Good Ones and Bad Ones

Everyone has them: Good days... bad days... days you would like to forget... days you never want to forget...

I'm in a cycle of "I'd like to forget them but they aren't bad enough for the record book" series of days.  Yesterday I experienced a moment of parental genius when I found an actual positive purpose for those silly shaped rubber bands that are all the craze right now.

But the euphoria from that "lightbulb" was short lived and today my vocal cords are burning and may actually shred into pieces from shouting over the volume of kids arguing and dogs fighting - usually all at once.  Despite the "two hour mandatory nap on hump day" policy that was strictly enforced, my mood is as gloomy as a cold November afternoon.

July historically falls squarely into the "never want to forget it" or the "desperately want to forget it" category with very little wiggle room.  I look forward to the heat of summer and the sparkle of Fourth of July fireworks like a little kid waits for Santa on Christmas.

I remember almost every 4th of July from when I was a child.  We either went to cookouts at the golf course with friends or spent our days on the beaches of St. Simons.  As I've gotten older, my yearning to give my own children the same experience - and my own selfish desire to feel my toes in the sand - has driven me to a tunnel-vision like focus on getting the hell out of dodge sometime during the summer months.

This summer we decided to forego the summer vacation and focus on things closer to home.  We built a swingset in the backyard and have upped our water bill exponentially by celebrating many nights of sprinkler time to cool down after a hot day.

But now, halfway through the summer, I am desperately longing for the sound of the ocean and some quiet time with a book on the beach.  Or maybe just some good earplugs and a soft, white, padded room... and maybe some tea with honey for my throat...

Yes, I know I have three children and "quiet time" is something that I long ago chose to give up.

But the reality is that I am looking forward to the kiddos going back to school.  I'm ready for a couple of hours of time almost to myself.   As much as I adore my babies, I need some time to recharge my own batteries too.  Sometimes it feels like every day is Groundhog Day and I need something positive to help break this particular cycle of deja-vous.

If I suggest a "staycation" next year, please take away a silly band... and send me to time out to think about my behavior.

Love, hugs, and blessings,
The Mama