- I never really thought that deeply about how the month of May feels in the cadence of the entire year, but now that I have a child in school, I really *feel* May in the marrow of my bones. It’s bittersweet.
The school year is almost ending; my heart swells when I think that Connor will never be a first grader ever again. All the activities are wrapping up, too. Yesterday was her last dance team practice. I watched the girls do their final dance together and then do one last group hug. I may have gotten a little teary!
I’ll miss seeing their smiling faces, along with the other moms who I’ve gotten to know over the last few months.
At the same time, I’m excited about summer being just around the corner and spending more family time together.
I know that this sweet era in our lives is going to fly by in an instant, so I want to do lots of fun things with her while I have her at home for the summer. - This morning after running errands, I chilled in my new car for 15 minutes just SITTING there like a weirdo in the quiet comfort of my garage. Why am I like this, LOL? In my defense, the seats are super comfortable, and it’s quiet enough in there that one could take a legit nap.
- Speaking of short and sweet windows, I got a message from a recruiter the other day asking if I’d be interested in writing for a major makeup brand.
Rhymes with “benty”
On paper, it sounds like an amazing opportunity to stretch my creative muscles, but I’d have to go full-time and commute to the city a few days a week. If I went for it and got it, it would come with major life adjustments. I’d see my family less, for sure, and Connor would probably need a nanny. Ultimately, all signs are pointing to it not being in the cards for me right now, but I told myself I’d just mull it over in my mind for the next couple days. - I’ve been thinking about getting a dog for a while now; I know that Rosie is fine with them because she lived with several canine friends at her previous foster home, and we recently had a dog come visit us and she was completely chill.
Anywho, the other day I met the most adorable mini Aussie dog named Chief who was so handsome and friendly, and now I’m low-key obsessed with mini Aussies.
The logical part of my brain keeps telling me that the last thing I need on my already overcrowded plate is another young creature to keep alive, but at the same time, I think it would be great for Connor to grow up with an active “sibling” that could go with us on hikes and camping trips and whatnot.
Karen, you probably can’t handle this right meow
I realize this is probably just another phase that I need to move through. But dang, if the universe sent me a sweet dog right now, I wouldn’t be mad about it. - I used to joke that having me for a roommate was like living in the musical you never auditioned for! I realized how much truth there is behind that statement when Connor came home with a book she made for me in which every other page mentions how we’re always singing and dancing together.
Oh, and please note the disco ball above our heads.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Connor’s reaping the rewards of being an only child! I would imagine it’s wonderful to have a mother who sings and dances around the house.
The mini Australian Shepherd interests me, too. I had a dearly loved Sheltie, and that breed is about the same size as a Sheltie. I want to get at least one more long-haired, medium-to-small dog before I shuffle off this mortal coil.
You gotta do it! If you decide to, though, you’ll definitely want to do your research beforehand to make sure they’ll be a good fit. That’s the advice every mini Aussie owner seems to give.
Happy Friday to you!
As a working mother…I feel for you making that big decision. It’s so hard to balance work with kids. Shonda Rhimes gave a very relatable speech about being a working mother and how you can never truly do it all. If you are excelling in one area, you feel like you are slipping up in the other. I also struggle with wanting to be home for them, but also wanting to set an example for my daughter. I want her to be able to chase her dreams and know that it’s possible.
On the Australian Shepherd…they can be a handful😁. They are naturally herding dogs and you do not want to let them get bored. My Aussiedoodle (she passed away in February) mostly took to her Australian Shepherd side. She was quite the handful (but I loved her dearly).
Hope you have a great weekend!
I’ve heard lots of Aussie owners say that they are a lot of work, but wonderful dogs after you get them through the first few years. I don’t know. I think we’ll probably end up with a mutt that serendipitously crosses our path! We’ll see.
I’ll have to look up that Shonda Rhimes speech!
I have no doubt that you’ll make the best decisions on all fronts! I can already see you making the Pros and Cons lists. 🙂 Everyone’s priorities are different, so what works for one person may be unthinkable to someone else.
My friend has 2 Australian Shepherds (sisters). They are beautiful and sweet. And insane, neurotic, high-energy and 100% herders. They are very protective and, as Mandy said, a handful! I love them dearly, but dogs are a lot of work, so I prefer being the fun aunt who walks them and loves them up on my schedule. HAHA!
I gathered that the Aussies would be high energy. I don’t know if I’m ready for that! El Hub and Connor would probably want a dog with that kind of jolly personality, though. If the universe sends a high energy dog our way so be it! LOL
HAHA! I’m sure you’d adjust perfectly! I’m just too lazy for all the cleaning (house and lawn), and we were always running for the boys with lots of weekends away for hockey. It would have been too hard, and unfair to a dog to be left alone so much, or boarded. Aussies are smart, so if they’re well trained and socialized, they’re great. But be aware that they do herd and can have a tendency to nip if there is a group of kids running around. I’m confident you’d do a lot of research and be super prepared if the universe sent a furry friend your way. 🙂
Aussies are herders. Even when they get older it’s part of their instinct and it never goes away. They’re also very protective of their pack and their pack’s home and territory. My girlfriend raises them. First as working dogs because her husband was a rancher, then as agility dogs. They have lots of energy. Also, consider the fur. In the winter she would shave their legs so they didn’t bring in mud. And in the summer all over so they didn’t die from the heat.
For the job, decide your priorities. Some mom’s are ok working 24/7 and not spending much time with their kids. Other mom’s (like me) are ok giving up the career to spend all the time with their kids. Decide what you want in your heart of hearts for you and Connor. I just couldn’t juggle working, grad school and momming all at the same time. You strike me as being thoughtful and introspective, so I know you will think this through and make the right decision for yourself.
Tatiana is absolutely right. I was a SAHM mom for 18 years. I gave up a career where i was the breadwinner. And like you i am (beyond) college educated and had a great career.
My kids are now grown and I am back in the same industry (for the past 18 months) and will retire in 8 years.
I don’t comment often on your site but couldn’t resist myself when I read Tatiana’s comment.
She is right. Mommy-ing is a full time and vitally important job. You are shaping and guiding a small human!
Thank you gals for your thoughtful comments and for sharing your stories with me. It gives me a lot of food for thought.
When you said Aussie, I first thought you meant an Australian Terrier! We had a Welsh Terrier and her nemesis was an Aussie (terrier) that lived in the neighborhood lol. I think the hardest part for me of having such a high energy dog for almost 15 years was watching her slow down so much in her later years.
Hi Karen,
We have only ever had four-legged children & have always had German Shepherds. Ours died suddenly at 5 years old & we were completely devastated. Several months later, we began simply “thinking” about the possibility of getting another one. I was very on the fence as I knew I could never replace him but now I truly believe the universe does send us the ones that belong with us. Upon meeting this chance little girl pup, she jumped up and started kissing my husband on the head, in the same place our old dog did. She also had the same markings as he did, including a spot of black pigment on the back of the tongue. I agreed with my husband when he said, “he sent her to us.” I named her Sage which means “wise one with long life.”
I think the right one will come along and sweep you off of your feet when you least expect it. It may or may not be the mini-Aussie but one thing is for sure–Tabs will have his hand in choosing the right family member for you.