Mother's Day Circus

As a single mother, Mother’s Day is somewhat lesser of an event.  As the kids get older I’m sure this will change, but for now it is not a day of surprises, but rather one that I plan so we can have fun together.   Of course there is a great up-side to this arrangement. Since I am the planner as well as the recipient, I get to do what I want!  

This year I decided to take the kids to the Ringling Bros. Circus in Hartford.  Now, this could have gone one of two ways.  On one hand it could be a great fun filled day.  On the other, there could be tantrums and arguments which would be an unpleasant experience to say the least!Now a circus seemed very apropos to me.  

Most days feel like a circus to me.  Three Rings?  More like ten!  I have a calendar in my phone, on my fridge and in my head and I still seem to miss some acts.   I have also taken on the role of clown, acrobat and wild animal tamer on a regular basis.  Balancing on a tightrope, juggling, cracking the whip; these are all very familiar metaphors.  Look out Ringling, here we come!

Now, I am sure there are a lot of parents out there that have experienced what I refer to asthe Zone Defense.  Since I am always a single parent with two children, I am always in The Zone Defense mode.  The One on One Defense is very rare in my little world.  When you are in a highly populated area, like an arena, the Zone offers complications.  For example if one child has to go to the bathroom we all go, along with my pocketbook, jackets, bags, snow cones, clown wigs etc.  I think you get the idea.   Being the cup half full type I like to lookat these trips as an opportunity to squeeze in some cardio between bites of pretzels and cotton candy. 

I am happy to report we had a fabulous time.  Instead of feeling like a participant, I felt like a kid again, if only for a few moments.

I hope all of the mothers out there enjoy their circus just as much as I enjoy mine.