by mssinglemama on February 24, 2009
“Waste some money on this honey,” a man said as I whisked through the automatic doors on a mission to find Benjamin plane toys and a new car seat.
His buddy laughed.
“Were they just talking to me?” I asked myself silently. Then I looked up and around and I realized I’d just walked into the wrong Wal-Mart.
A few years ago, a girl about my age had been followed home from a store very near this one and then stuffed into the trunk of her car before her assailants set it on fire. My gut instinct was to turn around immediately but I didn’t.
“No. I am going to stay. I have to face this,” I thought.
I took off my new leather gloves and hid them in my purse, hoping it would help me blend in. But I couldn’t hide everything else. My nice hair cut. My fresh smell. My make up. My warm coat.
In the snack aisle a pregnant woman was scowling into her cell phone while her friend was shouting something to whoever was on the other end. Her son sat in the cart watching. An old woman walked by but I couldn’t find a smile in her eyes, only a rigid stare, one I imagined she’d fortified over years of shopping in stores like this one. [click to continue…]
by mssinglemama on February 23, 2009
What happened:
Event 1: Benjamin and I are invited to a baptism. It’s his first time in a church. I’m worried we will spontaneously combust upon entering. Unfortunately, we don’t.
Event 2: Shortly after the baptism begins and at the most inopportune moment, Benjamin runs on a church pew in his new and very loud cowboy boots.
Event 3: Three people sit on that same pew two minutes later. They are small people and also happen to be the parents of the baby being baptised.
Event 4: The pew splits down the middle with a loud – CRACK.
Event 5: As soon as the exit is clear, I drag Benjamin out of there. No more church for us, that’s for sure.
The moral dilemma:
Do I call the church and offer to pay for the church pew?
I feel really, really bad. And yes, I know, my son is hard to control. He’s just as feisty as his mother. Clearly we need to spend more time in quiet places…
Oh, like say, on an AIRPLANE.
For a CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT to California.
I am petrified. Completely and totally.
Travel tips from seasoned parents would be appreciated.
by mssinglemama on February 19, 2009
I passed the 72 hour mark today.
I know it’s far from over. But I have to do this for Benjamin and for myself.
I have no excuses anymore. Life is easy now compared to then. The road is smooth and there’s not much to fear on the other side.
I just wish I had more chocolate in the house.
Today I ate three giant donuts, half a bag of edamame, half of a mediterranean pizza and half of Benjamin’s chicken nuggets (he made me buy them and then only ate one). I’ve also spent the entire evening scouring through cook books trying to pick new meals to brew up. I just can’t wait to taste something else with my new smoke free taste buds.
I’m just hoping my ass looks somewhat normal by the time this is all said and done. I could stand to gain a few pounds though. I hate being this skinny. It reminds me of the stress. My cheeks are actually supposed to be more fluffy. [click to continue…]
by mssinglemama on February 18, 2009
I haven’t had a cigarette in 48 hours.
Feel free to cheer me on. I need it. Because on the inside this is how I feel:
Also on my list of shit that’s really messing with me:
- Benjamin is sick as hell. He’s had a fever for three days. Now I’m feeling sick.
- I had to work from home today. Huge projects due. I’m frustrated. Wishing I could do it all and knowing I can’t.
- I just opened iPhoto and realized that I lost over one month of photos including tons of pictures of Benjamin. At least my favorites are on Flickr, but still, this is not cool.
I apologize for my griping.
But I really am completely pre-occupied right now. Can’t lie. If you’re looking for an awesome question to ponder check out my latest post for WeTV on the things I would never do. I’m really curious to hear yours.
I hope smoking is on your list. And I promise to be back at it and in better spirits within the next 48 hours.
Speaking of smoking – what are your vices? We all have them don’t we?
by mssinglemama on January 28, 2009
I like to call Benjamin my hero.
Because he is. This little guy is my guy and my reason for doing all that I do, day in and day out. I wouldn’t have it any other way because at the end of every little storm he’s there waiting with a big sloppy kiss. But lately I can’t help but notice that Benjamin is growing up on me.
Today we had a snow day. My office, his school – both closed. Before I found out our office was closing I sent my co-workers this e-mail, thought I would share…
Benjamin has a snow day – that means I have to take one with him.
HA HA – SUCKERS!!!! Having kids is great – you should all go out and make one immediately!
I’m so professional. I love it. Not sure if anyone in my office found that e-mail as funny as I did, but it had me laughing for a good two minutes. I am such a dork for admitting that and sharing it. Please don’t make fun of me. And to all of my co-workers – thanks for putting up with me all of the time. I know I can be a pain in the ass.
After a morning and afternoon inside Benjamin and I finally broke through the ice sheet over my door and hopped outside to get to work.
While I shoveled (finally found one in my garage) Benjamin used his push cart to clear snow up and down the drive way. And while I heated up the car he spent a few minutes scraping the ice off of his form of transportation.
He’s also cleaning up after himself, serving himself juice, even helping me find things. But he still throws tantrums and needs tons of cuddling. It must be an odd place for a little man – on the verge of discovering so much.
Today while surfing through my archives I found this post – Prince Charming Can Kiss My Ass – it’s a little testament to Benjamin’s creation. Something you should read if you missed it… short but sweet and, as always, filled with some thought provoking questions.
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And also, two of my dearest single parent blogging friends would appreciate a second or two of your time. [click to continue…]
