The pressure of weekday holidays

It's not every week that we are granted the gift of a three-day weekend. So, yesterday, my family and I decided to take full advantage of the holiday by “doing-something-together.” We weren’t sure what that something would be, but Jeff and I were certain that it would be fun.

Over morning coffee we discussed our options. It wass 34 degrees outside without a flake of snow, thereby limiting our ability to "play outside.".

I cannot overemphasize what a  real bummer that was because with three young boys, anytime you can get outside and play, run, tackle, wrestle, jump…the happier the whole family will be!

“Maybe we can go to the community center and swim in the indoor pool,” I suggested.

This was met with a chorus of groans, which is surprising since my boys all love to swim.

Actually, I have to admit I was relieved by their response. In NO WAY did I want to put a swimsuit on my winter-white self and join what I’m sure would have been numerous other families, also half naked, looking for something active and fun to do with their day off.

Truth be told, I only offered the suggestion because it seemed like a “good mom” thing to do – ie something you feel you SHOULD do when in fact you’d much rather stay home and spray out the trash cans.

Taking the kids to the pool in the winter is just too much work. I’d have to locate the swimsuits, (which no one has laid eyes on since August), pack a change of clothes and snacks, and fill the pool toys (also missing since August) with air.

Yeah. What was I thinking?

So now what? Well, I guess it’s time to drink more coffee.

By 11:00 all of us were still in our pajamas – just hanging out.

THIS DRIVES ME CRAZY!

I start worrying…..

WE ARE WASTING THE DAY!

Without really thinking I say, “How about a movie?”

This time I am met with a cacophony of shrieks and cheers. Little Ryan even did a flying “yippee” off the couch!

As we pile into the minivan Jeff gives me a wink – because we’ve done it! We’ve found something everyone wants to do – together. Victory is ours.

Half an hour later, for significantly more than my first car, the five of us were seated in the theater surrounded by our tubs of soda and our even bigger tub of popcorn.

Ah! At last! We are doing something with the day! Time to sit back and relax.

“Mommy, I have to use the bathroom.”

“Who said that?”

Oh you’ve got to be kidding me – that request is coming from one of mine.

Before I leave the theater in search of the bathroom I ask --- “Does anyone else have to go?”

“No.”

“Nope”

Ok, here we go.

Ten minutes later, we are back in our seats. The popcorn is redistributed, sodas are reclaimed, and our coats are once again placed under our chairs.

Ah! This was a great idea – I think to myself – as I settle in, once more, into my comfy movie seat.

The lights dim. The music starts. The studio credits role…..

“Mom, I have to use the bathroom too.”

With a sigh I got out of my seat - one more time - thinking – it could be worse, I could be in a swimsuit!

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