crazedparent

Unplugged...

I learned of Michael Jackson's early demise yesterday evening, hours after the news broke.

"How sad! Did you know Michael Jackson died?" I asked my husband as our laptops were back to back at the dining room table.

"Where ya' been?" he said, his voice aghast at my lack of news knowledge. "It's been all over the news. How could you not know?"

If it had happened three weeks ago, his comment would have seemed more appropriate. But since the boys started their summer vacations, I've unplugged all day. I'm not monitoring news sites all day, waiting for breaking stories to write about on Shine. I'm not scouring my iPhone for updates. I'm not in the car listening to NPR or other radio stations, as Nol and Q., my frequent passengers have requested I play CDs of late.

The combination of no television, very limited time spent online in the day, and resisting the pull of my iPhone, has made me very detached. I've been getting my news old-school; I read the newspaper every morning. Or I'll skim the headlines at night when I'm wrapping up work for Shine.

A friend recently asked me if she should call me to reach me, since I'm not checking email as frequently.

"Yes, call me. That's the fastest way to reach me," I answered, and we both laughed because it acknowledged just how much of my life is spent online.

This unplugging experiment, it won't last much longer. Both boys will be in summer camp soon, and I have things to write, web sites to work on. But for now, it's been nice step away from my desk and laptop, especially since it seems I've been glued to the same spot for 18 months.

Stepping away has changed me. And change is good. Really, really good.

And to Michael Jackson: Thank you, thank you, thank you, for bringing music and dancing to my life. For "Beat It" and your amazing video that I grooved to in the fifth grade talent show. And for that ridiculously lame yet cool jacket in the "Thriller" video that made little boys try to copy your style (you know who you are). For "PYT" and the lame crank calls I used to receive from kids in class using that riff. For "The Girl is Mine" with Paul McCartney. For "Smooth Criminal," with its amazing sound and rhythm (could we expect any less?) and for letting Alienl Ant Farm remake the song. And for "Human Nature," my all-time favorite song of yours. RIP, MJ.

Losing space...

I gave up my home office this week. (Even writing those words is painful.)

It was a parenting decision that resulted in the boys getting their own bedrooms. And mom's desk, artwork, photos, and peaceful slice of bliss was related to, well, we're not sure yet. The desk has been taken apart, the photos and pieces of my work and writing life are all packed away temporarily in a closet that is already overflowing with mementos of the past few school years. 

In the process of moving the rooms around, I've created about 20 more home projects that need to be complete to get our family organized. And so the list making begins.

I'm on a staycation this week while Seven is home from school and Q. wraps up his first year of preschool. We've been crafting up a storm. Now if only I could cross more things off of my list.

Welcoming summer vacation...

There is nothing more heartbreaking than picking your preschooler up from class and having him crumble in your arms while hard, hot tears stream from his face, his voice begging you to "just go home, mama." The subtle reminder that being four, being a younger sibling, and learning how to play with friends is so, so hard. 

The start of summer vacation marks the end of the the school year. I've always felt some trepidation at managing the juggle of various schedules and activities that the three months bring. But this year, I am breathing a sigh relief for the break from school, and sporting a smile of excitement at the possibilities that summer will bring.