Puke and Rally

For the first post in over two months, I had to make this a good one. So for those of you who are offended by the word "puke" or may have a more sophisticated reading list that does not involve such vulgar words, well then this post is not for you.

I have used the term "puke and rally" many times. Most often during college, when it seemed to be an action that fit into (virtually daily) life. It is a term often used to describe one's actions while feeling ill (read: hungover) yet still managing to pull it together and continue on with life because of a particular event (i.e. continuing on to another party or a big mid-term exam). Back then, I thought I had this mastered. I was the queen of pulling it together and carrying on. Or so I thought.

I knew nothing.

Looking back, all I really managed to do was meander through four years without ever being dumb enough to actually get sick inside a classroom. The only thing involved in my "puke and rally" days back then was surviving long enough to make it back to my room where I could nap until my next required event (i.e. work or another party). NAPS?! I used to take NAPS?! This has lead me to the belief that college students are no longer allowed to use the term "puke and rally". It is hereby swiped and under the complete control of mothers. Specifically, mothers of children under 10. More specifically, mothers of children under 10 who are ill.

A REAL case of "puke and rally" comes from working a 12-hour day then coming home to find your child may not be feeling so great. You lean down, your hand goes to their forehead, you look in their eyes and then they puke all over you and you thank God your mouth was closed.

A REAL case of "puke and rally" is waking up with your sinuses as stuffed as a turkey's behind at Thanksgiving and a migraine threatening to blow your eyes out, but you still have to spend the entire day singing songs, playing games and exhibiting an all around jolly demeanor because it's not your baby's fault you feel like crap and they don't really feel like laying in your bed watching re-runs of "America's Next Top Model".

A REAL case of "puke and rally" occurs when you may (or may not) be ill but still must complete all of the cooking, cleaning, errands, yard work, entertainment, etc for the family because the term "someone else will take care of it" now always applies to YOU.

The only way to maintain and rise above with the mommy version of the "puke and rally" is because you know you're doing it for your little one. It is amazing to think that another life has their entire existence riding on the fact that you will succeed in your endeavors. I will accomplish what I set out to do because I want it for Addie. I may want to crawl back in bed, throw the covers over my head and sleep for 12 more hours but if she needs me I slap that smile on my face and start doing the chicken dance. Literally. And it's terribly embarrassing.

The difference with the college version and the mommy version of the rally is, with the mommy version, it's no longer about you. That's the best part. It's all about them. Unfortunately there is still a lot of puke involved in both.

Mommy's Day Out

My child is pretty amazing. Her happy outlook and carefree attitude inspire me every day to take a step back and not stress the small stuff. I love spending time with her. However, there comes a point where every person says "All I want is just 5 minutes to myself". My time came after a month of single-parenthood, 50 hour work weeks, four winter storms (that the great county of Montgomery was ill-prepared for) and three VERY energetic dogs who did not understand why 2 inches of ice would deter me from taking them on our customary 2-miles walks.

I needed my 5-minutes.

Luckily for me it came in the form of 4-hours at Eden Day Spa, supplied by my wonderful husband. I always knew he was good for something! I took the day off work, dropped Addie at daycare, went back home to scrub the bathrooms (yeah my relaxing day started with me scrubbing toilets but it had to be done) and finally made it into the spa.

After I checked in, I went into the back room and changed into a comfy robe and slippers. Just being able to change my clothes at my leisure was glorious. Then I sat in their garden room, by the fireplace, drinking coffee until it was time for my facial. For an hour my face and neck were steamed, massaged, oiled, toweled, spritzed, etc. For a face that usually gets a quick shower scrub and the occasional slather of lotion, my pores were singing "Hallelujah!".

My massage was next. Same type of quiet, low-light room, peaceful music playing in the background. I tried my hardest to stay awake because I wanted to enjoy every minute, but I was so relaxed I could have passed out on the table for hours. My masseuse suggested, several times, that I come back for a deep tissue session later because some of the knots she just couldn't work out. While I of course agreed with her that multiple visits back to the massage room were quite necessary I couldn't help but think, "Hello, I am a full-time mother and full-time employee, those knots aren't going anywhere"

Lunch and a pedicure rounded out the day. I left feeling refreshed, relaxed and invigorated. When Addie and I got home I started dinner and somehow managed to spray an entire bottle of olive oil all over my kitchen. The dogs came to the rescue and licked up a large portion, stepped in the rest, and tracked it all across the floors. I tried to clean it up as best I could and Addie helped... sort of (photo to the right). Me being the frugal female that I am, refused to waste these paper towels so I cleaned up the entire pile. Then when I went to search for my little helper I found this (photo on left). Since when has my child become a cat?! I will say, she is persistent!