It’s true, I am going to stop procrastinating.
Just as soon as I find the time.
Kalina got her driver’s license yesterday. It’s an exciting (if terrifying) milestone. It sounds so simple to say, “she got her license”. But, in my life, that’s a bit like saying, “Apollo went to the doctor”.
I leave in six days for New Zealand. I will be gone three weeks. I am not sure if you know it or not, but I am the mom and Default Parent in this house. I oversee dishes, laundry, meals, transportation, childcare, school, homeschooling, doctors appointments and visits, housecleaning,
So yeah, for me to leave for three weeks is kind of a big deal. Especially when Apollo only has school two days per week and therefore needs childcare the other three days.
And my entire plan (friends, grandma, older kids) depends on Kalina’s ability to drive.
I know what you are thinking, Renee, you have a whole week to spare. How can that possibly be considered procrastinating?
Well, it sure felt like it when she took her written test this Tuesday and her driving test on Wednesday.
Oh, and on the way to her driver’s test (that we had to squeeze in before her first class of the day) the very distinct odor of dog poo made its way into my nostrils.
There is no mistaking that smell.
Kalina, it seems. brought a little (or a big) souvenir from home.
Now, while I am absolutely sure that there is no box to check on the driver’s test specifically mentioning dog poo (or the lack there of) I do believe that having chunks of labradoodle poo on the passenger side floor (where the instructor needs to sit) is not a good idea.
So, after dropping off Apollo off at school, we detoured to my parents’ house (thanks Mom and Dad) to borrow paper towels and disinfectant.
Once that was done we drove to the DOL to practice parallel parking and then to the driving school to take the test. Kalina took the test and *drum roll* passed with flying colors.
Then it was back to the DOL for her actual license.
$89 later and she was a licensed driver.
Then we drove back to the college for class. With 30 minutes to spare.
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Oh, and did I mention I am spending the next three days at my friend’s house caring for her two medically fragile foster babies. Who need to be tube fed and cathed?
Because, after all, I can just finished packing and prepping for my trip when I get home on Monday.
This all is way to hard and too much for sure. Try to remain calm, take deep breaths when needed and keep in mind that everything shall pass and you’ll be in NZ soon! I am sure a mother never really rests or is at completetly at ease, but you raise your kids well. They can clean up after themselves (well mostly), they can cook etc. Sure, without you there, it will be different, but you sure need a lot of rest and to see/help your adult children as well when needed. Plus Apollo can practice his independence from you, no? In the long run, everyone in the family benefits from such a situation.
So when guilt tries to crawl in (or barge in), take a breath, remind your self that in order to help/take care of others one must take care of themselves first (like we are instructed on planes) and say a little prayer. You are not alone 🙂
in addition, Greek mothers when worried for their children (aka always), ask the mother of Jesus to protect/help them. I know Americans do not usually do so, but i thought i might share this as well just in case. Ill keep you all in my prayers too. 🙂 (you may erase this after you read it if you want)
That is sweet, thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much! You don’t know how much I needed to hear this. You are right, it will be good for my kids to take this on and it is only for a short time. I need to focus on Adalia and enjoy my time there.
Thank you again!
You are welcome! 🙂 I ‘ve found it helpful when strangers put things in perspective and share reasonable advise because i don’t feel they are looking down on me or trying to “nanny” me. Have a nice trip and enjoy your time there 😀
Yes, it is helpful to hear advice from someone who isn’t emotionally involved.