DMV Musings

So my birthday was over 3 months ago and I discovered in November that my drivers license expired on my birthday. So it is January now and I still hadn't renewed it. I was telling this to a friend and she looked at me in shock and said, "That doesn't sound like you to let it go for 3 months!" And it doesn't sound like me, at least the me I was 8 years ago- you know before I had 4 children. I could create lists with the best of them and check them off with fervor and zeal. But this is what having 4 children in 8 years does to you- it makes you scatter-brained and what's even better it makes you not care about all those silly details like being law-abiding citizens. Now my to do lists take me days, weeks, even months to check off. (Although I still really do enjoy checking them off.) But with more of a "it will get done when it gets done" attitude. As I was sitting at the DMV for 45 minutes I thought of other things I have learned to let go since having children. Here are a few of them: (Disclaimor: if details of a dirty house make you squeamish you may want to stop reading.)
*We are not an everyday bath family- but in my defense my pediatrician told me not to bathe my kids everyday since it will dry out their skin. But I have taken that ball and rolled with it. Note this only includes my children. I have not let stooped to the level of not bathing myself everyday! well at least most days!
*Laundry may get washed and dried on the same day, but it rarely, rarely gets folded within 2-3 days.
*My bathrooms get deep-cleaned only once a month. I do weekly touch-ups though! Does that count?!?
*My floor doesn't get swepted everyday.
*I sometimes wear the same jeans 2 or 3 days in a row. And I have even worn the same outfit two days in row if I don't think I will see the same people. Although I have been busted on this one.
*I do my girls' hair once a day and that's it. I embrace whatever stylings the wind, play or sleep may do to them.
*Once my kids can dress themselves I don't pick out their clothes. I have only 2 requirements for them- 1. It is modest and 2. It is weather-appropriate.
*I have turned library books in late and -GASP!- I've even lost them.
*I have left dinner dishes in the sink to do the morning.
*Some of my xmas decorations haven't been taken down until February and the outside lights have been left on until July one year- but in my defense that is Eric's jurisdiction.
*When I lose something I don't stress over it and spend huge amounts of time looking for it. In my experience most things usually show back up.
Well I could go on and on about this, but my point is this isn't how I pictured what I would be like as a mother. But I am learning to accept it- key word there is learning. A chaotic house can still set me off at times- just ask my kids! But I have come across a term that describes my condition... I am a recovering perfectionist. (Thanks Lara for that one!) So here it goes "My name is (insert your name here). And I am a recovering perfectionist." Come on now- go ahead and say it with me. I know there are more of you out there!
P.S.- Good news. If your driver's license is over 3 months expired there are no penalties. They won't put you in jail or give you a ticket or make you pay extra or make you take the driver's test again or even ask you any questions. They make act grumpy, but I'm pretty sure that is part of their job description.