Thursday, May 15, 2008

Bad Week or Why I Couldn't Be a Single Mom

Editor's Note- I actually posted this post and then deleted it because I was a little embarrassed about my whiny tone. I got some emails that people were looking for this entry in their feeds so it is back up here...only read this if you can handle all the whining and moaning. Seriously, WHINING and MOANING. You have been warned!


My husband has been out of town since Monday and I thought I could do this on my own. I envisioned our fun-filled days and evenings that would be spent painting my toes and catching up on my reading.

Day One- The roofing construction begins on our home. A new roof has been in the works since we moved into this house. I never thought of how this construction would impact our day. No naps for kids means a tired mommy and grumpy children.

Day Two- My son comes down with a nasty case of pink eye. He can't go to school for the next two days until we get it cleared up.

Day Three- Rained all day, which leaves our house quiet. Emily wakes up with a snotty nose and Ethan's eye is gooped beyond recognition. The only thing I have to look forward to is my girlfriend coming for the evening. We cook. We clean. We prepare for her visit...she has an unexpected conflict and can't come. I think we scared her off with all of our illnesses.

Day Four- Our gutters turn up missing (after being removed from our house for the roofing job). I have to file a police report and talk to a detective. I feel ridiculous reporting a case of missing gutters and embarrassed that I am wasting their time with something so trivial. They were our gutters though so I file my little plea that they figure out who the culprit is.

Day Five- Emily is sicker by the minute and wakes up with a 102 degree fever. I get a late appointment at the doctor and he tells me she has a bad case of strep throat.

Day Six- I can only imagine how great the day will be putting drops in Ethan's eye three times a day, distributing penicillin to Emily and medicine to keep down her fever, as I swipe her little nose. I feel so bad for them both and am feeling blue myself.

My days are filled with nursing sick children and running myself into the ground. The evenings are spent playing catch up on the household chores and laundry. Fabulous dinners at home were replaced with two trips to the fast food joint so that I could keep my sanity. No painting of nails or relaxation in the evening, in fact, I didn't even blow dry my hair this week because there was no time.

The final nail in the coffin is calling the bed and breakfast, where we have reserved our room for our anniversary this weekend, and letting them know we can't come. One case of pink eye and one case of strep seal the deal.

How do single moms of the world do it? I humbly bow to them because I am a blubbering mess right now. I am so ashamed that I couldn't do it for one week. I really believed it was going to be a great week, but it seemed I have a little too much confidence.

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20Comments:

Blogger Sharon
"Awww, God bless your sweet little heart. I totally feel for you -- most of us have been there. Next week will be BETTER!"

at 11:55 PM  

Blogger Alexandra
"I'm up way too late trying to get some book orders into B&N for the children's summer reading...just had to comment because your week look like some of mine!

This too shall pass. :) Prays for fast healing for your little ones."

at 1:01 AM  

Blogger Hello, I'm Sally.
"Oh Amy! The worst that could go wrong for you sure did. I often send good thoughts out to the single mom's out there because I wonder if I'm having a hard time, how is it for them?

When ever my husband brings up that he might have to go out of town for work, I tense up! Just the thought disturbs me, all the while I'm telling my self that I should be able to handle it."

at 1:26 AM  

Blogger Org Junkie
"My hubbie has been away all week as well. I feel your pain!"

at 1:27 AM  

Blogger amy f.
"I'm glad you posted this, Amy. It really shows how HUMAN you are! I wouldn't call your post whining and complaining. I know I would come off a lot worse than this if I had the same week. This was definitely a trying week for you. I think you handled it as best you could. I'm sure this week really made you appreciate Ryan actually!

Sorry you had to cancel your B&B plans (if only I could get Mike to stay in a B&B, too personal for him). I hope you guys make up for it. You survived a rough week! Have a happy anniversary!"

at 7:37 AM  

Blogger *carrie*
"Amy,

Sorry you've had such a rough week. It does seem that when it rains, it pours. I hope today will be better for you!"

at 8:06 AM  

Blogger Christi
"Oh, Amy! I'm sorry everyone is sick, and that you'll have to miss your anniversary trip. I know how disappointing that must be.

But - the end of the week is here!"

at 8:36 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous
"I totally feel your pain. This always seems to happen when my husband is out at work. He works 7on/7 off. When he's on, he's not home at night or anything. That is when the kids always seem to get sick and all *%$# breaks loose. It makes you appreciate having someone there. Just know it will get better soon.
April"

at 8:55 AM  

Blogger adrienne
"Um, Amy...

somebody stole your roof gutters (probably to sell them for scrap metal) and you got two different childhood illnesses in one week. This is not your typical week at home alone; it's okay to be frustrated.

You're entirely too hard on yourself."

at 8:59 AM  

Blogger BlondeMomBlog (Jamie)
"Girl that sounds like the worse week EVER! Seriously. I am so sorry and the poopy icing on the cake is the B&B cancellation. :(

Sick kids and flying solo as a parent is really difficult. Hope your weekend is better!"

at 9:05 AM  

Blogger Heather B
"I feel your pain. I am not a single mom, but there are always those day when you go it alone. Mine, like yours, always end up terrible. By the end of the day I find myself losing patience with my boys completely. I sit alone in my time-out to take a break and ponder how a single mother does it. Then I always feel guilty for not being the "Perfect" Mom I expected myself to be. I envy all single parents out there for all they do while keeping their cool (at least better than I do, lol!) The only thing that gets me through is the fact that I know there is an end in sight when my husband will come home. Without that I would be nuts!"

at 9:09 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous
"Hi, Amy:
I hope things are getting better for you. I was a single mom for 7 years. My kids ar 15 months a part. They are now 13 and 12 and I am happy to report that we all survived those years and are still in one piece! You honestly get used to being a single mom. You realize that you have no other choice than to deal with it and get through each and every day.
I hope you can enjoy your weekend.
Blessings,
Jodi"

at 9:11 AM  

Blogger Marva
"Amy, Don't ever feel gulity about your true feelings. That is part of what makes us human!

You are an awesome Mommy and don't ever think different! I am not a single Mom either but I can imagine how it feels for short periods of time. John worked 91 hours last week and was off one day for doctor's appointments. I am home alone, a lot with the kiddos.

You hang in there and keep yoiur head up, you are doing a great job!

Your anniversary weekend will come soon. John and I have not been anywhere since before I got pregnant with the boys (twins, born in march of 2006). We are going this weekend, provided no illness comes on before hand.;)

Just hubby and I (and the Atlanta Braves.....we have tickets for Saturday night's game). I cannot wait and your day is coming soon too!

I am praying for you and that the kiddos feel much better soon! (((Hugs))) to you sweet friend!!!!!

I'll be a praying you through! Blessings!!!!"

at 9:18 AM  

Blogger Maria
"I often wonder how a single mom does it too. I only have one child and I can't imagine what it would like. Don't feel bad for struggling this week. You have had a hard week and you are like me and use to having an extra set of hands.

I hope your babies get to feeling better soon.

Hopefully, your weekend will be better.

thriftywaysandideas.blogspot.com"

at 9:31 AM  

Blogger Amy
"Thanks for the sympathies! In the grand scheme of life, these are small problems though, but it is quite therapeutic to share with my friends my tales of woe :) Thank you all!"

at 10:24 AM  

Blogger Becky
"A single mom chiming in here -

What I do is this: I roll with the punches. There is nothing else I can do. It's not fun at times, I get grumpy and anxious. BUT, whatever it is does pass and I just believe that better things will come in a few days.

I'm a bit more fortunate in that my children are pre-teen and a teenager. Puberty is no picnic either but they tend to not get the illnesses they had as small kids.

Hang on...you'll make it. You have made it before, right? You can do it again!"

at 10:48 AM  

Blogger Chief Family Officer
"I understand why you felt it necessary to retract this, and sure, many parents have it much, much worse. But those of us who don't have probably all felt this way. Heck, my husband was gone for just a couple of days and I was counting the hours til he got home! And it's not like anything particularly bad happened either - just the usual tantrums and arguments from my three-year-old. I give you credit just for surviving that week!"

at 10:54 AM  

Blogger Mrs. Mordecai
"Oh, I had your week last week! My husband was in Chile and my son got an ear infection the second day he was gone . . . no missing rain gutters, though. ;)

Keep it up, and you'll all be back to normal soon. I'm cheering for you!"

at 11:25 AM  

Blogger Jenny's Vegcafe
"Ohmygosh, I know. I know. Hubby is frequently away on business and I go crazy after a day. The people at McD's see me everyday. And that's when the kids are healthy and no thefts have been committed. Whine away. I understand."

at 6:07 PM  

Blogger Vicky
"You know what they say: misery loves company. :)

And I am in your company right now!

I have been having a pity party for the last week+, as our car is in the shop and I'm stuck at home every day with my daughter (18 mo.). We've just moved to a new state where I know no one and my husband has traveled every week (M-F) for the past 5 WEEKS! I am tired of it. I wanted to be a SAHM but I'd like a break in the evenings, even to cook dinner in peace and quiet. :)

So I feel your pain.

I do wonder how single moms do it! Hats off to them - maybe they have super powers...?"

at 1:03 PM  

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