The 'Other Side'

It is a dreaded time of the school year on the 'Other Side' of the world. Most schools are getting ready for Fall Break. That means parent teacher conferences. I do not look forward to meeting with the teachers. 

I hear the same thing year after year. 'Mrs. Lemons, your child is a wonderful student! What a joy to have in class! Sure, (s)he is struggling with getting (her)his assignments in, and is failing my class, but they have to potential to do great and I just love (her)his smile! 

Every year I have walked away from these conferences frustrated, upset, and deflated. Then I get home and all of my friends have begun posting on social media about the results of their meetings. 'Johnny's teachers ALL said he was a model student! He has an A+ in EVERY SINGLE SUBJECT, and is on the Presidential Honor Roll!'

I don't openly post updates about my meetings. I don't comment on the posts of others either. When I read these posts I feel inadequate. I've failed as a parent, yet again, and am emotional because I am not able to post the same thing. Ever. 

I wonder if parents of Johnny realize what their proud moment does to the 'Other Side' of the coin? It's the same with our babies/toddlers. While other parents are bragging about how Susie was pulling up on her own at 4 months, walking at 8 months, and speaking full sentences before their first birthday, the Lemons mom is reading it and feeling sadness and despair because the Little Lemonhead can't even complete a full sentence and he is four years old. 

I do what I can and I love my kids just as much as the next mom. But, my tear soaked eyes and my hurting heart won't let my fingers respond to your joy.  

Sincerely, 

Mom from the 'Other Side' 

#savvyblogging

Interesting title for a blog, huh? I am remotely familiar with Twitter. I understand hashtags. I like them! Wish more of my friends used Twitter. (Hint, hint!)

There is really no fancy reason for the title of this blog. I couldn't come up with anything creative to use. I know, big shocker. The truth of the matter is, I rarely come up with anything original. I like to creep. I creep on social networking sites, public places, etc. I learned a couple of semesters ago in a creative writing class that eavesdropping on public conversations is a fantastic way to get plot ideas. So don't judge.

Sigh...and sigh again. I have five more weeks. Five more weeks of no spare time. Constantly feeling guilt ridden because I don't devote enough time to this or that. My poor Mom has to do so much to help me...and she never complains about it...she forces me to allow her to help. I haven't cooked a meal or done dishes in I don't know how long. It makes me sad.

Five more weeks (as I stare blankly at the keyboard while I type). I have been compiling a list of all of the tasks that I am going to accomplish come the second week in May. The list is varied and scattered. Much like my mind on any given day. I plan to learn as many new Z routines as I can. I always make time to reorganize my life. I am more lax on my OCD tendencies than what one would believe. I have to be for self preservation purposes!

I want to read for enjoyment, (probably won't happen) cook some fantabulous meals, bake until it is just too damned hot outside to stand the oven on. Then I will go bake my skin outside. I want to swim. Float down the river with one of those huge glamorous hats on in a bikini...

Truthfully, if I don't start doing something about my exercise plan...Imma look more like this on the beach...

So Imma make this short...I have a lot I want to accomplish. A lot of good things. A lot of great things...and a lot of relaxing things!!! I need to go to bed now so that I can do some Ab Ripper or something in the morning to take care of my cartoonish figure!!!