In all I am, do, and will write, my aim is to hit God's mark. I will have moments of being misguided as I am not perfect, but know that I serve a God that loves me through it all.
A very important question was addressed to me this week:
"Mom? Why do you have a bright pink line on the top of your big toenail?"
It's been intense survival mode for the last couple of weeks. The light at the end of the tunnel is a looonnnnggg way off. Only the musts and the have-tos are getting accomplished. I'm not lieing, just look at my big toe. Evidence of the fact that I have been neglecting some personal care for way too long.
Not talking about painting my toenails; I do that only in the summer to cover up my toe fungus during sandel and flipflop season. I'm talking about other basic care...like getting my haircut or nails clipped.
So. This week I set out to take care of myself.
Monday: I took the time to floss my teeth. Just one more way to count to ten before exploding on the five year old and three year old whining and arguing yet again.
Tuesday: Got my haircut. Surprise! Didn't even have an appointment. Was meeting my husband at HIS appointment after a full day of running errands. My hairdresser took one look at me and practically threw me into the chair.
Wednesday: Managed to shave my armpits. Believe me, we are ALL glad I took the time to do that.
Thursday: Almost had time for a shower. Almost. Two year old needed the bath more than I did. Blowout diapers take priority.
Friday: Almost had time to shave my legs. Almost. Figured I should probably join my seven year old and the rest of the family for the Birthday Girl's special breakfast. Legs can wait.
Saturday: Almost had time to trim my toenails. Used the time to trim the children's toenails and fingernails instead. All 100 of them. Here, I'll help you out: (10 toes X 5 children) + (10 fingers X 5 children) = 100.
Sunday (this morning): I hope to be able to shave my legs and/or trim my nails too. We'll see. I think I just used my little window of time to write this blog entry instead. Takes awhile when one is feeding the youngest and typing with only one finger.
Besides, if I trimmed my nails this morning, what would I use as silent weapons on my children during church today?
However, I think I have an answer to my daughter's question as to why I have a lingering bright pink line on my big toenail...
I pretty sure none of the books and magazines I read when I was pregnant ever, ever warned me that I wouldn't ever have the bathroom to myself again. Ever.
And, while I don't want to be the oncoming train that is the light at the end of your tunnel, I mean it when I say "EVER". We had a teenage foster daughter, and even with a teenager, she would stand outside the bathroom door and try to talk to me and ask me questions while I was, you know, doing necessary bathroom things.
My mother lives with us now and *she* stands outside the bathroom door (actually, she just talks louder from the kitchen that shares a wall with the bathroom.)
I can't tell you the number of times that I have screamed, in desperation, "I'm PEEING!!!! Tell me later!!!"
However, i applaud and support your attempts to take time to take care of yourself. Don't give up! If you don't make an effort everyday to do ONE THING for yourself, it will never happen!
