• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • About
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • San Diego Momma
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
San Diego Momma

San Diego Momma

Sharing some humor, a bit of writing and way too much information

Home / Etcetera / Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men

Etcetera

I’d kinda hoped for a brief respite today. Oh sure, I needed to edit my reports, stick something in the crock pot, and do a cursory housecleaning, but I’d have loved to punctuate my day with a little mindless TV, perhaps some popcorn, even a nap. Each day fills with obligations and chores and I realize it’s 9PM and I haven’t recharged all day. As soon as the bedtime battle is fought, I’ve even taken to collapsing on the couch and hoping my husband’s found something on the television in the other room. I just don’t have conversation in me. Even the blog’s begun to feel like another to-do.

 

I think I’m one of those people who needs a lot of mental downtime. I’ve got to refresh or I’m a bear. But when you’re mom to two small kids, work from home and run a household, you need to make peace with the lack of relaxation and just-doing-nothingness or you’ll become resentful and crabby. Like I am now.

 

It’s just the details, you know? The knowledge that your work is truly never done. There’s always another dish to wash, diapers to buy, food to be cooked. The never endingness of it all is so daunting. And when I’m not doing that kind of stuff, I’m sitting at the computer cranking out another report, knowing that if I don’t spend my time constructively, we might not pay all our bills this month.

 

I know: shut up. Everyone’s got their something. And I know my husband feels the same: always running, thinking, “what’s next on the list?.” It’s not as if our situation is any different from millions of others out there. Plus, the single mom or dad? I can’t even imagine.

 

Then there IS the fact that right now, I’m sitting on the couch, writing this. So I give thanks for that. Toots came down with the stomach flu last night (“Mom? It feels like there’s a knife and… {{dramatic pause}} …scissors in my stomach.”) She’d crept into bed with us, as she does most nights, and brought a barf bowl with her. Juggling the bowl on her chest for a fitful hour, she finally gave up the fight and spewed everywhere.

 

I made The Rock clean most of it. The sight of the barf sloshing around the bowl very nearly did me in, but I managed to mop most of it off the sheets, while I instructed The Rock to dispose of the puke in the toilet and not the sink because the chunks don’t drain. THAT didn’t sit well and The Rock grumbled, “I know!” and slunked around the bathroom finishing up. Then, when he discovered I’d missed a large puke spot, a spot which he’d sat down on, he became downright insulting. So I left to sleep on the couch, realized my back wouldn’t suffer it gladly, and made him sleep there instead.

 

This morning, I discovered Toots had peed all over the bed. And that’s pretty much when I lost my marbles. I just didn’t want to strip the bed. AGAIN. Didn’t want to do laundry, make breakfast, take a shower, nothing. Instead, I imagined a caregiver entering the bedroom just then, someone to soothe me, make me soup, and babysit my kids while I watched re-runs of the Deadliest Catch. I just felt all, you know: No more, no more, NO MORE!

 

But up I got. And here I am.

 

On the bright side, the sound of the dryer winding down is wafting up the stairs and both kids are napping, so, I’m going to sit here for awhile, count my blessings and shut the hell up.

 

And in case you’re a fan of happy endings, here’s the note I got from The Rock this morning:

 

“Sorry about last night. A couple minor frustrations broke the camel’s back
You do not deserve to be the recipient. Tell Toots I am proud of her for
trying so hard to not get sick in the bed. Tell Booger I am going to send her
to live on the booger farm with all the rest of the boogers if she doesn’t
make bedtime easier. I think she is sneakily making us pay for the
bottlectomy. I love you.

 

Grumpy Old Man”

 

At least we’re in it together.

 

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

May 29, 2008 · 15 Comments

Sure I’d love to see you again

Previous Post: « Really Written for Her Grandma, (I Think), But I Re-Purposed It
Next Post: Say Hi to The Mom Crowd »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  1. Kristen says

    May 29, 2008 at 12:15 pm

    That is a pretty sweet note. I so feel for you, been there, done that a dozen times. As we all have, I am sure. I so love waking up in a pee puddle. nice.
    Hope you find some quiet today and everyone sleeps tonight.

    Reply
  2. slouching mom says

    May 29, 2008 at 1:46 pm

    Oh, Deb! You got one of the good guys!

    Reply
  3. Momma Mary says

    May 29, 2008 at 2:13 pm

    Oh, when It rains, it pours. Good thing the Rock is such a good guy! What a nice note. Hopefully you’ll all get feeling better!

    Reply
  4. robyn says

    May 29, 2008 at 2:55 pm

    I like your blog. Just thought I’d tell ya. I hope you get your mental downtime. I need that too, and I don’t even have any kids yet. Be well!

    Reply
  5. FerdC says

    May 29, 2008 at 5:35 pm

    As a father of four, I can way relate. But my baby boy is 22 and just graduated from college, so all the pee and vomit has long since faded in memory. Well, except for the college parties.

    I love hearing stories where the husband is a good guy. There is so much man bashing out there. I loved his note. The Rock rocks!

    Reply
  6. The Girl Next Door says

    May 29, 2008 at 5:59 pm

    SOOO good to hear there is another person out there who needs that mental (andy physical) downtime. I used to be so crabby and exhausted all the time b/c my Ex (then hubby) did not understand that part of me at all. So I felt guilty ever taking 5 minutes for me and therefore did not. I have to say a benefit of my divorce is that every other week I think of no one but ME (ok that’s a lie I think of the kids every 5 seconds and call them, but I don’t have to Schlepp them!). And yes you know the kiddies will be grown before too long, but I so hear you sister, I so do. Your life is HARD! I’m glad the Rock also has a soft spot….

    Reply
  7. Melanie says

    May 29, 2008 at 11:25 pm

    Even though I’m now an at home mommy, I still need a little down time. Too many days of being Mom or Wife and not Me can get me down.

    My 5 year old is still having accidents. For about 2 weeks at the end of last year it was happening almost every night. I was so tired and fed up of having to start laundry every morning before work and finish when I got home so his bed would be made.

    I went to Wal Mart and got 3 sets of bottom sheets and 2 mattress protectors (the short kind that went in the crib, not the ones that cover the entire mattress like a sheet would).

    My son now has a waterproof pad on the mattress and then three layers of sheets and pads. When he pees in the middle of the night, I strip off a layer while he changes into dry pj’s.

    It’s saved so much time and we all get right back into bed while we’re still groggy enough to fall back asleep.

    Sorry, that got kinda long, but I hope it helps.

    Reply
  8. Myra says

    May 30, 2008 at 3:09 am

    I was getting that knot in my stomach for you. The kind you get after a fight. And then there was a happy ending. I’m so glad. That Rock is a keeper. Today will be a better day.

    We had one of Those Nights too. My son had an accident in his bed. But I’m convinced that someday we will fondly remember these days with our kiddos were little.

    Reply
  9. matteroffactmommy says

    May 30, 2008 at 8:28 am

    this is my favorite sandiegomomma. even though you’re crabby and frustrated. it’s the little slice of life shit that i love reading. makes me feel sane along the insane journey of parenthood.

    as far as the puking/peeing the bed stuff. you see, i am usually just great in ‘crisis’ situations WHEN THEY’RE HAPPENING. i buck up and do whatever is necessary of me as mom (and the parent who isn’t repulsed by the puke) and i do it quickly and without anger.

    it’s the next day, or the following weeks that i start to get ready to blow… shit builds up and builds up. the constant changing of the sheets for the sick kids, the constant bottle-washing and laundry-doing. the f-ing vacuuming. the changing of the diapers… BOOM! it hits me and my husband suffers the wrath. usually, the BOOM! is followed by a long walk with my poodle. i grab poodle, the leash and say, “i’ll be back.”

    Reply
  10. ExtraordinaryMommy says

    May 30, 2008 at 1:47 pm

    I feel like we might be sharing a brain today. I just stumbled on your blog and your post combines 2 of mine today (the first about my crabby morningness and the second about a little ‘me time’.) I needed the me time today…and I took it. I was so crabby this morning, but I’m finally shaking it off. The to-do list is never done, but at least for today, I felt as though I could let a little slide. (And, though I didn’t have a sick little one last night…I did change sheets in the middle of the night)

    Motherhood is just a funny little sisterhood.

    Reply
  11. Jenn @ Juggling Life says

    May 30, 2008 at 3:06 pm

    That being in it together thing is key. I hope tomorrow is barfless.

    Reply
  12. mommypie says

    May 30, 2008 at 9:04 pm

    It must be catching. I’ve been in the same place the whole week. MP’s peed the bed three straight nights; the bills haven’t been paid FOREVER, the house is a wreck … I’m exhausted. All week I’ve wanted to just hide under the covers. And I’ve neglected my favorite blogs because there JUST AREN’T ENOUGH HOURS IN THE DAY.

    Oh, I so wish we were in the same city. Commiserating over margs sounds SO good right now.

    PS — went to the dr. and turns out the heart attack is ACID REFLUX. (Which I see you’re advertising – ha!) Yay. More meds. Better than the alternative I suppose …

    WOW. Color me bummer tonight.

    Reply
  13. Jen says

    May 31, 2008 at 12:47 pm

    Puke cleanup is truly the worst part about being a mom–yuck! Hope she is feeling better and you get some MUCH NEEDED downtime!! :)

    Reply
  14. Mommyrella says

    May 31, 2008 at 2:25 pm

    We all can so relate to that overwhelmed feeling you have. I hope right now you’re having a great weekend and taking some time to just hang out and do nothing. Sounds like you and the Rock need a date and some time to regroup. (I glanced at your post yesterday, but couldn’t comment because I have another big hairy deadline Monday.)

    Reply
  15. Cheri @ Blog This Mom! says

    May 31, 2008 at 5:21 pm

    What a great note from The Rock. But even more totally awesome is San Diego Momma. It gets easier. It really does. They pee and barf less, then not at all, then in dorms, then not at all. And then we’re too old to care and we die. Wait! I was trying to cheer you up. See? I’m in need of mental downtime too. Let’s get some together. Let’s go see a cowboy sing. Wanna?

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

I love words. Every one, every time. (Except “moist.” That word can go.) …read more

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Sure. I’d love to see you again.

Categories

Archives

Blogroll

  • Blog This Mom
  • Da Goddess
  • Dirt and Noise
  • Discover San Diego
  • Foolery
  • Juggling Life
  • Mama Mary Show
  • Mel, A Dramatic Mommy
  • Mom Zombie
  • Mommy’s Martini
  • Motherhood is Not for Wimps
San Diego Momma

Footer

Archives

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Categories

sandiegomomma

sandiegomomma
Back in Lake Geneva after 36 years… Circumstance Back in Lake Geneva after 36 years…
Circumstances have changed since post-Prom-picnic-circa-1986-vibes…
#WhereIsBryanAdamsNow
Dorm drop! 🏫👩‍🏫🥲💕 Dorm drop!
🏫👩‍🏫🥲💕
💫Travel poster for Saturday wine tasting.💫 💫Travel poster for Saturday wine tasting.💫
Celebrating the new 16-year-old with a quick Santa Celebrating the new 16-year-old with a quick Santa Monica trip.
And now she knows she doesn’t want to live in LA….
#LifeLessons
It’s happening….. It’s happening…..
Barely tolerating me….. Barely tolerating me…..
Beach day with my “little” one while big sis e Beach day with my “little” one while big sis explores Cal Poly…
Life transitions. Beautiful but I haz the olds.
#NotAboutMe #Whhhhyyyyy
A rare Bubbie sighting. Spotted in the wild. #HeDo A rare Bubbie sighting. Spotted in the wild. #HeDoesntLikePictures
Sunset squad. Brought a picnic and drinks to Del M Sunset squad.
Brought a picnic and drinks to Del Mar and watched the waves and horizon. Not too crowded or cold - another good hang with the neighborhood gang! ❤️❤️
Imprinting 2021 holidays on my brain (and in my In Imprinting 2021 holidays on my brain (and in my Instagram) (and in my antibodies). It’s a COVID New Year’s Eve…
Husband and I down for the count(down).
BUT. We’re doing decent and it’s cozy up in here…
Winery times! Winery times!
Guys on couch watching football; girls in kitchen Guys on couch watching football; girls in kitchen talking about everything.
Smells like a Sunday neighbor night. ;)
Line dancing lessons… My two left feet did nothi Line dancing lessons…
My two left feet did nothing right - but they did it with gusto.
Looking for a new book to read! #BookClub Despite Looking for a new book to read! #BookClub Despite the seeming divine intervention from above, we weren’t struck with the “perfect” next book to put on our list…..
Post-white-water-rafting super exhaustion. (Oh my Post-white-water-rafting super exhaustion.
(Oh my gosh you guys…! No! I’m not a sports model! But I totally understand how you might think so.) 😜😜😜
I wanted my hair to do that. #NordicSisters I wanted my hair to do that.
#NordicSisters
Dad’s hats on the people who loved/knew/laughed/ Dad’s hats on the people who loved/knew/laughed/sang with him.
Miss you Dad. Hope we do your hats justice. Lord knows we’ll have fun in them, just like you did. 😇
Paso Robles! Wine tasting beauty. It’s stunning Paso Robles! Wine tasting beauty. It’s stunning here. And the landscape is nice too ;).
Found my brother’s old ad copy. Good fun-writing Found my brother’s old ad copy. Good fun-writing inspiration...
Just in case I wasn’t feeling ancient enough, th Just in case I wasn’t feeling ancient enough, the rainbow jumper and white bobby socks oughta do it. No but wait! There’s a bowl cut. Annnnnnnddd giant gold-rimmed specs.
#CentennialFashion
Load More... Follow on Instagram
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Hello Chicky

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT