It appears I took most of January off from this blog. It was a good thing. I was overwhelmed and way over-committed. If we were having a glass of wine, I would tell you why…

If we were having a glass of wine, I would tell you when I took office on the School Committee last year I never imagined I would have no life the entire month of January.  I knew budget season was intense, as a spectator. I had no freaking idea what it meant when you were on the team. It meant 3-4 nights away from my family. When I was home I was poring over budget documents, trying to find ways to save money in a $30 million budget without cutting programs that make our system great.

I would also tell you that if you want to lose those 5 holiday pounds you put on during December, join the school committee. Since you are never home for dinner or snacks you will lose those pounds by mid-month and a few more before February.

If we were having a glass of wine I would tell you I became a Winter Warrior and ran at least one mile outside every day in January. In the cold, in the dark, in a freaking blizzard.

I would also confess that I haven’t ran (or walked) at all since February 1st. I miss it and will have to get back to it. 

If we were having a glass of wine, I would tell you I am looking forward to this weekend. A friend is going to trapeze school invited me along. Since I made her run a half marathon I am figuring I am getting the better end of the deal.

I would also admit that I will gladly hang from anything if it means I get to escape for the day without the children and husband.

If we were having a glass of wine, I would tell you I quit my job today. A job I’ve held for 12 years. A job that has seen one child grow and another born. I’m not staying at home (David rejoices, the packie cries). I just received an awesome opportunity that may not come along again. So I’m taking a chance on leaving the safety and security to begin again.

I would also admit I am quietly freaking out. I have worked in healthcare for 20 years and leaving the field completely. I mean, business management is business management but I feel I no longer have a net. 

If we were having a glass of wine, I would tell you that last weekend Bridget was in the ER. She got another bug that led to too many hours of vomiting and landed her in for IV fluids. Thankfully she got better and was able to come home. Sadly, she shared the bug with the rest of the family.

I would also admit that I treat my children differently. Never even considered taking Abby to the ER. Just told her suck it up we were all vomiting so quit moaning for Cripes Sake!

If we were having a glass of wine, I would tell you that this happened on my couch last night and we would laugh while we snorted wine:

Abby and Bridget sitting on the couch watching TV
Abby taps Bridget: punch buggy
Bridget cold cocks Abby across a the chin and gleefully repeats PUNCH ABBY
Abby is heard saying: learn your strength girl!

I would also admit how awesome it was that Bridget followed directions!

If we were having a glass of wine, I would tell you that even with the pace of January, I took out nomination papers to be re-elected to the School Committee in May. You would call me insane and tell me you wouldn’t vote for me. That my couch needs me. I would tell you that I seriously believe the Board needs me, too, and I think I am making a difference. That I honestly think everyone should run and serve. It gives you a better perspective and understanding on how our towns work.

Inside I would whisper, I really hope I am making a difference.

If we were having a glass of wine, I would tell you that after this weekend’s blizzard Bridget still hates the snow. I would remind you that I do not want to desensitize her from it. Since she has such a hard time regulating her body temperature, I would rather have her want to stay inside than have to explain to her that she cannot play in it.

I would also tell you that my next driveway is either going to be 3 feet by 3 feet or it better come with a snowblower. Why didn’t a marry a man who stayed home and shoveled? 

If we were having a glass of wine, I would tell you that life is getting more manageable and that I promise I will be around more often.