still feel stressed, but that could be the frickin’ high gas prices.
I’m having one of those days when I jsut want to sleep and veg. Wait. What do I mean day? I’m having one of those years.
Queen of Shake Shakes last blog post..I Cooked Too! The Next Great Marital Debate
Okay, sister. This will solve ALL of the problems (except the mildew). You need to get a sitter for 6-12 hours a week. Not forever, but for the short term.
I’m sure that Tate will agree that your sanity is worth $100 or so a week. A mom can get 2 weeks worth of work done in 6 hours sans kids.
lauries last blog post..Great America bled me out . . . for free!
I was going to comment on some of the deeper, more important stuff, but I had to say when I read about your dishwasher, that I effing HATE my fridgidaire dishwasher. Mine treats me like I’M the dumbass when, truthfully, MOST people would say, I’m not actually that dumb.
I have no advice about all the housework and crap. Actually, I do. Your towels? Throw ‘em all out and buy new ones. All white. That way, you can always bleach them and they’ll always smell clean.
Oh, and the phone anxiety? I’ve got that one too. Big time. If there’s a way to avoid making a phone call, I’ll find it.
Call me.
Actually, don’t bother. I won’t pick it up.
Kias last blog post..I Have Something to Give to You!!
Yup, we all have days we collapse under the weight of our world, whatever it is.
All you can do is your best, and if your best is writing a blog posting to vent, then that’s what you should do. So what if the kitchen floor isn’t spotless? And you have kids so that means toys…
From what I read, you’re doing great, cut yourself a little slack!
Shamalams last blog post..10K– CHECK!
Well, you’re all going to hate me for saying this, but here’s my solution to your problem: move to China. I have this awesome ayi here who does my cleaning and laundry every weekday. Every Single Weekday. Do you hate me yet? Even so, I don’t manage to have a clean house or a balanced checkbook, because I have four kids and did I mention I live in China?, where things that should take mere minutes (like running to Target for a bleach pen) take hours and hours and hours. And hours.
Since you probably don’t want to move to China (trust me on that), here’s my second solution. I hereby free you from the obligation to respond to this comment. You always respond so quickly, and I love that. But – for today, how about NOT responding. That should free up enough time to track down a stray dog who can lick your floors clean. And then you’re set!
I am SO glad you did post this, because I know it’s my reality right now, and that of so many others. And somehow it does help to know that we’re not alone! I’m all for venting and ranting.
Kazas last blog post..An Unusually Productive Sunday
A little secret, for as anal as I am, I never balance my checkbook. I know give or take a bit how much is in there. So I figure it is the least of my worries!
The floor is a never ending battle. I ended up getting a patterned rug for under the kitchen table. Now at least it is camoflauged! I do try to get to it every three or four days though! But since we moved, we have used those rugs in other rooms. Now I need another one.
At the end of the day, all you can is start over again in the morning. As long as the kids are fed and happy, we the rest will fall into place. THey might be in HS by then. but it will eventually.
tommies last blog post..Manic Monday, almost seeing the light from behind the boxes
Okay, I can solve one of your problems. The musty towels. When you wash them, pour in about a half a cup of white vinegar with the detergent. It eliminates all odors. Trust me. Three day old clothes soaking in pee, squirreled away in a closet. The smell came out after one wash.
As to the other stuff, hang in there. One thing at a time.
all things bds last blog post..Why Thank You!
I wrote a similar post the other day so don’t feel so bad.
Also, how can they cast someone in a musical, Pierce Brosnan, who doesn’t have any lips??? You’re right. It was god awful.
Zellmers last blog post..The grass is always colder
Ha! I know how you feel. I keep threatening to run away to live with flying monkeys who eat babies but no one’s taking me seriously.
I’ve noticed that shower tiles rarely get dirty higher then about waist height so that’s how high I scrub. I just wipe the rest over.
It was super to have dinner with you Friday. I’m sorry it put you behind the rest of the weekend. Cut yourself some slack. You’ve got to do whatever it is that fills your tank. For me I call my mom and ask her to come over and spend the night and fold my laundry and entertain my kid, pleeeeeeeeeeeease.
Rayne of Terrors last blog post..Scenes from a Mac attack
I don’t think it’s you…I think it’s all of us. This summer is demon-possessed-bat-crap-crazy, and I don’t even have kids to look after! (So glad I read your comments too. I’m probably the only person on the planet that didn’t know that vinegar trick.)
Katies last blog post..Random Memory
If you don’t get to it you don’t get to it, It will still be there tomorrow. That is the attitude I adpoted this summer while wrestling with the decision to go to the park or pool with the boys vs. cleaning the dreaded kitchen floor or other horrible tasks that are piling up even as I type. As for your towels try some baking soda or vinegar.
The Farmers Wifes last blog post..What? What Was That You Said?
I can relate to a lot of your issues! I can offer some advice on the shower tiles.
1. Buy the Method Tub and Tile Cleaner and a little grout cleaning brush…it’s about 1/2″ wide by 4″. You can get all that at Target. Spray the cleaner and then scrub the grout with the little brush. You can get a little arm exercise in there at the same time. Rinse.
2. Another option is make your own cleaner to spray and then scrub with the brush. This cleaner can be sprayed on the floor to clean it too, if you get really excited. 1/4 cup white vinegar, 2 tsp Borax, 1/4 cup Dr. Bronner’s soap or liquid dish soap, 20 drops tea tree oil. MIx all that up and pour into a spray bottle (almost full) of hot water. It works wonders. In fact, it’s now my all-purpose cleaner.
Hang in there and work through it. You’ll come out on the other side
Minyos last blog post..No, I’m Not On Vacation…Yet!
Vinegar or a little tiny bit of bleach in with your towels. Then again maybe it’s your washer and it just needs to run an empty load with a cup of bleach by itself.
Clean floor? Who needs it?
Kristas last blog post..Water is His Friend!
Way to go with out spell check. Don’t you feel free?
Get the shower cleaner that does all the work for you.
Don’t feel guilt about being on the computer, your family will thank you for being on it instead of strangeling them.
Take some non-drowsy cold medicine. It’s a natural high! I would not know this out of personal experience (yeah right)
Give a shoe to your hubby and tell him to kill the bugs in the house…that is their one and only job!
Musty towels? At least they are washed and not reused ones.
Picky eater. Will eat when hungry.
Smile….the little things are just that….little!
krissys last blog post..The funny things in life……
[...] Sweating the small stuff [...]
(Hugs) We all have these times, but that doesn’t necessarily make it easier, does it? I am supposed to be balancing my checkbook right now instead of reading blogs. But I don’t want to. I need to pack because I’m leaving tomorrow. I hope things start to look up!
Also, I was okay with Pierce until the end credits, then I ALMOST DIED.
Rachaels last blog post..Help Wanted: Got a click for your fellow bloggers?
I feel ya.
I think general discontent is seasonal with this time of year. OY. Send in the maid, and a cook and nanny.
MamaGeeks last blog post..I’d Make A Mighty Fine Houseplant
Not a problem!
Christys last blog post..I drank the koolaid.
EVERYTHING SINGLE THING YOU SAID up to the stranger danger part is me. Exactly. You lost me after the stranger danger, but dude. Weird about the rest.
Oh, and good luck.
Karly’s last blog post..Seeing The Moon Through My Window. Or Some Other Nonsense.
I had to check and make sure that it was you and not me writing this post. This is my life too. I would venture a guess and say that there are millions of moms and maybe a few dads out there who also share our life. As great as it is to have kids and be a mom, sometimes it just sucks. It’s ok to have those days.
Look at me. I haven’t balanced a checkbook since 1996. oh well…
I am constantly dealing with musty towels, dirty floors, and FLIES. My husband says that we are going for the India theme in our house with all of the flies.
The only thing I will have to disagree with you on is Mamma Mia. sorry. I liked it! In all fairness, I have seen the theatre production, and it is one of my favorites, so I was looking forward to it.
Hang in there, girl. You are not alone.
Feliz’s last blog post..Shameless plug for comments
You are definitely not alone. But truthfully? In the big scheme of things, the most important thing is loving and spending time with your family. The other stuff? It too shall pass. One of my favorite poems goes: “Dusting and cleaning can wait ’til tomorrow, for babies grow up, we’ve learned to our sorrow. So, hush cobwebs. Dust go to sleep. I’m rocking my baby, and babies don’t keep.”
midlife mommy’s last blog post..Babytalk
@midlife mommy: I have that on a picture in my daughter’s room! I should look at it and read it more often!
I have those days/seasons, too. I know it sounds too simple but you will come out of “it”. For me, summer is just too hot to focus on anything for too long.
At my baby shower, I had this little notebook wherein friends were instructed to write stories about me — things they know about me that would indicate that I would be a good mother.
Most people just wrote, you know, encouraging stuff.
My cousin’s comment was my favorite (a propos of midlife mommy’s comment). She wrote: F!@*k Housework!