Spoiled

I have a confession. I got a massage today. It is the biggest unjustifiable indulgence I have ever allowed myself. I doesn't burn any calories to lie there and be blissified, but I think it's miraculous.

The children I work with are defiant and aggressive and difficult at times, I have the bruises to prove it. I have to ever so carefully bend their will to mine with techniques that take so much patience and control, whew. My neck and shoulder muscles tie themselves up like the chains in my necklace drawer. I clench my jaw and grind my teeth. I say, "Calm down, take a deep breath," at them, but really to myself.

It's a very hard job, taking care of your kids. Trying to teach them to be people and not mindless fluffheads who can't do nuffin' but whine and poop.

And (while I am ranting anyway) y'all don't help when you reinforce their crying at goodbye time with extra hugs and kisses. I know you hate to leave them crying; I don't love it either, but get a routine. Grab a puzzle or color a picture or read a story, give 'em big hug, say, "I love you. I have to go to work and I will see you later. Goodbye," give your snotty, screaming bundle to me and walk out. They stop crying in 30 seconds. Seriously. Sit outside the door and listen. They are just crying for you because it keeps you longer and they really do like you better, but I'm a pretty decent proxy. Once they understand that you WILL be back and ARE leaving NOW, they won't waste their time crying, there's a lot better stuff to do.

If things were ideal, I would highly recommend a morning class starting at age 2 (and it's not a big deal to eat lunch at school then take a nap there ...). And 5 days a week. The routines are important. 2-3 times a week is just chaotic. Do it or don't. It'd be nice if moms or dads would set up home to be as stimulating with freedom within limits, but teaching kids colors, letters, shapes, numbers, self-feeding, getting dressed, potty training, sharing, manners, ETC. takes a lot of time and ya gotta be consistent, AND it's easier to be consistent when its your real life job. I'm a much better teacher to my kids as a teacher than I was a mom. No handy, dandy, blogged filled laptop at school.

Weigh-in: 139.4. Had a Caramel Sundae after Crichton's Talent Show. He rocked, by the way. I frikken love that super confident amazing rockstar big baby of mine. He's thinking about his piece for next years show ... some kind of guitar anthem piece. It's super amazingly fun and wonderful to watch your own children do stuff. You totally see them as these giant balls of super colossal potential just pulsating and expanding day by day. A little piece of you sparkling in a supernova of fantasticness.

Massages really improve ones mood and outlook. You should try it. Makes your whiny brats seem not so unbearable.