Friday, May 28, 2010

How Do You Cope?

I've been a mother of school aged children for like eleven years and STILL it's a SHOCK when they get out of school for summer vacation. It's not that I don't love it, it's just that I have to adjust and for some reason I forget how it all works and so there I am, standing there with a shocked look on my face as a gazillion little kittens run, singing and wet through my house.
I took a critical look around to see where I could make improvements. It was hard not to notice that the kitchen counter was covered with cups. If each of my kittens as four friends over and each of them get drinks three times, that's forty-five cups. So first on my list was BUY CUPS. Now don't give me a lecture on environmental sustainability... those cups are labeled and will be washed so that tomorrow when all the raucous starts again, I'll pull out those cups and I'll be READY. Note the greasy fingerprints on the cups. I'm not sure how to avoid that...yet.
Dan Barney mentioned the other day that he wanted some TANG. I saw it at Costco and thought I was so funny as I stuck it in my cart. 22 quarts should last us the whole summer and it's delicious with breakfast. I also stocked up on fruit and snacks and I made a list of crafts.

About a week ago I had this crazy idea. I decided that I was going to cancel t.v. in our house so that my kittens wouldn't waste a single minute this summer. I felt so empowered. I'll post a report at the end of this vacation as to whether unplugging t.v. was indeed a good idea. I also had each kitten make a list of things they wanted to accomplish this summer (practice piano, read etc.) and I laminated those lists and hung them on the fridge. It's sounds over ambitious and to be honest those lists will be forgotten in a week and we'll be enjoying spontaneous summer adventures. I'm not the only one who needs to adjust. The kittens look a little shocked too and it's nice to ease them in. Also with the lists if they say, "I don't know what to do," even once, I'll send them right to the fridge to figure it out.

If you have any ideas about how you cope with summer vacation...please share!
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6 comments:

Anonymous said...

OK, Cassandra, I feel a collaboration coming on. You have to know when you mention "Jewelry Line" to me, my mind runs wild. I will be in my garage tomorrow! Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Artfulife said...

We haven't had cable for a couple of years now and honestly don't miss it at all. If we really want to watch something we will on Hulu or Netflix. My girls hardly ever ask to watch shows and when they do it is a fun break for them. I love listening to them playing and using their imagination. I am sure your kids won't miss it a bit! Hope you guys have a great summer :)

Deanna said...

Several years ago we had a T.V. free summer. We actually took it out of the family room and stored it in the garage for the whole summer. Although I can't picture going without the T.V. now, we did talk and play more as a family than we ever had. That was before cell phones and ipods too.

Sue Ann said...

I'm looking for that large Tang! Our Costco no longer carries it. It is great for summer smoothies! Adjust fast, we'll be there at the end of the month!!!! :) Loves to all.

Nigel said...

Wait! The canister says "great new taste". Tell me they didn't ruin Tang. The old flavor was good enough for astronauts who walked on the moon.

Cassandra Barney said...

TANG is one of those things where it's a good memory and then you read what's in it and wonder why your mother ever gave it to you in the first place. I personally haven't tasted it yet, maybe today I will.

No T.V. has so far gone unnoticed. Ya!

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