This is me trying to take a little bit of control of my own destiny for Mother’s Day. Is that so wrong?
My husband knows what I want on Mother’s Day to a T, and he does his very best for me: little people are extra friendly; we all eat brunch; he fields the dirty diapers and discipline as much as is humanly possible. Maybe there is chocolate. Done and done.
Beyond the basics, he will sometimes surprise me with a some bonus alone time. He takes the boys to the library or park for a few hours and tells me to be happy, relax, and do no work.
But, what should I do? Without any notice, I sometimes end up feeling banished from my own family. I sure as heck better come up with something worthy of this precious gift of time!
As a favor to myself (and perhaps you), I thought we could brainstorm a few great ways to spend that imaginary three hours of selfish indulgence:
Massage. You want a massage on Mother’s Day? You might as well book it now, sweetie. Don’t get kicked out of the house on Sunday morning expecting to find a spa opening.
Last minute option:Â Grab your flip flops and try for a walk-in pedicure.
See a movie. I love to see movies alone, but if that’s not your thing, find a friend and book tickets for something girly.
Last minute option: Grab a smartphone or tablet for a Netflix binge session. I’ve done this in my minivan, but somehow that seems more tragic than festive. Maybe you can do it in the corner of a cafe after ordering a mimosa.
Walk or run with a friend. Can you conspire with a girlfriend to get out of the house together? Meet at your favorite trail and hike in relative peace.
Last minute option: Put on your running shoes and just GO, do not look back!
Brunch, or something like it. High-end places might require reservations on this holiday, but you alone with your book can sit at the counter.
Last minute option: Brunch line still too long? Put on a podcast and carry your cronuts to a park bench with a view (preferably not of a playground!).
Uninterrupted reading. Grab a good book and pick a nice place to read — better than your car. I’m reading The Boys in the Boat.
Last minute option:Â Download a new kindle book or find two new magazines to peruse.
In the past, when things don’t go my way on Mother’s Day, it feels like this.
If IÂ manage my expectations and go share some of that love with my own mama, it is a happier day for everyone.
Happy Mother’s Day planning, friends. What’s on your list?
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