Dateline: Tuesday, January 8, 2008

In the Bathroom

I often have my most brilliant thoughts during and after showering, while I'm still in the bathroom. Today, I had three. Unfortunately, those thoughts are contained within the bathroom walls. Immediately upon opening the door, I forget every single thing and have a nagging feeling for the next thirty minutes or so as I struggle to remember my brilliant thoughts. Eventually I forget about the nagging feeling, as well. For years I've been thinking (while I'm in the bathroom) that we should have a chalkboard in the bathroom so that I can jot down my brilliant thoughts. But, of course, I forget about the chalkboard once I step outside the bathroom, and the vicious cycle continues.

One of the things that makes me forget my ideas is that I am easily distracted. Today, right before leaving the bathroom, I was distracted by the left-hand sink, also known as the bath-toy depository. For years, toys that accompany the kids during their baths end up draining in this sink. We are so used to not using this sink that it really only gets cleared out once or twice a week.

But this morning, for some reason, I really looked at the depository and how it is such a fitting picture of this stage of our life. It's an assembly of miscellany: a three-headed dog, Goliath, Darth and Anakin, two Barbies, a pair of goggles, a canoe, a boat, half a submarine. A dozen objects collected and chosen just for their bath-times by a little boy and a little girl.

This is my reality. This is the real concrete of every day life, right now, and someday the sinks will be just sinks. Someday I will have a whole bathroom cabinet that holds cleaning supplies rather than toys. Someday I won't pick Legos out of the drain. But for now, and a few years yet, I have a new perspective on the left-hand sink. I just wish the Barbies would wear their swim suits.

Comments

Tuesday, January 8, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

I *love* it! What a great visual of life with kids. And your thoughts that go with it....

And I love the quote on your header.

Heidi @ Mt. Hope
http://mthopeacademy.blogspot.com/

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Tuesday, January 8, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

First, thanks *so* much for your thoughts on SL Core 5. I really needed someone to pat me on the back and say, "There, there. It's *doable*, honey" and you did just that!

Second, LOL at your sink! We have a similar bath-toy receptacle, and from time to time I peruse its contents. I am never disappointed. A ladle. Three green plastic army men. A mini-sub that, when filled with baking soda, will dive and resurface. My best kitchen tongs. Countless bear-shaped honey jars.

What does all this say about my children? :-)

Mary Grace
http://booksandbairns.blogspot.com

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Wednesday, January 9, 2008 - Seasons

Posted by Kayluray

Our family is in the same season of life. Trying to enjoy it every day as it comes can be a challenge at times. It's those things we take for granted that we will miss someday - I hope.

Edited by Kayluray on Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at 9:56 PM

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Wednesday, January 9, 2008 - What is up with Barbie??

Posted by QueenoftheHill

Those things are always nakey.

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Tuesday, January 15, 2008 - Someday

Posted by Anonymous

Maybe you'll have a sink without toys, but it might be for only a short time, because those toys re accumulate when your grandchildren visit.
I get flashes of creativity in the tub, too! I must remember to write them down or they disappear in the steam. Great post.
Nana Connie
www.playwitmenana.blogspot.com

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