Conversations

So I have a weakness. Well I have many weaknesses but I want to only showcase one of them tonight. I absolutely LOVE people watching. Not only that but I love to eavesdrop on my unsuspecting victims. Especially when I am with Nick. I can't tell you how many times we have this non-verbal conversation with each other about the poor couple on their first date sitting in the booth next to us. We snicker together as we listen to them ask each other all those forced get-to-know-you questions and trying anything in the world to avoid an awkward lull.

A few days ago I was able to listen in on a such a validating conversation. I took Toby to Arctic Circle so he could get all his pent-up energy out on their play place, since the weather has been a little less than ideal: rain, snow, rain, snow, lots of wind, random sunshine, and repeat... Anyway, as I sat there watching Toby go up and down the slide I couldn't help but tune into a conversation between two dads. Dad #1 was a stay-at-home dad and Dad #2 (from what I could gather) worked from home. The conversation went something like this:

Dad #1: "Man, I am so ready to go back to work. These kids are wearing me out."

Dad #2 "How much longer til you are done with school?"

Dad #1 "One more semester and then I am done. I hope I can make it. I tell you what staying at home is HARD. The constant fighting, refusing to nap, no time for me to do anything for myself..."

Dad #2 "Yeah I know what you mean. It's amazing how many dad's think being at home with the kids is easy. In reality, going to work is a lot easier to me. It's almost like a mini-vacation."

At this point I was just beaming over in the corner (while still trying to pretend I wasn't listening). I almost wanted to tap Dad #2 on the shoulder and ask, "Excuse me, but can you repeat what you just said? I didn't quite catch it." Just so I could revel once more in the huge compliment to mom's everywhere. Now let me clarify something. I am not saying that men have no challenges or stress with being "the breadwinner" or that mom's who work full-time or attend school don't have their own hardships either. I only wanted to share this because as a mom who is currently able to be at home with my son, I felt so appreciated and flattered by his words. It was like someone gave me a pat on the back and said: "You got a tough job and I have complete respect for all the hard work you do day in and day out."

After I left I kept thinking I wished I had a tape recorder because I am sure woman everywhere would have loved to hear such a priceless exchange between two dads. I guess my blog is the next best thing. :)

Happy Mother's Day!