Work It: a blog for Working Moms

Potter Mania

by Laura

Ok, I’ll admit it: I’m a Harry Potter freak. I was one of the hundreds (if not thousands) of people stationed at our local Barnes & Noble, in full costume, waiting for the book to be released Friday night.

If you must know, I was Professor McGonagall. I had a full length black robe and square reading glasses, and my hair up in a bun. My friend Tammy was there too, dressed as Tonks, with a violently pink wig that could be seen a mile away. I dressed my son as Harry, and the baby was Hedwig. I spent two weeks working on our costumes. Yes, I made them myself. For someone who had never made a garment in her life, they turned out pretty darn good, if I say so myself.

I’m probably worst than most fans, since I was not actually waiting for the book. I knew I couldn’t stay until midnight, because of the kids, so I pre-ordered the book online to be delivered on Saturday. But, how could I miss the party?? This is the last book, the end of an era. Yes, there are still two movies to see, but it’s not the same. This is THE BOOK. We get to find out if Harry lives (don't tell me!).

So, Friday night rolls around, and off we go. First, we meet Tammy for dinner, dressed in our costumes. Of course, we were the talk of the restaurant. My husband Rob was going to eat with us, but he got there late. So he went with us to B&N. Sophia would not wear her costume at the store. Gabriel said that she was embarrassed to be seen that way. We played games, took pictures, and participated in the costume contests. By the time we left, B&N was packed with people, and more were coming in. We didn’t win any prizes for our costumes, but we had a good time. Even Rob.

Here I am waiting for the UPS guy to show up at my doorstep, and bring the precious cargo. Then to wrestle with the kids, so I can read in peace (yeah right!).

And for all of those people out there that made fun of us, I have three words: Star. Trek. Convention.

Are you a Harry Potter fan? Are you reading/have you finished the final book? Don't give away any spoilers! But let us know if you're caught up in the excitement!

Two is the perfect number

By Laura W.

My husband Rob and I have two kids, and we're debating about having a third. He wants it, I don't. We both come from small families, but we had always talked about having three or four. Now, after having two, I'm very sure I don't want another.

It's not that I don't love my kids, because I do. I guess I didn't expect how much more work having two kids will be. Or how much it would take out of me. Physically, emotionally, I feel drained. Rob works nights, so from Monday to Friday I’m a single parent. I have to deal with all the work that comes with having a 6-year-old and a 14-month-old: dinner time, baths, play time, bedtime stories, homework, sports, getting stuff ready for the next day, and the never ending list of house chores that need to be done.

What bothers me the most is the lack of time for me. With two kids there is no downtime, no breaks. Someone is always clamoring for my attention. I can't even go to the bathroom without an entourage.

Sometimes I feel like I'm being selfish. I see the other mothers at the park, with 3 or 4 kids, and I think "well, if they can do it, why can’t I?" But after working at a full time job all day I get home to my second shift, and I know there's just so much I can handle.