by Alysia, Try Defying Gravity
The Mary Poppins Game
I’m going to call this: “The Mary Poppins Game”.
It came to me in the shower this morning. All my good ideas come to me in the shower. It’s also where I cry, but I digress…
It has been a very long week here. My kids were on spring break and although the weather was lovely, we were all just out of sorts. My kids needed me night and day. That’s not just an expression this time. There was not one night this week when all three kids slept through the night in their own beds. We didn’t do anything very vacation-y either – my husband still had to work and therapy appointments and piano lessons and baseball games went on as planned.
I. Am. Tired.
So, this morning, in the first real shower I’ve had all week, I had this idea. The Mary Poppins Game.
Let’s pretend that Mary Poppins floated down from the sky at 6am and said “I’m here to take care of your kids for 24 hours. Go. Do something for you.”
What would you do?
Now, I know you. You will say something along the lines of “well, even Mary Poppins couldn’t take care of my kids. They have very specific needs : feeding tubes and therapy sessions and toileting problems and sleep issues. And they have soccer games and lacrosse practice and piano lessons and if you don’t cut their sandwich into the perfect four triangles they won’t eat it and for goodness sake don’t let them eat anything with any food dyes or we’ll pay for it for days!”
Did you know that Mary Poppins is an ABA certified occupational therapist/registered nurse/nutritionist/physical education teacher/musician/chauffeur/chef? She is.
So…
Let’s hear it.
Your perfect day. From sunrise to sunrise. Let your imagination run. You can do anything you want in those 24 hours.
As long as it’s for you.
Tell us all your perfect day here in the comments. Let us live your day with you.
To get things going (and because it’s my idea) I’ll start:
First, I would go back to bed. Until I woke up on my own – not by alarm or by crying over the baby monitor. Next, a long shower when I actually wash my hair. I’ll put on one of the many Glee episodes that I have on the DVR and watch while I got dressed. Then, out to the diner for a cup of coffee and Eggs Florentine. I’ll bring my iPad to catch up on my Draw Something games and order a second cup. Next, a drive over to the bookstore, belting out a little Adele with the windows down.
I’ll buy a new book and head down to our local beach with a lawn chair. I would sit in the sun and read. Maybe I’ll fall asleep. Nope, I’ll definitely fall asleep.
I know a trip to our local outlet shopping area would be next. I would actually try clothes on in the store and pick out a new outfit. Have a chicken salad sandwich on toast and an iced tea.
I’ll return back home and drive over to our town baseball field to watch my oldest play ball. Yes, this is still for me. I have yet to see him pitch or stay long enough at a game to cheer him on from the bench. I want to sit with the other mothers and chat and gossip and jump up and down when my son gets a hit.
I’ll bring him home, tell him how proud I was of him out there, and then take my husband out for dinner. In my new clothes.
I’ll have a glass of wine. Or two.
And I’ll smile and laugh and hold his hand.
I’ll get home, actually change into real pajamas (not just passing out in my clothes), and fall asleep without worrying about the pile of laundry in the corner or the dirty dishes in the sink because they would be gone. I won’t think about which kid will be up in the middle of the night because Mary will take care of it for me.
I’ll sleep peacefully for the first time in ten years.
And I’ll feel like me again.
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So? Who will play The Mary Poppins Game with me? Tell me what you would do with a whole day just for you?
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Alysia is a stay-at-home mom to three young boys, two with autism spectrum disorder. She writes about that and other things at her personal blog Try Defying Gravity. She’s also the managing editor of the SPD Blogger Network, a group blog for parents with children living with sensory processing disorder. She’s so happy to have found this home here at The Oxygen Mask Project along with her friend Shannon. (And yes, the idea for The Oxygen Mask Project was also hatched in the shower.)
I don’t have a clue what’d I’d do but I think I’d start with tons more sleep, an uninterrupted shower where I can shave all my legs and then an espresso. In silence. All of it in silence. I think that would be a good start.
Im with you on the long silent shower. I started waxing my legs every 4 weeks because no shower was ever long enough, nor the shaving opportunities frequent enough!
Ah yes, silence. I forgot to mention that it would all be quiet. Except for me cheering at the baseball game.
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Awesome as always, Alysia. I wish I could be Marvin Poppins for you. I could give it a try, just name the day. Their socks may not match, hair combed, but I can play hot wheels for 24 hours, soccer, whatever, I’m there.
Whoever you are Mike, you are a good man and you rock. 24 hour hot wheels would do the trick at my house!
Best. Cousin. And you’ve see my crew…their socks are never matched ever. Come on over whenever.
I’m serious Alysia. I will do it when I am 100% post surgery recovery, back to work. I (or Caroline, now almost 14, and I) can fly up on a Thursday or Friday, get and understand the lay of the land, rules, let the little ones get used to us and Disney cousin (because I was called Disney Dad) will be glad to do it. Don’t think twice. You and Tim can even make it a weekend. We will have a blast and so will you guys.
In true Alysia Butler style:
Hold your breath, Make a wish, Count to three.
Come with me. And you’ll be In a world of Pure imagination
Take a look, And you’ll see Into your imagination
We’ll begin, With a spin, Traveling in The world of [your] creation
What you’ll see, Will defy Explanation
If you want to view paradise, Simply look around and view it
Anything you want to, do it
Wanta see the world? There’s nothing To it
There is no, Life you’ll know, To compare with Pure imagination
Living there, You’ll be free, If you truly wish to be
If you want to view paradise, Simply look around and view it
Anything you want to, do it
Wanta see the world? There’s nothing To it
There no, Life I know, To compare with Pure imagination
Living there, You’ll be free – If you truly Wish to be
ITS TIME TO LIVE OUT YOUR IMAGINATION. CAROLINE, THE BEST WITH ALL KIDS, CAN COME TOO IF OK.
So now I’m ready for you and Caroline to move in here. When you’re ready, so are we
We all need a Mike and Caroline. Love this post A.
I would sleep with no baby monitor on and not be awoken by crying an dhaving to go from 0 to 60 in a heatbeat. I would be leisurely and shop in stores (like antique stores or fun flea markets). I sould read a book — outside — with a snack. And I would eat slowly. Then I would nap (again, with no monitor!). After that, I’d go dig in the dirt and garden to my heart’s content. By then, I suspect Mary would be back. Mary Poppins, come on down!
So with you on the no monitor. It does make you jump out of your skin. And yes to the eating slowly!
I LOVE this game! First, I would sleep right on through Mary picking up the kids. I would sleep peacefully, taking up the whole bed and all the covers, till my body woke me up. Then I would turn on my favorite station on Pandora internet radio on my TV, and listen to it while drinking an ice-cold Mt. Dew and eating a chocolate donut. The kind from Daylight Donuts, not those horrid Krispy Kremes. I would soak in a HOT bath ALONE and WITHOUT toys until my fingers and toes got wrinkly. I would get dressed, fix my hair, and put on makeup. Then I would vacuume the floors. Yes, this is for me. I hate walking around on crumbs all the time, but my kid can’t stand the sound of the vacuume, so it doesn’t get done often enough. I would meet my mom at the mall and we would have an old-fashioned shop-till-you-drop, using Mary’s credit card of course. We would buy shoes, clothes, purses, and accessories. We would spend a long time in the Hallmark store picking out cards for everyone we love, just because. Then we would meet with my Grams and the three of us would go to lunch. We would eat Chinese food. We would take our time, lingering at the table and having long conversations. We would catch up on our lives and we would laugh. A lot. Then I would spend the afternoon at a spa. I would get a massage, facial, manicure and pedicure. I would have my hair done. I would ask the stylist to take extra time shampooing and styling my hair because it feels so good when someone messes with my hair. Then I would go home and get dressed up in really nice clothes and high heels. My husband would take me out to dinner at a fancy restaurant. The kind that’s quiet, has real tablecloths, and knows how to properly cook a steak. And all through the meal, he would look at me. Really LOOK at me, and listen, REALLY LISTEN. We would have deep meaningful conversation about our deepest emotions and dreams. Then we would go home and change into our comfy sweat pants and t-shirts and cuddle up on the couch and watch a movie together. A chick flick. The kind that makes you cry happy tears at the end. And we would stay awake all the way to the end because we are well rested. Then we would play cards or monopoly or risk or dice, but whatever we played I WOULD WIN. Then we would sleep all through the night uninterrupted.
Thanks, I feel more relaxed just having imagined that day!
I love your day. It sounds perfect in every way.
Me as well – sounds perfect! Enjoy your Mom and Grams; I miss mine dearly on this journey.
I want this day too!
I would get up at my leisure. I would not have to make anyone a soft boiled egg with the toast cut into 4 tall soldiers. I would drink my coffee and read Diary of a Mom while watching the Real Housewives of New Jersey. I would not drive anyone to school in my nightshirt sans bra. I would find a freshly baked Costco cake in my fridge waiting for me (this cake would be specially baked just for me with NO fat and NO calories) with giant purple buttercream flowers. I would not find a half eat chocolate bunny in the fridge. I would eat a slice of cake (or 1/2 a cake…who cares? its not fattening or caloric!) I might watch Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (I hope Mary Poppins remembered to record it!) I would probably eat some more cake. I would then go to the library and find the book I have been waiting for has just arrived! I would not have any overdue veggie tale dvds. I would rush home to lay poolside while the sun toasts my skin and the breeze blows on my shoulders. I might then eat some more cake (if there is any left…) And then head back out into the sunshine. I guess I could go on for hours eating cake and getting tan…
This is my kind of day!! You know there would be more cake. Mary would make sure of it. I hope to God you get a day like this someday.
I feel like I’ve lived half these days just by reading them. Maybe I should spend a few minutes each day imagining my perfect day, as a way to recharge.
I wake up early (I like that quiet part of early morning; I just prefer it silent and alone and I haven’t had that for years!), and shower and actually BLOW DRY and style my hair. I would head out with my journal to my favorite diner, and eat Mexican scrambled eggs, extra cheese, and write inspired words for an hour. I would then be met by my two best girl friends and we would walk by the ocean with lattes and the breeze in our hair. We would go to the Fairmont Pacific Rim and get side by side pedicures, then stroll along Main street and buy clothes that fit and make us feel young and stylish. I too would end the night with my husband. We would stroll past the rowing club where we met and gaze at eachother like we are amazing and beautiful, rather than tired and out of gas. We would tell eachother over and over all the little things we appreciate about eachother as a team, on this long, tough journey we’ve found ourselves on. We would have a reservation at a time that suits us, not 8:00 when the kids are asleep and no sitter had to struggle with routine. We would drinkfine wine, including desert wine at sinful prices, and take a cab home hand in hand. We would snuggle, exchange I love yous, and sleep the deep sleep of the unworried. Thanks Mary!!
I love this! I love every part, but especially the end with your husband, reminding each other how important you are. And a huge fan of the sinful, expensive desserts.
I also feel like I’ve lived these days. Dare to dream!
I would sleep, sleep, sleep. When I was done sleeping, I would hop on a plane to Florida and go sit at the ocean, play in the ocean, watch and listen to the ocean and let the waves take all my burdens and cares away. I would eat at a yummy seafood restaurant right on the ocean and enjoy eating without anyone having meltdowns or fights or anything else. I would just enjoy eating. Then, I would go back and walk along the beach and watch the sunset. Once the sun set, I would go to the room I had reserved at a high priced hotel and enjoy a spa package of a massage and I would sleep some more. I would wake up to the sounds of the ocean and would go soak up more sun before I would have to get back on a plane and re-enter reality when my 24 hours was up. I am assuming money was not much of an object either….even if it was, at this point, I think I would actually figure a way to do this!
Money no object indeed! This sounds lovely! The sleep, the spa, the ocean…you deserve it. Perfect.
I would wake up slowly to a peaceful,quiet house. I would lie in bed and listen to the silence and drink the perfect coffee that Mary would have brought me before she left. I would have a perfectly hot,but not too hot,bubble bath and read a novel.Then I would meet my sister at a garden cafe for a long relaxing brunch (nowhere to be, no errands to do). After brunch I would go to see my favourite hairdresser and get my sadly neglected,prematurely grey hair tended to.And throw in a manicure,pedicure,facial and massage as well. I would follow this with ladies afternoon tea with my Mum, good coffee,decadently bad cake. Then I would meet my girlfriends for a spot of shopping, followed by a wine or two at a nice local bar. I would then meet my husband at a posh restaurant (the sort where the meals are small but perfectly formed) followed by a great movie and a walk on the beach. Ahhh.
Ahhhhh…I love every moment from the perfect coffee to the walk on the beach. Sounds like heaven.
you had me at coffee!
I have just noticed how much of my day revolves around food and drink
I’m pretty sure that’s why I loved your perfect day.
Considering that the past week has me longing for a vacation…..My day would start quietly. I could turn the news on the tv. Sip my coffee. Eat my breakfast without anyone asking for a bite or requesting help with something. I would be able to take a shower without rushing. No one would barge in on me, and I could sing my favorite songs without critique. From there I would go get a coffee and peruse the bookstore and craftstore and go get some clothes…and actually try them on before buying! I would go get a massage and a pedicure. I’d read by a pool, shaded by a big ‘ol umbrella…and be able to doze off…not worrying about watching anyone else. I’d play a game on my phone, and check in on Facebook, without anyone asking me for my phone. Hubz would meet me out for dinner for some tapas and sangria. We would laugh, talk, spend time reconnecting. We’d walk, talk more, and snuggle. We’d come home, the house would be quiet, and we’d hang out on the couch to watch a few shows. Best of all, we’d go to bed in freshly laundered linens and we’d sleep through the night ‘cuz Mary Poppins would have the kids. Heaven.
Can Mary arrange for me to get to Boston and back in the space of a day? That was pretty perfect. This morning I started out by handing the kids over to Spectrummy Daddy while I went back to sleep. After breakfast I went to the gym and as I walked in he made me a caramel latte. So far , so perfect, right? Then it was his turn to go out and play golf, so I took the kids out for lunch. Apart from some chores I’d rather Ms. Poppins do (cleaning the car and bathroom) this division of labour thing has turned out fine all round. I wouldn’t mind her getting the kids to bed for us for some couple time this evening though.
Yes. You can make it to Boston in a day. Mary makes sure of that. Sounds like you’ve had a great start to the day
I love that everyone is all, “I would sleep.” Because, yeah. Me too. I would go to movies. Or the theater. And there would be a nap. And I would stay up late. And I would maybe read. And then I would ask Mary to stay for the whole week.
The best part is sleeping more so you don’t fall asleep in the theater. Like a grownup.
You can have Mary for the week after my year with her is up
Oh, how wonderful is this! Just by sitting at my computer and reading this, I somehow feel….refreshed…and I haven’t even said my piece!
I would have no class that day and no homework or projects due for sure!
I would sleep until I woke, cradled in my husbands arms (he works grave and we rarely get to share the bed anymore). The dog wouldn’t pottty in the house if I overslept. The cat would sleep peacefully beside me instead of wrecking the house to get my attention to get breakfast. No, she and the dog would would totally wait until I had breakfast until they got theirs. I would have to call Mary, though, and tell my little buddy “good morning,” since I can’t start my day without my good morning from him. And I would remind him to have fun, too, with the ever so perfect Ms. Poppins.
I know this is for me, but I don’t see my husband much because of his shift, so….I’d start my day with him. There’s a great coffee shop at the edge of town I’d love to go to and just sit. We’d have some great coffee and we’d start by having a good, refreshing, reconnecting talk. We’d laugh a lot of course. We might even pick on each other a little. It would be good fun.
We’d hug and tell each other “See ya later!” And because we had time to spend together,it wouldn’t be sad to have to cut short our conversation.
Next, all my friends who have been really wonderful and supportive would all meet me in New Orleans. We’d spend the early afternoon shopping for beach wear (and every bikini I’d try on would look great and not remind me that I don’t have time to shave my legs or get any healthy color) and having lunch at one of the wonderful restaurants in the city. We’d then drive back to the coast and we’d set up camp on the beach. We might even imbibe an adult beverage or two–a daquiri perhaps? And I won’t have to worry about emergencies that could occur while I was imbibing said alcoholic beverages, so I could enjoy the relaxing elixir as it flows through me
At the end of the evening, I would meet my husband for dancing. It’s my all time favorite date and we haven’t been able to dance since our son was born. I would have unlimited time to get dolled up; I could go somewhere in something more than a ponytail and a bare face! I would have a little bit of sun to color me healthy and I would have smooth shaved legs. My husband would be slack-jawed….We would get ready to go…but then I’d have to call Mary so I could tell Ethan “goodnight and that I loved him,” and then we could start our night! It would be so romantic and invigorating!
We would come home, slide into a bathtub together, enjoy our quality time, then crawl in bed and hold each other close. Right before we drift to sleep, I would call Mary and beg her to take overtime pay for 6 more hours so we could sleep in again tomorrow……
Oh yes! The dog! My fourth child…yes, Mary would take care of the dog.
I love everything about your day. It’s perfect. The dancing. The New Orleans. The husband. Everything.
Great post! I’m like a lot of the moms here. it would be the simple pleasures…a morning in bed witha strong cup of coffee and a book, a relaxing walk outside with no set destination, or a day at the beach with a blanket and a book. There is no talking in these scenarios — by me or anyone else. The only thing I’d have to listen to is the silence.
The silence is golden. I’m with you.
I would gladly take 12 hours
but 24 hours seem just wonderful!! Thank you – you inspired todays blog post. http://www.autismwonderland.com/2012/04/what-i-would-do-if-i-had-24-hours-to.html
Your post is fantastic. Sharing…
Now, this is a game, I can definitely play! I’ll have to give it some thought. I love your idea though!
wait you mean it’s an entire 24 hours where I’m wiping nobody’s poop but my own and all poop lands in the toilet and NOT in underpants? I’m so excited I could cry.
SLEEP.
READ.
EAT whatever I want.
SCRAPBOOK.
CALL A FRIEND.
TAKE A BUBBLE BATH.
SEX.
Sounds perfect! In that order?
oooh, I’m still thinking. I truly don’t know WHAT I’d do. I’ll come back with a real answer soon (ish)…..:)
If time was no object I would have thrown in a trip to Sydney
I would wake up from a long and restful sleep in my very huge hotel bed that just happened to be in Monaco! After showering and putting on my white linen pants and a blue and white t-shirt, I would meander down to the restaurant to enjoy a three course breakfast with my husband and our two travelling companions.
The remainder of the morning would be spend sightseeing and taking time to appreciate the views before us. We would then head back to the beach for a light lunch and a glass of cold crisp white wine. Hold the desert!!
We would then walk the short walk to the Monte-Carlo Country Club to partake in some tennis watching. I would be sure to take note of the latest fashions and have a chuckle over the older gentlemen with their much younger partners! I would definitely spend quite a bit of time of watching Prince Albert and his beautiful wife Charlene. My sights will certainly be very firmly set on a young Spanish man by the name of Nadal….. You may have heard of him! He has just won the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters Tennis!
Ahhh, bliss…..