Reaching Out, Going Out, and Proud Moments!

Well, week two of Charley in a cast started off with a bang. She'd been crabby at the National Gymnastics Day event last weekend, and I figured she was just disappointed that she couldn't participate and play around with the kids. Well, I was wrong. The poor kid was getting sick! It seems like she gets sick a lot, but apparently that's not unusual for young children. Lucky me! She was sick all day Sunday and Monday, and between her cast and her cold, she wasn't sleeping much at all. Which, of course, meant I wasn't sleeping much either! On Monday, she was so miserable, she threw several screaming fits that lasted 45 minutes to an hour each. It was that day, with over a week of little to no sleep at night, and a screaming child that I thought for the first time, that I wasn't sure I could do this whole "on my own" thing. Of course, the thought was fleeting, because obviously I can do it. I've been doing it for a year. But it was a rough night, and reminded me that I really need to use my resources and reach out for help a little more often. I've always been such a do-it-yourselfer and I don't particularly like to burden people when I'm struggling. 97% of the time, I love being a mom, and I'm confident I can do it on my own for as long as I need to. But that other 3% of the time is hard. Very hard.




My family likes to help with Charley, and they frequently watch her while I'm working. But I needed more than that this week. I was moody and emotional, not because I had any reason to be, other than the fact that I was exhausted. When I lack sleep, it shows. I can put on a happy face, and do my job without an issue. But a smile and a little make-up don't hide the dark circles under my eyes and the lack of physical energy I usually exert. My friend Kellie, who, like me, is doing the parenting thing completely on her own, is generally my confidant when it comes to mommy issues and needing help, because she GETS it. All of my friends are empathetic, and offer help with Charley every once in awhile, but Kellie understands EXACTLY what I'm going through, so it's nice to bounce ideas off of her when I'm having a hard time. She suggested I call my ex's mom, and see if she wanted to come in town and help. The thought hadn't really ever crossed my mind, because she lives out of state and that is one heck of an inconvenience. But when Kellie suggested I give her a call and mentioned that she would probably love the chance to come up and spend some time with her granddaughter, I realized I was an idiot for not reaching out sooner. I tend to be a helper, a doer, a peace maker, and a fixer. I tend to find people that need me. I never really NEED anybody. I'm just content to help everybody else, and forget to reach out for help in return. Well, this time, I needed some help. I called my ex-mother-in-law on Wednesday, and she was here in Minneapolis on Thursday. She is a godsend. She played with Charley, tried putting Charley to sleep, and even watched Charley so I could go out with some friends for awhile, which I haven't done in quite some time. I'm not sure I could ever thank her enough for the extra sleep, and the break. I think I'm a better mom when I get a break every once in awhile. Plus, Charley got to have some awesome bonding time with her Grammy, which is so important to me. Regardless of where I stand with my ex, I will always encourage Charley's relationship with his side of the family, because they're good people who love her dearly. I'm very lucky that she has so many fantastic grandparents!

My princess and her fake smile!

So, enough of the whining, honestly I'm much better off now, because I've had several nights of good sleep. As a result, the last couple of days, although busy, have been productive and really fun. Friday morning GO! Gymnastics hosted an event for the Minneapolis Hip Mamas (a local meetup group) and it was great! I had a chance to do some networking, and meet some really nice people. I think I will host groups more regularly, because everyone seemed to have a great time, and I got some very positive feedback, and even suggestions (adding a strobe light for kids' dance parties, etc.).  It was the first paying event...We're on our way to success! Ha! It was a good experience, though, because as I embark on this new career as a business owner, I'm going to have to find my stride and adjust to teaching in such a confined space. I think it'll be great, though. I also finished the web site for the bus this week, which was a huge accomplishment for me! It's up, running, and totally functional. It's hard to believe, and it makes it feel like we are OFFICIALLY in business. And we are! Check out the site at www.gogymkids.com!

I know I mentioned I had a chance to spend some time with friends last night. We went to a local dive bar that I haven't been to in months, and it was just what I needed. I knew Charley was safe at home with her Grammy, and I never go too crazy, but I took the opportunity to have a drink, sing some karaoke, and bond with my girlfriends. After singing an off-pitch version of JoDee Messina's, 'Bye Bye,' I walked off the stage, just to hear a voice screaming, "Lindsey! Lindsey!" I looked over and saw the mother of one of the girls I was supposed to have a private lesson with at 9:00 this morning. She said, "I was messing around on my phone, when I looked up and told my friends, 'I think that's my daughter's gymnastics coach!'" Awkward? Nah. I thought it was awesome. She mentioned that she might not have her daughter at the gym on time. Needless to say, at the end of the night, I knew she wouldn't be making it to the gym at all. And I was right. Ha! One of my friends brought her boyfriend to the bar, and I asked him at some point in the evening if it intimidates him to meet friends she's known since she was 5. He said, "Not at all!" I thought that was awesome. It made an impression, because I'd asked the question after four of us who had gone to school together sang a round of "The Ghost of John," at the bar. That might be embarrassing to some, but to me it's wonderful. Singing ridiculous Halloween songs we learned in elementary school reminds me of how long these friendships have been in tact. I love that! Most people don't keep in touch with their elementary school friends, and I feel lucky that I do. The evening couldn't have been much better.

I worked all day yesterday, and then again all day today. Working weekends can be exhausting, because, let's face it, everybody needs at least one day off. But today was a special day for some of my gymnasts. I coach a recreational team, and they had their first performance today. They came into the gym, dressed in their matching leotards, with a nervous excitement racing through them. I remember the first time I got those nervous butterflies! It was a gymnastics performance for me, as well. Those butterflies are a scary, but wonderful feeling. I wasn't quite sure how it would go, because these girls have never performed in front of a large group before. They did an INCREDIBLE job. I was so proud. Today, even though I was slightly exhausted (okay, still majorly exhausted), was a reaffirming day for me. I've had people say positive things about my coaching, which is very complimentary, and I really appreciate hearing it. But there's nothing like watching kids that you've trained perform, and do so well!  It's like seeing the fruits of your labor! They all rose to the occasion, and as much as they impressed their families and friends, they impressed me. Sure, there were some falls here and there, and the nervous butterflies got to the kids a little bit on beam. But as I stood there watching them perform, I felt a real sense of accomplishment. They've come a long way in a short time, and I can only hope that they are as proud of themselves as I am of them. It was a great way to spend a Sunday.

So, summed up...The week started off rough, but I was so lucky to have a wonderful, albeit busy, weekend! Here's to another busy week!