Living on the Edge

July 22, 2010

Okay, I realize I am not a crazy rebel. Truth be told, I am a conservative Christian housewife living in suburbia. Not exactly edgy. But I have always disliked the idea of my only identity being that of a mother and wife. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE being a mom and wife and wouldn’t trade it for anything, but I have always been a bit weary of losing my identity in the midst of it all. I like to think that there is still a little bit of “me” in there. I have passions outside of motherhood and cleaning house. Well, I have zero passion for housekeeping, but anyway….I fight becoming 100% mom for several reasons. Someday, my kids will be gone and I will need to survive that. I also like the idea that I can have conversations that don’t revolve around my kids. And, I want my wicked mommy-skills to be something about me that makes Jere love me more, not the only reason Jere loves me. I had a short conversation with a friend about this yesterday. We discussed the ways we have kept a piece of our pre-mommy selves in the midst of boogers, breastfeeding, pregnancy, and time-outs. Here are a few things I do (or don’t do) to keep myself feeling “edgy.” And by edgy I mean, not completely lame. Maybe only a little lame.

– Most importantly, I will never, EVER, EVER wear mom jeans. In fact, I refuse to wear anything that looks too mommified. Not a word, I know, but you get it.

– Judah’s lullabies are not your typical Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. The songs I play for him are actually Metallica songs turned into lullabies. A little bit Momma, a little bit rock ‘n’ roll.

– If it is cute and I like it, I am going to buy it. I don’t care if it is in the juniors section!

– I exercise. This might not seem that edgy, but I like to stay in shape. I have had 3 kids in 5 years, but I do not want to look like I had 3 kids in 5 years.

– I refuse to say things that make me sound old and lame. For example, saying, “I really like your shirt…NOT!” Or saying Woot-woot. I apologize now if you ever say either of these things in my presence and I smack you. It is a reflex, I can’t help it.

– I love rock concerts. I plan to teach my kids to love rock music as well. Metallica and GNR may not be wholesome, but they make/made very good music.

– I will never say things like, “They just don’t make (blank) like they used to.”

– I love Twilight. Deal with it.

– I am dying for an eyebrow piercing. The only thing holding me back….my husband’s blessing. Please tell him how cool I would look with one. It’s not like its a tattoo!

– I taught my kids the fist of rock at a very young age. A necessity in every household.

I know I have many more, but the baby is crying, so back to work I go. I would love to know how your keep yourself from becoming completely lame!

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