Hanging by a…

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Hanging by a…

It’s all about the New Year’s resolutions I have subconsciously made every year and faithfully kept, even three months later. But it’s more than that; it’s my M.O. and has always been my way of life, even before I became a mom. More importantly this way definitely works for me, not to mention the hilarious mishaps I’ve created along the way! Laughter is a must, and eases the load especially during stressful times.

Overwhelmed, over-worked, over-booked and over-extended…this is how a mother rolls most of the time, and a grandmother too. In my case, twice as much.

Hanging by a…

I’ve figured out that the holiday season is the best and worst of times, love the get togethers and cooking, but the shopping is not meant for procrastinators, like me. But I see it as a vicious cycle, because the more people on my list, the more I put off the shopping. I attempted the cyber way, circa midnight a couple of times, only to doze off in minutes, practically drooling on the mouse pad. So shopping in person at the last minute at late night hours was much more productive. With no list or forethought, I basically walked through a department store, choosing random gifts for my family members, whether big or small, expensive or not, within reason, of course, and everyone seemed pretty content. Naturally my last task was wrapping, which most times I finished by sundown Christmas Eve, but in my extreme rushing, somehow I always managed to find a forgotten gift that got kicked aside under my bed, usually discovered two months later! Oh well, there’s always a search for the right birthday gift too in the new year.

Hanging by a…

One day few weeks ago, I woke up and hit the ground stumbling, certainly not running. My daughter was working from my home, while I babysat my grandson. I had a doctor appointment for my mom and my teenager was home from school, plagued with the stomach bug. So conditions were pretty favorable for a chaotic day. I tried my best to keep Auntie and nephew apart for fear of the germs spreading. I got through breakfast and lunch relatively easy, always grateful my grandson is an amazing eater, and hoped my daughter could keep down her tea and toast. I scarfed down a sandwich, and tried my best to sneak out and go pick up my mom. My grandson noticed and came running out the front door, hit a patch of ice and landed on his butt, while his mom, five months pregnant, sprinted to pick him up. Thankfully no harm done to either one so I ran out, promising my whining grandson a toy upon my return.

My mom was waiting at the end of her driveway with that “where have you been” look but regardless, still made it on time to doctor’s office, and as usual played the game of hurry up and wait. After 40 minutes, she was called in for a quick procedure while I plopped myself down in the waiting room grateful for few minutes rest. I tried to write up my grandson’s Valentines Day card, which unfortunately was drenched from my water bottle I always carry around, so much for my bright idea.

My mom came out a good hour later and a nurse said all went well and suggested she should go home and relax. I thought that was little odd, but come to find out, my mom threatened to leave if the doctor didn’t come in soon because she was so tired of waiting! Maybe you are entitled to lose it, when you are over 80? Well onward to the next task. I did remember to pick up another useless stuffed animal for my grandson on my way home, because promises must be kept, all to turn around and run out again because my daughter announced that we had run out of toilet paper! (You really can’t make this stuff up!). And life goes on…

Hanging by a …

There’s always an abundance of funerals and weddings when you belong to a large Italian family like mine, hoping the latter is much more numerous than the other event. And I’ve had my fair share of attending them over the years, and not least of all, my own daughter’s wedding a few years ago. In my planning of the precious MOB’s gown, I found one about a year before the wedding. I was so excited and proud of myself for early planning of the prettiest dress at the best sale price….until I discovered three months before the big day, that the zipper wouldn’t go up because, oops, I’d gained a few lbs. This story did have a happy ending because of a brilliant tailor and massive alterations. I still got to wear it for the special day, but never again would I attempt shopping for the perfect dress a year in advance!

And then there was the time we attended a cousin’s out of state wedding and I packed my son’s suit instead of my husband’s, in my mad rush. I have never felt more mortified than when my husband attempted to try on a sports jacket three sizes too small in a strange town, in a cold hotel room. Miraculously, we found a men’s shop nearby with the perfect suit and super talented tailor, again, and just an hour before the reception, my husband and I were all ready to go.

But my favorite tale of a wardrobe mishap was many moons ago, when my older kids were toddlers and as usual unprepared. I dug up an ancient half slip for a dress that was see through an hour before another cousin’s wedding ceremony, only to find it was falling down to my ankles because of a loose elastic band as I scurried along the church parking lot! How embarrassing! Only consolation was that most guests were already inside and not many noticed.

Hanging by a…

So I’ve decided to carry around an old red purse that’s hanging by a thread, until one day it gives out. It’s so silly and impractical, but it literally defines me, and reminds me that the point is I am still hanging on and surviving day after day, year after year. I have learned to cope with all that life throws at me. More importantly I love, I’m loved, and I love this life. Remember ladies, I know this to be entirely true, your great efforts usually do pay off and things do have a way of working out most of the time, so take a deep breath and hang on…hanging by a thread

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fran
Fran was born, raised, married, and still lives in Mount Kisco, NY. She has four kids, including a teenage daughter and two precious grandsons, whom she babysits a couple of days a week. She also works part-time as an accounting clerk, helps run her husband’s excavation business, and lastly aspires to finish writing her book one day. Despite her crazy, busy schedule, she cooks almost every night for her big family and tries her best to keep up with the dishes! She truly believes spontaneity is the spice of life, and sometimes the very unexpected happens, but it’s usually all for the best. Enjoy her many tales of raising kids over 20 years; what an amazing journey!