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Why is it so easy to let the dishes and laundry pile up during the first two days of the NCAA Tournament and not so easy other times of the year? Maybe it's because I keep telling myself that the Tournament only comes once a year. Or maybe it's because watching the Tournament has been part of every March since I can remember. I'm too old now to trek to Vegas for the first weekend, but I can certainly still enjoy watching it at home. Actually, I would like to think that it's because the A+ in me is learning to let go. Possibly...just a little? Besides the kids' activities and a few errands, not much else got done. And, you know what? The sky did not fall. Anarchy and chaos did not reign. The world was still right-ways up the next morning. Imagine that!
Hopefully what I learned this weekend is that it is perfectly fine...even necessary to take time out for things that I enjoy. In a perfect world, I would set aside time each week to do things that are just for me and my mental health whether it's exercising, writing, or something entirely spontaneous. And in this perfect world, I would stick to my schedule and not let things such as a cluttered and messy house, or the lack of anything to eat for dinner, deter me from my time. But this perfect utopia cannot possibly co-exist with an A+ perfectionist. See my problem? An A+ would prioritize "getting things done" before doing something spontaneous. Or, an A+ might very well enjoy time away from her normal "duties," but coming home to mess and an empty fridge would lead me...I mean her, to declare, "I did not get anything done today!" What to do? Maybe what I will try is to carry a picture, a page out of a magazine, or even a quote with me that reminds me of how happy and content I feel when I take the time to do something for myself. And each time I am tempted to switch into A+ mode I will glance at my photo and think, "The sky will not fall...the sky will not fall." Think it will work? I'll let you know!
Do you have a friend that inspires you? I am fortunate to have many amazing girlfriends, but one in particular is my girlfriend from college. We've known each other for 20 years and I was thrilled when she moved within driving distance a few years back. The easiest way to describe her is that there is nothing she cannot do. Seriously. New backsplash for the kitchen? She can put it in. Extra-long curtains made for your great room? She's your girl. Delicious pumpkin cookies for your Halloween party? Absolutely!
But even more inspiring is her attitude. She truly believes that there is nothing she cannot accomplish. No obstacle that is insurmountable with a determined and positive attitude. And let me say that it is precisely this upbeat and matter-of-fact attitude that has helped her through some tough personal times lately. For the casual observer looking at her, even talking to her, one would never know the stress in her life. Each time we get together, I come away vowing not to worry or obsess about things that are out of my hands (so hard for me!) To tackle what seems like the impossible, one step at a time...without complaining. And, not to dwell on what should have been or what could have been. We should all be so lucky to have someone like her in our lives.
I am in total heaven now! I have my DirecTV Mega March Madness on (which means I can watch any game going on, not just the one that my local CBS is showing), cup of coffee, and a quiet house. My friends all know that this is my absolute favorite time of year. I try to minimize interruptions the first two days of the tournament - Thursday and Friday - including social obligations.
The first game of the day has already produced a minor upset - a #11 seed over a #6 seed...and wouldn't you know, my four year-old is the only one in the household that made the correct pick in her bracket! Oh yes, did I mention we always run a March Madness pool? Our six-year-old won it all last year and just the other day asked what happened to all the money he won. "What sweetie? Mommy can't hear you right now!"
Anyways, I just hope this overtime game between BYU and Florida doesn't go into double overtime. I have to pick up my daughter at noon!
Considering the number of sports teams we've been a part of so far, we were lucky not to have run into that parent until last weekend. Yep, we witnessed first hand (he was standing right next to us) the stereotypical pushy, hard charging, overbearing parent. And it was extremely disturbing.
The scene was our son's basketball game. He plays in the 7&8 year old division - remember this fact - they are only 7 & 8 year-olds. There is a referee, but he gives the boys a lot of leeway before calling traveling or double-dribble. No one keeps score, you can't start playing defense until half-court...there isn't even any stealing allowed. You get the idea - the boys are supposed to have fun (first goal) and start learning the rules of the game (second goal).
This dad started in on his son right away. My first clue should have been the fact that his son was wearing a mouth guard for crying out loud! Here are some few choice words from the dad:
"Don't let him do that to you! Stop him!"
"OK. You have 8 points so far. Let's try for 14!"
"What are you doing down there? Do not talk to him! Don't stand by him, don't sit by him! Understand me?" Yes, he was yelling at his son even when his son was sitting on the bench.
He was telling his son to play so aggressively that the ref had to tell his son twice during the game, "Hey, you can't shove people like that." If you ask me, that's a good life rule too.
Anyways, you get the idea. I felt so bad for the kid. Nothing he does is ever going to be good enough for his "trying to live the sports life I never was good enough to have through my son" father. I am realistic to know that we'll encounter more of these parents as our kids get older and their games become more competitive. I just wish we didn't have to start so soon. As for me...what do I tell my son during the game? "Try not to grab yourself so much while you're standing on the sidelines, ok?" Isn't that a good life rule too?
Finally! What I've known to be true all my life: It's not my fault that I am terrible with directions! It may be in my genes! According to this article posted on msnbc.com with the headline, "Always lost? It may be in your genes,"
"A new study suggests that skillful navigation just may be in your genes."
"We found that people who suffer from the genetic disorder Williams syndrome have trouble reorienting themselves, a basic process that is shared among human children and adults, and a variety of non-human species," Lakusta said. "Our finding that individuals with Williams syndrome show this kind of impairment suggests an important link between genes and the system that is used for reorientation."
Williams "is caused when a small amount of genetic material is missing from one human chromosome."
Yes, I admit that I am the kind of person that gives directions not by street names or by using phrases such as "the north side of the street," but by phrases such as "turn left at the gas station" or "the brown house with the basketball hoop in the driveway." I can't tell if I am heading north or south while I am driving without the use of a car compass or major (and I mean MAJOR) landmarks such as mountain ranges or the Pacific Ocean. Good thing we live in California! My husband once told me that I was the worst person with directions he has ever met. I thought he was joking, but he assured me he was not.
But now, I realize that I am one of the rare (only 1 in 7,500 people) people suffering from Williams Syndrome. Right? I mean, I must be. Besides, the article also mentions that people afflicted with Williams Syndrome have strong language skills (yes, I do like to talk) and are extremely social (again, yes with the talking!) This has to be me! Wait, does this mean that I can't ask for a GPS for my car now?
Yesterday, I found myself at the Bobbi Brown cosmetic counter simply to buy a product that I had run out of. I say simply because it should be an easy, simple trip. And it would have been had I not asked one question that led to another question (from her, not me) which led to a clarifying question and well...you get the idea. I've never really worn much make-up. I'm basically a blush, lip gloss and occasionally eye shadow kind-of-girl. Stepping it up a notch for me means tinted moisturizer. I don't have daytime make-up, going-out make-up, or even make-up that doesn't look like I am wearing make-up. I just have my basics.
The girl (and I only use that term because she looked soo much younger than myself) at the counter named Amy had flawless make-up so I felt safe asking her my question about foundation. That was the seemingly innocent question that started it all. First there were questions (from her) about whether my skin was dry or oily. "Uh, both?" If I used a tinted moisturizer, foundation? "Oh, wait, I think I know the answer to this one!" And if so, do I set it with pressed or loose powder? "Neither? There's a difference?" The best was when she asked me if I used corrector with my concealer. "I don't even use concealer at all so I surely don't use corrector...do I?" Anyways, Amy deftly applied all of the above products to my face and walked me through the how-to part (which I promptly forgot by the time I pulled out of the parking lot. Maybe an instructional video next time?) Oh well, Amy was great and even sent me home with some samples to try at home. Good luck with that!
