Is it just me?

By Cooper

I am looking at the tail end of my summer that wasn't and am wondering -- am I the only one who feels like this so-called, peaceful, easy feeling season is just a variation on the crazy intensity of the rest of the year?

Maybe I am assigning too much meaning to a couple of months, but I was under the impression summer was a time to re-group, re-charge and get ready for the year ahead.

No such luck here.

I understand having young kids affords little time for rest and rejuvenation, but I just want to know how that woman I saw at the grocery store the other day -- tanned, no bags under her eyes, seemingly at ease with the three little kids bickering at her feet -- was able to say to me, "We all just got back from vacation and it was sooooo great. Very relaxing." 

Alright, DotMoms readers, what is up with that? How in the world is that possible? And, if you happen to be that blissful mom I was talking to in the grocery store, how'd ya pull it off? Come on, tell me.

OK, so, yes, we put our house on the market, and yes, I am in the middle of a huge writing project, and yes, my husband started a new job, and yes, the baby just started to walk and likes to climb atop furniture and empty every drawer/shelf/closet in the house and, yes, camp and other activities for the three older ones requires practically more time in the car than during the school year. Blah, blah, blah.

The fact is, the reality of our summer just doesn't jibe with what I want it to be, and, actually, what I know it should be. I have this image in my head of long, hazy, unstructured summer days -- outside, for the most part -- where everyone is calm, happy and laid back. We go on vacations that aren't stressful and we reconnect with each other. You know, hit the refresh button and come up nice, new and, well, fresh.

It is possible -- it must be possible -- even with little kids. The key is knowing the "how-to" secret of shifting it down a notch come summer and embracing those hot and lazy days.

I am talking to you, the one who looks like you have gotten plenty of sleep and has that nice tan. Spread the joy and give me some insight, I need it bad. Maybe then next August I can tell you all how great my summer was and how I am so very relaxed.

Cooper is the parent of two girls and two boys, ages eight to one. She lives in Pittsburgh, Pa., with her husband and children.

Comments

[Julie]

That tanned mother at the grocery store was lying through her capped teeth. She's been hitting the tanning bed and visiting the aesthetician for botox treatments.

The summer has flown by. I've done a lot of vacuuming (God bless James Dyson) and wiping up baby puke. You're not alone.

[Elizabeth]

How to have a relaxing vacation? Visit family who are willing to entertain the kids. Or hire a babysitter to come along.

We've had a good summer, a reasonable mix of weeks with camp activities, travel, and hanging out around the house. But this weekend, my husband and I still looked at each other and admitted that we were looking forward to preschool starting. It's been brutally hot, which makes everything harder.

[Critter's Mom]

I'm going to have to go with Robin on this one. Summer relaxing? LOL, maybe for the kids.

Looking at my summer you'd think it was idilic. I had two vacations and I'm more stressed this summer than ever. Try going camping with a 7 year old child not once, but twice! LOL. I seem to be constantly doing something if I'm not camping. I'm losing my mind. Yes, I have a great tan and my son has great memories but I'm on the edge. So much for summer fun.

[Robin P]

Gosh,Cooper,I don't know what your problem is.
I get 10 hours of sleep every night. I have a manicure and pedicure once a week.I stopped working so that I could enjoy the summer vacation. I lounge at the pool with Lillianna every day for hours and I have a glorious tan. I stopped cooking all summer so we have gourmet take-out every night. It's so easy. You should be able to do it with no problem at all.

I can't even type this with a straight face!!! Forgive me. I was going to try to lie but I can't do it.

I am still working 37 hours a week. Lillianna and I do get to the pool 2-3 times a week but I am covered from head to toe in sunscreen and I wear a goofy hat so that my head doesn't burn to a crisp.(Been there.Done that....twice!!)I am pale as a ghost. No lovely tan for me.
Relaxed? Relaxed? Hold on while I look that up in the dictionary. I think I have heard that word somewhere............OH! Nope. No relaxation here. Stress. Lots and lots of it.
*sigh* As for a vacation.....we are taking our first vacation in 11 years in November!!!!! If I can just hold on until then.....UGH.
You're not alone,Cooper. You're not alone!