You'll See Me -- At the Movies

What is this? You ask. Two posts in one week? Why, it is almost as if Kimberly just quit her job and didn't have another job and has time to spare to write blogs while she is job searching. And, if that is what you're thinking, well, I spend too much damn time talking to you. And that is all true.

I put in my two weeks' notice at work, a polite letter to break up a work relationship that just wasn't working for me anymore. Full of platitudes, and "it isn't you job, it's me." No, it wasn't me at all. It was totally job -- specifically, my boss. Said boss decided that he didn't want the full two weeks, so I just finished out the week instead. Rather than feeling panic right now, I feel very calm, like some very good opportunity is just waiting for me to spring on it. Mostly, I feel pretty good.

So, this past week has been filled with job interviews, but no job offers yet. I think that will happen very soon, though.

I did take some time off on Thursday to take Jude to the movies. A local theater is playing children's movies on Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 10:00 a.m. with free admission. A pretty sweet deal, and now I had the chance to take Jude. This week's offering was "Alvin and the Chipmunks".

I drove Sully to daycare since there is no way he would be able to sit through a movie and drove Jude across town to the theater. He was bouncing in his seat in that hyper way of his and I looked in the mirror at him. "Mom," he said as he was bouncing, "I am doing my happy dance."

The movie experience went pretty well. The theater was pretty crowded and for a time the familiar guilt crept in when I realized that most of the moms in the theater were likely stay-at-home moms. And, sure, if I wanted to give up the luxuries like food and shelter, I could be a stay-at-home mom, too. And usually it doesn't bother me anymore, but sometimes I still feel the guilt. Still wish every Thursday morning could be Jude and Mommy movie time.

Jude was bouncing in his seat, chowing on popcorn. Yep, the really "good" moms all brought healthy snacks for their spawn, while I bought popcorn for mine. Popcorn is essential to the movie-going experience. Carrot sticks might be healthier; but I was determined to give Jude the whole experience.

We both enjoyed the movie (though we did have to get up twice to go to the bathroom). Jude sat in his own seat for much of the film, but eventually climbed over into my lap. About fifteen minutes before the end of the movie, Jude climbed over to me and whispered "I love you. Can we go to daycare now?" When we got back into the car, he said "I hope Sully had fun without me there."

I took Jude back to daycare so I could continue my job hunt. I know he doesn't love me any less because he goes to daycare. I know that ultimately I am doing the best that I can for him, making sure he is raised in a loving environment, but also making sure that he is in a great daycare where he is taken care of and where he has friends that he loves. I watched him run into the fold of kids, his skinny little legs pumping down the stairs and I couldn't help but wonder Was Alvin and the Chipmunks for me or was it for Jude? Ultimately it doesn't matter why we went, only that we went.

And ultimately what matters most is that I have a little boy with skinny legs and a big heart who loves his little brother and who shakes my whole car -- and my whole heart -- whenever he breaks into his happy dance.

Movie Review of a Movie You've Already Seen or Never Plan to See: Alvin and the Chipmunks (naturally). A cute little children's movie. I enjoyed it. Jude enjoyed it.

Song of the day: "C'mon. C'mon" by the Von Bondies. The theme song for the excellent tv show, "Rescue Me". I rewatched season 1 and have just begun season 2. Just a very well written show. Great complex characters. Excellent drama. And a kickin' theme song. Watch it -- from the beginning, of course.