We’re All Just Trying to Keep the Dog from Eating the Paper Mache Helmet (A True Story)

(This is a guest post from Kara Anderson of Quill and Camera.)

Three hours ago, we officially began Christmas break in our home, which is why it makes total sense that my daughter tapped me on the shoulder just now:

“Mama, when we start school again, I want more homework.”

My children are very goal-oriented people, which generally works well for homeschooling. I mean, outside of the obvious disadvantage that having children more focused that you can be kind of irritating.

Doesn’t anyone else want to watch another video? No? Really?

(And that’s how I find myself sitting alone watching the episode of Big Cat Diaries where a leopard tinkles on a jeep.)

I tend to be goal oriented too, but in different ways – I’d really like to start getting up earlier and do more yoga, and read all of Anne Lamott’s books and visit New Orleans again.

But I’d just take that last one. I think parenting makes you more realistic about the future. Goals become bite-sized and so very flexible.

I know that having a five-year plan would probably help a lot; but right now, but I’m just trying to make dinner while simultaneously hunting for a Barbie shoe and waxing my eyebrows.

(That’s two different ways I could burn myself, people – Go me!)

And so, when I sit down to think about 2015, my first thought is 2015? Already?! Back to the Future promised us so much that hasn’t happened.

But my second thought is that I am generally happy with my life. I work from home and get to hang out with my kids all day. It’s pretty much a permanent vacation (plus grocery shopping.)

But there are a few things that I’d like to accomplish this year:

1. I’d like to let go of the idea of the perfect homeschool mom. I mean, let’s face it – in reality we’re all just trying to keep the dog from eating the paper mache helmet, right?

2. I want to stop worrying about what people think all the time. I have a lot of family members to Facebook-unrestrict. Time for Kara Unplugged. (Note: She did not vote the way you did last election, Uncle Ron!) 

3. I do want to travel. Day trips count. I love the mom I turn into when we leave home – all extra treats and flip-flops.

4. I’d like to find a way to be Fun Travel Mom at home.

5. I want to practice that “no is a complete sentence” business.

6. And yet, I want to say yes more. (But only to the good stuff.)

7. I’d like to stop feeling bad about what makes me feel good – television shows about vampires, silly novels, the fact that my “Starbucks drink” is usually ordered by children.

8. I’d like to teach my children that the proper response to crisis is not to swear creatively and then binge-eat chocolate until help arrives.

9. I’d like to improve my juggling – work and family and home and school – not like flaming batons and wrenches and bowling balls.

10. I’d like to just remember to be grateful. I have so much, honestly. I have a wonderful little family, a home I love, a mini-van that was pronounced dead three days before Christmas (true story), a cat who plays fetch, rewarding work, the best friends a gal could ask for and enough yoga pants to see me through the decade.

Overall, being me is pretty OK.

So here’s to a 2015 full of alienating uncles and flying skateboards!

Happy New Year,

Kara

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