July 22, 2006
less whine, more lobster*
Wade and I were invited to two–TWO!–swank dinner parties this weekend. When I started drafting this post in my head, I was going to tell you how we were invited to TWO dinner parties and weren’t going to EITHER, because we coudn’t get a sitter! I was going to tell you all about how I called FOUR babysitters and three were busy and the fourth NEVER CALLED ME BACK, because clearly she hates my kids! I mean, why wouldn’t she! I was going to tell you how I had a good cry this afternoon, while Wade and Charlie were at the bookstore and Henry was playing in his room (”Thanks for offering, Mom, but I really just want to be alone right now. Would you like me to help YOU find something to do?”) and then fell asleep on the sofa and woke up crabby and ate some pasta because Wade INSISTED and I was too crabby to argue. I was going to tell you how I went to Old Navy the grocery because we’re out of milk AGAIN and I guess I need milk if I’m going to be STUCK AT HOME with these damn kids tomorrow night . . . .
Then my phone rang; it was Wade, calling to tell me that the AWOL babysitter had called and yes, she CAN come tomorrow night.
So now I have to come up with a whole new post. Also, something to wear to dinner.
Thank you, all of you, for your comments and e-mails. Sometimes I hate that the Internet is a virtual neighborhood, because if you all lived on my block, my life would be so fabulous. I would make each and every one of you a margarita slushie. Thank you.
Wade and I spent some time last night talking about What To Do Next (translation: I rambled on and on about how TIRED I am and how FRUSTRATED I am and how worried I am about the boy and the other boy and our family and my sanity and . . . . Wade LOVES those conversations, by the way). We’ve decided to stop Henry’s medication, because that seems to be the cause of his Satanic behavior. Our next step is to go back to the beginning and start over. Again. With ANOTHER new medication. Which may or may not work.
In the words of my very very smart friend Candace, “Trying to find the right medication is like trying to run uphill while wearing ice skates.” Doesn’t that sound fun?
It’s not, just so you know.
I am not good at asking for help for myself. When I need help for the boys–a referral to a medical specialist, for example, or a school–I have no problem asking. But when I’m the one who needs help, it’s harder. I don’t know why; I do know that not asking for help means that I am often pushed to the limit. Or past it! Occasionally. The really stupid part is that I am surrounded by people who would LOVE to help me.
I’m just too big a dork to ask.
Today was a better day. Tomorrow will be even better. Now tell me what to wear to dinner.
*Molly and her husband (hi, Miles!) served lobster–from MAINE!–at dinner tonight. I consoled myself for missing that by eating popcorn and M&Ms, which was TOTALLY not the same (but very yummy).
Posted by Susan @ 8:40 pm • Uncategorized
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July 22nd, 2006 at 9:36 pm, Kristen Says:
Yes! The popcorn and M&M therapy method is very effective, isn’t it?
Hang in there. Ask for help (I know, easier said than done). And have a great time tomorrow.
July 22nd, 2006 at 10:31 pm, Granny Says:
I’m the last one to give fashion advice.
Just have a wonderful time and try to push all the problems aside for a few hours.
P. S. If we all lived on your block, we could swap baby sitting and none of us would have this problem.
July 22nd, 2006 at 10:41 pm, Melissa Says:
Ooh, fantasy neighborhood. Enticing.
M&Ms are good, but in the face of lobster denied, and on a hot day, I really think you need some good ice cream. Though, now that I think about it, I can’t remember you ever mentioning a penchant for ice cream. So, maybe not.
What to wear! Do you have anything impossibly impractical in your closet? Something you would never wear to the bookstore for fear of having to chase the kids or make a quick escape? THAT’S what you should wear.
July 22nd, 2006 at 10:42 pm, Jenorama Says:
MMM, yummy. Have you ever tried popcorn and hot tamales?
Oh, man, I am so sorry you missed the lobster.
Wondering if we can get fresh lobster in Kansas City.
I’m thinking no.
I think Ann is on to something with the babysitting co-op.
July 23rd, 2006 at 6:08 am, Tara Says:
If there is ever a reason to come to Maine it is for the “lobstah”!!
I will be thinking of you today while I am work, watching hungry tourists tear those little creatures apart and chew them up as the butter runs down their chins.
July 23rd, 2006 at 8:10 am, Candace Says:
What to wear: a pretty skirt and some heels.
SO glad you’re feeling better. Sometimes a good cry is just what the doctor should have ordered.
I swear, my skates nearly broke the last time we switched Christopher’s meds. I think I’m just going to throw them away because we might have found the right mix, FINALLY (cross your fingers).
July 23rd, 2006 at 10:56 am, Karyn Says:
Margarita slushies?
….you live a tad south from me, yes? Give me 20 hours or so… I’m so there. LOL. I often wish that too, that my online blogroll girlfriends were within shouting distance… I’ll settle for this.
Got to love M&Ms with Popcorn. Salt, sugar, chocolate - all the best food groups!
July 23rd, 2006 at 12:40 pm, Heather Says:
I’m horrible at asking for help too. I was just talking about this with someone and was saying why go to the trouble of getting a sitter for an hour when it’s only just an hour? Or two or whatever. I guess being exhausted, I know it’s going to take a whole lot longer than an hour to restore my energy/sanity. Glad Wade tracked down the sitter–hope dinner is fun!
July 23rd, 2006 at 8:25 pm, standing still Says:
Please hug Wade for all of us mamas with these kinds of boys. He sounds like just what the Mama Doctor ordered.
July 24th, 2006 at 5:49 am, Jenny Says:
My friends have given up on my ever attending another swanky party again. I just can’t seem to escape the house.
Mmmmmm….margarita slushies…
July 24th, 2006 at 6:40 am, daysgoby Says:
Who cares what you wear!
Om…..find the shoes, and the rest will follow…Om…
Luke, I am your father…
Wait! I think I’ve got my references mixed up!
July 24th, 2006 at 10:34 am, Irene Says:
I am not good at asking for help too, but I’m working on it. hope you had a great night and can’t wait to read about what you wore!!!
July 24th, 2006 at 4:52 pm, Mamacita Tina Says:
Yes, we all need to live in the same neighborhood! We’d have shoulders to cry on, and people to watch our kids so we could get out once in a while. Dream, dream, dream.
July 24th, 2006 at 7:26 pm, MJ Says:
Do you want to trade kids for a day or two? It’s a bit of a distance and I’m not sure if they can travel alone on a plane yet but I’m willing to give it a try. (I’ll send clothes and toys.)
You did a great job and I’m glad you (or Wade) found a sitter. I agree with many others that finding the sitter/organizing your life around the sitter’s availability often seems like more work than it’s worth. Also, I tend to not know I need the sitter until I need the sitter NOW.
July 26th, 2006 at 11:58 am, Kiddoc Says:
I am a child psychiatrist and I had to say that your friend Candace is right on the money with her quote. What a great quote for how difficult it is to find the right medds at the right dosages. Good luck!
“Trying to find the right medication is like trying to run uphill while wearing ice skates.”