Mom Time-Out

I'm having one of those "how did I get here and I think I have three too many kids" days. Not at the point where I want to (necessarily) walk out the door and never come back, but can understand how women get to that point and a few days in a looney bin might not be the worst thing in the world. Betty Ford might have been fore-planning, one more reason I loved that woman.

Because both raising kids and maintaining a marriage is a full-time job and takes constant work to keep from sinking into the bowels of the sewer system, I have a few favorite measures I take to keep me from drowning.

The Y.

If it weren’t for the YMCA, I might either be in “the Betty” now or maybe on a wanted ad. I get ninety minutes a day of free childcare, and darn good care as well. We refer to it as “school” here and it’s been beneficial for all involved. Some days I go to the Y just to read and poop in privacy, always with my ipod so deafeningly loud that life around me is simple and silent. Some days I sweat so much I look like I fell into the pool and the endorphins are miraculous. Other days I might sit and write to regain some semblance of supernatural mothering I envy in others.

The Apple Place.

Mollieland @ Mollie Stones. My kids all love it and have been going there for “ever.” Since I am too cheap to actually shop at Mollie Stones, I usually sit at Starbucks and read or write and drink too many Americanos. The guilt eventually weighs on me for taking advantage of Mollie Stones, so I go to the Deli and spend upwards of forty dollars on deli food I do not need, but love. Brilliant marketing, Mollieland, kudos!

Småland

Ikea in EPA rocks. On every level. Yes there might be an occasional robbery in the parking lot from time to time but the ease of parking on the entrance level with spaces marked “family zone” is heavenly. Now that my kids are all potty trained and of acceptable heights, I can drop them off for forty-five minutes and buy cheap crap I don’t really need but find fun and whimsical, or I can sit and drink Swedish coffee in their café or take a hidden snooze on a couch in their showplace upstairs.

Now, all we need is for someone to come up with a mani/pedi/spa for moms with free childcare. If a business like that exists, let me tell you – jackpot! I’ll be your first regular and would be happy to pay an up-charge for your kindness.