Working mom having a tough workweek

There's a scene from the Sex and the City series when Charlotte announces to her friends that she's going to quit her job. Carrie responds, "Are you just having a Tough workweek?" Carrie's response is classic because anybody who has worked anywhere--from cashier to CEO--knows that some workweeks are harder than others. It could be tough because of boss pressures, a lot of work, or because you don't feel well. However, regardless of how tough the week is you have to plow through. ...

Generally, you plow through because at the end of the struggle you'll be getting a pay check.

Well last week, I had a really Tough Workweek and my spirit felt the toll. Unlike Charlotte, I didn't quit. Instead, I plowed through. I have to say that plowing through does teach you things and makes you feel like a bad ass. Although this is a bit dramatic of a comparison, I was reminded of Pink's song with the chorus, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!" If you've heard the song, you know that Pink--an inspiring working mom--belts out that line with so much conviction that it actually makes you think that you can do anything.

Children riding the T, their joy is priceless

And although my life wasn't at risk because of my tough week because I work in an office, I'm an attorney, and generally what makes my weeks tough is having to deal with a variety of personalities and challenges that remind me that attorneys, especially those in-house, are never really in control. Still, I needed a break and hadn't been as happy to have Friday come than I had been in a very long time. Having the week end was an incredible blessing and my kids were tonic for my soul. And this was despite them not being perfect...

Joy at Idlewild Park!

Indeed, my three year old had bouts of inexplicable anger, episodes of crying and screaming, and he hit his sister a few times. My six year old had bouts of regression, disappointment because we never stay anywhere long enough for her taste, and there was the time at the Three Rivers Regatta where she managed to spill nearly the entire contents of the teriyaki sauce that came with the chicken-on-a-stick on her pants. Spilling the sauce made her very upset and desirous of stripping down to her underwear in the middle of the festival for relief. Fortunately, I was able to stop that from happening...

Still, the weekend was perfect in its imperfection. I was ultimately in control. And the memories we made were those that I chose...

So, here's to a better work week, one that is full of more triumphs than trials, more substance than nonsense, and more amusement than annoyance. And if I find that this workweek is tough too, I shall reflect on some trusty clichés, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." "This too shall pass." "Sunshine comes after the rain." And, "You is kind. You is smart. You is important!" Well, I guess the last one is a line from "The Help" and not really a cliché, but you get my point!

Fun times at Idlewild Park!