As I was lying in my bed the other morning I was reminiscing about earlier years, experiences I've had, and multitudes of memories. I realized I've done quite a bit with this life already. I've lived in multiple states, road-tripped across the country with friends, backpacked through Europe-staying in hostels and meeting weird people, gone to school abroad, had my own apartment in Istanbul, fallen in love(stayed in love), experienced childbirth 3 times(2 at home), and then there's the adventure of being a mom!
I really miss traveling, it's a part of me that has had to be dormant for a while. I love the feeling of new places and new experiences. The mornings of unknown adventures to be had, endless possibilities. New smells, and different foods, the languages-oh its just fabulous! Anyway, as I lay there pondering such things I had a moment of revelation. It was one of those 'the clouds open and the angels sing' type things. It was bizarre and enlightening, and yet borderline frightening as well. Are you curious yet?!?? Well, I'll share with you. Here it goes. Being a parent can be closely likened to world travel-except you never really have to go anywhere. No really-I'll show you!
Just like while traveling, most mornings I wake up wondering what the day will hold. Will it be a good adventure or one for the 'worst day ever' list? I wander out with high hopes, facing my fate. I am usually asked a multitude of questions, such as 'what's for breakfast?', 'where are we going', 'Where's Papa?'. When traveling I was always faced with questions in the mornings also, 'Where are you getting breakfast?', 'Where are you going today?'. Venturing out into the world with kids is similar to backpacking. You have to prep your pack, make sure you have absolutely everything you may possibly need for any given situation. Emergency snacks-check. Extra cash-check. Water bottles-check. Wipes-check. Diapers-double check!! Extra clothes-check. Kids-oh right, where are the kids anyway? There they are-check. And into the van we go! That is a whole other thing! The transportation. Who knows what odd music will end up being played for the little natives of MyMunchkintopia. Sometimes the songs are vaguely familiar, but when sang along to by the little people, the words all seem to change, seemingly to an entire new language. And getting everyone in or out of the van reminds me of the overcrowded insanity of buses or subways. It's chaotic, unorganized and sometimes feels life threatening! Once the transportation part has been completed it's on to the destination! I remember quite clearly walking through crowded markets and streets while traveling, and the looks from the others around me. Looks that would question my reason for being there, obviously not a native. Peculiar side glances and always a few snickers and an occasional point and laugh. Not so oddly enough, I get many of those same reactions when going to the store these days. Looks questioning if those are all my kids, glances that say 'how is she going to manage getting all the food and the kids into the car?'. And my own personal favorite-the snickers and point and laughs regarding the chosen garb of my little people. (at least I like to think that they are laughing at them....but it may be me-random food wiped on my clothes, crazy hair stuffed under a hat, and no makeup. Nah-who cares!) Anyway, there is often a wig or tutu on Bug, a tie on Cub, and Woo....well, she just gets the points and laughs cause she's so stinkin cute! ;-) But yes, the snickering and laughing is always present.
So then there's the thing of the new smells. When walking through markets overseas there would amazing aromas in the air-spices, exotic foods cooking, it was glorious! Well, walking through the store with kids, there are also unexpected and interesting smells. Unfortunately I think we all know which one I am referring to.....the unpleasant, unexpected and dreaded trip to the changing table smell. :-( Going right along with the smells, is the food. New and interesting flavor combinations. And I don't mean the baby food, although apples and chicken puree is a little on the 'ewww, gross' side of things. I'm talking more of the combinations they come up with on their own, and then expect you to partake and enjoy. Things such as, a chocolate covered cookie stuffed inside a cheese quesadilla, or mustard, ketchup, and BBQ sauce on teriyaki chicken.
The adventure changes on a day by day basis. And unfortunately there is no map that fully shows how to get from point A to point Z...or even where those point are, or if they even exist! There are a multitude of guide books out there, but their spectrum is as wide as the ocean, and yet each one is for a particular 'type' of child or situation. I used to dream about having a travel show of my own, getting to 'write my own guide' in a way. So that is how I am taking on this adventure of being a parent-it's a learn as you go, trial and error type thing. Oh and on the subject of dreams-that's the final similarity I will touch on-sleep. When traveling, often it is unknown at the beginning of the day where you will be sleeping at the end of the day, or even who you may be sharing a room with. This is a scenario that is all too familiar. I never know if I will be in my bed, snuggling with the Hubby, or in one of the bunk beds with one of the littles....or if there will be sleep at all!
There is one aspect of this adventure that is vastly different from my previous ones however. This adventure doesn't come to an end. Sure it will change throughout the years, but I will always be a mom, and hopefully someday (waaaaaaay down the road) a grandmom. The souvenirs from this crazy trip called parenthood I will keep close to my heart for my entire life.
Yep, that nailed it!
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