So this conversation literally happened almost word for word a few moments ago. I couldn’t resist running to my sketch pad and recording it. Who’d a thunk a 12 year old girl would take fashion advice from her 10 year old brother? Who’d a thunk he’d be so on point? These are the moments that need to be remembered.
Snot season, I like it. It got me thinking that maybe we should just rename the whole winter/spring/summer/fall thing to the seasons that we parents really feel. I created a new “4 seasons” wheel below. If you agree, lemme know. If you think there is a more damning ailment for a particular season, lemme know that too!
I’ve learned over the years that I have to get very zen when it comes to cooking meals for my family. A dear friend of mine once said meals take up one third of the week when you factor in your figuring out what to make, buying the food, putting away the food, preparing a meal, eating the meal and cleaning up after the meal. I put a lot of thought and energy into making good food that is flavourful and nutritious so being advised that “gourmet” is clearly not synonymous with “delicious-can-I-please-have-some-more” could be very disheartening. I’ve also learned (though not without much kicking and screaming on my part), that it’s better just to roll with it. And sometimes, plain pasta with butter and a wee bit of salt is all ya need.
Imagine you’ve just had two weeks off, spent time with friends and family, didn’t have to worry about rushing out in the morning or having to pack a lunch and your knapsack, played outside without a care in the world, watched too much TV, played too many video games and ate too much junk. Then, with the Christmas break over, you’ve got to go back to school and all the routines come flooding back. It probably is hard not to feel a little bleak about your future when rules and routines are the order of the day. I get it.
It has been a “wild” ride this year. May your holiday be filled with rest, good cheer and family and friends. Here’s to much health, happiness and fun in 2016!
After listing all the things that were on my plate, my thoughtful son said I should see a physiotherapist. He meant psychiatrist, however, after we had a wee chat about it, he decided an “Overwhelmapist” would be better as I was more overwhelmed by the sheer number of things I felt that I needed to accomplish than anything else. Does such a person exist? If so, please contact me asap.
I truly believe the conquest, then the trades, are far more satisfying than the eating of the sugary treasure ever is.
The Art of Dad 