Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Judge No More

I remember seeing kids throw earth-shattering tantrums in the middle of department stores.  I remember hearing the words, "No mommy! I want that toy!"  I remember seeing the looks on the faces of the child and it's parent during both situations. The child's anger and 'I'm going to win this battle' look and its parents 'I'm worn out, please have mercy on me and stop irritating and embarrassing me' look.

And then I remember thinking that I would NEVER allow any kids of mine to act out like that. They would know who's boss and always stay in line. No meltdowns because they're hungry or tired. No getting loud when it was time to leave a play area. That just wouldn't happen to me.

Then I had my strong-willed son.

Everyone who knows me knows I love James Charles to pieces. He's taught me so many things as a parent. One of the biggest lessons is that I will judge no more.  No more judging parents of little kids that have "moments" in public. I've had many lessons on this.  The most recent one was earlier this week.

Friday, May 6, 2011

So you think you can dance

The dance music is loud in my car. The parking lot is full. I notice people parking on the side street.  And there are others like me, blasting their stereos, ready to get the party started -- on a Tuesday night.

I manage to grab a spot as someone is leaving the lot. Lucky me, no parking on the street. Nearby I smell tacos, cheesy enchiladas, and rice as I step out my car. But I don't allow it to distract me, that's not where I'm going. I'm ready. To get my dance on. To sweat.

To ZUMBA!