What My Latte Means to Me...

Like most moms I have little free time on my hands.  My days are filled with patients, errands, phone calls, exercise and a preoccupation with schedules.  But there is one short window of time in my day where that all goes away.

My morning is rushed.  My husband gets up at the BCOD (butt crack of dawn) to get dressed and make lunches.  I roll out of bed a bit later at the COD (crack of dawn).  Then, the torture begins as I have to wake the two (teenager like) toddlers who remain sleeping.  They are crabby.  They resist getting dressed.  They call for daddy even when they know he is not there.  They don't willingly brush their teeth or hair.  They run around like maniacs when I try to put on their shoes.  They both want to be carried down the stairs.  Sometimes at the same time.  Then they fight over which toy they want to add to the endless collection that already fills the back seat of the car.

Then it is off to school.  The car ride begins with begging for a video, to which I initially resist, then, ultimately give into.  2 minutes into the video, we arrive at school.  We may still be at the credits.  I can get them inside quickly by motivating them with "last one there is a rotten egg".  I wonder how long they will fall for this one.  Then into the classroom to quickly prepare a large carbohydrate load for breakfast.  2 kisses on the head, good-bye and I'm off.

To my 15 minutes of heaven.  The only peace and quiet of the day.  Music fills my ears.  And if I am not running late, I get my coffee.  Tall soy latte. One splenda.  $3.13 of pure bliss.

It is the one thing that is relaxing in the morning.  Like a quick trip to the beach minus the plane, bathing suit and large bill.  The first sip reminds me that all the hectic-ness will eventually end.  That this moment will not be filled with whining.  Or questions.  Or "can I just ask you one more thing...."

That this moment is just for me.  And it just ended.

Back to the grind!