A Confession

These days, being the ‘Imperfect Mom’ seems to be so fashionable…from blog and Twitter names to bumper stickers, to t-shirts if you’re truly daring (is ‘daring’ the right word?) It’s cool (and fun) to admit one’s inability to clean, cook, and be domestic in general. I do it, I love moms and blogs that are devoted to lack of skill in the kitchen and laundry room…but, you know what? I really wish I could cook, and wish I kept up the perfect house.

I want to be that mom who is always ready for company…my mirrors would sparkle, my house would smell like cookies, I would never be out of toilet paper. There would be no crayon on my walls or floors. I wish I took action when my hair is frizzy, or when my girls are wearing stained clothing. I would also wear an apron. Matching throw pillows and freshly cut flowers? Yes, please! I’d be lying if I said I had no time for this. I have a good 3-4 hours between the girls’ bedtime and mine. I just don’t spend it wisely. I complain about cooking, but I could use this time to make up a meal, uninterrupted, and freeze it for later, or at least have some tonight and save some for tomorrow…but no…I’m just not that smart. I could pack my bag so I’m not fumbling to get out the door in the morning. Nope…don’t do that either.

I never ask myself why we can’t seem to get out of the house before noon. I know that answer. The answer sucks. You know what sets me apart from moms who have their act together? They are willing to take 10 stinkin’ minutes at night to make sure they prepare for tomorrow and have a clean shirt to wear. They can look away from TV for 5 seconds to throw a diaper, a few snacks and a drink in a bag. They might even, *gasp*, set an alarm so they wake and shower before they have to worry about their kids. They know that something that might take 10 minutes alone could take an hour or more when it has to be done in the company of 2 monsters…

Sadly, I know this, too, and choose to ignore it. Then complain about it a lot.

If you have any advice for me, please feel free to come find me, at 7pm tonight. On my couch. I’ll be there for a few hours, but try not to disturb me if I’m doing something important, like reading People, playing on Facebook, or watching Big Brother. You might be able to catch me as I walk to the kitchen for a snack while ignoring the pile of dishes in the sink or the cats whining for food.

Posted by LZ on July 28, 2009
Filed under: Uncategorized
Tags: clean, cleaning, domestic, homemaking, mom

8 Comments

sara@ domestically challenged
July 28, 2009
Despite the fact that mine is a blog devoted to “domestically challengedness” I agree. I wish I were better, or cared to be better in the kitchen. I don’t.
I do take the time to lay out clothes, prepare lunches and pack bags the night before {often I lay out the clothes for the entire WEEK on Sunday nights} still? Late out the door!
Some women just seem to have that knack..I am not one of them.
I love to bake with my boys, but don’t own a dicer. Cleaning the bathroom makes me want to vomit.
I say we hire housekeepers.
sara@ domestically challenged´s last blog ..The one in which I talk about running, and other stuff

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amie
July 28, 2009
OK, this one makes me feel sad. Not necessarily ‘for you’, but because we put so much pressure on ourselves.
of course you know that kids don’t require us to be perfect or totally together. Matter of fact, One of my favorite memories consisted of:
taking a walk up to the state forest at 3AM with my mom, stepdad (they’d just come home from a night out and were probably trashed!) and sisters(and their friends who were sleeping over!).
We roasted marshmellows in the middle of the state forest.

Being “together” as a mom, doesn’t constitute good memories or good childhoods for your children.
That said! I myself am childless and often feel the same way you do! I can never get out the door on time, and always wish I could put a meal on the table effortlessly. Every year I think about having a thanksgiving dinner at my house only to chicken out because of doubts of my cooking/hosting ability.
Your downtime is just that, and you deserve to spend it just as you wish!

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amber
July 28, 2009
I was just thinking how poorly I stack up to so many women I know – this being a working mom thing is killing me, and I know if I could just be a little more organized, life would be easier… but you know what? We are who we are. And our families love us anyway. So enjoy your People magazine, darn it!
amber´s last blog ..Five Things You Should Never Ask a New Mom.

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Lizz B
July 29, 2009
Twitter: hereslizz
I go through spurts of over-organization. It exhausts me. Then I stumble to the other side of the spectrum where all is a mess, including my mind. Somehow, I can’t ever stay in the middle. *sigh*

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Maria @BOREDmommy
July 29, 2009
Twitter: BOREDmommy
This post is funny, because I hear ya sista! Before kids, our house was spotless ALL THE TIME. My hubby was a neat freak, and so was I. The annoying thing is that he doesn’t do a thing anymore, and I’m still a neat freak, but find it impossible to make it happen anymore. Now that the little people have a mission to destroy the house on a daily basis, I can’t seem to keep up. I suck at cooking too, and when I do cook, it takes FOREVER to clean the kitchen disaster afterward. Yes, I have several hours after the kids go to bed, but forgive me if I don’t want to clean at 8pm. The MINUTE I win the lottery, I’m getting a maid, nanny, chef, and masseuse. So yeah, I’m screwed.
Maria @BOREDmommy´s last blog ..You are SO going to love me – The finale

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Caroline
July 29, 2009
When you go to someone’s house, do you walk through and judge them by the juice stain your sock just stuck to? Or do you (like me) feel relief that there’s someone else out there you can let your hair down with?

Unless we are to the extreme (as in anything) our kids will be fine. Our friends will love us. And anybody who “has it all together” is just faking it or on reprieve until the next challenge. No worries. Really!
Caroline´s last blog ..What’s on the Menu Today?

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karen
July 29, 2009
I LOVE this post!!!! I think most of us can totally relate. I have actually wrote a list of all the things i should improve I have yet to start it!!! Uggg

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A Confession – The Facebook News
August 2, 2009
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