Julianne Wainstein: I Was Emotionally Drained

Another week, another hit-and-run holiday gathering. I'm not going to say that our Berkshires "retreat" was what I expected it to be, but I chose to make the most of my gracious hostess' hospitality and my time off from my kids. Some of us turn limes into margaritas, others turn grapes into Prosecco, I like to turn lemons into lemonade.

After a good night's sleep, waking up to a quiet house without kids jumping on my bed, a full 15-minute shower with the bathroom door closed and having my coffee with a side of fresh country air, I was missing my kids and couldn't wait to get home. Of course, as soon as I got back, I regretted not taking another 10 minutes in the shower! Two tantrums, three trips to the potty and one full-blown meltdown later, pockets filled with lollipops and Sour Patch Kids, shirt covered in unknown grime, purse raided for any hidden Sour Patch Kids, driving from school to swimming to Spanish class and packing for our trip to visit my parents in Florida, I decided I was too physically and emotionally drained to make it to Ramona's holiday party.
Gotta run, Rio is crying because her lunch is "too wet."  It's soup.