And what's up with all the cupcakes?

by Adrienne Crezo

You are probably wondering why I'm dressed like this. Please, allow me to explain-don't go! Here's the thing: I'm a busy woman, just like you. I have a full-time job, a husband and a three year old, just like you or one of your friends might. I am a part-time student, a part-time freelance writer, and the mediator of family affairs. You know someone just like me; the next time you see her, give her a big hug. She'll appreciate that.

It is no secret that women are creatures with superhuman abilities-at least not to women. We know how to do things that people don't realize have to actually be done-we can, for instance, make dinner, do laundry, balance a checkbook, pack lunches, tie shoelaces, and (even if rarely, in my case) vacuum. That's not all we can do, oh no! Like the Cat from The Cat in the Hat, we are excellent balancers of things on our heads. I spend roughly 85 percent of my day attached to a cell phone; I am organizing or moderating, preparing or doing damage control. I often have both arms laden with bags, books, purse, and a drink and snack that were refused, then ignored, then discarded into my conveniently located hands. All while bouncing on a big red ball, of course.

As a superhuman/mom (that's where this outfit comes in), it is my duty to attire my daughter and niece, both three, in appropriate Halloween garb. I have been asked very politely to bring no fewer than two to four hundred cupcakes to our annual costume party. Crazy? I know! In addition, I have two midterm exams, three quizzes, and a major analysis assignment due the week before the party. There are two friends' birthdays, six months' car insurance due, at least three writing commitments, and untold thousands of menial chores and errands. And, oh yeah, I have to work 40 hours a week as well.

I am not complaining. I'm a happy girl. I have an excellent support system in my husband and mother, who reach things on high shelves and hold the ball still for me. By some act of divinity, my bills are usually paid. The girls are happy and loud and maintain a strict diarchy over the household. We don't mind, for the most part, since they are kind-hearted and allow us to partake of food and naps when we are off-duty.

Despite the craziness with which I am so obviously afflicted, I wouldn't change my life for anything. A healthy sense of humor and an appreciation for irony, along with the help of my friends and family (and a little prescription I like to call "Don't Go Postal") keep me grounded when I could easily be floored. Sure, I drop the ball, or fall off it, if you will. Yes, that mountain of laundry will go unwashed until the weekend. I stretch deadlines, beg extensions, pay late fees, forget to brush my hair... you know the drill. We're a lot alike, you and I.


So, for my next trick, my daughter and niece will both be princesses for Halloween this year -one of the fairy persuasion and the other the mermaid variety. I will spend a week's pay on pre-made cupcakes and applaud myself for saving time to study. I will never actually get to study, but I trust my superpowers (and an uncanny knack for remembering trivia) to get me through the semester. And, as you can see, I have fulfi lled at least one freelance job on time. Superhuman? Of course-I'm a mom. Now, where's that ball? I'm off to work with my bad self.

Adrienne Crezo knows all about balancing acts. She is a freelance writer and busy superhero, a.k.a. wife and mother. Also, she has a full-time job and is a part-time student
at Cameron University.