tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238780007621149539.post4987150506099748597..comments2023-12-23T00:50:44.532-08:00Comments on Booby and the Beast: The Days, They Are LongBooby and the Beasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01130302818680322634noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238780007621149539.post-59163745934725229042014-02-12T21:06:03.956-08:002014-02-12T21:06:03.956-08:00Yes! I find myself doing that all the time--explai...Yes! I find myself doing that all the time--explaining that I'm a lawyer, but staying home with my son right now. I catch myself and feel silly afterward, but then the exact same words come out the next time someone asks what I do. Sometimes I wonder if it's because of all the money I spent on law school, and I feel the need to justify that? And I'm lucky if I get us out of our pajamas before lunch most days. By then, we've fought crocodiles, built forts, raced cars, and watched the construction guys building our new garage. A lot happens during these days, but getting dressed isn't always a priority. ;) Thanks for the solidarity, Kacey!Booby and the Beasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01130302818680322634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238780007621149539.post-81239465632135388862014-02-12T21:05:25.482-08:002014-02-12T21:05:25.482-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Booby and the Beasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01130302818680322634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238780007621149539.post-82564399910608803392014-02-12T10:56:19.310-08:002014-02-12T10:56:19.310-08:00I think being a lawyer turned SAHM is a particular...I think being a lawyer turned SAHM is a particular challenge to the psyche because we are by nature competitive, type-A's, as you said. I still respond, when people ask me what I do (because I live in the DC area so that's all anyone ever asks in social situations), "I'm a lawyer but I'm home full-time with my daughter right now." I don't know why I do that! I don't even know if I'm ever going to go back to work but I feel the need to defend myself and make it sound like it's a temporary gig. Just last night when my husband came home I realized that the house was in the exact same state that it had been in when he left that morning. As if nothing had happened here all day. But SO much had happened here all day and it's almost impossible to explain what it all was. For the record, if I were you, my answer would be that I rest, watch television, read books, go to the gym and to yoga, and look on while my nanny makes meals and feeds my daughter, cleans up after her, handles the tantrums, then I play with and snuggle with my daughter when she's in her good moods ... and all of this would be a true answer. That's exactly what I would do if I were going through what you and your family have been over the last couple of years and you deserve to do that without guilt, even if it's just once in a while :)Kaceyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04624337752006621720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238780007621149539.post-59403514003266755272014-02-10T14:28:14.900-08:002014-02-10T14:28:14.900-08:00You are welcome. The "family cold" as i...You are welcome. The "family cold" as it was named did take it's toll and has left a mixture of consequences. The positive in it is we have wondrous stories, great empathy, less chasing after the wind, and humble recognition of the very grace of God.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238780007621149539.post-74740896559115215062014-02-10T13:54:29.420-08:002014-02-10T13:54:29.420-08:00I love this--thank you. And I'm sorry you'...I love this--thank you. And I'm sorry you've had to experience so much cancer in your family. It is a horrific disease. Booby and the Beasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01130302818680322634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238780007621149539.post-25996728319314326312014-02-10T13:53:02.198-08:002014-02-10T13:53:02.198-08:00Yes! All of those things, and then some. And I do ...Yes! All of those things, and then some. And I do feel so fortunate, even on days the chemo catches up with me. I have this little human whose life I get to be a part of, and there's really no better medicine than that.Booby and the Beasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01130302818680322634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238780007621149539.post-63142537339418029192014-02-10T13:49:34.033-08:002014-02-10T13:49:34.033-08:00I love that idea, "building skyscrapers."...I love that idea, "building skyscrapers." I'll look for the essay--thanks.Booby and the Beasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01130302818680322634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238780007621149539.post-37393299351099986672014-02-10T13:47:17.240-08:002014-02-10T13:47:17.240-08:00This will be my go-to line from now on!This will be my go-to line from now on!Booby and the Beasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01130302818680322634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238780007621149539.post-62697093263533506752014-02-10T13:45:39.081-08:002014-02-10T13:45:39.081-08:00Thanks for your encouragement, Lisa. I always love...Thanks for your encouragement, Lisa. I always love hearing stories of women who are years past this disease. I hope my family and I get to experience that, too.Booby and the Beasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01130302818680322634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238780007621149539.post-87395141684042729952014-02-10T12:31:57.912-08:002014-02-10T12:31:57.912-08:00I have stood by five family members (four with the...I have stood by five family members (four with the same cancer) and a few very close friends in the same period. So, understand the naive questions and personal insecurities. I'd respond as follows: "The past few years I have fought Death to a near stand still. Having regained some health, I spend what strength I have imparting life to my son." Some may suggest this is overly dramatic, but such has been your life. Said very casually and with a smile it will have impact, because it is true, and will be recognized as such.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238780007621149539.post-89875050452443677592014-02-10T10:01:54.110-08:002014-02-10T10:01:54.110-08:00Sometimes I feel like saying that I do what my nan...Sometimes I feel like saying that I do what my nanny, house cleaner, painter, accountant, lawn maintainer, etc.,etc. used to do. I don't think that anyone who gets paid for these professions is questioned as to whether they "work" or not. My less cynical side : ) would probably say that I'm fortunate to spend so much time with my little ones and be their care-giver and teacher and playmate. Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10577246019759407131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238780007621149539.post-46116229290579000202014-02-08T05:04:12.090-08:002014-02-08T05:04:12.090-08:00You are building skyscrapers.....google that essay...You are building skyscrapers.....google that essay. It is even more meaningful when I tell my husband about "not getting anything done" and he reminds me that I'm building skyscrapers.Maiden Janehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09714005634771057441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238780007621149539.post-61783409417222127792014-02-07T15:06:44.609-08:002014-02-07T15:06:44.609-08:00How can it be right to let strangers raise your ch...How can it be right to let strangers raise your childrenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238780007621149539.post-32948078922129818152014-02-07T14:37:06.263-08:002014-02-07T14:37:06.263-08:00I tend to tell people "bubble baths and bon b...I tend to tell people "bubble baths and bon bons" all the time when I get that question, or even just to poke fun at what little everyone thinks we do. I do tell people a lot to just stop by whenever because I'm almost always home, or I tell them honestly if they need me to watch kids or do something for them I can because, you know, bubble baths... but nobody I know would ever ask just a thing seriously or take me seriously when I say it. And The Bubble Baths and Bonbons line really sets some people, those who don't understand having children, off guard and they just quit asking. They know I do more than that but I don't find the need to justify it.<br /><br />My husband used to give me crap about, actually, and then I started working the Farmer's Market on Saturday morning and after 4 hours without me each week he understands. "You didn't get anything done?" I ask. "How do you accomplish ANYTHING?!" is usually his reply.Jessica Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08127961421087845679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238780007621149539.post-12957823048209359212014-02-07T14:13:38.004-08:002014-02-07T14:13:38.004-08:00I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer shortly...I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer shortly after my 29th birthday and now, 11 years later, I am a stay at home mom with a 3 and a 4 year old. My first thought while reading your post was people are asking when you will return to work while you're being treated for breast cancer?? And you're a mom of a small child on top of that?? Wow! Having experienced both of those life changing events (although not at the same time like you), I am in awe of your strength and perseverance. You are doing what you need to do for you and your family and that is all that matters. No one will ever know what you are going through except you. Your courage is admirable. Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00479567863574376273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238780007621149539.post-29915165443325274382014-02-02T08:17:56.496-08:002014-02-02T08:17:56.496-08:00Thanks, Sandi. I appreciate your support so very m...Thanks, Sandi. I appreciate your support so very much.Booby and the Beasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01130302818680322634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238780007621149539.post-63542422260045755282014-02-01T18:32:47.650-08:002014-02-01T18:32:47.650-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Sandra Marinellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13325167495772576102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238780007621149539.post-25415305309468183842014-02-01T18:32:32.918-08:002014-02-01T18:32:32.918-08:00It is clear the person who would ask this question...It is clear the person who would ask this question had no clear understanding of the challenges you juggle. I admire how you handle two full-time jobs: a family and cancer. Jen, I love you, and I cheer you on!!! Keep at it. You do it well.Sandra Marinellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13325167495772576102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238780007621149539.post-29328559128989165982014-01-31T09:43:51.243-08:002014-01-31T09:43:51.243-08:00Beautifully said, Karen. Thank you.
I think thos...Beautifully said, Karen. Thank you. <br /><br />I think those who would want my life would want it without the cancer part, though ;)<br /><br />xo<br />JenBooby and the Beasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01130302818680322634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238780007621149539.post-60794068964398352952014-01-31T09:39:23.107-08:002014-01-31T09:39:23.107-08:00Thanks, L! Certainly feels like a million differen...Thanks, L! Certainly feels like a million different things, even if many of them involve dirty dishes, clothes, or diapers ;)Booby and the Beasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01130302818680322634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238780007621149539.post-8191446641009884892014-01-31T09:36:05.199-08:002014-01-31T09:36:05.199-08:00Another friend also sent me that after my post. I&...Another friend also sent me that after my post. I'd actually read it before, but forgotten about it. Thanks for reminding me! I think part of it, too, is how tired I am, so I feel like I'm not the *best* mother, but then, there are no awards, and I'm doing the best I can with the circumstances I've got. And I get to be with Quinn more than I would if I were working, even if I am exhausted. Hugs to you guys.Booby and the Beasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01130302818680322634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238780007621149539.post-20824665301024563732014-01-31T09:30:20.920-08:002014-01-31T09:30:20.920-08:00Yes, happiness and balance and wellness are key! M...Yes, happiness and balance and wellness are key! My sister-in-law put it so succinctly: I am doing what I know is right for the people who mean the most to me. <br /><br />xo<br />JenBooby and the Beasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01130302818680322634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238780007621149539.post-10593388799765042292014-01-30T20:12:25.228-08:002014-01-30T20:12:25.228-08:00dear jen,
I can just imagine how that question se...dear jen,<br /><br />I can just imagine how that question seemed almost like a put-down. but here's the thing - you don't have to answer to anyone but yourself. raising an active and healthy child is something no one "gets" if they aren't doing it. it's the societal mind set that traps so many people into feeling less worth if they aren't in the workplace out side of the home. the competitive and often unhealthy drive to "succeed " that makes it feel like life revolves around having a fulltime "career" defined by climbing ladders and making money. take your life at your own pace and know that your "work" , being a mom and a wife, is valued and will give you such a sense of accomplishment as you guide your sweet Quinn to a happy and secure life. and as an aside, I can't help thinking that some folks might just be envious and wish they could have your life.<br /><br />much love and light,<br /><br />karentccomments2013https://www.blogger.com/profile/00446394638074551345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238780007621149539.post-33115227161165616472014-01-30T16:49:06.385-08:002014-01-30T16:49:06.385-08:00There's no one-line answer to the question &qu...There's no one-line answer to the question "What do you do all day?" because you do a million different things. That article posted above says it all. Bravo to the people who realize that being a stay-at-home parent is a non-stop job. Keep doing what you're doing!Lnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7238780007621149539.post-84085523565683390372014-01-30T13:51:30.860-08:002014-01-30T13:51:30.860-08:00You should read this: http://themattwalshblog.com/...You should read this: http://themattwalshblog.com/2013/10/09/youre-a-stay-at-home-mom-what-do-you-do-all-day/ Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16128432062071610401noreply@blogger.com