Running on Fumes

First day of School 2012

When I read Jen Hatmaker’s blog post “Worst End of School Year Mom Ever”

http://jenhatmaker.com/blog/2013/05/30/worst-end-of-school-year-mom-ever#.UbjjOT8N9L8.facebook, I laughed out loud, until I cried, and then I laughed at myself for crying. I am in agreement that the end-of-the year school schedule is indeed trying to kill us parents, at this point we are all just going through the motions and running on fumes.

I just can’t take it anymore. I am like Jen. She speaks for all of us! The alarm is set later, the clothes are no longer picked out the night before and nicely folded on the chair ready for the next morning, the lunches are not made the night before—instead I am cramming in prepackaged baggies of cookies, popcorn and granola bars; and homework is done over breakfast with a “hurry up… and eat… and write; we have to leave,” droning on and on like a skipping record player.

Jen Hatmaker wrote, “I feel like any sort of school energy required at this point is pure oppression, like the universe is trying to destroy me.” I can’t agree more. I am trying so hard not so share with all of my clients (which would be many of you) the sheer amount of stuff happening at both my boys’ schools this time of year.

Please understand, I love both my sons’ schools. They have wonderful, warm teachers who love them, care about them and support them in their growth and learning. I am lucky to live in such a great community in New York City. But this is not about them or the schools – it is about me, and the lack of capacity I have right now at the end of the school year to fit “it all” in.

In the past two weeks alone, we have had a concert, a circus-gymnastics show, field day, the Brooklyn-Queens day off, a half-day teacher work shop, two pizza parties – and more...that is only for my six-year old during his regular school hours – it doesn’t include any after school activities. My two-year old has his own end of the year day-care schedule to mange and filling up the calendar (hat day, picture day, sports day, father’s day donuts with dad, etc.).  I only have two children, but I also run my own consulting business and my brain can only hold certain amounts of information.

My husband Paul is a high school teacher. So it isn’t like he can really pitch in and help out. He is in his own brand of “end of the year” hell—staffing exams, wrapping up paper work and trying to get some of his high school kids, who didn’t give a care all year long, to graduate. 

I look forward to hanging up the backpacks for the summer, getting up late, and not hearing the alarm clock buzz; going to bed later and more movie nights; working in my pajamas; late night walks to get ice cream; not having to venture out into the rain with boots, raincoats and umbrellas; the warm weather and flip-flops; a leisurely walk to the bagel store; our vacation to Disney and NH; and the carefree attitude that comes with July and August. 

In Rye, NH- Relaxing and Watching the Boats

I don't want to cruise into summer -- I want to run and skip into summer with a big icee in my hand, while singing Will Smith's "Summa Summa time (summa time)..... Time to sit back and unwind!"

Sure my work life continues, but that is OK. I can take the conference calls, the messaging sessions, the press releases, the executive letters and the various other client communications needs that come my way.

I love the boys being home for the summer and everything the summer brings. So hurry up and get here already.

On the beach

PS: I know many of you are done with school and are already skipping around with a cold drink by the pool. Don't rub it in... New Yorkers still have one more week!

PPS: I am also a bit sad that my boys will be another grade older (Liam in second grade and Owen in pre-school.) But, that is another post all together about how I want them to stay small, innocent and cute.... sigh.

10 Reasons I am Grateful for Dad

Boarding the boat in Amsterdam in 1974 when we lived in Europe

In honor of Father’s Day, I wanted to share a bit about my Dad -- a quiet Irishman from Brockton, Mass., the oldest son of seven children, born during WWII, a Boston sports fan, the father of four children, still happily married for 45 years to my mother, a Virgo, a world-traveler around Asia, Africa, Europe and North America, a hard-working Raytheon employee who retired to go play golf, a lover of art, music, reading, a bad joke teller, a man who always does the “right thing,” a warm spirit, and a kind soul.

Bringing home baby Erin in 1971-- Dad being a new dad!

I admire, respect and love my Dad. But, we also find the time to argue, disagree, and pontificate with one another about grammar, religion, politics and new-age parenting. And, that is what makes our relationship so very special – it is real, and it is based on love. So this one is for you dad: The top 10 reasons why I am grateful you are my Dad.

Christmas 2012

1. You begrudgingly taught me how to drive a stick shift and demonstrated unwavering patience as I jumped the clutch more times than you ever could have imagined that you, or the little 1981 Mercury Capri could handle.
2.  You encouraged the overachiever in me – and when I talked to you about starting my own consulting firm, you urged me to take the leap of faith knowing that I could do it and would succeed. 
3.  You embraced my perfectionist OCD and watched me repeatedly practice the standing and running broad jump in our driveway when I was 10 years old until my feet hurt, and it was dark outside.
4. You taught me to be appreciative of a job and love what I do -- even when my first reporter job required me to get up at the dark hour of 4:30 a.m. everyday in order drive over an hour to the office. To show your support you got up in the morning with me, made me eggs and toast and sent me on my way.
5.  You were one of my biggest supporters when I moved half way across the country to Houston, Texas  -- alone!
6. You fostered a love of learning, reading and good books.  From Stephen Covey to David McCullough, I have appreciated all your recommendations and enjoy our talks about the authors and stories even more.
7. You tried to show me that math is not just something that is taught in school to make your life hell, but that you actually will use it someday to manage your money, your bills and your business. (Thank God for excel spreadsheets and calculators today.)
8. You have instilled in me that decisions are made with the information you have and by listening to your gut. You can’t look back, but you can make a new decision with new information.
9. You have taught me to never have regrets, to learn from my past and not dwell on things.  
10.  You have showed me that girls can do whatever boys can do; we can be CEOs, entrepreneurs, writers and athletes and so much more. (And I think you finally admitted a few years ago that I am the best athlete in our family.)

Celebrating my birthday in NYC with Dad

Happy Father’s Day Dad!

"Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to."
-- John Ed Pearce