Wow! How Do Single Moms Do It?

I am not a single mom. I am blessed to have a husband that is actively involved in helping raise our twins. Unfortunately, two and a half weeks ago, he fell off a ladder at work and broke his shoulder and wrist...his right shoulder and wrist. He is not allowed to drive for now, and he is able to do little to help out. I am overwhelmed.

Single moms amaze me! Whether by choice, accident, or fate, single moms bear a heavier load than the rest of us. I can't imagine being everything to my family: breadwinner, counselor, chef, laundress, mechanic, carpenter, teacher, ....... The logistics are what's doing me in right now. I'm pretty good at getting us all up, ready, and out of the house in the morning. The daycare drop off is pretty smooth, too. My work days are 120% packed straight up until 4 pm. That's when trouble starts. I race from work to pick up the kids at daycare. We hop in the car and head home. They watch Sprout while I cook dinner, do dishes, and laundry. Then, it is bath and bedtime, theirs and mine. I'm not getting to spend the quality time I used to with them. That makes me sad. My two favorite little people are growing up so quickly, and right now, I don't get to be involved.

So, how do you do it? How do you get everything done and still fit in the books, cuddles, and activities? Any hints are welcome! Thanks!

Oh my goodness! I killed Borders!!!!!!

I need to make a public apology. I killed Borders. It was on the news the other night, and I knew it was completely my fault. The bookstore used to see the bulk of my paychecks when I was single. I had discovered Amazon, but there's still something special about wandering the stacks and discovering a new author or a new title by a favorite author. When we moved out of the city, the nearest Borders was a miniature version of the real thing. So I became and Amazon junky. Amazon LOVES me! I use Amazon for everything, even for reviews when shopping elsewhere. But, in the beginning, I bought books. And, I bought LOTS of them. Unfortunately, our hundred year old house, while big on charm, is short on storage. My hubby told me I had to pare down my collection. Uh-oh!

I started giving books away to friends, family, and charity, just so I could buy new books. Then, when the time came, I'd have to repeat the process just to buy more books. Can we say futile?!?! Things made a dramatic change when we got some wonderful news. We were having twins! But, that meant being even shorter on space, as we would eventually need two bedrooms for our boy/girl twins. Bye-bye office!

Enter Prince Charming, a.k.a. my wonderful husband. He surprised me at the beginning of summer 2009 with a Kindle, and my world changed forever. I carry a bookstore and my bookshelves in my purse. I can shop for new literary adventures from my bed at three in the morning. And, I never have to find a place to store another book! Wow! I told everyone I was only gong to buy electronic books from then on.

I know that people have mixed feelings about e-readers. I'm an addict. They are lightweight, pretty compact, and the font is adjustable. There is an abundance of variety, and I've broadened my scope of materia far more than I ever did in a bookstore. Plus, the prices are significantly lower. Bonus! People ask if I miss turning pages, holding a book in my hands, the smell of the pages and print. I don't. Not one bit.

Do I think e-readers, pads, and tablets will replace books? No. At least I hope not. Because, you see, I haven't been completely honest. I still buy books, just not for me. Thing 1 and Thing 2 have quite the collection going, and we're once again finding space to store all the books.

Out of the Mouths of Babes

My darling little girl is a chatterbox. She picks up on words quickly and loves to hear herself talk, and she loves talking to others. Our neighbor gave CLW a stuffed pink flamingo when she was born. Now, as strong as her speech is for almost 22 months, "flamingo" is just not in her vocabulary. Unfortunately for me, she loves the damn bird!

She has started taking the flamingo to bed with her. She loves to carry it around. She pretends to make it stand and dance. Tonight, she pretended to make it fly. No problems, right? WRONG! My hubby had just turned around from changing JTW when CLW swung the flamingo at them and shouted, "Fly fu**er!" Do you know how hard it was to NOT laugh and egg her on?!?! I almost died!

I can't send her to school in her flamingo tank top, and that bird sure as heck isn't going to mass with us any time soon! Mother of the Year right here! Ugh!

I know how to spell!

I know that mainly is spelled m-a-i-n-l-y. I did not make a mistake. I love Maine. My mom's family is from Maine. She had a business while I was in high school called Mainely Lobster. When she had a boat, it was called Mainely Mom's. Until she actually moved to Maine, her license plate actually read "MAINELY." So, I'm not a poor speller, I'm a word thief!

Maine is a different way of life. The pace is slower. The people are friendlier. The open spaces are wider. The air is fresher. I could go on and on. Eventually, we will move to Maine. My mother's house will become mine in the future.

My mother would like the move to happen sooner rather than later. She's talked of buying additional property just to give us the opportunity to become her neighbors. I had always thought I would be the one caring for my mother as she got older. (Not that she needs any care right now.) But, I'm not sure I can leave Maryland right now. My husband's family and my brother and his wife are nearby. Hubby and I both have good jobs with a great deal of seniority. We love our home and the area where we've chosen to live. But, we love Maine too. The decision isn't a reality at this point. We're not going anywhere anytime soon. But, the thought is always at the back of my mind. Could we do it? Would we do it? Should we do it? Hmmm...

Common Sense Ain't So Common (Otherwise known as "Here's your sign!" for those that know Bill Engvall)

I was picking up dinner tonight from a local restaurant. The girl in line behind me approached the cashier and recognized him. They chatted awhile and then she asked, "Do you work here?" HELLO!!! He's in uniform and working the cash register! What do you think? Ugh!

Lately, I feel like common sense isn't so common. I have daily encounters with people that are book smart and completely lost. I'm a teacher. I'm all for education. But, if your friends and family are constantly pointing out that which should be obvious, something's wrong. And for pete's sake, stay outta my way!

I'm Learning to Speak My Mind

Recently, several of my friends have started blogs of their own. All three women are wonderfully intelligent, well-read women, each with their own unique voice. Each speaks her mind eloquently. Momma C, KC, and Mrs. T., you are my inspirations. As Maggie Kuhn once said, "Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes." That's what I intend to do here.

I'm a MOBGT. What's that? I'm a mother of boy/girl twins. The kiddos are almost two years old and keep us on our toes. He is on the go, nonstop, from morning to night. He's 100% boy through and through. She is a girly-girl, a chatterbox who is constantly amazing us with the things she says. As their pediatrician said, they are a study in stereotypes.

My husband and I have been married for almost six years. He's the man I spent years looking for, but never thought I'd find. His sister introduced us, thinking we'd be good friends. She was right! TC, I have you to thank for the greatest blessings in my life. Thank you! I love you!

As a teacher, another Maggie Kuhn quote is one of my favorites, "When you least expect it, someone may actually listen to what you have to say." Being as it is the end of the school year, I have a feeling that the listeners won't be my students right now. But, come the end of August, I will be able to start my 19th year of teaching with a brand new group. Maybe they'll be ready to tune in. Until then, let me know you're out there. Is anyone listening?