I’m finally 36.
I feel like I should be such an adult.
But, I feel like such a kid.
A kid who has kids. Like I’m their really, really, really older big sister.
I’m not sure if that’s normal. It’s probably not. But in anycase, I think I’ve been making some huge strides lately. You know, on becoming an adult.
Since the 2 days that I’ve been 36, I’ve decided that I can’t make people (who aren’t my children) do things that they don’t want to. So I’ve stopped trying.
I’ve realized that I may want a clean house, but a clean state of mind is even more important. So I’ve been reading ‘fun stuff’ in lieu of domestic responsibilities. Not so great for my floors. But it’s a pretty sweet deal for my husband, if you know what I mean.
Also.
I’ve done something that I’ve never, ever, EVER done.
I stood up for myself without compromise.
Or, if you were to ask my husband, I ‘abandoned my family’.
He’s just not used to the new ’36 year old’ me. If I were to be honest, I’m just taking a page from his book.
I had a date with my bestest girlfriend this past weekend. And it seemed like everything in my life was trying to keep me away from it. So I decided, no matter what, I would go. Which meant, Mr. Woo had to be in 10 places at one time, with all 4 kids, and then when he finally got home at 10 pm, he would have to wash chlorine out of 4 little girls hair, dry and braid their hair, and put them to bed.
He was not amused.
Nor excited.
He wasn’t furious. But then, he never really gets furious.
Mainly, he was just shocked. Shocked that I stuck to my guns. Refused to cave. Stood up, and was counted. I don’t think that last one makes sense. But you catch my drift. I was a woman to be reckoned with.
He kept making tiny little comments about my abandoning ways. But I did’t falter. To be fair, he could have skipped some of the days events (which is what I suggested) but he was all, “Noooooooo. That would be wrong. The girls really want to go. They would be so sad if they miss it.”
Boo. hoo. hoo.
They always really want to go somewhere. They generally make themselves sad about something. So I don’t see how this day was any different.
In a last ditch effort to get me to cave, as Mr. Woo is running around the house like a mad man, feeding the children, packing the bags, screaming at the top of his lungs (doing all the things I normally do), he asked me to do one thing.
One thing that would help him out.
Even though I told him not to go.
Even though I pleaded with him to stop this mad race we are ALWAYS in.
He just asked me to help, a little.
Not a lot.
A tiny bit.
He just wanted me to put 1/2 of the kids (half of the whole 4, not half of each kid. that would have been asking a lot) in the car and drop them off at some place I had never heard of. It would only make me a little late. And I said, “Sorry. I can’t.”
And I carefully put on my eyeliner, filled my eyelashes with mascara, puckered up with Chapstick, and walked my flat butt out the door. Got into the car, and drove myself to the movies.
I was so proud of myself.
I didn’t cave.
But I did get kinda lost. On the count that I normally ask Mr. Woo how to get places and he was so busy picking up the slack, that he couldn’t be bothered to print me out directions.
Karma is a beautiful bee-ach.
I think I’m going to like being 36.
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There is something about being naughty that is ever so tantalizing.
Nice has got it’s perks too.
I guess I’m a little bit of both.
And I’m really starting to relish it.
I can be responsible and do all the things I’m supposed to, including eating my daily allowance of fruit.
But every so often, I can dip that fruit in a creamy, crazy, delicious, totally naughty butterscotch dream sauce and have the best of both worlds.
It can’t be that bad, if it tastes this good.
Butterscotch Creamy Dreamy Fruit Sauce
Okay. So I don’t want to be that naughty. I substituted the butter for smart balance. Sue me. Feel free to use butter instead, for a walk on the wild side :).
Ingredients:
4 TB buttery spread (I use Smart Balance but you could most certainly use butter)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup Karo Corn Syrup (I use the brown sugar version, though whatever you have in the pantry will work fine)
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Directions:
1. In a saucepan, melt butter, sugar, and syrup over medium heat. Bring to a boil, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.
2. Add cream and vanilla, and mix until fully incorporated. Bring back to boil, and cook another 3-5 minutes or until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
3. Remove from heat, and serve in small cups with fruit. Bon Appetit!
Looks YUMMY!! I’m adding this to my LOOONG list of recipes to try. Happy Birthday!!
I wish I could bring some to you!! Missed you last night!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! I am impressed that you stood by your guns today. My mom always said “As a parent I have to have my own life as well. Otherwise, what do I have to offer to my kids?” I think there is something to it. You didn’t really “abandon” your family, you took some time to for yourself. And as long as you don’t actually abandon them…. well then I think you are doing fine. Granted I do not have children and when I do, I may one day judge you harshly for this… 😉
Thanks for the words of support. I’ll try to remember not to actually
abandon family. Done 🙂 I don’t want the wrath of
NorthOnHarperto fall on me 🙂
I’m proud of you for taking time for yourself! I always feel guilty when doing something without the husband and kids, but always feel so refreshed afterwards…maybe, just maybe I should do it more 😉 Happy 36th…enjoy!
Thanks! What is this with the guilty mommy syndrome? I’m gonna need to look
for a cure.
I can’t wait to be 36!! It sounds liberating! Fun! Naughty in all the good ways! And now that you know W CAN do it all by himself? He can maybe do it all by himself a little more often? After all, you’re sweetening the deal with your “fun reading.”
I heard that! Here’s to smut, Mr. Woo doing it all by himself, and being
unabashedly naughty, kind of.
Wait a minute. That sounds bad. Not ALL by himself. Wouldn’t want to kick myself out of a job.
Glad you stuck to your guns Nicki.. We all should have one day off a year!!!!! Happy birthday!
I agree. I’m pushing for a movement to make it 2 birthdays per year. Just in
case the first one doesn’t turn out so well.
oh wow. your blog is just so delicious!!!
gladly following you back! 🙂
Christy @
http://www.scrappy2010ramblings.blogspot.com
So what you’re saying is, you have neither butter nor scotch in this dipping sauce? I’m shocked and appalled, Mrs. Woo. Shocked. And. Appalled.
What are you doing up at 2:00 am in the morning commenting on my blog?
You’re such a nut. Wish I had time to talk to you last night. I had to get
the heck out of there for my 10 hour trip home 🙂
I’m so glad you got your night out! Happy Birthday!