You’re the Whole Shebang: Mommy Like a Rock Star, Part 2
January 5, 2010
We’re on Day Two of the ten part series: “Mommy Like a Rock Star”.
To catch up, visit here.
- Image by Tobyotter via Flickr
We’re on Day 2 of “Mommy Like a Rock Star”. For day 1, visit here.
Ahhhhh, the life of a rock star. Sleeping in till whenever, staying up till all hours, demanding special colored M and Ms and just the right kind of organic teas to protect those honeyed pipes…sounds just like being a mommy, right?
Hmmm. Not quite. Being a Mommy feels more like the tour manager than the star- wrangling ornery talent, managing wardrobe, (with a stain stick) making sure the tour bus (AKA carpool) runs smoothly.
We’ve all shaken our heads at stars who’re back in shape ten minutes after giving birth. “Well, if I had a trainer and a chef, I could do that, too.” While I agree those resources make it easier, I think the real difference is in a thinking shift- those stars believe they have to take care of themselves.
We believe we have to take care of everybody else, and maybe at the end of the day sneak in ten minutes loving on a Snickers bar and watching “Dancing with the Stars”. Then we fall asleep on the couch, Snickers wrapper fluttering softly with our snores. (OK, maybe that’s just me.)
But every chick deserves the star treatment every now and again. Here’s how to make sure you get it.
1. Demand the impossible.
Rock stars have something called a “Rider”, where they communicate their necessities to a club in advance. They range from favorite waters to deli platters to audio requirements- but they’re non-negotiable.
What would happen if you set a few demands- nothing fancy, just like “3 workouts a week” or “One hour alone every weekend”? Sometimes, our needs aren’t met because we’re too busy to recognize them- let alone communicate them.
2. Lay out the tools of your trade
Odds are, no one else is going to pamper you. That’s the nature of being the caretaker. So turn those nurturing high beams on yourself- lay out a bathrobe, fluffy slippers, a bubble bath, and a good book.
3. Connect with your fans
You know, those people you used to talk to, before you had kids. About stuff besides kids. Other things, like…I don’t know, newspapers and stuff. Don’t ask me, I have too many kids. But seriously, taking time to chat with people who know your other name…the one that doesn’t begin with “M”…can help anchor you in a sea of childrearing.
4. Let your littlest roadies nurture YOU.
When your daughter says she wants to play with your hair, don’t tell her it’s too tangly and grey. Just say thank you. When your son says he really likes the way your belly squishes when he hugs it, just hug him harder. And when their Daddy says Hubba Hubba, just wink and don’t talk about those last five pounds. Because to them, you’re the whole show.
What makes you feel like a diva? And how do you make time for the little things that make you feel taken care of?
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Posted in DIY, Miscellaneous, Old School, Rock and Roll Mama, Writing
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January 5th, 2010 at 10:11 am
I love this series. You rock. And you’re hitting all the nails on all their heads – seriously.
January 5th, 2010 at 11:22 am
I’d comment, but I’m busy writing my rider.
Susan (Trout Towers)´s last blog ..dear anonymous
January 5th, 2010 at 11:25 am
Ri: Thanks, mama. Still LOL from your text this am when you told me to take my own advice and go to bed. Da*&*n tootin!:)
Susan: Please be sure to tell your Chris I had NOTHING, Nada, Zip, Zilch, to do with your rider creation.:) Bupkiss.
BUT if you need some examples, go to: http://www.thesmokinggun.com/backstagetour/index.html
Inspiration, for sure.:)
January 5th, 2010 at 11:54 am
Because to them, you’re the whole show.
Yes, yes. Mommies/Women who feel good about themselves look better. If all your people think you’re great, what more do you want????
All you have to do is look through old photos and remember what was happening in your life when each one was taken. Happy=Pretty
Janine@Shelf Life´s last blog ..Time Well Wasted
January 5th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
love it love it love it!!!!
January 5th, 2010 at 4:54 pm
Love the rock and your rock star treatment for life. These are EXACTLY the things that make me feel better. Three times a week kickboxing, reaching out to new groups, and accepting all my family has to say and do with me. The winks from the Hub are the best!
January 5th, 2010 at 5:45 pm
Best post of 2010!
kim/hormone-colored days´s last blog ..Military_Mom, Craig Dobkin and Miracles
January 5th, 2010 at 11:24 pm
Janine: SO true! I remember I thought I was fat at 16- dude. I had never been pregnant at that point, and had no idea the rude shock nature had in store.:) Shoulda appreciated it.
Kristy- Thanks, girly! Hope you had such fun Holidays. Did you catch any good shows?
Cindy- Thank you for stopping by! I used to teach kickboxing, and really enjoyed it. There’s nothing like throwing a good controlled punch when you’re not mad.:) Nice to meet you!
Kim- 2010, OMG! Still getting used to that for sure. Will I see you before Nashville? Like, in Sin City next week? Looking forward to it, whichever city it is.Thank you.
January 5th, 2010 at 11:27 pm
Hey Mama! I’m heading to Chicago for a HH meetup. Seriously! Just me and Wyeth and the big city for a whole weekend. Hop on a plane and come with me!!! xoxox
January 5th, 2010 at 11:38 pm
Oooh that sounds like so much fun! Wyeth and my Shitaake Burke could have a playdate. (We are women obsessed.:) But alas, I will be in Vegas at CES with the Hubs! Next time, purse hangout for sure. Or at LEAST at BlogHer- no broken limbs or moves this year, Missy!!!:)
January 6th, 2010 at 12:00 am
No worries, NYC for sure!
January 6th, 2010 at 12:09 am
This Mama locks the bathroom door and turns up the music when Papa gets home to watch the kiddo. I read a book or magazines and soak up some me time.
Rock on, Lindsay!
Tiffani´s last blog ..Roll Tide! Getting fired up!
January 17th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
“Sometimes, our needs aren’t met because we’re too busy to recognize them- let alone communicate them.”
That says it all right there. The crew will usually go along with my requests, if I actually have the forethought to make them in the first place. But I’m usually going 90 miles an hour with my hair on fire, so I don’t take the time to do it. Good post!
adrianscrazylife´s last blog ..Organizing Your Kids – Part II