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‘Welcome to the Jungle,’ Guns N’ Roses
After a long workday, I step through the door and immediately hear Guns N’ Roses echoing in my mind as chaos greets me. Clothes scattered everywhere, the air conditioner blasting with the windows wide open, and the sound of multiple televisions blaring from empty rooms. The microwave is beeping—someone was hungry but chose adventure over dinner. As I start to pick up the mess, I can’t help but think, “What went wrong?” Axl’s words ring true: “Welcome to the jungle / It gets worse here every day / You learn to live like an animal in the jungle where we play!” -
‘Don’t Stop Believin’,’ Journey
To my fellow parents navigating this wild ride, let’s cling to the hope that one day our kids will fly the nest! Sure, I feel overwhelmed when I hear the staggering rental prices and the challenge of making ends meet. But my faith lies in the belief that eventually, these kids will graduate high school and college, embarking on their own midnight trains to anywhere! Yes, holding onto that hope is crucial! -
‘All Night Long,’ Lionel Richie
“Everyone you meet / They’re jamming in the street / All night long”—oh, the irony! I’ve become the neighborhood fun police. If the party goes late into the night, I’ll be the one calling for quiet. I have to be up early and need my beauty sleep! Lack of rest can lead to weight gain—no thank you! So, if you’re planning a raucous gathering, let’s wrap it up by 9:30, shall we? -
‘Our Lips are Sealed,’ The Go-Go’s
There’s nothing quite like gathering with my college friends over wine on the deck while our kids play inside. We share stories and laughs, but we have to be cautious so the little ones don’t catch wind of our wild past. We’ve agreed to keep our youthful escapades under wraps. After all, girls just want to have fun, but our lips are sealed for the kiddos! -
‘Jump,’ Van Halen
I find myself hopping on and off the latest wellness trends like a pogo stick. From yoga to hot yoga, paleo to Zumba, I’ve tried it all! The only thing that seems to stick is my weight—remarkably easy to gain! But as Van Halen says, “So can’t ya see me standing here / I got my back against the record machine / I ain’t the worst that you’ve seen / Ah, can’t you see what I mean?” I’m ready to jump at the next fad that comes along! -
‘Faith,’ George Michael
As the years pass, my understanding of faith has deepened. I spent so long running through life, thinking I had it all figured out. Who knew I was missing out? Now, I find comfort and joy in my faith, embracing the idea that trusting in a higher power can guide me. My younger self would never have grasped the strength of faith over sheer experience. -
‘I Can’t Go For That,’ Hall and Oates
“I can’t go for that” has become my mantra. Compression garments? Nope! Staying up late (unless a child is sick)? No way! Buying gas on any day except Thrifty Thursday? Absolutely not! Using non-recyclable bags? I can’t go for that! Self-checkout lines? I can’t go for that! At this life stage, it’s empowering to declare what I will no longer tolerate. -
‘Ain’t Nobody,’ Chaka Khan
Ain’t nobody got time for that! And that’s all I really need to say!
For more insights into navigating parenting challenges, check out this link for our other blog posts. Whether it’s about home insemination kits or fertility solutions, Make a Mom provides excellent resources. If you’re curious about the science behind it, this Wikipedia page offers great information on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, these ’80s songs perfectly capture the essence of my life as a parent, filled with chaos, nostalgia, and a sprinkle of humor. Embracing faith, setting boundaries, and holding onto hope keeps me grounded amidst the whirlwind of parenting.