Drip drip drip
I’m down here editing (argh! editing!) and Madison was down here, too, playing with her toy accordion, which you can understand might be distracting. But I’m going with the flow, accordion or not and suddenly I sense little tiny fingers fiddling with all of my pens in the holder right next to my computer and then the little fingers start tossing pens around, digging through my stash of dry-erase markers and I adjust my focus (waking up out of that sleep I go into when I’m writing or editing) and see her scribbling all over the to-do list on my whiteboard. And I snapped. And yelled. And there were tears (not mine) and Daddy came downstairs to whisk the child away and now my concentration is broken and I feel guilty (but justified) for yelling.
THAT is the glamorous life of the work-at-home writer.
I turned in the edits but I don’t like them. I have another round of edits to do for another project due Wednesday and I have a meeting today (in less than an hour) and tomorrow evening. But here’s what’s really worrying me — Brett and Noah go out of town next week. My sister and mother-in-law are going to help with Madison as needed but sometimes I don’t know if I have work until it comes into my inbox so I have a feeling we’ll (and by “we” I mean “she”) be watching a lot of television.
Thanks to you all for telling me the world won’t end because I argued with Nate. I did send an apology and I do believe I’m forgiven but I don’t think he’s going to drop it. Not because he wants to convert me or anything (it’s not that kind of religious discussion) but because he thinks I don’t agree with him because I don’t see his point but actually I see his point and still don’t agree. Although it’s a more subtle debate than that, really, because I think we’re mostly on the same page as far as the big issues go.
No more of that. I wash my hands of it (for now). If he brings it up again, I hereby promise to listen and not say a word unless asked. (Not in an obstinate way — no crossed arms, no frowning.) And then I will say what’s true, “Nate, you’re fabulous, smart and compassionate. We don’t have to agree on this.”
Jessica just laughed then left the room and carved pumpkins with Madison. Brett chuckled (it’s the exact same arguments I’ve had with is parents) and went to pick up the pizza. Neither of them seem bothered by it so it’s ok, right? Yeah. It’s ok.
(I’m filing this under adoption because I GUESS it’s an open adoption thing but I’m also filing it under family because you guys are right — it’s that, too.)
I MEANT to talk to Jessica about the sample chapter/essay I’m working on but you know, I was too busy arguing about GOD, which is so much more (not) important. (sigh)
I like the idea of listening with no crossed arms and no frowns. What a wonderful way to be true to yourself while removing yourself lovingly.
no comment on your post. just a heads up i need to ask you a question. expect a private email from me.
i am doing some freelancing (in addition to my full time work) and want to discuss with someone how they price their work….been almost 8 years since I freelanced.
At least you were working when you yelled at Madison. It would be worse if you yelled because she was distracting you while you were catching up on blogs and stuff, which is what sometimes happens. I’ve heard. ahem