Still Swamped
6 May 2008 by Liz
I hate that I’m neglecting you all. I hate that all the craziness flowing around in my head (dating, day care, work, fighting over child support) has no place to go because I haven’t had time to blog. I hate that my google reader has 200+ unread items and no where in the near future are Mr. Reader and I going to be able to cozy up for catch-up time.
I am very happy with my new responsibilities at work. Having tons to do also makes the days pass more quickly. But it means that y’all are sadly missing out on my charm and wit. (Let’s just pretend that that’s why y’all come around here…)
I will tell you that with every passing day I grow increasingly pleased that I have found a new school (the Montessori one) for Jack and Will in the fall. I am so frustrated with current location and they seem to do something I find unbearable every single day.
Take today, for example: It’s Teacher Appreciation Week. I don’t really appreciate most of them, but I’m playing along. (Sort of.) Today, each child was supposed to bring one flower for each of their teachers, and the teachers would collect them throughout the morning and would have an entire bouquet. Cute idea, right? Jack was SO EXCITED to pick out flowers (yellow roses) and carried them in the front door very proud this morning. (It was tearing me up, however, because I saw flashes forward to him taking flowers to a girl when he’s all grown up!)
He went in to find his teacher (who’d been out yesterday, inexplicably) and when he found her, she was talking to another teacher and crying. Jack, very politely, said “Here, Miss Jennifer, these are for you!” She shooshed him away, and the teacher she was talking to said “Jack, come to my room. Miss Jennifer isn’t on yet.”
What? I mean, I get that everyone has personal problems. But if your problems are so bad that you can’t talk to and accept a flower from one of the kids that you are paid to care for, then don’t come in. Or don’t be standing in your classroom. Go to the teacher’s lounge where no child will assume that they can approach you, say good morning and give you a flower.
It just broke my heart for Jack because he’d been so excited. His face crumpled and he walked over to the classroom next door with yellow roses clutched in his hand.
See? I’m going on and on and work is multiplying while I ignore it. And getting upset and teary thinking about dejected-looking Jack this morning. Must run. Will find time to write more soon…
If I’m not commenting on your blog — I miss you terribly and look forward to catching up soon. Mmmmmwuuuuahhhhhh!
You know what’s really sad about this? Jennifer missed out an opportunity to feel better - to see what she does have, in spite of whatever was making her cry. You know me, you know I get depressed, but I smile every day because of my kids. I would think a day care provider would get some joy out of kids, too. What’s not to love about a child giving you a flower? I’m glad you’ve found a new sitch for your boys in the fall!
And hey, we all get busy. My Reader’s currently at 158. Argh!
Hm, I only have like 7 people in my reader, and none of oyu can keep up with my reading desires. But I don’t have enough energy to actually put more people into my reader, I would rather just complain. I think the whole daycaredeal sucks, and am glad you will be doing the Montessori one in the fall; you are going to love it.
Whatever, Maya would never shush him away-that is true love, baby!
How heartbreaking! I can’t take any more sad kiddie stories this week! Between my own, Hanna’s, yours, I’m going to be a freakin’ MESS in no time flat.
I want to kick that teacher. And give Jack big hugs!!!
Ack. That is so frustrating. I’m sure she didn’t realize that she hurt his feelings but that is still heartbreaking. The good thing is that he won’t remember once he is at his new school.
Am so sorry your sweet little boy had to feel that rejection, but am glad your job is shaping up into a place you don’t mind going 5 days a week!
ooh that teacher so does not deserve her roses!
i’m glad you found a new school.
let’s all remember that she’s not a ‘teacher’, she’s a daycare worker. or at least a lame excuse for one.
ps: i was a daycare worker when my fiance’ dumped me, and those toddlers kept a smile on my face!
btw, i am SO SO glad you found a montessori school for the boys. not just because they’ll be better taken care of, but also since this means you will have more quality time at home with them. i was thinking about you and cousin shannon today with your little babies away in daycare while you’re at work….
i can’t imagine how hard it is for them and you when monday through friday the only time you have with them is spent either waking them up (sleepy children) before work or trying to get them fed, cleaned up, and in bed after work (i don’t wanna go to bed children). you are carrying so many burdens for those little boys and i’m so excited that you will have more ‘happy’ moments during the weekdays with them. plus as they get a little bit older, it means more independence and more time to play with their momma!
you’re such a great mommy and i’m glad you’re through divorcing and now its on to wonderful things!!!!
JUUUUST one more thought: with a great mom like you, jack will have a model for what a REAL woman is like (as opposed to a jennifer telling him “bring me a flower tomorrow so i can feel good about myself/and or reject you”)! he probably won’t ever know rejection because all the girls will be lining up to go on dates with a cutie like him!