The Me-Monster learns to Carpe Diem

Last night I was in a little bit of a funk. I'm pretty sure that I didn't get up from the couch after putting Max to bed until it was time to go to sleep. Jeff had to study and I kept myself entertained by watching American Idol, reruns of The King of Queens, and Twilight (what is it about the painfully awkward acting that just glues me to the screen? It's like a car wreck! Secretly, I think I like it more each time I watch it because it is just.that.terrible.)

In a calm, collected voice I attempt to explain how I was feeling to Jeff. "I'm dying!!!" I exclaimed like the grown-up I am. "Of what?" he asked. "Boredom and binge snacking!!" came the reply. Not that I am bored per se; after all, there is plenty to keep me busy with an active 8 month old. However, I was missing some adult interaction, and more specifically, interaction with my husband. He has started back to school and between that, working, looking to buy a house, and taking care of our baby...we have been quite busy.

And like the supportive wife that I am, I was complaining. I needed time with him. I wanted us to do things as a family. I need adult conversation. Blah blah blah. (Where does Max get his never-ending need for attention? gulp!) Basically, I was turning into a ME-MONSTER. Yes, Brian Regan, was correct. I had put on my blinders and focused in on what I needed, wanted, deserved, etc. Beware the me-monster!!

Jeff, of course, never (openly) admits that I'm crazy and he is so patient. I think it might make me sick sometimes how patient and good he is, except that I am the beneficiary! (See? I'm getting less selfish already! Kidding). He really does inspire me to be better.

Luckily for all of us, today was a new day. A sunshine-y, warm, beautiful Spring day. And I read a few timely, applicable words that made me remember that this is a marvelous time in our lives. These are the days that we will look back on and tell our kids about. The times that we were so busy building a wonderful life together that sometimes we stayed up late at night talking and laughing in bed when we were supposed to be asleep just to spend a few extra moments together. The times that we didn't go out to eat as often and watched what we spent so that we could save up for an old, small starter house that we would (together) make into a snug, cozy, beautiful haven for our little family. The times that I surprised my boys with a picnic lunch on Jeff's lunch break (like today) and we enjoyed taco salad, Samoas, and blowing bubbles to Max at the park.

I remembered that I didn't have to wait for some far-off day in the future to start living my dream life. I AM living my dream life. I remembered that each day presents a unique opportunity to make a memory and find ways to sneak in a little more love. Life is busy. That will probably never change. But I don't want to miss the wild ride. If anything, I am daily reminded in my little boy's face about how quickly time really does fly. Be creative. Make it count.

What are some ways that you choose to make it count in your family?