So the other day Big Papi and I were attending the 11:00 church service. The 11:00 church service can be dangerous. The 11:00 service is where they stick all the baptisms and ceremonies so you could be there for hours. Now, I realize that these events are important but this particular Sunday was the morning after Big Papi and I stayed out until 1:00am with the Bugg (who happens to be one of the pastors in this church) and my new friend Brynne (whose husband is working crazy hours at Langley and shares my affection for Williams Sonoma). I know that I didn’t have to stay out until 1:00 am but it was a good time and Six in Phoebus has awesome cocktails and tapas.
Anyway, so Big Papi and I pull into the church parking lot and I notice a large amount of Boy Scouts and their families are heading towards church. Oh no Scouting Day! My church is a site for Boy Scouts Troop 84 and Cub Scouts Pack 184; we also have a Girl Scout troop that uses the facilities as well. This is great, I’m all for the teaching of be prepared and how to eat tree bark. In fact more boys should probably be involved and I even had hopes that the Caveman might want to try scouting so long as I didn’t have to venture into the woods with him. Yes scouting is fun, but then I saw the mothers.
The scouts' moms obviously are very involved with their sons’ activities. That is awesome; but why must they dress like men? Seriously, I’m talking over-sized men’s button down khaki shirts with patches designed to make a woman look fifty pounds overweight. To make it worse these women did not seem to do their hair or attempt to wear at least flattering pants. Most in fact had on the dreaded mom jean, which all mommies should know puts the focus on that mom pooch you get from carrying babies. After checking out the national website I have discovered that they have actual Boy Scout uniforms for women, and while not the best fashion statement they are at least fitted for a woman’s body. So these women willingly made the decision to dress this way.
I feel guilty looking at moms who are involved with their children’s activities, but for God sakes visit a tailor and get the shirts to fit your body. Taking the time to look your best is a good example for your children. I feel this is especially important when your child is receiving an award and you are suppose to stand by him. These boys worked hard to receive the acclamation from their church community. The least these mothers could do was make sure they looked their best for these boys as well.
The problem with moms who don't take care of themselves is that it leads to their lives becoming all about their children. This sounds good in theory but children grow up and no longer need us as much.
When you are on an airplane the flight attendants tell you to put your oxygen mask on first then assist your child. In life we need to do the same thing. My goal as a mom is to be great one but not to lose who I am as well. At some point the Caveman and Alien will grow up. To be the best mommy for them when they reach that milestone I need to know who I am when I am not being their mommy. Being a mom is only one side of me and I refuse to allow my children to take over my whole existence. If I should be so fortunate to have my Caveman or Alien join an organization that requires me to wear a uniform I will have it tailored with my hair done and wearing flattering bottoms and amazing shoes. That way I am still being mommy but remaining true to myself.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Peer pressure
So there is this chain note going around Facebook: 25 random things about yourself. You are suppose to come up with some and then send it in a note for all your "friends" to read.
I have problems with this concept. It isn't that I don't want to share things with people, but Facebook has an info section where I have put things on to share with people. Isn't that enough. But alas I am giving into peer pressure- that and I have had writer's block for almost a month that is why no blog posts. Maybe this exercise will fix that, so here we go.
25 random things about AJ Rice's Mommy x 2
1. I have birthed two AJ's - though we only call the Caveman AJ!
2. Big Papi and I met playing Yahoo! Chinese checkers almost a year and half before actually dating.
3. I hate horror movies. Maybe it is just my empathic nature but I see no joy in watching people get murdered for entertainment.
4. I have a slight obsession with Williams Sonoma- but come on what cook doesn't
5. I am terrified that I might actually be a successful writer someday. By terrified I mean that people will actually read my writing and want me to do more of it and then I can't.
6. I am afraid that I won't be a successful writer ( and I realize that this contradicts number 5 but it is my list so sue me).
7. I do not eat cheese - it is gross- I will eat pizza once in a blue moon but the cheese has to be burnt. I also do not eat eggs or mayo because both are gross as well.
8. My favorite food at the moment is the mushroom soup I had at Sonoma wine bar in Virginia Beach. I am annoyed that I haven't been able to recreate it.
9. I hate doing home improvement projects. This is a big revelation as my mom and the Tigger read this and they could out drill Martha Stewart and Bob Villa any day!
10. I think my children are my true soul mates.
11. I am still annoyed that my best friend's husband keeps moving her further and further away because he actually likes teaching college. Seriously Utah?
12. I long for a day when cigarettes are completely outlawed.
13. I am ashamed I voted for Bush twice. Actually I am more ashamed I didn't have better choices until now.
14. I believe that marriage is between two consenting adults- body parts shouldn't matter. Maybe is if the Conservatives would realize that it is none of their business what people do in the bed room maybe they could focus on things more important like the economy and defending our country from its greatest threat the uneducated children of our public school system.
15. Crocs are the silly shoes ever- seriously unless you are a nurse, gardener, or chef don't wear them.
16. When I walk into a store I notice where the manager's are- and if they aren't on the floor or yelling at an associate for something stupid I call them out on it. I used to be a retail manager and I was awesome because I treated my employees like they were my customers.
17. I am an excellent massage therapist- but I only like giving massages to people I like not strangers and why I didn't stay with it.
18. I can read a book in a day- sometimes a few hours.
19. I hate the beard Big Papi is growing- now there is a blog topic
20. I like hanging out with guys better than girls- much less drama
21. Big Papi is the funniest guy I know- the jail story is the best!
22. Hearing endless rounds of toddler songs should be considered cruel and unusual punishment- I have loathed getting into a car with the Caveman ever since I bought the damn CDs
23. I have to have my feet covered when I sleep
24. I believe the real problems with UVA's men's basketball and football programs are not only coaching but an athletic director who should be replaced. Stop worrying about what students are writing on their poster board and worry about the lack of defense and scoring from these programs!
25. I like wearing glasses more than contacts. In fact I haven't owned contacts since 2001
I have problems with this concept. It isn't that I don't want to share things with people, but Facebook has an info section where I have put things on to share with people. Isn't that enough. But alas I am giving into peer pressure- that and I have had writer's block for almost a month that is why no blog posts. Maybe this exercise will fix that, so here we go.
25 random things about AJ Rice's Mommy x 2
1. I have birthed two AJ's - though we only call the Caveman AJ!
2. Big Papi and I met playing Yahoo! Chinese checkers almost a year and half before actually dating.
3. I hate horror movies. Maybe it is just my empathic nature but I see no joy in watching people get murdered for entertainment.
4. I have a slight obsession with Williams Sonoma- but come on what cook doesn't
5. I am terrified that I might actually be a successful writer someday. By terrified I mean that people will actually read my writing and want me to do more of it and then I can't.
6. I am afraid that I won't be a successful writer ( and I realize that this contradicts number 5 but it is my list so sue me).
7. I do not eat cheese - it is gross- I will eat pizza once in a blue moon but the cheese has to be burnt. I also do not eat eggs or mayo because both are gross as well.
8. My favorite food at the moment is the mushroom soup I had at Sonoma wine bar in Virginia Beach. I am annoyed that I haven't been able to recreate it.
9. I hate doing home improvement projects. This is a big revelation as my mom and the Tigger read this and they could out drill Martha Stewart and Bob Villa any day!
10. I think my children are my true soul mates.
11. I am still annoyed that my best friend's husband keeps moving her further and further away because he actually likes teaching college. Seriously Utah?
12. I long for a day when cigarettes are completely outlawed.
13. I am ashamed I voted for Bush twice. Actually I am more ashamed I didn't have better choices until now.
14. I believe that marriage is between two consenting adults- body parts shouldn't matter. Maybe is if the Conservatives would realize that it is none of their business what people do in the bed room maybe they could focus on things more important like the economy and defending our country from its greatest threat the uneducated children of our public school system.
15. Crocs are the silly shoes ever- seriously unless you are a nurse, gardener, or chef don't wear them.
16. When I walk into a store I notice where the manager's are- and if they aren't on the floor or yelling at an associate for something stupid I call them out on it. I used to be a retail manager and I was awesome because I treated my employees like they were my customers.
17. I am an excellent massage therapist- but I only like giving massages to people I like not strangers and why I didn't stay with it.
18. I can read a book in a day- sometimes a few hours.
19. I hate the beard Big Papi is growing- now there is a blog topic
20. I like hanging out with guys better than girls- much less drama
21. Big Papi is the funniest guy I know- the jail story is the best!
22. Hearing endless rounds of toddler songs should be considered cruel and unusual punishment- I have loathed getting into a car with the Caveman ever since I bought the damn CDs
23. I have to have my feet covered when I sleep
24. I believe the real problems with UVA's men's basketball and football programs are not only coaching but an athletic director who should be replaced. Stop worrying about what students are writing on their poster board and worry about the lack of defense and scoring from these programs!
25. I like wearing glasses more than contacts. In fact I haven't owned contacts since 2001
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