I’ll be honest, when I was first approached to
write a blog, I responded with a firm no.
My answer was most likely
inspired by some self-help book I vaguely remember reading (skimming) in my 20s
about busy women who are not able to graciously and guiltlessly say no. As
someone who worked three jobs while writing a college thesis, I was never that
woman to turn down an opportunity/job/volunteer project.
Still a new
mom, I worried how I could fit it in. Or worse yet, how I could remember to
post.
When I was pregnant with Anika, a veteran mom asked me if I was
suffering from “Mommy Brain.” I was completely unfamiliar with the term, as my
silent glare revealed.
“It’s true,” she said. “You get forgetful and
flighty, but don’t worry, you’ll get it back—mostly.”
Mostly? It didn’t
make sense then, but now I get it. I can testify to the existence of the urban
legend of mommy brain.
I "officially, for the last time" leave the
house at least twice (on a good day). I’ve misplaced the electric bill. Three
times. I’ve even forgotten to put diapers in the diaper bag.
Yesterday,
for example, I tried to mail a birthday package to Anika’s grandmother.
Overlooking the fact that her birthday was two weeks ago, the package was ready
to go—photos of the children, a birthday gift and card. I planned to hit the
post office on my lunch break, but before I left my office, I realized I’d
forgotten the envelope with her address written on it.
I called home,
ordered Anika’s daddy, Nate, to shuffle through my address book (I don’t know
when or how it became so disorganized). I wrote the address on the back of
another envelope.
As I walked in the door to the post office, I did a
double- and triple-take through my purse. The envelope I wrote on minutes ago
was still sitting on my desk.
Through clenched teeth, I planned
to call a co-worker for the address. But my cell phone was sitting on my desk
next to the envelope.
Her package still sits in the back of the car for
when I re-attempt to send the package, hopefully within the month of her
birthday.
Even with my forgetfulness, I’m hopeful I can write a blog
people will find interesting enough to read. And I must have forgotten about my
firm no, because when I was asked a second time to do a blog, I responded with a
firm—and enthusiastic—yes.