Mommy Guilt Redux.

I feel like I should be Queen of Transitions at this point given all the various major life shifts I have made over the last 7+ years. Yet, with each one, no matter how much planning I do in preparation, it is a major shock to the system. While all of the changes have been for the better, it always feels not-so-awesome at the beginning because it's just plain different (which often translates into difficult).

The fact that AB is older is a bit of a double-edged sword. The good: We are able to have actual discussions about the changes and all the good things that will come from said changes. The bad: She is able to express her dismay about our being apart in a more mature (= more heartbreaking) way than ever before.

The tears, pleas, and letters (oh, the letters) leave me second guessing, as always, whether I am doing the right thing. I know that I am  and I know that I am going to feel guilty. But, I also know that she is going to be fine.

That I'm going to be fine.

That we're going to be fine.

Just as we have been every other time.

29 Ways To Stay Creative

{video via TO-FU}

29 WAYS TO STAY CREATIVE
1. Make lists
2. Carry a notebook everywhere
3. Try free writing
4. Get away from the computer
5. Quit beating yourself up
6. Take breaks
7. Sing in the shower
8. Drink coffee
9. Listen to new music
10. Be open
11. Surround yourself with creative people
12. Get feedback
13. Collaborate
14. Don't give up
15. Practice
16. Allow yourself to make mistakes
17. Go somewhere new
18. Count your blessings
19. Get lots of rest
20. Take risks
21. Break the rules
22. Don't force it
23. Read a page of the dictionary
24. Create a framework
25. Stop trying to be someone else's perfect
26. Got an idea? Write it down
27. Clean your workspace
28. Have fun
29. Finish something

Hey, Mom!

There were multiple times this morning when AB interrupted me while I was working. Normally, this would have driven me up the wall. But today, I found it endearing.

  

 

The Top 3 Interruptions:

  

1. Kiddo tucked the entire hem of her dress into her underwear. She strutted toward me as if on a catwalk: "Hey, Mom! Check out my dress. I like it like this."
2. Kiddo runs toward me with her favorite yellow cup, mouth full of carrots: "Hey, Mom! I made a snack. It's grapes, raisins, and carrots! It's soooo yummy AND it's good for me!!!"
3. Kiddo rushes in and plops herself next to me, pressing her tiny warm arm into mine and giving me a kiss (and a whiff of peanut butter breath): "Hey, Mom! I love you! Bye!"

  

Ditto, my love.