I haven’t posted in over two months and I must admit that I am a little frustrated with myself. Life was swirling out of control and nothing was accomplished with excellence. I didn’t have time to think sometimes as well as write a descent article. I was tired!!!

I can’t explain what type of tired, just tired.

One evening I was talking to a friend discussing the list of things accomplished and the items that remained to be completed. I was tired (seems to be a running theme) and trying to determine what could really wait and what needed my immediate attention.

He laughed and quietly stated: Superwoman.

I laughed, told him no and dismissed the conversation.

I am no superwoman, just doing what needs to be done for the kids.

I sat down and reflected on a typical weekday for my home when school is in session. It consists of the following: Wake up, wake kids up, leave home, drop kids off, fight traffic to get to work. Work, manage staff, squeeze in lunch, watch the clock and pray no one calls informing me of a sick child or missing school work. Run out of office to fight traffic to pick up said child(ren), ponder about dinner, wishing homework was completed in the after school program and cross fingers hoping that I remembered to put money on the account and there isn’t a note for me when I arrive.

Pick up, talk about the day, inform what’s for dinner and referee a few arguments.

Get home, cook dinner, check homework (it wasn’t done), get reminded of the book I didn’t purchase even though I received the text during a meeting. Wash a load of clothes while talking, put lunch money on the account and after school account, talk about the upcoming weekend (it’s Monday I know) and then usher them off to bed. Drive to get the book, pop into Wal-Mart and prepare to repeat the next day.

Typical day.

Now I get my share of curve balls at least twice a week:

No clean uniform…. forgot to place in the dryer
Dr appointment
Teacher conference
Teacher email for clarification (dinner table version doesn’t add up)
Allergy appointments
Practice.. any practice
Last minute project
Engine light mysteriously appearing

Any day, any time, any order, any combination!

Aren’t all single parents having average days like me?

Later that night while trying to catch a quiet moment and reflecting on the above, I pondered on what was said and felt a little agitated. Why was I being labeled a superwoman?? I was a little offended, the word is misleading and implied that I wake up every morning, put on my cape and costume with a big S on the chest and begin to save the day.

Single parents DO NOT always have the luxury of having someone reliable to share the day to day responsibilities of the kids or even general household duties.

Did you notice clean up the house isn’t on the list….LOL.

It’s easy to assume that a woman who you see doing everything is a superwoman, but she isn’t. She is a mom.

School is starting real soon. My typical day will change and I will pre-plan a little more. I will reach out more and utilize my network and place more responsibilities on the kids. A consistent state of tired if not how I want to live.

I didn’t choose the path: I am tackling the path.
Placing roses, lilacs, caladiums and crepe myrtles on my path.

Superwoman by Force, not Choice.