01/14/2021
Just in case you’re wondering what quarantine with kids and a job has been like.
🔥
I had a book interview this morning. It was the kind of work call I can’t be disturbed during, the kind I can’t be a MINDFUL PRESENT MOTHER during.
I showered, as I do for special occasions, then began my routine of noticing every single bit of dust in my home and sweeping as if my life depended on it. Thirty minutes to my work interview and I was half-dressed in a bath towel skirt vigorously gathering every cat hair and dust bunny, hitting the corner hard with the edge of the broom and maybe talking to myself a little bit.
Twenty minutes before the call I realized my 7 y/o son (the only one who can’t get food himself) hadn’t eaten breakfast and anyone who knows kids knows that they are most hungry when you’re busy. In fact, they’re starving and often feel seconds before fainting but only when you’re doing something else. So I went downstairs to make his daily eggs, fruit and toast but not before sweeping the kitchen floor as well.
Ten minutes before the interview I held a press conference with my three children. I explained how the things they enjoy such as eating, being warm, and living between four walks cost something called “money” and I have to work to get it. I explained how sometimes I can work while loving them in person but for the next hour that was not possible. We have to have a long distance relationship for one (1) hour.
For that one (1) hour I would be unavailable but they would be in my heart. I could not be disturbed. I could not break up a fight. No one is to report to me how their sibling looked at them, copied them, spoke to them, or glanced at their belongings. I cannot assist with the wifi or intervene if a stranger was rude to them in Roblox. I cannot make them a snack or a different snack because they’re bored of all the currently available snacks. I cannot help them in the bathroom or tell their brother to flush. They have to flush or flush for someone else, a sacrifice, I know.
During this time, they are not permitted to choke, so eat slowly. If there is a medical emergency call 911 and pray amongst yourselves. If the doorbell rings, ignore it. I, and I can’t stress this enough, an unavailable.
My girls ignored me and my son said a tearful goodbye as I headed into the basement.
I stopped in the bathroom and decided it was wise to look at my face. I don’t wear makeup daily because I have no one to impress but since I looked like I’d just gotten off a pirate voyage and definitely as a captive, I put on some moisturizer and two year old foundation. I added some eyeliner older than my son and hid my hair in a beanie.
I then tied up the dog in the living room because she too acts up when she knows I’m trying to accomplish anything.
The call went perfectly. No one cried or talked to me. The dog didn’t bark once. The hosteas as sweet as can be and I talked normally and didn’t think about cat hair (much).
Working from home is a hot mess but it’s our hot mess.
You’re doing great. The kids are alright. Have some coffee and cake if you have it. 🫖 🍰
♥️ Bunmi
(This is my office/shady guest room/dog kennel/where my oldest daughter comes to play her ukulele and get away from all of us)
Edited to add: While I was typing this I missed my second interview. I’m sorry Jeanette, rescheduling is in process. 😅😅😅
I cannot.
Also, thank you, Nancy Hicks for having me on today. I loved your lipstick and heart.
Also, it’s noon and my homeschooled kids have not learned a thing. Time to sweep? Jk It’s all good. God loves me. ☺️ Hugs to you all 🧡
