Life With Boys

Life with boys … I’m really starting to think about reinstalling the shoe storage in the laundry room … only now the shoes are so much bigger, and I don’t think they will fit … we are in a period of readjustment as we try to parent adult children who no longer respond to the same “incentives” (threats) … while trying to maintain some semblance of order in the chaos …

I spoke with a fantastic coach and friend since the 6th grade the other day (https://www.drmelissabird.com/) … she suggested I try to step back and observe more … that everything is constantly moving, and that we are not made to keep up (yes, she made me stop and write that part down) … I must learn to stand back and watch the boys as they approach life planning like a game of pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey … and OMG, it is so hard … it is so frustrating to be patient with myself … and relay that patience to let the boys become who they will … and most of all to experiment with who I am becoming, because I have no idea about that one yet …

A bit ago, I was in a conversation about what I plan to do when I grow up … and to be honest, I don’t know … my husband gave me an exasperated response that I have had 20 years to figure this out … but no, I’ve spent the last 20 years trying to keep the boys alive … to make some money to at least cover the daycare or the extracurriculars … and attempt to stay relevant in one of the most tumultuous periods in the world … when the world of communications was turned on its ear with the introduction of social media and a life that is now in a 24/7 news cycle … and let’s throw a worldwide pandemic in just for fun … not sure what lies ahead just yet …

In the meantime, one of the boys is exploring entrepreneurship with the opening of 314 Thrifts on Depop with a friend … https://www.depop.com/search/?q=314+thrifts which means my washing machine is constantly running the latest finds from the Goodwill bins … and my living room looks like we are getting ready for a massive garage sale … they are learning a lot about marketing, photography and how best to try my patience …

The other boy is painting models, experimenting with his airbrush, and trying to get more hours at work … I am trying to refrain from suggesting he work on his portfolio and look for freelance opportunities … I might be 35% successful …