I feel like the words are filling me up.
They’re all the way to the top of my throat, wanting to come out, but there just isn’t time. I’m here and I’m here, and if you haven’t heard, I HAVE TWO CHILDREN NOW OMG WHOSE IDEA WAS THAT?
We’re busy. You are, too, aren’t you? The holidays are looming and I have to start Christmas shopping for two with a bank account that’s screaming for mercy. I have 2 million cookies to bake, and Mr. C’s 90-year-old grandfather is just out of the hospital after major surgery, and he has a new diagnosis of coronary disease.
Between Thanksgiving and the New Year, we will drive more than 2,000 miles. With a 3-year-old. And a 3-month old.
This is life, is it not? I know I’m not alone.
Which brings me to the point—I miss you. I miss blogging regularly, I miss reaching deep down inside and pulling out the feelings that, if I keep them in, fester and become ugly. I miss sharing the everyday joys of my beautiful kids. I miss sharing the weirdness of motherhood.
It is weird, isn’t it?
I’m on a bit of a forced hiatus, just because there aren’t enough hours in the day. I’m on my feet from 6 a.m. to 9 at night and by that time? Dude. It’s all I can do to sit through an hour’s worth of DVR’d episodes of “The Office.”
I know it is the same for you. But my stats say you’re still hanging around, stopping by now and then to see what we’re up to at Casa Chicken. I’m visiting you, too, even if I don’t ring the bell. I’m listening at the door while you fix dinner and fold laundry.
I’m there, even if it seems like I’m not. Just take a gander at my shared items. What you write is so amazing that I have to tell everyone about it.
This community lifted me up when I was at my rock bottom. It helped me transition from thinking of myself as a daughter first and a wife and mother second, to taking charge of my destiny and launching a new career in a new state.
You hold my hand and tell me that it’s OK. You share your stories with me.
You laugh at my jokes.
Last night I read a post from a real-life friend who decided to take on NaBloPoMo this year, and she inspired me to come back to this place.
I’ve been away too long. I need to keep writing here, no matter how thinly my time is spread.
I need you.
{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
It gets easier. Really, it gets much easier. Sure, you’re probably going to be tired for a while, but that whole “What the hell was I thinking” feeling goes away for the most part. I’m glad to see you writing.
We need us some Chicken too. Even when it’s bones and broth.
I always feel for you and those driving plans. Ack.
Hope you have a fabulous weekend.
“i need you.”
and you’ve got us.
As they get older you will feel more “normal” again. We understand you are spread thin and are thankful for what you are able to share with us. Heck, I bet most of us would be happy with pics of Shaggy and Poo any day :O)
I’m glad we’ll continue to hear from you. I hope things ease up for you soon!
Welcome back.
I miss you too! I love this community. I don’t always comment either, but I’m definitely reading.
It’s good to hear from you. It is hard to keep up with everything. You can’t out work work and you can’t out work life.
Sometimes you just need to check out. Thanks for listening
I am ready for the Holidays to be over too. Not ready for the driving and the family fights.
Just pump me full of bourbon and gingerbread.
I so hear you. Fall of 2010, when all my kids will be in full-day school, is shining like this great beacon of hope for me. I’m really hoping I’ll be less tired then. And I’ll have more time. (Go ahead, laugh.)
Hey lady! Thanks for the shoutout! Have I told you how proud of you I am for becoming a ParentDish blogger? Because I am, SO proud. And I’ve been checking our your shared items–thanks for sharing them with me
I think of you often and it’s always good to read your words, whenever you choose to write them.
Yes, the blog for me is both something I love yet also ANOTHER thing I have to do. Priorities change, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t change again!
I am glad you’re still around even if you aren’t here as much. We love you!
love you, I look at my beautiful tea towel every day
Is it a good idea to travel 3,000 miles with two young children? Is that realistic? I would give that idea some real big second thoughts. My suggestion is that you don’t do this, even if this is expected of you.
You are totally amazing. Yes, we’ve been there, but not everyone manages quite as well!
If you take this year off of the holiday madness, citing baby-related reasons, your family will still love you and there’s always next year! How about staying home for the holidays, snuggling and napping and enjoying it all? Just sayin’. And if you don’t write this week, we will still be here next week cuz we neeeed you! And we totally understand.
Here’s a hot tip, I have a friend who actually did this… Go to your doctor and say, “Listen, I am doing fine but I am expected to drive across the country etc etc, can you give me a Sick Leave or something?” Hopefully your doc can put you on vitamin ‘B’ or something harmless, and make a big deal about getting rest? But not TOOO big a deal! Depending on your family situation, it may work wonders. Husbands have been known to become super sweet and helpful with this tactic!
I need you too Mrs. Chicken – and I totally get it.
Oh, me too. I’m around, I just stay quiet.
Oh, I get this. Totally get this. I’m here, more often lurking than not, simply because there aren’t enough hours in the day for me to do everything I want to do – which includes blog reading.
And, for that matter, blogging.
I’m glad you’re here, Mrs. C.
Forgive yourself and just flow, we’ll be here.
I’m glad you’re here. Blog when you can; it’s cheaper than therapy. Really. That’s why I started. Why I continue? Because I get to keep up with people like you! Hugs to you, and good luck on the travel. I hope gas prices stay down for you.
I really enjoy reading what you’re writing so I’m going to keep hanging around even if the posts are few and far between.
Hey, we will be taking an 8-10 hour road trip for Turkey day with a 2,4 and 6 year old.
And we have an open foster placement for an infant, so I think we are way crazier than you are!
We happily take what you offer happily. And we offer what we can.
No matter how hard it gets, your gift of words will sustain both you and us. Thanks for sharing with us when you can.