Patience is Indeed a Virtue

I’m one of the most impatient people you’ll ever meet. When I want results, I want them yesterday. When I want to buy something, assuming it’s feasible to obtain it, I obsess about it until I get it, even if I end up feeling guilty later. I’m dead set on accomplishing my goals. I want ostensible evidence of my efforts ASAP. (Including a large number of followers for this blog, cough, cough.)

Having a child turns the instant gratification mentality upside down. In the past, I often wondered whether I’d be a suitable parent, given my general impatience and my need for order and cleanliness (if you haven’t already, check out “Moms in the Trenches” for more on that subject). I think Heidi had the same concerns, because I am driven and anal and particular about minutia almost as much as I am about what really matters – sad but true.

Laughter Is The Best Medicine!

If you're like me, this time of afternoon is tough. I get sleepy after lunch, and I know there are still roughly two hours between me and my couch. So, naturally, I troll the Internet for funny things to make me laugh and keep my mind engaged (what, work is supposed to do that?) - shh, don't tell.

If you're also craving a laugh right about now, check out "9 Hilariously Distressing Letters from Kids."  (One of these should look familiar.)  I can't wait until Anna gets old enough to write!  She can almost write her name already....look out, world!

Worrywart!

There are no worries like those that you have about your child.  Now, I’ve always had a predisposition for anxiety. I’m not just anxious about big things, but I’m also overly concerned about stupid little things. I am also restless and tense and wander around the house puttering when I can.

For example, tonight Anna has already fallen asleep and I am alone with her and my dog and cat and my thoughts for the evening. And now that I have the “me” time I occasionally, secretly crave….I really don’t know what to do with myself. So, instead of pacing around and cleaning, I decided to write – sorry to take my restlessness out on you in the cyber world!

Attitude of Gratitude

This is one of those posts I wish I'd written myself, but alas, I can't claim any credit whatsoever.  I read Jim Higley's post, "Living Life With a Sense of Awe," this morning and loved it, so I had to share it with you.

It's so true that anyone can teach kids how to say rote things, like "thank you," but imparting the meaning behind the words is another story. We do need to cultivate in our children - and ourselves - an attitude of gratitude that goes beyond mere good manners. This is worth a read.

Please check out the post and also Mr. Higley's blog, Bobblehead Dad.

Nasty Beach Lady

Well, it finally happened. I met a friend of Miserable Old Lady and Evil Restaurant Man: Nasty Beach Lady (or, for ease of reference, NBL).

Surely some of you have met her. She sprawls out in her chair, lounging and trying to read a novel and devouring chips while her unruly children run around like wild animals, nearly drowning in the lake and getting into fights with each other and with other kids. And she has the gall to get mad at them for it, screaming at them while a cigarette dangles from her lips. Given the sound of her voice, she’s probably got beer in her travel mug, but I can’t be sure.