Reason #59b – It’s official now: the Internet said I’m a Crap Mom
Reason #59b – It’s official now: the Internet said I’m a Crap Mom
Aug 04Today, at last, The Internet publicly crowned me Queen of all Things Bad Mom among streamers and fanfares.
Maybe I’m sugarcoating it.
I started writing 1000 Reasons to vent my frustration at my mom’s constant criticism and my own frequent feelings of guilt and inadequacy. I kept writing because it was a great way to come to terms with the overwhelming learning curve of being a new mother to my boy. Laughter is the best antipsychotic and all that.
Then others started reading, relating, commenting and egging me on, the blog gathered some momentum, and now it pretty much writes itself.
At least on Mondays.
The process is simple: whenever something happens that my mom would disapprove of, the experts would disapprove of, or even I somehow disapprove of, I write.
I will never be short of writing material, because I will never be the perfect mom. And I am certain that I will never be the perfect mom because there is no such thing. When I’m laid-back I’m negligent, when I’m protective I’m overbearing. When I take time to myself I am ignoring C, but when I don’t I smother him. Breastfeeding, circumcision, food, toys – everything entails a choice, everything is up for judging, and everything I do will be frowned upon by at least one person.
My mother.
But today I discovered my dear Mamá is a wimp when it comes to judging me.
Today, the Internet spoke about my parenting skills, and it did not mince its words:
“She obviously doesn’t enjoy motherhood. I would even go as far as to suggest adoption for her. Someone, somewhere, can give her son the love he deserves”
“Is one of your bad mom moments that you have this blog? I understand blogs don’t have to be all hapiness (sic) and rainbows, but I am not a fan of a blog that just talks about the bad thigs (sic) for the day. Thanks, but no thanks. And ostriches rule.”
“Your blog makes me sad for your child. He is such an angel and you are such an asshat..”
“why would ANY LOVING MOTHER write those things about her child? To make money? To get blog readers? Nice priorities. So basically she’s either a really terrible parent or a great liar?”
“There’s a fine line between using sarcasm for humor and just being an outright douchebag. You’ve definitely crossed that line. Not funny at all. Hopefully you are writing those posts for the (negative) attention and you truly aren’t that terrible of a mother.”
When I read what the Internet thinks of me, my parenting and my blog, two things sprang to mind:
1. Sheesh, some people have no sense of humour. Even my mother laughed at the Judo article!
2. If being a Bad Mom ever becomes an Olympic sport, the gold is MINE.
Bring it!
There isnt a parent out there who doesnt make mistakes. The fact that u can write about yours & turn it into a fun & hilarous site that we ALL can relate to only males u…..well ‘real.’ The lady who thinks u shouldnt have your kids & thinks your site is so horrible probably is 1 of them people who has nannies raising her children. For me its much reassuring being able 2 read about other woman whom make the same simple silly mistakes as me. We all love our children endlessly & put our little boogers before ourselves so let that crazy, stiff asses, loony have her ridiculous opinion of you & your blog. That woman I guarantee makes mistakes everyday as a mommy shes just to self absorbed to realize it & the only thing that can make her feel good about herself (since her hubby stopped makin her feel good years ago…lol) is to cut others down as parents. Silly old bat! P.S. I love all your blogs keep up the great work! DOWN WITH OSTRICHES
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ofthesea Reply:
August 8th, 2011 at 10:30 pm
Down with ostriches! Just today I was using my ostrich duster to dust that project off – it’s time to start bashing ostriches again!
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I think it’s incredibly refreshing to see something different in the parenting scene. I run a mummy blog, and yes it’s along the same lines as everyone else’s, but well done for thinking outside the box and putting an original spin on things.
And I dare any mother who has criticised your site to say she hasn’t done anything on your list. We all have, and it’s actually really nice to be reminded that we’re not perfect.
BTW, I’m probably one of those mums you call a “breastfeeding nazi”. I still loved reading your blog though.
Do keep it up. :)
Becky recently posted Flashback Friday- Newborn Zachary
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ofthesea Reply:
July 13th, 2011 at 10:16 pm
You couldn’t possibly be a breastfeeding nazi – you’re too nice!
And since my visit to your blog was rewarded with a recommendation for a baby belching iPod app… consider yourself bookmarked! :)
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I just stumbled upon your website, and I have to say, I think it is amazing! These people who judge, well they should find something to do with their time. Where are their children, while they are out setting towns on fire and terrorizing mothers everywhere? Being a mother is a hard enough job, without someone on your a*s. That’s all!
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ofthesea Reply:
March 31st, 2011 at 7:00 pm
Welcome to the 1000 household, don’t be a stranger!!
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Judging comes very easy, but if people don´t know they shouln´t judge! You rule as a mom, I´m not one but I know it´s hard work
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ofthesea Reply:
March 3rd, 2011 at 8:02 pm
And there are no holidays, no raises, no promotions!
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Humour is everything when it comes to motherhood. All facets of motherhood.
life in a pink fibro recently posted Weekend Rewind
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ofthesea Reply:
December 10th, 2010 at 11:34 pm
You laugh or you die. Simple as that.
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Updated mega-judgmental Bad Mom Post:Reason #59b – It’s official now: the Internet said I’m a Crap Mom. Read it now! http://1000reasonsimabadmom.com/reason-5...
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altait Reply:
December 11th, 2010 at 4:46 am
@Mofthesea How come you’re not linking your retro post (#59b) up at my Weekend Rewind? Should I be worried?
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Mofthesea Reply:
December 11th, 2010 at 5:16 pm
@altait Ack, I missed it! Off to do it with a haste!
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Mofthesea Reply:
December 11th, 2010 at 5:21 pm
@altait How come you don’t have a facebook fan page?! (I’ve been neglectful of my RSS lately…)
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Mofthesea Reply:
December 11th, 2010 at 5:22 pm
@altait I am an idiot. I just found it. NOW I’ll be on top of your every post, HA!
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altait Reply:
December 11th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
@Mofthesea HA! Loved the businessmen story – unusual… see my comment re apostles.
Mofthesea Reply:
December 12th, 2010 at 9:08 pm
@altait Just got back form 36 hours without Internet.. woo! Time to answer all my comments!
altait Reply:
December 12th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
@Mofthesea Woot indeed. :-)
Te felicito… eres una excelente madre que ama muchisimo a mi macho precioso. En verdad en casa estamos orgullosos de vos. See you soon!!!
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ofthesea Reply:
December 10th, 2010 at 10:39 pm
Gracias, Me! Abrazos!
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I think you are a good mom!!!!! and you are doing a service to new moms who need a little bit of encouragement that they arent a shitty parent. plus your blog is funny. these people are asshats if they dont get it. Thanks for keeping it real.
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ofthesea Reply:
December 8th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
These people make me wonder if honesty has really gone out of style. And common sense. And an eye for irony. And…
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I love that – asshat! What kind of word is that for an insult?
Congratulations on an eloquent, amusing, entertaining and intelligent blog – never mind those grumpy humourless sods.
BTW – Being South African – we eat Ostriches (really tasty! and healthy too!)
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ofthesea Reply:
October 29th, 2010 at 7:22 am
That’s all they’re good for – making burgers!
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ooooops I think I stuck my comment in a weird place. Oh, well….
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ofthesea Reply:
October 26th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
No no, it’s just that the first comment from a new person always requires my approval. From now on you will be able to comment to your heart’s content! (And I hope you do it!)
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I can’t believe those comments! When I read your blog for the first time, I couldn’t stop laughing, or thinking, “Oh thank God I’m not the only one!!!” (The first one I read was about your child screaming while you were getting a bottle. The thing that got me laughing was that you weren’t jumping on a plane to London. Only God knows how many times I’ve had this thought about my twins.) I don’t believe that you are negative at all, but saying all the things we as mothers think, but aren’t sure we’re supposed to think because it might make us a “bad mother.” Whatevs. Thanks for having the ovaries to put on the internet what all moms are thinking anyway.
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ofthesea Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 1:11 pm
I may have finally found my calling: Token Bad Mom.
I love to make everyone look better by comparison!
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anneisanne Reply:
October 26th, 2010 at 6:20 pm
Asshat? What is an asshat and where do I get one?
I am completely baffled by these comments. It’s perfectly clear from your blog that you absolutely love your child. It’s one thing to criticize your approach but the idiot who said you should adopt him out was really crossing the line. I, by the way, don’t have a kid yet but still love your approach.
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ofthesea Reply:
October 26th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
Isn’t that the weirdest insult?
Thanks for the vote of confidence. I am doing my best to keep C alive and smiling whenever possible. And myself too.
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anneisanne Reply:
October 26th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
I looked it up. It means one who wears his ass for a hat. Like you have wedged your noggin up where the sun don’t shine. It doesn’t seem very practical.
Thanks Urban Dictionary!
ofthesea Reply:
October 26th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
I stopped doing Yoga long ago. There is no way I could manage that. But hey, we learned a new word thanks to that ostrich!
Kandice Penny Reply:
January 21st, 2011 at 11:03 am
AMEN SISTER! :D
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Seriously?
Where have you been all my life?
CDG recently posted Kiss Me Fast!
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ofthesea Reply:
October 18th, 2010 at 6:44 pm
Right here, waiting for you to notice me!
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Wow. People suck.
At a Mom forum, THAT I NO LONGER VISIT, no one bothered to scold the mother who put her baby in a babyswing that no longer had its seatbelty thing that she was an asshat after her baby fell out of it NOT ONCE but TWICE. But you are an asshat for doing non-life threatening things. What is the world coming to. I think you rock!
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ofthesea Reply:
October 14th, 2010 at 7:27 pm
I am always surprised to see people who read my blog and take me seriously. No wonder they get mad! I write like this on purpose! Have they never heard of irony?
Baffling.
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atomic honkey Reply:
November 2nd, 2011 at 8:37 am
silly asshats…its too dark up there to find a sense of humor, i figger :D
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I just found you…I wish I had earlier. At 2 years old my son D is a cross between Bam Bam, the Energizer bunny, Stitch, Kick Buttowski, Rain Man, and former MLB pitcher Randy Johnson. As such, about 70% of my time as a SAHM has been spent cursing his existence and 30% loving the ever living $@%! out of him. Boys are a different breed. Babies are tough. Toddlers are tougher. Taking all of those things into account, blowing off steam – whether through a public forum or private diary – is a necessary part of the job. Your son, if anything like you, will come to love that you have all these amazing stories revolving around his existence. :)
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ofthesea Reply:
September 29th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
Hi! So glad you found me! :)
Your boy sounds just like mine and a visit to your blog showed he also LOOKS like mine! Long lost siblings?
I hope C gets my sense of humour and sees all the love behind my writing. If not… there will be hell (and therapy!) to pay!
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Leslie Gray Reply:
September 29th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
And those are just the good pictures/stories :) There are only a select few…ok and most of my FB friends…who know the down & dirty (and by dirty, I do actually mean feces – primarily his own and the dogs’).
Leslie Gray recently posted Room Addition part 3
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ofthesea Reply:
September 29th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
That’s why I don’t have dogs! Though I sincerely admire any and everyone who has pets AND kids. Now THAT is being a hero!
Screw ‘em if they can’t take a joke. I have spent a career dealing with the consequences of truly awful parenting and I AM ABLE TO DISCERN THAT YOU’RE USING HUMOR! Sheesh! Literal people can be so very tiresom.
As the mother of two former babies (they’re 17 and 18 and quite amazing these days), your blog makes me laugh. Reference preceding statements to appreciate the value of a good laugh.
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ofthesea Reply:
September 25th, 2010 at 11:10 am
Wow, you got big’uns there! I cannot even imagine what C will be like at 18. Besides a towering giant.
Thanks for “getting it”! It amazes me that not everyone does…
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I love this blog. I think you are doing an amazing service to mothers everywhere. And frankly, I judge the judgy moms. Yes. I do. If they’ve never had a moment like this, then they are fucking liars.
PS How did you end up living in Europe. I am DYING to.
Suniverse recently posted Whats underneath that
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ofthesea Reply:
August 30th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Join our “Moms Against Ostriches” movement! We don’t judge them, we hit them with bats!
Europe? Email me and I’ll tell you the gritty story ;)
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eh don’t worry about it, people will always judge. No matter how hard you try or what you do, everyone will only look at the “bad” you do, not the good. Not when you wake up in the middle of the night to clean up throw up or give your kid medicine. Or when you stay home all weekend to watch movies with the kids. Or when you don’t buy yourself anything new because you rather have your girls look nice and cute. Or when I don’t eat because I prefer my kids eat and be healthy. Sorry, just venting here. :)
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ofthesea Reply:
August 25th, 2010 at 9:17 am
I told you: you’re a super hero.
If anyone dares looks at you like you’re anything less than a stellar mom, send them my way and I’ll deal with them!!
Thick skin central, right here!
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ooops now they were rather harsh!
giggle I think you should go for the medal
by the by anyone who has any sense can tell that you love your son to bits and this blog is homage to him and your love
soooo just forget about them and their judgemental stupidness
Gayle recently posted 100 ok maybe 85 things
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ofthesea Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 6:54 pm
Shhh, you’re going to ruin my street cred! Nobody has to know that I love the little blondester to bits!
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I am a member of that community, although I really only go on now when I need a dose of drama to liven a boring day up. Too bad that you deleted it because you would have seen my (all too late) post poking fun back at my fellow Bumpies and reminding them that the tampon goes in the other hole.
In any case, I hope it was worth it to gain another fan. I love your blog and now proudly display it on my blog roll.
In fact, YOU inspired my post today. So, carry on!
Ali@LastSplash recently posted And Still So Much to Learn
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ofthesea Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Funny, I never went back – it must have been deleted by an admin?
It was totally worth it, if only because I met you and your cool blog. Welcome to the ostrich-less side!
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Oh, please!
It shocks me how people will write things online they would never say face to face.
You are funny and real. And letting your child play with a few empty bottles is not being a bad mother. And having a life outside motherhood is also OK.
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ofthesea Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Thank you thank you.
Also tickled pink: I love your site! :)
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Whew, you certainly ruffled some Ostrich feathers!! Excellent job!! Often the thing that irks us the most, is what we wish we had ourselves.. and in ‘their’ case it’s obviously a sense of humor!!
Love your work… carry on :)
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Seriously? ‘Cause you’re a lot more positive than I am! LOL! I love your posts; the one about breaking your son’s penis had me in tears laughing. ;) Some people seriously need to take it easy.
Jen recently posted Ode to a Sunday nap
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ofthesea Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Guess I deserved it for stumbling right into an ostrich nest! And amen, they do.
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I love it when people comment trying to save you from yourself, or your kid from you, or whatever. Maybe they missed the day at school that taught about “tongue-in-cheek.”
Hysterical. Truly.
Cheryl @ Mommypants recently posted BlogHer- you confuse me
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ofthesea Reply:
August 11th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
I know I repeated the course of Foot-in-Mouth fo sho!
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Running across your blog was like a breath of fresh-non diaper crap smelling air!! I had an instant feeling of ‘you mean, i’m not the only one?’. We love our kids, Duh. But sometimes they are just damned annoying. Only only difference between ‘Us’ moms and ‘Them’ moms, is we have the gonads to say it!!
Rock on Sister!
Amber recently posted sharing with snakes and other things
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ofthesea Reply:
August 11th, 2010 at 6:57 pm
Hear hear! My kind of girl!
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I caught a post about your post on another area of the Bump where people were discussing the ever controversal topic “Should you email while feeding your kid?”
Well, I email, write, read and generally pay little attention while my child shovels food into his mouth. If I tried to take over for him, he’d kick my ass. ‘Nuff said.
People said it was your negativity that turned them off but I find it funny and refreshing. If one more person makes a post about how they only let their kid eat meat from an animal that was raised wandering in a daisy field after having it’s fur brushed with a comb made of angel hair I was going to barf.
I’m a fan!
Liz recently posted Identity
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ofthesea Reply:
August 11th, 2010 at 9:07 am
I don’t even remember where I wrote that I do that! Funny that they should be shocked by this and not by the fact that I let him eat spiders or sleep outdoors.
People are strange.
So glad to meet the one sane person from that ostrich pit! Welcome!
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Hi, I’m visiting from SITS tonight. It seems when it comes to mothering, humor goes out the window. It’s the hardest job you’ll ever have but you’re never allowed to complain about it. Have you read Bad Mother by Ayelet Waldman? I recently reviewed it on my blog. I LOVE her. Talk about someone who just says it like it is. I don’t always agree with her and I feel that’s what people forget, everyone is different and our mistakes and feelings will differ. Moms can find a common ground if they keep their minds open and their sense of humor and compassion.
Colleeng recently posted Song of the Week
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ofthesea Reply:
August 11th, 2010 at 9:07 am
That sounds like my kind of book – I’ll look it up!
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Colleeng Reply:
August 11th, 2010 at 11:22 pm
Here’s my review of “Bad Mother” if you’re interested. She also writes great fiction. I’m currently reading her new novel, “Red Hook Road.” She’s a very uncensored mom!
http://colleeniescouch.blogspot.com/2010/08/bad-mother-ayelet-waldman.html
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“The Internet” must not actually have their own children, otherwise they would be nodding their head with each post.
Personally, I think you rock.
Laura @ The Things I Said I’d Never Do recently posted Happy Birthday Brian!
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ofthesea Reply:
August 10th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
The scary part is that The Internet does have kids. And it also wants to adopt mine. The Internet is quite greedy about children, it would seem…
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Sounds like the haters need to tap into reality. Being a mom isn’t all cherubs and smiles and blogging mommy life to be like a unicorn fart (light and puffy with a hint of lavendar, if you were wondering…) is just stupid! And, to make you feel better, I included a link to my blog this time so you can read about what a crap mom I am sometimes too (the ‘Why I’ll Never Be a Teacher’ post is highly recommended). But please keep calling me Gertrude because I think it kind of suits me :-)
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ofthesea Reply:
August 11th, 2010 at 9:07 am
Gertie! Your blog! I’m on my way! (fixed the link BTW)
I’ve never smelled a unicorn fart. I haven’t lived.
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So I did what I do every night around this time check my blogs that i enjoy reading..yours being my new favorite i excitedly clicked on it! I laughed out loud…seriously…like for 5 minutes!!!
1st: because I have been in your shoes…I have had people critique my blog telling me that basically I am a terrible Mom because I take care of myself…WHAT?!? Yeah there is a lesson to teach your kids…”Whatever you do DON’T take care of yourself”
and 2nd: Because this is down right funny as hell…don’t people realize that this is humor at its best. A Mom who is able to admit that she is not perfect is the best Mom if you ask me. Being a mother isn’t all roses all the time and anyone who says it is, is lying to themselves!
I LOVE your blog…truly! I enjoy reading it every day and not once NOT once has it ever crossed my mind that you are not a great Mom!
Keep on rocking it!!!
How Does She Do It Mom recently posted A Revolution of MASS proportions…
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ofthesea Reply:
August 11th, 2010 at 9:08 am
Ostriches ARE funny, aren’t they? I’m still laughing at “asshat”!
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HAHAHAH ASSHAT, eso estuvo bueno!!.. you go gurl keep up the good work! C is the happiest boy on Earth I know that.
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ofthesea Reply:
August 10th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
We have a new insult to use around the house… ASSHAT!
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Wow. There goes my idea for ’1000 Reasons I’m a Bad Teacher’ blog.
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ofthesea Reply:
August 11th, 2010 at 9:08 am
We should start a franchise and take over the world. Call me.
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Normally, when individuals complain about situations or people, it is because they see something mirroring in themselves. They either feel guilty because they have done the same exact things you have or they wish they had your humor, talent, and adorable looking son. Not to mention, you travel and live in a beautiful country.
It is a good sign when you start to get ‘hate’ mail. Shows that you can create conversation.
I think you are a great mom! Keep writing the funny stories, because I bet all mothers have there moments
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ofthesea Reply:
August 11th, 2010 at 9:09 am
Yeah, I’m trying to chalk this up to “blog growing pains” and get back on the saddle.
But I confess to SEVERE writer’s block today! :$
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Link or it didn’t happen!
I’m a pretty effing crunchy mom (the type most people call smothering and oh-so-judgmental of others), but your blog is hilarious. How could someone think for a second that you don’t love your child? And wishing adoption on him is crueler than any obviously sarcastic thing you could write about him here.
Asshat.
Lynda recently posted How to Track Comments in Google Reader
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Lynda Reply:
August 10th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
Those are all comments on your blog? Jeeze, I thought they were elsewhere – people talking about you.
Double asshat on them for coming into YOUR home and writing that filth on your walls.
Lynda recently posted How to Track Comments in Google Reader
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ofthesea Reply:
August 10th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Nope, they were in a forum. So just single-asshat, not compound-asshat.
“Asshat.”
I don’t think I had ever heard that before. It doesn’t really sound *that* insulting, does it? Asshat asshat asshat.
…I had better get back to work now.
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Lynda Reply:
August 10th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
- via Urban Dictionary
Lynda recently posted Friday Finds- Sky Shots
ofthesea Reply:
August 11th, 2010 at 7:12 am
The Urban Dictionary is never wrong.
Just found you from BlogFrog…and I’m your newest fan!! I have a sense of humor and think your writing is hilarious. Any mom that can’t relate may not being honest with herself!
Natalie recently posted Make Me Up
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ofthesea Reply:
August 11th, 2010 at 9:10 am
Welcome! Hope to see you around here soon and often! :)
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Obviously 59a didn’t go over well? I’m a new reader and have read all the archives, laughing all the way because I can so thoroughly relate. My own baby is well versed in the “wipe-bath”, and since I don’t trust my six year old alone with the toothpaste, she is allowed to “water brush” as often as she likes, but the toothpaste brushing is saved for supervised time.
Or maybe I’m just a crap mom with dirty kids … just like all the other HONEST moms out there. We all have our crap mom moments, and I sure hope you keep writing.
Brandi recently posted Manic Monday Returns!
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ofthesea Reply:
August 10th, 2010 at 10:21 am
Thanks for the encouragement! I shall plod on with the bad mommery and crass humour!
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I think yor blog is fabulous and refreshingly honest. I don’t think that what we say in a blog is in ANYWAY a reflection of how much we love our children and what kind of parents we are. So keep up the good work writing about what being a mother is REALLY like!!!! From one of your fellow whining, complaining blogger moms :)
Tara Posti recently posted Is it really the most wonderful time of the year
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ofthesea Reply:
August 10th, 2010 at 9:56 am
Hooray for getting the gist of it!
…do you think maybe I should get that “irony” mark and pepper it all over the site, for those who don’t?
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All of those negative comments in 1 day? Your skin is thick, girl. I got 1 semi-bad comment questioning a parenting choice and I was done the rest of the day. I think it’s clear how much you love your son, you’re simply stating things a lot of us feel but don’t say out loud.
C @ Kid Things recently posted Life’s a Peach and a Really Cheesy Post Title
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ofthesea Reply:
August 10th, 2010 at 8:29 am
Those are just the cream of the crop. The whole thing has been deleted from my inbox, my hard drive and hopefully my memory. Time to focus on the really important things, like ridding the world of ostriches!
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I can’t believe one complainant actually ended her post with something like “and I like ostriches.”
I will confess that I skimmed through this blog and i skimmed through those negative posts. But, unless I missed something, the point of the ostrich thing is to not stick your head in the sand.
My sister’ s recent Facebook status says it all. “Why are people so dumb?”
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ofthesea Reply:
August 10th, 2010 at 8:28 am
I’m with your sister on this one.
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Those haters are probably “Park Slope Mommies,” the most dreaded of mothers who see their kids as an accessories and a status symbols rather than people, so they have to protest an honest parent because, like homosexual U.S. senators who crusade against gay marriage, they’re in hardcore denial!
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ofthesea Reply:
August 10th, 2010 at 8:01 am
OK, this really made me laugh. TY TY!
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Oh crud. I’m really in trouble then! Darn family came to town and I missed the drama fest. Seriously what is wrong with people? I love your blog. I wish that I could write about our life the way you write about yours simply because I see things much the same way. Except people really wouldn’t understand our sick medical humor. We tell our son (who can’t walk) not to run away all the time! He thinks it’s hysterical, but you should see the looks we get from people. Anyway you have to find the humor in life anyway you can. One of my favorite quotes goes something like this “I can laugh or I can cry and all crying does is give me puffy eyes and a headache. Laughing is much more fun.”
Erin recently posted Happy 3rd Survivor Day
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You’re famous now, may I have your autograph? :D
Maureen recently posted They Are Real &8211 Blog Buddies
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ofthesea Reply:
August 10th, 2010 at 4:38 am
Loool, of course! I’ll even deliver it personally in Indonesia!
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I agree. All the ‘haters’ either don’t have kids or are just fooling themselves. I love the humor you bring to what every mother has probably felt at least once or twice regardless of how much they love their kids. I love mine with every ounce of my being but there are the moments that I need my space too and cherish the wonderful moments when he naps so I can have some me time. Sometimes getting drooled on 24/7 ain’t all it’s cracked up to be lol! Keep up the good storie. I am a fan!
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ofthesea Reply:
August 10th, 2010 at 4:16 am
Glad you agree! Currently trying to find the humour in being up at 4am with a grumpy whiny boy who would be LOVELY if he had just slept one more hour. Or two.
I blame teething.
For EVERYTHING.
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Hey, I just found ur blog and I love it:) There are so many aspects of parenting, and it is HARD. I do see the humor in your blog, and I also understand that you chose not to blog about all the great things that happen between you and the baby…. It is very original of you to blog about the opposite of what these other bloggers do (sunshine and rainbows, LOL)..
LOVE IT! Makes me feel like I am not alone…. And that other mothers sometimes have a hard time as well. Keep it up:)
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ofthesea Reply:
August 10th, 2010 at 4:14 am
Thanks for this! Good to see that some (most?) readers get the point! :)
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It wasn’t until this evening that I had the opportunity to read in horror the endless amount of hatred and abuse directed her way. I’m tempted to, but I couldn’t possibly respond to the insane number of people who jumped into the thread just to kick her in the shins furiously- as this is how I envisioned their frantic attack to be. A mess of poorly informed and hurtful accusations- posted anonymously. Seriously. So I am tempted to comment in anger, but I refuse to come down to their level.
I do feel compelled to share an of the observations I made of today’s nightmare. Maria wasn’t asking for a critique. And she wasn’t asking for anyone to visit her blog. She politely introduced herself, communicated that someone had posted a link about her blog within their community, and added that some other mothers may be interested in it as well. It wasn’t an intrusive piece of unrelated spam, it was a polite introduction. In my experience? The response to this includes something along the line of, “It’s nice to meet you…”
My message to all of the judgemental mothers who contributed to this awful assault, is that NO ONE is a perfect mother- just as Maria so brilliantly outlines. The difference between the example she sets in her writing and the example that you’ve set in your accusations? She’s sharing her story to bring humor and give support to other moms who have similar feelings and experiences. You’ve gone out of your way to be outright cruel and to bring another person down. If you’re going to criticize someone else for their moral standing, why not consider the example YOU plan to make for your children? Is it that of cruelty, or of compassion? There has been a broad campaign across the globe against bullying within the school, but how is THIS any different than THAT?
Maria- much love.
And on a side note, have you noticed how all of these comments have our contact info?
Kelsey recently posted Welcome to Redneck Alberta
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ofthesea Reply:
August 9th, 2010 at 11:13 pm
I have, and I will use it!
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Should the Olympic “Bad Mom” gold be awarded to anyone else…trust me, we’ll all leave the Olympics with it in our POSSESSION!
In all seriousness…I think I did a good bit of expression on Twitter regarding the situation, so I won’t repeat myself overly. Just a comment reminder that even though some people may not understand the purpose of your blog, others do, and we love you for your words!
TheSyddieGrl recently posted Cheesier Than Cheese
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ofthesea Reply:
August 9th, 2010 at 11:05 pm
The Pit really rallied. I am SO moved. Those ostriches have it coming to them!
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Wowsa, you’re famous! Teh internets have found you and all that!
Bah. Not only do some people not have a sense of humour, they also clearly are on some pretty cool prescription happy pills if they think parenting is nothing but squishy-soft floating red hearts and perfect moments. Really, those angelic choirs that follow them around aaaaahhhhing get a little annoying.
There are moments where every (sane) parent needs to get out for a break (even *gasp* an overnight one), really doesn’t want to play peekaboo for the eleventeenth time that hour, isn’t thrilled to the point of dancing and yodelling for joy at being woken up early by a baby. Yes, there are moments when good parents are overwhelmed by the yeeeaaars of this that stretch out before them, with nobody else to step up and take responsibility now and then.
I like that you not only admit it, but that you find humour in it, and share it. Too many mommy blogs are all flowers and sunshine. Yours is real. And you know what? I can hear the love for C in your words. Can’t fool me — you love him :)
Melanie recently posted Bedtime Conversation- part 2
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ofthesea Reply:
August 9th, 2010 at 11:03 pm
Ack! You’re ruining my rep! Shush!
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Well if its on the internet, it must be true.
Chin up and that’s an order.
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ofthesea Reply:
August 9th, 2010 at 11:03 pm
True, all of it.
Yes’m!
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I’m glad you can laugh at the meanie-mommies club. Welcome to the world of I’m a better mommy than you. I’m sorry they were so hurtful in their unending criticism. WE know the truth. Keep writing your blog just the way you are. They don’t get it. Whatev!
BTW~ you are an awesome mom but I promise I won’t tell.
Cheryl recently posted Everything I Ever Needed to Know I Learned at Summer Camp – Encore Presentation
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ofthesea Reply:
August 9th, 2010 at 10:53 pm
Shhh, don’t tell anyone! I’ll lose my Bad Mom credentials!!
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