Where I ramble on and lose your interest.
(If your eyes glaze halfway through, at least read the last bit, okay? Pinky swear you will.)
So, I wanted to make a clarification after yesterday’s post.
No one emailed me or commented anything to move me to do so, btw. I just tumble things around in my head a lot, and sometimes lots of things occur to me about what I’ve said that did not originally ocurr to me. Okay, sometimes? ALL the time.
Call me slow on the uptake, or something. Just don’t call me, “Fluffly McNutterButter.” Don’t ask. Just don’t call me that.
I wanted to make sure that people understand that I really do love being a mother. I am not committing myself to making my family suffer so that I can do this writing/blogging thing.
[The only thing I would willingly make my family suffer for is a free Dyson. I'd strap their asses to a medievel torture rack for one. Or railroad ties. Or dangle them from a balcony in front ot the media. You know, anything incredibly dangerous and irresponsibly insane. DYSON PEOPLE, are you paying ANY attention to me yet?!]
In no way am I saying, “I’m willing to deny Braden the time with me that he needs, because I just feel like hangin’ out over here being selfish and stuff with my keyboard and typish thingies and my digital camera whatsidoogie.” And somehow, I feel the need to blow a valley-girlesque bubblegum bubble and pop it with my cherry red press-on nails afer the way I just typed the previous quote. But I have neither bubble gum nor press-on nails, so I’m gonna have to miss out on that for now.
If I did think, for one minute, that writing for this website, or any other, was doing detriment to Braden as a person, or harming our family, I would drop off The Mighty Interwebs. In a heartbeat. But honestly, I just don’t think that’s the case. Not here, anyway. So that’s not what’s happening.
What I am going to be doing is enlisting John to help me carve out some specific time to work on things of the “me” variety. I’ve been trying really hard to juggle everything on my own, and what has ended up happening is a lot of not sleeping very much and letting myself get run down. Generally, I’ve been staying up very late to work on things around here, and frankly, that just makes me a crappy mother, because it shortens my fuse considerably. I need to be gettin’ my ass in bed at an hour that would make any grandma proud.
All apologies to any Rock’nRoll Grandmas who might have been offended by that last statement.
Also, a couple of you made reference to the “job” I referred to in yesterday’s post. I wanted to point out that I wasn’t talking about a “real” job so much as I was talking about this website. It’s my “not really paid” job (unless you count the ad revenue, and really, that ain’t sendin’ Braden to college, ya dig?)… but it’s a job, because I put myself on a schedule and I expect a certain level of performance from myself. Does that make sense? Not that I make it unpleasant by doing that, because it’s still my website and I can do/write/say/post/etc anything I want. That’s liberating. But expecting a certain standard of things (stop laughing at me for saying I have standards) from myself here also makes this something to me that is important, and not just a plaything.
And that means something to me, inside. Ya dig? It’s like what a “real” job does for your psyche.
That being said? I do have a couple of fun new gigs starting up, thank you so much for asking! :-P Neither is a paying gig, either. Either I’m a glutton for punishment, an Attention Whore, or I really do enjoy this whole “writing thing.” You decide.
So…
I’m officially one of four contributing authors on a new ”Moms” column, “From the Mouths of Babes,” at Quirkee.com. Please check the website, and the column, out. There are great writers and cartoonists there, and quality content you are bound to enjoy! I’ll be publishing a piece there every fourth Thursday (starting THIS Thursday!). On other Thursdays, you’ll find great stuff on our column by the lovely and talented ”Babes,” Piper, Kadi, and dKaye, as well as many other articles and interesting content across the board on the website.
I’m also on the cusp of being a contributing author for Deep South Moms, a blog that is part of the Silicon Valley Moms Group. The site abounds with amazing women writers, as do the other blogs in the group. Lovelies you’ll find contributing at DSM include the ladies of Queen of Shake-Shake, BlondeMomBlog, Milkbreath & Margaritas, Mommy Needs Coffee and many more. There is definitely a “tall glass of southern sass” being served up there daily. So mosey on over yonder, ya’ll, take a load off and have a look’see. 
So, there ya have it. Much more than you wanted to read about me and my thoughts, dreams, and plans on a random Tuesday.
What’s up in your life this lovely Tuesday, eh?
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Meredith from Merchant Ships
Congrats, friend!
I understand–blogging is my creative outlet, too. I find myself going quietly crazy without having a little space all to my own.
Even if it’s totally virtual.
Tootsie Farklepants
No interest lost here. In fact, I totally GET it. Congrats to you!!
Tootsie Farklepants’s last blog post..And Then She Peed on My Side of the Bed
TLC@Send Chocolate
Great post, and I am right there with you. I always wanted to be a writer, but I ended up on Plan B. Plan B is ok, though. But I realize as my kids get older (14, 9, and 6) I need to follow this and see where it goes, even if for nothing else than personal satisfaction. I feel like I have to write the way I have to breathe. So, I do.
Glad you are following your bliss. (gah that sounds so lame and new-agey) It will make you a better momma.
T.
TLC@Send Chocolate’s last blog post..Scraping the Bottom for SEO
lilacspecs
Congrats on the extra projects. I’ve actually been strongly and seriously considering polishing up/writing some new short stories and submitting to magazines this month, since I have no Dutch class and no one is willing to hire me for anything more than dishwashing/factory work at this juncture. Stupid Belgians.
lilacspecs’s last blog post..Music Monday – I’m Not One For Politics But…
river
I read between the lines yesterday and understood you immediately. There’s nothing wrong with wanting a little time for yourself to BE yourself. Braden knows that you are always there for him and it won’t hurt him one little bit to know that you are also an independent individual who is not attached to him at the hip, so to speak.
Michelle
Am glad you’re making ‘me’ (you!) time. And being accountable and disciplined with it.
It is absolutely necessary to have ‘me’ time, though I spend mine on the ocean with a surfboard and a couple of friends – even in the winter iciness here at the moment (well is is July, and I am on the lower coast of Australia, so it is COLD).
Also, your ‘me’ time not only helps you, it helps us readers have a laugh and a glimpse at you and your gorgeous family, and sometimes makes our day, or makes us think, or…you geworking.t the idea. Keep up the good work.
Michelle
OOPS..
Should read:
Also your ‘me’ time not only helps you, it helps us readers have a laugh and a glimpse at you and your gorgeous family, and sometimes makes our day, or makes us think, or…you get the idea. Keep up the good work.
I hate when I accidentally move words when I type.
Veronica
I get this. I get it completely.
Veronica’s last blog post..Dear Nathan…
manager mom
Well, let me tell you, the writing stuff you’re pursuing (which I assume you love) will do a helluva lot more for your psyche than MOST *real* jobs – which in my experience, pay extremely well but make my psyche feel extremely like shit. Which is actually why I took up blogging…
manager mom’s last blog post..When Worlds Collide
MizFit
never too much of a ramble for THIS reader.
alas I HAVE NOTHING.
Im trying to manifest and attract some SOMETHINGS.
does that count?
MizFit’s last blog post..Tues Tip. Rocco style.
melissa
The blogging makes me happy and feel like a person too. However, when I use a whole nap to blog. I feel really bad about sitting on my butt for two hours. I think getting some time to work is a good idea. I bet your husband already has some time to himself and would not mind sharing. My husband even proofs the posts I do for Blissfully Domestic.
melissa’s last blog post..Family Photo Shoot
Lou Lohman
Well, apparently you’re going to take a circular route to the the notion of writing a book, but at least you’re headed in the right direction. Good for you.
Lou Lohman’s last blog post..Tuesday Tale #1
Twitter: lceel
Tara R
good for you!
blogging is total therapy and me-time for me as well.
Tara R’s last blog post..Yay Canada
Miss Britt
Scheduling you time does not make you a bad mother.
Say it over and over and over again. As many times as you need to.
I dig.
Miss Britt’s last blog post..I Went To NYC And All I Got Was 1248 Pictures Of Buildings
Colleen
Yay for you…now making sure you STICK to that “me” time schedule is the next toughie!
Colleen’s last blog post..The book that nearly kicked my BUTT
Twitter: mommy_wins
Michelle
Good luck with the new gig(s)!
I firmly believe the a happy mom means happy kiddos so find your bliss girl!
Michelle’s last blog post..Weekend Wrap Up
Tiffany
It not hard to get run down with being a mom. It’s hard work and we DO need some time to ourselves. That doesn’t make us bad mothers. It just makes us human. So schedule some time just for YOU and your family will also reap the benefits of a mom who is a little less high-strung. I also need some ME time. We all do. Don’t beat yourself up over it!
Tiffany’s last blog post..Skunk Butts
Sarah
We ALL need ME time. It’s important that it’s carved out!! So glad you’re taking the initiative to carve out the time!!!
Sarah’s last blog post..Conversations with a Parrot**
Twitter: sadiecass
Jamie
I think everyone needs some solitude. Some of us just need more of it. That doesn’t change when you become a mother, it’s just more difficult (and sometimes more guilt inducing!)
So glad you are going to be writing over at DSMs!
Welcome aboard!
A Whole Lot of Nothing
DAMN those Dyson people. They need to get on the ball (haha – get it? Dyson BALL! oh… I crack me up) and send you one. You’re their best advertiser.
And congrats on the new jobs!
A Whole Lot of Nothing’s last blog post..Top 100: #81-100 – My Beliefs
A Jill of All Trades
That’s awesome Lotus!!!!
Congrats! I’d be exhilirated to be invited to be a writer for something like that. I’ll be cruising by there to check things out.
A Jill of All Trades’s last blog post..Music Monday: Part deux squared
Connie
You didn’t lose my interest! You’re not a bad mother, Lotus~ALL Moms need “me” time! Congratulations on this new venture you’re about to embark
Connie’s last blog post..Weekly Winners=June 22cd-28th 2008
missy wiggins
I think you are a marvelous writer! So keep it up so I have something funny/sarcastic/meaningful to read daily. Every one of us mamas need “me” time and I hope you carve out that time.
SO what am I doing today? Well, I get to spend the day with three lovely (only occasionally) evil children and hang out around the house because it is 5000 degrees where we live.
Have a good day.
missy wiggins’s last blog post..Birthdays, Blogging and Being Broke.
Twitter: molassa
Manic Mom
We all love you, you should have No worries. You should check out some of the crazy stuff I have written. People are lined up with pitch forks & torches at least twice a week! LOL Keep it up you inspire me!
Manic Mom’s last blog post..Can you say, “Hammer Time”!
Talina
Damn construction guys outside my home are making me nutty! Oh, and by the way… keep working on your “job” they way you have been. It can make you good money if your readership gets big enough!
Talina’s last blog post..On fear and it’s impact on life.
Twitter: TalinaN
Jenny from Mommin' It Up!
I feel ya. I am in desperate need of me time. I love being mommy & wife, but dude, EVERYBODY in my house (even the cat) wants to be ON ME all the time and it gets a little old. Sometimes I want to draw a circle around myself that no one can step into!
Jenny from Mommin’ It Up!’s last blog post..On the Road Again
Twitter: jennyitup
Rachael
Congrats on your new gigs! Also, I think it is GREAT that you are going to put ‘me’ time into the schedule. Really, I need my time too and putting it on the schedule is the best way to get it!
Rachael’s last blog post..More advice on resumes and cover letters
Twitter: rachael1013
Elaine
The bloggin’ thing is one of the only things I can truly call my own right now and that means a lot when life gets crazy busy and overwhelming (I touched on this in my post yesterday- the overwhelmed part anyway…). Congrats to you on branching out. We love our children to the ends of the earth and back but we can’t fully do that if we lose ourselves in the process. Cheers!
Elaine’s last blog post..Questions About Heaven
feener
i write for NJMoms of SVMoms and it has been such a wonderful experience. You really feel a part of a community !! congrats.
feener’s last blog post..punk
Eve
I totally get the need for me time. I think it’s a wonderful idea, one that too many young mothers neglect. Dads and babies need some bonding time together without mom, too. So – go for it! It’s good for your sanity. And congrats on the new “jobs.”
Eve’s last blog post..Heads or Tails – Summertime Memory
Tanya
I think everyone is contemplative lately, me included.
It’s nice to stop and think about life, and to share your thoughts on things is even better.
Rebecca
Honesty compels me to tell you that I haven’t read your Monday post yet.
But if anyone here thinks you’re not a good mother they’re CRAZY.
Perfect, no. But no one is.
I’ve been reading Kadi’s blog for about nine months. I don’t always agree with her (like today, for instance), but I enjoy her blog a lot. Congrats to you.
Rebecca
Rebecca’s last blog post..My plant’s new haircut
Twitter: ramblingreba
Hockeyman
I love reading your stuff Lotus. I feel like you are my sister in some weird kind of way. I was actually in best buy this weekend and thought of you as we passed the dysons on display.
Hockeyman’s last blog post..Sprituality
Maria
Y’all. Hehehehehe. That’s the only country thing about me. My y’all. Lookin’ forward to readin’!
Maria’s last blog post..You Pro-lifers Out There…
Donna W
About the Dyson: I have one. I also have a shedding dog. I love my Dyson, and will maim the first person who threatens to take it from me.
I love to vacuum now. Seriously. I take pictures of the hair that my Dyson has collected and save them on my computer.
Somebody give me a life, please.
Donna W’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: son-in-law with major fireworks contribution
VDog
Congrats on everything. I totally dig the “job” sentiment. I just don’t like to work. Hahahaha…so yeah…
You go with your fantastical writing self, girlfriend!
VDog’s last blog post..Happy 18 Month Birthday, Little Man!
Twitter: VDog
Alyssa
There is NO REASON for you to feel one iota of guilt about taking time for yourself. In my experience, the people who tell you to devote every second to your children don’t HAVE children.
We bought a Dyson off of EBay a few years ago. Have you checked that option out? It’s still not cheap, but a little cheaper.