Late last week I held a pity party. We were two weeks into summer vacation and I was more exhausted than during the school year. This did not seem possible. It is unfortunate for my family that they all misplaced the invitations to the pity party and decided not to show up. This led to a hissy fit of which I am extremely proud. I announced that it was my summer, too, and I was going to enjoy it!
Now, there are certainly no expectations of summer days spent lazily at the beach with not a care in the world. This summer idyll only exists if you have full-time staff. All I wanted was a few hours a week when I could work on my tan and get caught up on some reading. Here’s how I am tackling my goal:
– The first Peapod delivery from Stop&Shop arrives tonight between 6:59 pm and 8:59 pm. I purposely planned the delivery for when I would be at a baseball game so that someone else can unpack the groceries.
– Full laundry service will resume in September, but until then I will launder clothes for only four of us, as my husband wears a suit every day and the boys don’t seem to be changing their clothes too often lately. The girls are on their own.
– Everyone, though, is responsible for getting their laundry to the laundry room. Anyone who allows mold to build up on the their bedroom floor from wet bathing suits and towels will be expected to pay for the removal of aforementioned mold.
– There are now two teenage drivers in the house and I will not help with car negotiations. They have the old car that they now must share. On days they can’t work it out, we are only a mile’s walk from the train.
– Dinner will be on my terms. The new kitchen was designed for me. Cooking by others must occur when I am not standing in front of the stove. People who don’t like what I serve are free to have a peanut butter sandwich. Add a piece of cheese and an apple and all of the food groups are covered. Just ask Dr. Oz.
– I work very hard at staying focused on all of you in the late afternoon and evenings. So, when I am in front of the computer or on the phone during the day, DO NOT TALK TO ME. The only exception is if you can’t stop the blood yourself.
– Finally, please stop grumbling about how I treat the youngest. Instead, you should be taking notes. He is always nice to me and pays me compliments on a regular basis. Flattery will get you everywhere.
Just writing all of this down has made me feel more relaxed. As the summer progresses I will let you know how this plan is going. Please send me a note if you have other suggestions that work for you. I’m sure my family will thank you!
A motivating discussion is definitely worth comment.
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issue, it might not be a taboo subject but usually people do not talk
about such subjects. To the next! Best wishes!!
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love your writing – wish i had some summer suggestions and wish i attended your pity party – but after 4 years of being at sleepaway all summer my (unpleasant) teenagers are home and my (happy and pleasant) 10 year old is away all summer, making for a miserable summer in the household! Can’t wait for school to start and mourning the days when the kids were little and happy to play in the backyard, go to the town pool, or be seen with me……..
As for the laundry – wait till varsity football practice kicks in and your son is drenched in sweat 2/3 times a day!
thanks for letting me vent!
I am enstating all of these rules immediatley at my house! Now that I work full time they can make my summer fun!