Only-pet Syndrome. Now that seems like a true story. Her official name was Puru, and if you have an inkling of who I am, you get the name. We rarely called her that though, and like most humans, we had a few nicknames for her. She was best known as "Puddin", and was a dumpster kitty when she first came to us. In the beginning, I didn't really want her to stay with us. We'd invite her into our home, feed her and give her some love. She would eat, drink, and throw up on everything. Um...yea. I wasn't feeling it.
The cat stuck around for a while, and in the meantime, my husband and I decided to move to Connecticut to be closer to our jobs. My husband asked me if we could take the cat with us, and I remember my response quite well. It was an adamant "NO!" I explained that we didn't have time to take care of an animal, we were never home due to our jobs as retail managers, the cat was clearly sick, I didn't want the expense, and I'm embarrassed to share this, but I didn't think she was that cute. I made many excuses, but the truth was...I just wasn't ready for the responsibility.
To be continued...
Monday, September 27, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
The Web Girl Chronicles: Memos to Momma
When her full-time Dad leaves the room, this tech-savvy kid tells-all in secret emails to her working Mom.
Oct. 20, 2003
Mornin' Momma!
Dad's taking the trash out, so here I am! For the first time since we met, you didn't come to greet me when I awoke. I called for you with my sweet babbles, but Daddy came instead. He picked me up, swung me around, and showered me with kisses and hugs. It was fun, but I still wondered where you were.
Daddy must have known I was looking for you, because he explained that it was time for you to return to work, and that he would be watching over me. I was a little confused, but as soon as he gave me my morning milkies, it became a little clearer. I miss you terribly, and all the snuggles you and I shared during those hot, summer days. But I feel safe and secure with Daddy, so don't worry about me!
After breakfast, Daddy joined me on the floor, where we were surrounded by warm blankets and fuzzy animals. We played with my soft blocks, and Daddy read me a short book that looked really yummy. But somehow, chewing a book didn't feel right, so I chewed on my bottom lip instead. That always makes me feel better. Soon after that, I got very sleepy. Daddy sat in the rocky rock chair with me, while I drifted towards sweet dreams.
Do you know what I dreamed about? You. You were holding me in your arms and feeding me milkies, staring at me like I was the only little baby girl in the world. It was the best dream ever. Come home soon, Momma. Daddy and I miss you.
Love,
Maia
Dear Maia,
What a wonderful surprise to hear from you! Yes, it is time for me to return to work, after three short months that seemed to fly by. I loved spending the summer with you - they were sheer Heaven for me. I really didn't want to leave you, and between you and me, I'm totally NOT ready to go back to work. But your Daddy and I agreed that my career could take better care of us as a family and Dad was sick of working retail with all those long hours. So. Here we are.
OH how I missed seeing your smiling, giggly face this morning. I've been preparing for my return to work, so I know you have lots of milkies around there to keep you happy and content. Just lay back in Daddy's arms, and enjoy your time with him. In the meantime, I'll be counting the hours and minutes until we can be together again.
Love Always and Forever,
Momma
Oct. 20, 2003
Mornin' Momma!
Dad's taking the trash out, so here I am! For the first time since we met, you didn't come to greet me when I awoke. I called for you with my sweet babbles, but Daddy came instead. He picked me up, swung me around, and showered me with kisses and hugs. It was fun, but I still wondered where you were.
Daddy must have known I was looking for you, because he explained that it was time for you to return to work, and that he would be watching over me. I was a little confused, but as soon as he gave me my morning milkies, it became a little clearer. I miss you terribly, and all the snuggles you and I shared during those hot, summer days. But I feel safe and secure with Daddy, so don't worry about me!
After breakfast, Daddy joined me on the floor, where we were surrounded by warm blankets and fuzzy animals. We played with my soft blocks, and Daddy read me a short book that looked really yummy. But somehow, chewing a book didn't feel right, so I chewed on my bottom lip instead. That always makes me feel better. Soon after that, I got very sleepy. Daddy sat in the rocky rock chair with me, while I drifted towards sweet dreams.
Do you know what I dreamed about? You. You were holding me in your arms and feeding me milkies, staring at me like I was the only little baby girl in the world. It was the best dream ever. Come home soon, Momma. Daddy and I miss you.
Love,
Maia
Dear Maia,
What a wonderful surprise to hear from you! Yes, it is time for me to return to work, after three short months that seemed to fly by. I loved spending the summer with you - they were sheer Heaven for me. I really didn't want to leave you, and between you and me, I'm totally NOT ready to go back to work. But your Daddy and I agreed that my career could take better care of us as a family and Dad was sick of working retail with all those long hours. So. Here we are.
OH how I missed seeing your smiling, giggly face this morning. I've been preparing for my return to work, so I know you have lots of milkies around there to keep you happy and content. Just lay back in Daddy's arms, and enjoy your time with him. In the meantime, I'll be counting the hours and minutes until we can be together again.
Love Always and Forever,
Momma
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
The Culture of Only-ness
Only. I'm not fond of the word. It has such a negative connotation. It boxes us in, suggesting that what we have is not enough. Take for instance the phrase "Beauty is only skin deep"? I know a lot of beautiful people, who may be considered by some to be quite average looking, but their soul - what's on the inside - makes them beautiful to me.
And what if you add the words "child" and "syndrome" to it? Only-Child Syndrome. Sounds nasty, doesn't it? My child is an only child...does she have it? How about your child? The phrase is meant to express the behavior of a child with no siblings; the stereotypical only-child may be spoiled, isn't a good sharer, and doesn't take "no" for an answer. Is the phrase out-dated? You betcha.
The fact of the matter is that only-child families are the trend. They're called "single-child families" and, their on the rise. Over the years, we're subtly made to feel guilty for not procreating. I've been told that there is always enough love in your heart for another child. And I know you've all heard the "So, when are you going to have another?" question. If you're like me, the phrase hangs heavily in the air, while your wheels turn quickly to come up with an acceptable answer. Others offer the only-child scenario as cruel and selfish .
Then you may have, as I do, that little voice that occasionally speaks up when you least expect it. The voice says that I'm a good Mom - am I denying myself the privilege of raising another "good kid"? And more importantly, am I denying my child the right to share her life with a sibling, to have that constant playmate, and another connection when it's time for her parents to leave this world?
I came to this Earth with God-given free will. There were no rules about how many children to have - the decision is solely mine. I recently watched former President Clinton give an interview with David Letterman, and he mentioned that he and Hillary had always felt that raising Chelsea was their most important job. I've always liked the man, but I admired him even more for saying that - it echoed my feelings in that I've been given the privilege of bringing a child into this world.
And here's the part where I'm brutally honest: I am selfish. There. I've said it. It's easier for me to provide for my single-child in the toughest of economies. It's easier for me to go out to dinner as a family - and it's certainly cheaper. It's easier for me to have a "date night". My husband is easier to love. The future of paying for college tuition and a wedding isn't that scary to me either.
My daughter is neither spoiled or coddled. She accepts the word "no", and hears it often, especially on Saturday mornings when she's watching commercials for the hottest toys. And so, I've made peace with that inner-voice. It no longer fills my head and heart with guilt over my decision to quit while I'm ahead. So my child is not an only-child, she is a child living singly in a home filled with love and ease.
And let's just leave that only "only-child syndrome" as a phrase best used when describing my cat. But that's a story for another day.
And what if you add the words "child" and "syndrome" to it? Only-Child Syndrome. Sounds nasty, doesn't it? My child is an only child...does she have it? How about your child? The phrase is meant to express the behavior of a child with no siblings; the stereotypical only-child may be spoiled, isn't a good sharer, and doesn't take "no" for an answer. Is the phrase out-dated? You betcha.
The fact of the matter is that only-child families are the trend. They're called "single-child families" and, their on the rise. Over the years, we're subtly made to feel guilty for not procreating. I've been told that there is always enough love in your heart for another child. And I know you've all heard the "So, when are you going to have another?" question. If you're like me, the phrase hangs heavily in the air, while your wheels turn quickly to come up with an acceptable answer. Others offer the only-child scenario as cruel and selfish .
Then you may have, as I do, that little voice that occasionally speaks up when you least expect it. The voice says that I'm a good Mom - am I denying myself the privilege of raising another "good kid"? And more importantly, am I denying my child the right to share her life with a sibling, to have that constant playmate, and another connection when it's time for her parents to leave this world?
I came to this Earth with God-given free will. There were no rules about how many children to have - the decision is solely mine. I recently watched former President Clinton give an interview with David Letterman, and he mentioned that he and Hillary had always felt that raising Chelsea was their most important job. I've always liked the man, but I admired him even more for saying that - it echoed my feelings in that I've been given the privilege of bringing a child into this world.
And here's the part where I'm brutally honest: I am selfish. There. I've said it. It's easier for me to provide for my single-child in the toughest of economies. It's easier for me to go out to dinner as a family - and it's certainly cheaper. It's easier for me to have a "date night". My husband is easier to love. The future of paying for college tuition and a wedding isn't that scary to me either.
My daughter is neither spoiled or coddled. She accepts the word "no", and hears it often, especially on Saturday mornings when she's watching commercials for the hottest toys. And so, I've made peace with that inner-voice. It no longer fills my head and heart with guilt over my decision to quit while I'm ahead. So my child is not an only-child, she is a child living singly in a home filled with love and ease.
And let's just leave that only "only-child syndrome" as a phrase best used when describing my cat. But that's a story for another day.
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