Sunday, February 8, 2009

Ready for work

I am tired. Dead tired. Tomorrow my girls have the day off from school and I am glad I have to work.

They wore me out this weekend. I have nothing left. I can't believe that I am looking forward to teaching 200 high school kids tomorrow and not staying home with my precious angels.

There are days where the daily chores of being a single father can be more overwhelming than anything I face as a high school PE teacher. Today, was one of those days.

My girls wanted and needed everything. It never ended. At the end of it all, I felt like I was a pinata with my daughters taking turns swinging at me. They never missed.

Not with the typical baseball bat, but with request after request that hit me hard and often. By 7 p.m., I was ready to throw in the towel and cry mercy.

However, it was to no avail. Even a heart-felt plea fell on deaf ears.

"Girls, please, let me just have a break. I am done. I can't do it anymore tonight. Ok?"

My girls adore me and I really thought my little fit would get them to understand I had hit the wall. I was wrong.

Shelby put me in my place with her response.

"Dad, you are our Dad. You have to do it just like we have to clean up after we play. Why are you getting upset? You chose to have us, Dad."

"Shelby, I am glad I have you. But, I am tired. Can I just have a few minutes to sit down?"

"Sure. But, can you make our dessert first? And, don't forget, you promised we could all play Go Fish. And, I get to pick out the book you read to us tonight, remember?"

"Yea, I remember Shelby. Let's go. I'll rest when you guys go to sleep."

I also remember why having to work tomorrow doesn't seem all that bad.
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13 comments:

  1. J9February 8, 2009 at 10:19 PM

    I have many days like this, mostly in the past. Today it was my turn to be a sicky and the boys mostly just asked if I was ok.

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  2. lovelyprismFebruary 8, 2009 at 10:30 PM

    Oh boy do I remember those days. Take heart this too shall pass. These days I find myself wondering what to do with myself. It's almost unnerving to be alone sometimes! LOL

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  3. AnonymousFebruary 9, 2009 at 12:01 AM

    I just spent the weekend alone with my two while my husband was away with friends. I can't imagine doing it alone all the time. My hat's off to you! Hope you get a good 'day off'.

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  4. AmeliaFebruary 9, 2009 at 2:51 AM

    what a lovely girls you have....good dad you are! :)

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  5. mikeFebruary 9, 2009 at 5:17 AM

    Thank you for stopping by my blog, and also for sharing your opinion. Any point of view is always welcome. Have a great Monday...

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  6. DianeFebruary 9, 2009 at 7:21 AM

    Hope your day is relaxing. At high school. With 200 kids. At least you don't have to play Go Fish. Or make dessert. And you can yell at them without feeling too guilty. And make them do laps. Yeah, I can see why you'd like to go to work some days.

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  7. SallyFebruary 9, 2009 at 8:58 AM

    I know exactly what you mean!!!

    I get a bit weary with the "Hey Mom...can I have......"

    Hope today is good for you!!

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  8. meggieFebruary 9, 2009 at 9:24 AM

    Mother or Father, it can all be a bit much at times! Hope your day is great today.

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  9. michelleFebruary 9, 2009 at 9:58 AM

    Yesterday I put my girls in the bathtub, no water, and let them paint their nails there. Also, make-up. They can play with make up for HOURS! Then, they love to do a fashion show while I just pass out on the couch (if I am motivated and take pictures, they think it is just FAB!) This results in a loooong bubble bath. Who cares if they get clean, they just soak and play for a very long time.

    Get creative coach, you gotta find girly things they will want to do without your daddy-eyes. Buys you 20 minute intervals of peace. If they love it, you can give the threat, "If you can't play nice or stop argueing, I will take it all away!"
    Works like a charm!
    Good luck. Enjoy the peace of the gym today.

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  10. MJFebruary 9, 2009 at 7:18 PM

    Have you ever wondered whether, with all your athletic skills, your girls can take swings hitting at you and never miss? I wonder whether this is genetic? If so, what a relief it is for me a non-jock! My kids may swing but may never hit! Whoever knew this could be celebrated?

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  11. AnonymousFebruary 9, 2009 at 7:34 PM

    You sound like a great Dad, good for you!!

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  12. Multi-tasking MommyFebruary 10, 2009 at 4:44 PM

    You get huge props from me. I respect single parents so much, it's got to be a super tough job with not many breaks. I'm sending a huge pat on the back your way from me!

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  13. Maggie MadisonFebruary 11, 2009 at 5:25 PM

    Yes, time to go to work and get some rest!

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