Thursday, May 28, 2009

Mom On Strike

I've had it!  I've seriously had it.  Kids not minding, husband working late all the time, grumpy attitudes all over the place, to do list growing and growing no matter how hard I try.  I can't watch even one show on TV - I'm too busy with the kids, we're watching a cartoon or Marcos comes home and takes over possession of the remote.  I gave up possession of my radio to my children a few weeks ago and am quite sure I will not be getting that back any time soon.  It's Bob the Builder and Bear Necessities over and over in the Uboldi car.  I can't find a moment for myself.  Marcos got home tonight at 8:00 - just in time to tuck the kids in bed - and then informed me his soccer game was at 8:50.  Nice!  He can work late and still find "me" time, but I can't seem to.  Someone is always around or needing something.  I just want a boring night all to myself - or with my friends.  I thought about up and quitting my 24/7 job that pays a big fat nothing, but I know how prone to extreme measures I am (especially on days that I'm feeling rather hormonal) and that I would eventually feel guilty.  So I'm not quitting...I'm just going on strike until further notice.  To even begin negotiations with the ungrateful union, I have a few expectations that need to be met.  They include more love, support, and appreciation, less whining, fewer tantrums and more minding.  Until further notice, the following is a list of the tasks I will not be performing until my needs have been met.

No more laundry - stain removal, washing, drying, hanging, folding and ironing.  No more cooking, fixing or preparing meals.  No more loading, washing or putting away dishes.  No more scrubbing, scouring and polishing.  No more vacuuming, dusting, sweeping or mopping.  And no more cleaning icky boy bathrooms.  No more sorting and organizing mail.  No more paying bills, calling to get better prices and taking care of EVERYTHING that has to do with money and accounts.  No more errands, coupon cutting and grocery store shopping.  No more kid taxi driver.  No doctor, dentist or other appointments.  No planting, weeding, pruning or watering of the garden.  No more extra projects.  No more building and painting and fixing and deciding.  No more reading and teaching and playing.  No more parks and swimming and museums and the zoo.  NO MORE!  If you need me, I will be sitting on the couch watching movies and eating bon bons.  After all, that's what most people think we stay-at-home moms do all day anyway. 

9 comments:

Mrs. B. Roth said...

Eat bon-bons - that's all I ever do! So does this mean you won't be helping me put in that garden?? (Just kidding - Greg and I got it in on Monday, his "day off")

Bring your kids over tomorrow and go to the temple all by yourself. I'll expect them around 10. After you go to the temple, take your self out to lunch. Then take a nap or watch a show. I'll see you around 3.

Laura said...

WOW! I want a friend like Mrs. B. Roth, she seems heaven sent.

Dont' give up Maria... this job is so hard, but as you know SO rewarding. It will all pay off in the long run. Plus if you go on strike you will only have more work later :) Now, THAT would really suck.

You should FOR SURE take your friend up on that offer... take some time for yourself!

Tiffany said...

Mrs. B doesn't make empty offers, so hopefully you are ready by 10, or I'm pretty sure she'll be showing up, ready to cart off the kids. I think the temple is the perfect escape, though I admit, when I get in those modes, it's the last place I want to go, but it shouldn't be. Things are ALWAYS better after the temple (now BEFORE the temple...that's a different story ;) ) I echo Laura...don't give up. You are an amazing mother...your bucket is just empty. I was told in a blessing not too long ago that we can't hope to bless the lives of our children and spouses if our wells are dry...so find a way to fill 'er up. love ya!

Stacy said...

Join the club!! I have been on somewhat of a strike for a week or so now! I just didn't make it 'official'. I just haven't felt like doing anything. My house is a mess, my kids are crazy, and I can't seem to get enough Pepsi in me to make a difference. I think I will go to the hospital for some IV caffeine if you want to come!!
But yesterday was a new day, today is a new day. If I just take it hour by hour and try to get 1 thing done in a day (besides killing my kids) then I feel good.

Call me!

chrisandlaura96 said...

Ah, Maria, you make me laugh! I know how you feel though...I think every mom gets to that point some times. I know I have, this week even! Luckily life is more manageable a few days later. I hope it is for you too!
-Laura

Sidney said...

I feel your pain, I feel your pain!!! You know how some people give their puppies away outside of Walmart, I've contemplated that with my kids! Ha ha ha, J/K, but seriously, I've been there... Wait, I am there!

Lisa said...

Oh Dear! I am not there. But one day I'm sure I will be. Then I will be on strike and calling you!

So, are you around this week? I might come up to visit you on Fri. or Sat. on my way to my mom's. I have to play it by ear so I will call you. If you want to just have time with me and you for lunch or something maybe we can get Marcos to watch the kidos? Otherwise, I am totally fine with kids around. More practice for the future.

Hagberg Fam said...

I was just wondering if I could move in with you. I keep saying to my family that I quit and no more, but I am a complete liar and keep doing everything. Good luck on that strike and let me know how it works out! You are so awesome and I love you. Thanks for being you!

Maria said...

Courtney- actually let's have Mike and kids move in here and I'll move in over at your place. You're a much better house keeper than I am so we won't have one bit of work to catch up on there. Okay, it's a plan. I'll go pack my bags. ;)