Thursday, January 21, 2010

A helping hand

I was late for work this morning. This is my worst trait and consequently, I spend each commute conjuring excuses and responses should my tardiness be called into question. I have yet to use any of them.
However, this morning was different. This was legitimate. This wasn't the extra 5 minutes in bed, the indecision over my wardrobe, the last minute root through the laundry basket, not even an accident on a freeway - who can argue with traffic? No, this morning motherhood beckoned on my way out of the door. My daughter cried and only a mother could help. And so, when I rolled into work 15 minutes late, I did so loudly, hoping that my boss might ask, hoping that someone might wonder, might miss me...perhaps? I was ready. I was fired up. I am a mother first. A working woman second. Yet...Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Not even a voicemail!
And so, I say to you world - "Sorry I was late this morning, I had my finger lubed in vaseline trying to help my daughter poop in order to stop the salty tears rolling down her poor little red cheeks. On ejection, the said item flew out onto my sleeve and I had to find another jacket that would work with this ensemble".
My Olive. I left her smiling and I see her face beaming up at me right now from her framed picture in my office. Yet, unsurprisingly, it is my finger clicking on my mouse today that keeps her fresh in my mind.

17 comments:

  1. haha Am I supposed to laugh at that? I hope so because I am. :) I don't miss you when you are late because I am usually later. haha Just enjoy the fact that you no longer work in an uptight place...well...mostly.

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  2. Oh I remember those times Paula! It just had to be done, and only Mum can do that job.

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  3. The title of the post is what is cracking me up.

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  4. I remember the first time Drama Queen had that issue well over 7 years ago. You are so right in that is something only a mother can make better.

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  5. That is funny and gross and very cool - all at the same time! (And "been there!")

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  6. LOVE IT! Been there, done that! And yes, only a mother would understand what needed to be done to make it all better for their child. Great post!

    Here from MBC Comment group :)

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  7. Hilarious! Following from MBC Aspiring Writers. :)

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  8. Mwahahahaha I also have a hilarious poop story; I think all moms do!

    But the extra five minutes in bed, that is my favorite!

    Visiting from MBC

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  9. I don't know how you do it Paula! You must be exhausted by the time your head hits the pillow.

    I just had this conversation with my friend today when I saw her figuring out the math to know when exactly she had to leave the ski mountain to be on time for her husband and I said, "Is that my problem? I'm always late because I suck at math?"

    Anyway, once people get used to the fact that I am always late, they factor that in to our meeting time. Work on the other hand is different!!!

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  10. oh no! nothing is worse than that. We have had it happen at our house and you just feel helpless. We've found the over the counter suppository works wonders...quickly!

    found you on MBC

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  12. Awesome story. Definitely cracked me up. :-) Still loving your blog!

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