An Uphill Battle

I begin vacuuming the house, an almost daily chore at this point, and come to a stubborn piece of dirt that just won't get sucked up. I turn the vacuum this way and that but no luck. You know what's coming... I bend over, pick up the piece of dirt, examine it like something was wrong with it that the vacuum rejected it only to drop it back on the floor, on purpose so... Alas, the vacuum can suck it up! Why is this so gratifying? Why didn't I just throw the dirt in the garbage- I already had it in my hand? I will tell you why, because it is my personal victory, my "I got you now, you little piece of dirt" moment. Sounds like I need to get my frustrations out?



You betcha!


These small victories are a parent's highlight to the daily grind of raising children. And by parent I mean mothers because let's face it- a father's victory is starting off the day with a good BM, which they have to tell you about, having someone else cook and clean for him, getting sex and then ending the day with one of the many movies men consider classics- Cliffhanger, Roadhouse or Backdraft. (All three movies were on the other day, overlapping each other and I thought Bill was going to stroke out trying to decide which one to watch).



I am lucky if I can go to the bathroom with the door closed, drink one cup a coffee at one time (I usually heat up my coffee an average of 3 times each morning), take a shower, get myself appropriately dressed- (not sweats) and manage to catch a recap of the daily news on the radio as I am driving here or there.



Here are some situations that I thought I was winning the losing battle but apparently I am still the biggest loser:


Cleaning the house is one of the things that makes me happy- not the actual cleaning part but afterwards knowing that everything is clean and in its place but again with two kids how long does that last... 1, 2, 3 minutes at best. The other day I had finished vacuuming- I walk back into the living room to see pieces of chips strewn EVERYWHERE!



"Olivia- what are you doing?!"



"Daddy said I could have them."


URGGGGG!



Got into the shower after a busy morning- finally got the kids situated in my bed, watching Nick Jr.- I know, I know- TV for my 7 month old- I am not going for mother of the year here, so back off. Anyway, get into the nice hot shower and start shampooing my hair...


"mooommy, I have to poop."



"Of course you do."





Going to the grocery store with NO kids- that in it of itself is a personal victory. For a bonus I have my coupons and save $30! I get home, all proud of myself and as I am putting things away realize that I forgot this and that and this- pretty much $30 worth of stuff.




Actually planning out an outfit to wear, including jewelry, doing my hair and thinking I look good for that day. I get where I am going and happen to pass some mirror somewhere and do a double take.... was that me? Oh... My.... God! I did not look like that at home. However, that could have something to do with the fact that I had no time to check myself out before I left the house. I just had that picture in my mind how I looked, which was good but apparently... not so much!




Speaking of getting out of the house- that is a personal victory every time it happens. I am usually the last to get ready. Liam first, because he can't talk back to me or run away yet. Then Olivia- underwear, shirt, pants, socks and sneakers. I finally get ready and head towards the door...


"Olivia! Where are your shoes, socks and pants?!"



Each personal victory makes the climb up the mountain of motherhood a little easier- even when the victory is short lived.