Just Do What I Say And Nobody Has To Hear Me Sing

My girl left for school upset this morning and it took everything in me NOT to say, "Hey, who needs school anyway?  Stay home. Rest a little. Take a break." I knew, however, that her condition did not warrant such a dramatic statement, but if there's anything I hate more, it's seeing a distressed kid leave the house. I've sent her two text messages containing song lyrics to try to make her smile, but the silence of my phone indicates her refusal to smile at this point (or at least respond). Oh well. I'm sure a couple of her BFF's will do the trick for me.

The problem? Contacts. As in new contacts for the eyes. Yesterday I took two out of three kids to the eye doctor for the grand step into the world of clear vision without glasses. Needless to say, it was not as painless as I'm sure they both imagined it would be. If there's one thing about this instant world we live in, it's that when things don't happen instantly, we (the kids, me, people in general) tend to get frustrated easily. The art of patience is becoming a virtuous characteristic of the past.

They'll catch on, though, to the whole foreign concept of sticking something in the eye. I have no doubt about that. I remember my first go-round with the entire thing... I think I was my daughter's age, as a matter of fact. I wonder what my mom remembers about the ordeal. I remember frustration, frustration, and more frustration. If there's one thing I'm looking forward to about heaven (after a little baby and a little grandma, of course) it's being able to see clearly. No more bad eyesight for me.

Lasik? (you're thinking). Nope. I'm not really a candidate. Yes, my eyes are that bad. I've been advised that even with corrective eye surgery, I would still most likely need corrective lenses of some sort. I'll stick with what I've got. Jesus will come soon enough. Patience is a virtue, remember? Not to mention that the entire concept of a laser in the eye freaks me out a little. Besides, I can use that money on other fun stuff like books and coffee and the electric bill.

Speaking of books, I'm currently reading American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History. It's not for the easily offended, I can tell you that. I think the middle would enjoy the book, but I'm leery of suggesting it to him based on the language and the sheer fact that he is already infatuated enough with that type of career choice. If there's any kid of mine that I could easily hear saying, "Mom, you know I can't tell you anything about my job," that would be him.

And that's another path that my mind quickly shuts down on.

I think I'll get back to the tasks at hand:
Thinking about my girl, making another cup of coffee, and writing.

I've got a whole lot of writing to do today and it has nothing to do with this rambling blog or eye contacts or military authors. It does, however, have everything to do with a grade. One thing at a time, right? I sure hope she comes home smiling. though. I would hate to greet her at the door singing.

That would really make her cry.

Roller Coaster Life

I love roller coasters, but I hate the height part of it. You know that clackety-clack sound that takes you to the tip-top part of a coaster? To me, that's the worst part. That and the eerie silence that coincides with the end of that clackety-clack sound. The tell-tale moment when the last car loses contact with the chain that sends the whole contraption plummeting down through twists and turns and speeding its way to no return... well, to the end of the ride anyway. The anticipation. The actual event. And the feeling at the end that cries, "I did it!" Ahhhh... makes me want to go ride one now even though I'm no where near one. I guess I'm thinking of roller coasters because that's how the day has been. Up and down. A twist here and a turn there.

Peaceful breakfast at a local place.
Stressful drive through the projects of downtown.

Relaxing five-minute nap on the couch.
Aggravating tax bill in the mail.

Joy at application for graduation notice.
Sadness at fee required for that application.

And so the day went, kinda back and forth for much of it. I took a two-hour exam that kept me in my seat for that full two hours... who cares if I really needed a bathroom break due to all the coffee I drank to prepare me for that exam. By the time I finished, my bangs were sticking straight up from the all the pulling of my hair that took place (so much for fixing it), my wedding rings were off because I can't stand jewelry when I'm hot or stressed (little tidbit for ya), and I had no time to spare before I headed to school for the daily kid- pick up (i.e. no time to hit the restroom).

Forty minutes later, back at the house, and all necessities taken care of,  I dyed a girl's beautiful head of hair her selected (temporary) color. We converted the front porch to a mini-salon, applied the color in the sunshine, and set the timer. All that effort and we're pretty sure it's the exact same color, maybe a little lighter. Oh well. Her hair smells like coconuts and reminds me of the beach. I'm debating if I would like to make a day trip there tomorrow just because. As much as I love roller coasters, I love the beach better. It's either that or the museum. Anything to get me away from a laundry basket and the computer.

The husband has taken care of getting me away from the kitchen. He took one look at me (after finding my wedding rings on the desk) and announced it would be a good night for pizza. And thanks to google and a little quick research, the youngest announced that one of my favorite clothing stores is near the museum. Combine that with a little birthday cash I've had stashed, and that plan might just beat out the beach. Come to think of it, I really don't care which direction I go as long as I go somewhere different. That's kind of the  fun with roller coasters, too. You go all different directions, but know exactly where you'll end up.

For me, I'll end up right back here.
On the couch. With the computer.
Serenaded by the oldest on the guitar.

No chicken exit in sight.

Dear World,

Not today.

You are not gonna have me today.

I know things look kinda shaky. I stayed up late waiting on - - -

{This reading is interrupted to point out if you've read this before, yes, a portion of this

 particular  blog entry has been removed due to my belated better judgment.

 Ahhhh... the beauty of a delete button.}

And to everyone who is tired of hearing me go on and on and on about this... well, I guess there are other things to read out there. My next big dilemma will be the prospect of going on for a master's degree. Maybe I'm just afraid I won't be able to find a job. Anyway, if this topic bores you to no end, join the long line of already bored people called my immediate family. My children's eyes form an instantaneous glazed-over, bored look at the first mention of Can you BELIEVE what I have to do this week? The husband is the only one who really has to pretend interest. This was his idea afterall. His support is not up for negotiation.

Another thing trying to bring me down this morning was my beloved children. Oh, I know it is a Monday and they stayed up too late and sometimes mornings just stink. I understand the longing to keep the feel of cold, hard cash in your pocket and thinking life is not fair and wishing your siblings would just talk nice. I really do get it, but life and the school bell waits for no one. I considered jumping the car and driving them all to school to remind them who's the boss, but let's face it: I really didn't want to get out of my pajamas. No, I'm not lazy. I'm just practical. If they're mad at me there's no sense subjecting them to another ongoing lecture that can outlast three stoplights. Besides, there's always the ride home.

I'm gonna wrap this up and kick on the tunes. I've got all day to spread a little sunshine in my life via the washing machine and vacuum cleaner. My first cup of coffee is kicking in and things are looking up already. There are some bright spots to the day:

The Falcons won last night.

And at least one kid smiled at me.

I'm taking my Monday back.