That’s it. I’m a Soccer Mom.
Last night we took Nate to pick up his t-shirt and get the individual and group photo done for his soccer team. Too cute! His team has lime green t-shirts, a color I happen to love (not that they consulted with me) and their sponsor is the local mall. I approve — again, not that they consulted with me.
It’s so much easier to talk to other adults when your child is with you. We don’t know each others’ names, but we say, “Oh hi, yours is lime green too,” like our kids are jello flavors or something. “Has she/he ever played soccer before? No? Mine neither.” Then you talk about the photos, how cute they look, blahblahblah. It’s nice that some of the other parents/moms aren’t already paired up with other Soccer Moms/Parents so you can link up with them, even though you don’t even ask each other your names yet. I think that comes later, although nobody came with any kind of handout of Soccer Mom/Parent Rules of Social Conduct. I guess they’re all unwritten but somehow we’re supposed to know them anyways. I’m sure I’ve already broken some of the rules. For example, we don’t own a minivan. We might just be thrown out of this soccer league, or whatever it’s called. Then again, it’s at the YMCA which is a Christian organization so maybe they’ll show mercy.
The kids hang back from each other at first until we moms coax them a bit and then of course, they’re OK with each other. At least Nate and that one kid whose name started with a C — Colton or Conner or something (his other 2 brothers were also C kids, I think) seemed to hit it off really well. Of course, Nate got right in Soccer Boy’s face, about 1″ from his face. Did I mention that one of Nate’s issues is that he doesn’t always understand boundaries or other peoples’ needs for personal space? Ummm yeah. We’re working on it. Hey, I could make a joke and say it was cultural. Do you think people would Get It? Probably not.
Even so, he and Soccer Boy hit it off, and after the picture-taking, they were racing each other up and down a nearby hill. I asked him what Soccer Boy’s name was when we got home, but he didn’t remember. At that age, it doesn’t matter what a kid’s name is; you can become friends with them first and the name business can come later. How refreshing! I told him that it didn’t matter; he could get Soccer Boy’s name on Mon. when they meet up (and I have to work so I can’t be there — *pout*). Only I didn’t call him Soccer Boy to Nate because Nate has the propensity to pick up on nicknames and I think it would be better for him to call his new friend by his real name instead of actually calling him Soccer Boy. Heh.
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Out of habit, Frank and I were both starting to help Nate take off his shirt and put his soccer shirt on, and Nate said, “NO!! I have to do it myself, remember? I want to get a high-five from Dr. SC when we see her.” HOW CUTE!! Yes, she high-fives him and gives him great praise whenever she hears that he’s done something well and/or when he’s followed the goals that she/we have set out for him. The other day, we bought some new t-shirts for him from Once Upon A Child, and one of them is a Superman t-shirt. He specifically set it aside because he “wants to wear it for Dr. SC.” 
I love that he loves our family therapist. That has to help a lot.
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I have extreme wanderlust. I want to go somewhere. Anywhere. Without spending much money. Ding Dang It! Even day trips. DANG DANG DINGADY DANG DANG DANG DINGDANGADANGDINGADIGANDGINADANGDANGIT!!! (yes, I AM trying to curb my swearing. Or rather, not start up again because I want to SO MUCH. Shut. Up.) *sigh*
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When can I get rich and quit working? Huh? Please? I’m done. The thrill is gone. I want to play. More *sighs*.
Yes, I AM that immature. Shut. UP. again. Sheesh!
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I’m going to get some coffee. So there. NYAH!!! Pffffffffffftt.
I still have a hard time talking to Other Parents, though.
