i'm not your superwoman

One of the many, many things that I find more and more irritating these days is the idea of Mom as Superwoman.  Yeah...I realize this isn't a new thing.  TV's been trying to get us to swallow this pill for years, but it seems like a number of us maternal-types are buying. 

The majority of the women I seem to encounter are clearly all from the same school for over-achievers.  They are everything to everyone at all times and smiley and pleasant while they do it. 

It makes me want to puke. 

inertia

• Lumpy
• Unwilling
• Exhausting
• Weighted
• Blah
• Disinterested
• Thick-headed
• Sloth-like
• Stuck

school of the home

Around here, there's been lots of talk about moms (and even some dads) pulling their kids out of the local public in order to live above the influence and school their chicklets at home. I myself shudder to think of a situation that would require me to be add full-time teacher of my kids to the list of monikers they already refer to me. Primary caretaker, medical technician, hygiene authority, therapist, nurturer, personal chef, chauffeur, life giver, social director, party planner, housekeeper, life guard, fitness coach, tutor, advocate, security officer, personal shopper, laundress, and biggest fan are already roles in which I spend quite a bit of time. I can't imagine having to also be responsible for a daily routine which would include curriculum, lectures, guided practice, independent practice, field trips, educationally-based teachable moments, authentic assessment and timely feedback. I'm not saying it can't be done, nor am I saying it shouldn't be. I just think that the world is large and full of authentic learning opportunities and attending school is, in my opinion, a significant one.

he looks good

Be forewarned. This is something of a rant.... I H-A-T-E it when people feel the need to tell me that Mitchell "looks good". It infuriates me. He looks good so everything must be okay. He looks good so I'm sure things aren't that bad/difficult/shitty/whatever. First of all, he has had this cancer for the last 5 years (at the very least). So the way he looked before we discovered he has cancer may not be the best measure for looking good. Second, HE'S FUCKING GREY! Am I really the only person that sees this? His hands and feet (you know the part that's supposed to be light?)...his are a weird charcoal color. And the skin is peeling and flaking off in ribbons. Looking GOOD! Do they listen to his voice when he talks? He sounds exhausted. He shuffles around some days like he's a hundred. Just because he says he's fine when you ask, doesn't mean he's telling you the truth. There's so much more that I won't even get into. I realize that people say this to be supportive or positive or whatever. But I hate it. No I'm not saying it would be better if they opened with, "Gosh, Mitch looks like shit!" I can honestly say that I don't know what would be better. I just know that I cannot skip around pretending that things aren't serious or scary or forever different than before cancer. I also know that when I look at him, he doesn't look good. He looks run down and exhuasted and frustrated and worried. How can that look good?