Work has been tough. Isn't always? I suppose so. I've been scrambling an awful lot lately. Seems like I have ten things on my plate that require immediate attention when five more show up that need unadulterated SUPER focus. It's just how it goes. Some times I wish I could control that. I wish I could work my own schedule and accomplish my own tasks at my desired pace. Dream on Little Girl...
Now being torn in many directions at work causes a wee bit of tension in the best of us. In people like me, it causes a tightening of the jaw and a furrowing of the brow so as I represent one who eats spiders as a regular side dish. I am beautiful lemme tell ya. I do my best to not "shoot the messengers" who bring in those things to do right now in my spare time with no hurry or pressure for the next five minutes before they are overdue and past their deadlines.
So the kids get home and I'm simmering from my day.
"Please put the dishes away."
"Sure. Can we have a snack first?"
My gut says no.
"Yes."
They get out the stuff and make popcorn. They turn the radio on and are laughing, carrying on...for almost half an hour.
I'm beginning to boil.
"PLEASE put the dishes away."
"I forgot my homework. School's closing soon. Can we go get it?"
I shut my eyes and grind my teeth. Picking up my purse and keys, I open the door.
"Move." I say quietly.
"Can we take our snack?"
"MOVE" I repeat. That would be two.
They move.
I can hear the popcorn sticking in their throats. No one speaks. I'm fighting for control. I don't want to blow a fuse, but I'm losing this battle. Pulling up in front of the school they get out and head to the office. You must check in, give your ID, maiden name, shoe size and state your business - even after hours. Never know who might want to steal tomorrows Pizza dippers or use all the soap. But this would be a loss of control to rant on such things....
My son states his purpose and the woman smacking her keyboard ignores him. She too wants control. She's had to jump and restart a dozen projects all day long and NOW she wants just a little time to accomplish something on HER list. I hear ya sistah. But just for "shiggles" I'm going to take control...
He waits. She types. I clear my throat and she rolls her eyes to count hate marks on the ceiling before focusing her beady,angry glare at me. "Oh yeah, Baby, Game on. Let's do this." I smile. Inside I feel heat and the desire to shout.
"Hi."
She huffs and doesn't smile.
I wait. You're going to talk to me, Sunshine.
"Yeeeeeeees?" she draws. My smile gets bigger. This is like dessert before dinner. I fold my hands in front of me and take another bite.
"My son forgot his homework."
She changes her focus to him. "Weren't paying attention?"
He blushes and looks down. I step around the counter and lean on her desk. I want to reach up and cup her ears to rip her pretty, little bobbly earrings out. I shrug a little and give a tight grin.
"Actually no. He was trying to clean up the room for his teacher, turn in his daily work, straighten his desk and collect a handout from each pile on the back table in the last ten minutes of his day and he seems to have forgotten one of the six books he had to stuff in his book bag before the teacher ushered them out a "titch" late for bus call. Imagine! Having to do all those things at once and maybe JUST maybe forgetting something. Have YOU ever done that?"
I folded my arms across my chest and placed my index finger thoughtfully on my cheek. I pondered. Sweetly. I know you can see my precious face. Quit giggling.
"Who's your teacher." she almost sneered.
He tells her and without skipping a beat she announces that teacher is gone for the day. She shrugs.
"What else can we do?" I ask. "Is there someone else who can help us? May WE go down and get it?"
"I know where my class is! My desk is right up front!" Boo is chirpy. A solution!!! YES!
She stops typing for the first time. "I-don't'-think-soooo" she demurely purrs.
I lick my lips an tilt my head. This is what happens when I get to three:
"May I have a piece of paper? and a pen? Please."
She gives me what I've asked for. With fury driving my wrist I write a note and hand it back to her. My body is shaking. I am nothing short of furious. I take a deep breath and try not to ninja kick her in the mouth.
Dear Mrs. ****
Benjamin forgot to bring his spelling book home. When we came back to retrieve it, you were gone. I asked the secretary, Ms. ##### if we could go and get it, but she said no one could help us. I apologize that he didn't finish his task and that we have inconvenienced Ms. ####. I would like to set up a conference with you, Mr. $$$ $(the principal) and Ms. #### to see how we can come to a solution. Please let me know.
Thank you for your time.
"Would you sign this so Mrs. *** knows I was here please." I hand it to her.
Just then the principal emerges. I smile and we begin to chit chat. The secretary is holding my note.
"Hey, while I have you here Mr. $$$$, would you sign this please?" I reach for the paper. She yanks it away and reaches for her ring of keys.
"Come on Ben. I'll take you to your class. Let's get your homework."
I continue to chat. The principal doesn't remember my name but that's okay.
Ben comes in with his homework. I smile.
"Thanks for all your trouble. I know how busy you are." I smile grandly.
If she could have ninja kicked me in the mouth, she would have.
Boo slipped his hand in mine on the way to the car. "Thanks Mommy." He said swinging it just a little.
"For what?"
"For using your inside voice even though you wanted to use your football voice."
It's all about control. "C-O-N-T-R-O-L"
I hope you enjoyed your visit. Hang on. We're in it together.
