Every year, advertisers pressure families to make sure to get "Mom" a memorable present. Mother's rings, a great outfit, perfume, digital cameras, romantic movies, running shoes, a spa treatment, etc. fill newspaper and TV ads. I can tell you the only thing that would make me happy from that list is a spa treatment. If I got running shoes, I might throw them. I'm not into jewelry. Clothes is nice, but...
What I really want doesn't necessarily come with a price tag. Here's my list:
A clean house. I prefer spending time with my family over cleaning, so cleaning house isn't my priority. But I still want a clean house. And if everyone just picked up their junk, or scrubbed their dish or put away their DVDs, I'd be one happy gal.
Some "me" time. I love my family, but sometimes I just want to be alone. The commute home isn't enough because it's stressful driving bumper to bumper.
No fighting/arguing for a full 24 hours. The day, actually most days, start well intentioned. But then...I know siblings fight. I did my share growing up. It's just that it gives me a headache. So stop it for just one day!
No mom drama from the school/neighborhood women and their kids. Sorry, ladies. Some of you and your kids come with more drama than I care for. Your family isn't perfect, nor is mine. So stop trying to one up everyone. It's childish and sometimes hurtful. Now, I do my best to pretend not to notice, but seriously! We are not in junior high. And all this drama does is teach our daughters to be petty, mean girls. Grow up!
A massage. This doesn't necessarily require an expensive spa visit. In fact, a nice massage from hubby can be so much better. Even a little neck rub when mommy is stressed can be fabulous.
A pedicure. Again, no expensive spa visit required. Just leave me alone long enough to enjoy soaking my feet and using that foot massager for my achy feet. I'm OK doing the filing and polishing. I just need a full hour alone to enjoy it.
A memorable meal not cooked by me. The best ones have been when my husband grills a little surf and turf and pours a good bottle of wine. Good conversation and some Spanish guitar or soothing music will complement the meal nicely
Some family togetherness/fun. Let's jump on those bikes, go for a swim or head out to a movie, concert, museum etc. without any grumpiness. We can break from our technology to actually talk, not text, and make memories.
No nagging. Believe me, I hate to do it. So just clean your room, finish your homework, pick up after yourself, and wash your face on your own. Please!
Privacy/no interruptions. I don't know why it's OK to barge in on me and have me stop everything to look for missing stuff or stop an argument. Please stop knocking on the bathroom door to talk to me, too. I really want privacy then.
I don't think I'm asking for much, am I? Please make this happen once in a while. It's great if it can happen today.
Cheers!
