Friday nights have become "Me" nights, for our family. An elective social distancing, if you will. I think that is has evolved out of the necessity to preserve our mental health and our overall tolerance for each other. This family is well adept at pushing one another's buttons. No one is safe. There is usually a lot of harmless teasing, generally including potty humor of some kind, mocking impressions of each other acting ridiculous (you should hear my youngest's impression of me....yikes) and a sprinkling of sarcasm. I honestly believe this has helped us laugh through a lot of the current uncertainty. But, sometimes being called a "Poopy Diarrhea Head", is enough to push anyone over the edge.
As the days have stretched into weeks, and then months, our personal space has shrunk, shrivelled and completely disappeared. It is all broken boundaries and breached barriers over here. I work with a child on my lap. My boys learn with a parent in their face. We workout together. We watch television together. We go outside together. We play video games together. Well, I'm not sure that you can classify what I do as "playing" video games, more running into enemies and falling off cliffs, trying to get to the end, as quick as possible. We. Do. Everything. Together. Don't get me wrong, I feel so blessed for my amazing boys and being given, however precarious the circumstances, this opportunity to have more time with them. But, I am someone who has always searched out alone time. It is something that I need for my mental well being. A bit of a loner, at heart. My oldest seems to be same. I don't need a lot, just like half an hour, where no one is touching me or asking me any questions.
So, we have evolved in our new normal. Without any formal discussion, we have slowly shifted our Friday night routine, so now we all get alone time. It started simple enough. One Friday, my hubby played online poker with his friends. This was the beginning of the end. Or the beginning of us living our best quarantine lives. It's all about perspective. With him playing poker and the boys watching a movie together, I had the night to myself. I had a PVR full of trashy shows and my quarantine snacks. I lit my candles and curled up with my favorite blanket and a snack smorgasbord. I am not going to lie. It was. The. Best. My hubby must have felt the same regarding his virtual boys night, because it has become a weekly event. I hope clapping and jumping up and down wasn't too strong a reaction to this news. My sweet babies went from watching a movie together and having a sleepover, to watching their own movie, alone. Now, every Friday, after supper, we move to our separate locations in the house. We have our "Me" night. That way, the next time you are called a "Poopy Diarrhea Head", you don't lose your shit.
On a serious note, I want to thank all of the front line workers. We will never be able to thank you enough for your bravery and sacrifice. From the bottom of my heart - thank you.
In light of Mother's Day last weekend - Belated Happy Mother's Day to all you amazing Mamas.
And to my Mom. You are the strongest, most beautiful human being that I know. I strive to be as good as a Mom, as you are. Love you.
Does Mama need to lose her shit?
Not this week.
Comments
Post a Comment