Just...Wow

I believe I have mentioned my understanding that, were my child to be prematurely famous, I would most likely join ranks with the Dina Lohans and the Drew Barrymore's-moms of the world.  I suspect I would be obnoxious (well, more than I am).  So while I don't know that I would walk away from the situation, I certainly don't seek it.

So what about on a smaller level (and one that is less about ME)?  We in Montana have been absolutely blissful about our darling Little League World Series team.  This group of 12-13 year olds has had us all enchanted for weeks now.  They made it all the way to the US Championship game, undefeated.  Which is incredible, particularly as Montana had never previously had a team in the series.  They were awesome.  And they gave the entire state something to cheer about.  Everyone has a story, from "I live down the street from #12," to "I know the coach well," to "I dated the uncle of the pitcher when I was in high school and he looks just like him and it cracks me up every time I see him."  It has been fun.

But the parent in me is (insanely?) worried about the situation.  These kids are in junior high.  Within weeks they went from about to start school to national spotlight, parades, front page of the paper every day.  I can't imagine what is going through their heads.  They are hometown heroes.  And they're just little kids.  Awesome?  Totally.  Worrisome?  For me.  I can't get past the fact that these kids can't believe that this is the pinnacle of their lives.  Or, worse, that they expect the next decade to be just like this.  I know, I know--I'm nuts.  Am I?  Am I completely insane to both want such an event in my kid's life and be grateful that it's not him?

I am fairly confident that most generations freak about the speed with which their children grow.  And I mean in terms of "zero to adulthood."  Fourth graders are in gangs.  Sixth graders are being sent home from school for dressing like garden tools.  And twelve year olds are being given parades.  Are we nuts to think that this stuff should slow down a bit?  Could it be done, anyway?  Am I just exceedingly OLD?  For once I'm not sure who's crazier--me or the rest of the world.

That Ship Has Sailed

I'm not certain why, but for the most part, I don't like being social.  At all.  And if I were to be honest, I never have. 

Well, that's not exactly true.  I like the company of other people.  During the day.  But once 5:00 hits, I have absolutely no desire to leave my house (lately, 5:00am).  That's one reason why I loved being a litigator.  Most of our socializing occurred during daylight hours (sure, they often passed into nighttime hours, but I was typically out of it by then).  A vampire I could never be.  I used to drive my friends insane because I wouldn't want to go out at night, unless it was a continuous motion from the earlier part of the day.  I always had a good time when I did.  But getting me out the door was a chore.

Truthfully, it was also a reason why I was excited to have a kid.  I had a built-in excuse.  What I hadn't realized, though, is that many people don't have kids and many others don't parent the same way.  So I still come away with the guilt, though it is about a million times more difficult to leave my house than it was previously. 

This has not been an issue for the past few months.  At all.  I have been blissfully ensconced in my house, alone with my kid.  But now it seems that I am getting more and more invitations to leave it.  And the thought makes me nauseous.  Seriously--what the heck?  People are being nice.  I have opportunities to have fun and get to know people.  And I have absolutely no desire.  I see it as an obligation, not as a chance.  I had thought I would someday enjoy getting out into the world.  But now I am thinking that the ship has sailed.  I am perhaps destined to be the little old woman who never leaves her 12 cats.  I will become that person who growls at kids when they come to the door, peddling things.  And I will be in heaven.  Goodbye ship.  Hello island.