Putting the Freak in Control Freak

I am a mess of contradictions.  On the one hand, I long for less control.  I ache for a time when every discussion regarding play dates, homework, snacks and wardrobe choices doesn’t have to go through me.  I crave the opportunity to escape it all and mindlessly drift through my day, not concerned about the welfare of anyone other than me.  I want to be left alone.

Calgon, take me away!

I wish for such things.

Be careful what you wish for.

Take this past weekend, for example.  After a hectic week of managing work, school forms, soccer practices, play rehearsals, costumes, uniforms and such, I wanted nothing more than to run to the store for a couple of hours and let Dad be in charge.   I left the hub at home just as the Monkey was getting ready to meet some friends at the skate park.

“So long sucka’” I thought as I practically peeled out of the driveway.

Cranking my light rock and rolling away, it occurs to me that, should it start raining, the kids from the skate park would be welcome to come to our house.  Hmmmm….will the same thought occur to the hub?  Or will the children be forced to hang out in the rain, thereby catching cold and rendering them useless for school?

Well, okay, one quick call home.

Then it occurs to me that the kids might go to X’s house instead of ours.  Well, that will never do since X is notoriously under-supervised.  Better clarify with the hub.

Second call home, but this will be the last one.  Now it’s time for me.

Speaking of ME, did I remember to get more chips?  So, if a pack of hungry tween-agers shows up at my house and I’m not home, will they get something to eat?  What will they eat?  Does the hub know where the food is?

Third call home with specific instructions on what to make if we don’t have any chips.  And a reminder about the trampoline.  And a quick thought on having the kids call home to make sure their parents know where they are.  And while I’m at it, maybe I should just come home and whip up a quick treat and make sure everyone has clean towels and dry clothes.

Okay, Calgon.  Put me back.  Maybe we can try again next weekend.