I have only been on a few weeks, and am already wasting more time than with any other form of entertainment. Because that's what it is - entertaining. Especially if you're not so much active participant as spectator. Not that I don't occasionally comment or even Like something. I'm even catching on to emoticons, leaving the text language to the kids. But, while I don't mind sharing a few personal tidbits on this rather anonymous blog, I'm hesitant to really put myself out there. Contradictory as it is, I'm a very private, gregarious person. Also, afraid of accidentally insulting someone who I can't see face to face. I have a way of putting my foot in my mouth whenever I open it, so instead, opt to just put a sock in it.
Most of the time.
Consider another time-sucking vortex: American political campaigns. Why does it take four years (and billions of campaign $) when the last two weeks decides everything? Not that I'm not glad its over....
Now combine the two and what do you have? Endless confrontational rants by normally civil friends and relatives over increasingly polarized political viewpoints. Eternally grateful that I refrained from entering the fray, I nonetheless eavesdropped on (was invited to witness?) the circus as it played out online. It was more riveting than another Grisham novel....and just as unnecessary to read.
One thing that isn't a waste of time? Watching the Critters take to field and stage. There have been far fewer instances of the former than latter, but then, theater blood runs through their veins. After sitting through countless rehearsals over the years (they do summer children's theater too), and enjoying the vicarious thrill of applause for my offspring, recent performances in particular swelled this Momster's heart to overflowing. Earlier in the year it was Firstborn as the Jester in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and, the very same weekend, Only Son, Third Child and Sweetie Petite-y were the Captain, Louisa and Brigitta Von Trapp respectively. (As Maria in a former incarnation, that was especially sweet... the hills are alive!) Last weekend, Firstborn rocked her first college production as part of a six person cast in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) Revised. If laughter is the best medicine, she provided a near fatal dose! And here I sit, twenty-four hours after seeing Only Son crucified in Godspell, still reflecting. His performance (and Third Child's as part of the ensemble) was, well...divine. What could make a mother more proud - or more humbled - than watching her offspring confidently proclaim the Good News to an enraptured audience?
Husband & I have been going around and around about how much time the Critters spend in theater related activities vs. other extra curriculars (not to mention how much time we spend driving them). Popular theory is that they need to diversify to improve their chances at college scholarships. But, will it really make them better individuals to comply with popular theory rather than focus on what they love and excel at? Isn't time spent on a soccer field wasted when one is longing for the stage? And how much time and energy should a parent waste being the bad guy when the payoff is so uncertain? Especially when it means encouraging your children to participate in mediocrity instead of striving for excellence?
Time is our most limited resource. I don't always use mine wisely, and neither do the Critters. But since theirs is not something I can repay, I'd rather they not associate me with a GREAT BIG time-sucking vortex. It's much more rewarding just being their loving, supportive Momster.
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Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Hope your day is filled with much to be grateful for..... and I'd so be grateful if you would click on the Top Mommy Blogs icon to cast your vote!
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