Throwing Stones in the Pond Until I See Ripples

Yesterday, I put my teaching hat back on (you know, the job in which the state of Michigan officially certified me to do until I signed up for this full-time SAHM gig and started chasing my dreams of being a blogger).  My friend teaches a social media class at Walsh college, and I filled in for her.  I was a *bit* nervous looking at all those faces as I literally watched the minutes tick by until I started speaking.

Once I got rolling, it was kind like riding a bike.  And by a bike, I mean standing behind a podium in a lecture hall with HUGE screen . . . which is not the same as a classroom full of junior high students looking as if they might actually die of boredom as I animatedly describe the difference between being subject, object, and possessive pronouns – this was SO MUCH BETTER!

Talking about why I love blogging and social media is way more fun than talking about the fine points of grammar – who knew?!  (Answer: 90% of the population;  the other 10% are composed of reading/writing enthusiasts such as myself, my mother, probably my Aunt Diane, and maybe my cousin, Ashleigh).

A question about Twitter came about, and although I can’t remember the exact words the student used, it was something along the lines of, “I don’t get Twitter.  It seems like a lot of noise.  How can anyone find you there?”

To which I responded, “This is exactly why it took three times for me to like and use Twitter.  One of the hardest things about using Twitter is that it is in real time.  Which is great if you can devote your undivided attention to it.  However, this is impossible given I have an active three year old who thinks pummeling himself onto pillows from the arm of couch is a good time.”

Then I continued with this analogy, “Social media, especially platforms like Twitter, is like throwing stones.  Often times you don’t see the ripples in the water.  But if you are consistent and patient, one day you will see those ripples, and you will be heard.”

For me, that someday was today.  As I tried to block out Thomas’s persistent cries to watch Imagination Movers, I was watching my English boyfriend, Ricky Gervais on the Today Show as he charmingly promoted his new podcast on iTunes.  I was going to tweet about it (as I usually do when I watch The Today Show), but I didn’t have his handle.  I searched through my stream, knowing that someone must have already tweeted about this.  But, to my surprise, no one did.  So I put a quick tweet asking anyone if they were watching Ricky Gervais and commenting how fun he was on the Today Show.

And this is the result of that one, little tweet:

O.M.G. The TODAY SHOW RETWEETED ONE OF MY TWEETS.  I have been watching this show since I was seven years old.  I tweet about it frequently.  And finally, I saw a ripple from one of my very own stones.

In the jubilant words sung by the inspirational group that is The Fresh Beat Band,

“It was a great day.
It was a super day.”

Have you seen any ripples come your way?

Mom Guilt Part I

Besides being responsible for the social/emotional/physical/educational development of The Babes, I would say Mom Guilt is a close second to the huge and heavy weight that resides on my shoulders.  Mom Guilt is so pervasive, it’s easy to accept it as my “new normal” (right along with never fitting into my pre-baby body jeans).

Recently, I went to a Detroit Bloggers even and caught up with some old friends and met some new bloggers.  It was a great time.

Until I had to live tweet about it.

I pulled out my Transform phone and watched the dreaded loading pinwheel of death that just eternally spins and spins.

And spins.

It’s embarrassing showing up with my junk phone while everyone else effortlessly communicates on their iPhone.  In fact, I am embarrassed that I feel like this because I am not a “keep up with the Joneses” kinda gal.  But how can I go to social media events as a blogger when a major tool of the trade doesn’t work?

I had researched the difference between the iPhone and Galaxy.  I casually mentioned to Harrington that I would be going out to look at phones and that I might actually get one.  But to know me, is to know that I deliberate for months before actually making a decision. (I call it proactive procrastination.  Which sounds way better than passive procrastination.  Or just plain procrastination).

I walked into the store and looked at the Galaxy and the iPhone.  The iPhone was so beautiful, but would cost be an extra $100 for the extended warranty.  I would also have to go to the iPhone store if I needed service, and I love my Sprint store.  However, the Galaxy had a bigger screen.

In an unprecedented move without deliberating or discussing with anyone, I chose the Galaxy.

I really loved the iPhone, but I was just unsure.

Immediately, I felt liberated that I just picked one out with little fanfare. 

Until I came to the realization that I chose the Galaxy because not only did I think I didn’t need the iPhone, but didn’t *deserve* it.

I am ashamed to even say it, but it’s the truth.  I didn’t think I deserved it.

Why did I feel so damn guilty about this decision?

Well, we’ve had our financial struggles.  Harrington lost his job three years ago, but he quickly found a job that has been quite lucrative.

But those first two years were tough, and lots of sacrifices were made along the way.  We are finally in a good place right now.  So why do I still feel so guilty spending money on myself?  On a tool that will make my job of CEO of Everything easier?  On a device that can help me follow my dreams of blogging and writing?  (I should say that until I looked at either of these phones, I didn’t know it was possible to open up email attachments on a phone . . . as I hang my head in shame).

The answer is because I don’t make the money.  I may work my ass off taking care of The Babes and the house.  I take my job a little too seriously (as in researching the chemical-free sunblock, probiotics, healthy foods, preschools, after-school activities. . . .you get the idea).  But with all the blood, sweat and tears that go into that job, it’s hard to feel value when you turn around and another Babe is sick or there are three more loads of laundry to replace the one you just finished. 

I’ve tried to give myself reassurance and pep talks, you know, being emotionally available to myself.  But after taking care of everyone else, I’m damn tired.

And then I’m damn tired of feeling guilty for wanting to treat myself to something nice.

Motherhood is full of sacrifices.  It’s difficult job times a gazillion.  Why do I make it harder by beating myself up when I try to do something nice for me?

If you had made it this far into the post, thank you for sticking with me. And now you are probably wondering what finally happened with the phone.  I returned the Galaxy and got the iPhone.  And I am in deep and serious love with it.

As for the guilt, I am thinking there is an app to help me manage that, right?

Do you ever torment yourself when trying to treat yourself to something nice?