“Can I ask you a very candid question?” her voice boomed across the small seating area of the local coffee shop. Her hair is state fair hair and I can smell her perfume all the way over here.
“Of course,” she replied tentatively. Black suit, unassuming haircut. Quieter. She looks like she hasn’t slept well in about 13 years.
“You seem so OVER it all.”
I can’t even hear the reply, their voices are suddenly hushed.
::
I have six articles due by the end of the day. My eye is twitching, reminding me that I really need make that eye appointment. I forgot to buy a hula hoop for Carson’s birthday this Friday and I’ve looked at my calendar and can’t figure out how I could possibly fit in a shopping trip.
I hope I get to shower today.
::
I can hear the women talking again.
“Do you think it’s because you regret volunteering for it?”
“I felt backed into a corner. You know how she is. I should have said no.”
::
Ella has a fall party at school today, but I’m not going. I feel really badly about not going, other parents will be there and I hope that she won’t feel sad when I don’t show up.
I did send in some pretzels, so there’s that.
It’s just that I can’t be in two places at once I have this long list of deadlines and…
Really? I’d just rather go to my running class than serve candy corn and pretzels to four-year-olds.
::
I’m not OVER it all, though. Not really. I wish that I had more to give everyone, sure, but I feel like I’m giving something to myself for a change.
She probably won’t even miss me at her fall party.
::
Booming voice lady isn’t really listening to black suit lady. She keeps trying to convince her to keep giving. More and more and more.
This is really good. Thought you ought to know.
Misty´s last [type] ..The most wonderful time of the year
Saying “no” is a good thing. I should do it more.
I’ve learned to say no, but it’s taken me years and years and years. I’d rather be with four years olds than anywhere else though. Deadlines can wait. Children cannot.
CJ´s last [type] ..Just Write – This Time
We give so much of ourselves that it’s OK to take some time for you to recharge. I need to take my own advice.
C @ Kid Things´s last [type] ..Smurfette
I love how you wrote this. Perfect synchronicity. Brava.
Cheryl´s last [type] ..This is so very wrong on soooo many levels I’m going to do it . . . twice
We can only be spread so thin. I hear ya.
Love how you related your story to that of the strangers you overheard…
Elaine´s last [type] ..Those Moments (i heart faces)
Great post…very well written and summarizes my day perfectly. It seems like those days are more prevalent this time of year too…
Holly@Mimi’s Dollhouse´s last [type] ..Halloween is in a week?!?
I absolutely love the way that you wrote this. Each layer making meaning for the next. Brilliant, really.
And the give and give and give and then give some more? Yes, that is- relatable.
Hat tip- this post is fabulous.
Galit Breen´s last [type] ..Driving Stories
The giving and the giving and the doing … i remember it well …
By Word of Mouth Musings´s last [type] ..Howlerific Halloween. Wordy Wordless Wednesday.
You need to give to yourself, or you will have nothing to give to your husband and your children, and your work.
Hoping you find those times to recharge and refresh the brain ready to continue giving – because that’s what we mothers do.
When I read “six deadlines by the end of the day” my body seized up in sympathy stress. I was unable to concentrate for the remainder of what appears to be a very well written essay.
Deadlines are scary. Or rather, failing to meet peoples’ expectations, which they have expressed to you in the form of deadlines, is scary. Hope you made it. I’m sure you did.
I know your daughter would liked to have had you there, because kids at that age can NEVER get enough of us. But I trust your daughter also enjoys a roof over her head and some fall boots on her feet.
Team Suzanne´s last [type] ..Coming up empty
Yep, your daughter will be completely fine without you at her party. Just because you aren’t there doesn’t mean that she isn’t important. It means there are some other things that are important, too, and you know she is safe and cared for.
Being a working mom means you deal with this all the time. I’m not a working mom right now, but I was for 4 years and it’s a constant mental battle.
Good for you.
There is nothing wrong in giving your time a break and relax your body and your mind from all the commotion in your surrounding.
Nicole Straker´s last [type] ..Does Avesil Have Side Effects? Find Out Before You Buy
As a working mother, I am in a constant state of internal conflict with myself regarding my work and my family. It never goes away, and it is my driving force to make a change in my life….. Working is hard, being home is hard, and doing both is flat out insane. I love my job, I love my family….eternal internal conflict.
Jennifer´s last [type] ..The Friendly Rude Girl
yes. this.
jen´s last [type] ..drowning.
I don’t go to my kids’ parties either. I do help once a week at lunchtime, out of guilt, but I kind of hate it.
Steph
Adventures In Babywearing´s last [type] ..Dear shadow alive and well