My brain had mushed. I think it had not been flexed in so long it matched the jello-like state of my post-preg belly. I didn't realize my brain would need to be put back into shape just as my body. But, I think it was longer than 9 months of pregnancy that my cranium had not been exercised, so there's a larger margin to catch up on here. I think for years of speaking to small children all day and being overwhelmed by the daily duties of diapers and dishes, my brain hasn't needed to work. I could feel it shutting down on me (Baby Brain).
Well, I'm feeling somewhat revived. Here are a couple reasons for this:
1. Blogging. It was less than a year ago that my husband proudly stated he reserved the blog name owenfamily and started messing around with it. I confess I didn't even know what a blog was and truly didn't care too much. Suddenly, I felt frustrated that he had set me up for one more thing to be added to my "to do" list. Another thing that was never done. But, in recent weeks I've started to truly enjoy making my brain work by writing this blog and remembering that I actually do know how to write. Oh yeah, this is basically what I studied in school!
2. Reading. I've put down the stale parenting books and have been reading fiction. According to my husband, this is "chewing gum for the brain", but I have to disagree. It makes my brain analyze the fiction as I were back in a college lit class. In fact, I keep envisioning myself in a lecture where the professor is discussing symbols, tragic flaws, etc. I have even been writing analyses papers in my head. (This is part of the reason why you will soon be getting my book report on the Twilight Series.) OK, so I'm turning a bit nerdy here, but it's helping the brain wake up.
3. Listening. I borrowed my friend's 'Wicked' soundtrack. My kids actually allow me to listen to it in the car (a rarity because usually it's ONLY 'Old McDonald,' etc.). By having uplifting music running through my head rather than children's rhymes, I feel a sense of fulfillment. I've actually never seen the play 'Wicked' so it's been fun trying to make up plotlines in my head.
Now that I'm writing this, I realize how embarrassing it is to confess that these simple brain exercises have brought me so much joy and satisfaction. How have you stay-at-home moms exercised your craniums and kept them in shape?
Well, I'm feeling somewhat revived. Here are a couple reasons for this:
1. Blogging. It was less than a year ago that my husband proudly stated he reserved the blog name owenfamily and started messing around with it. I confess I didn't even know what a blog was and truly didn't care too much. Suddenly, I felt frustrated that he had set me up for one more thing to be added to my "to do" list. Another thing that was never done. But, in recent weeks I've started to truly enjoy making my brain work by writing this blog and remembering that I actually do know how to write. Oh yeah, this is basically what I studied in school!
2. Reading. I've put down the stale parenting books and have been reading fiction. According to my husband, this is "chewing gum for the brain", but I have to disagree. It makes my brain analyze the fiction as I were back in a college lit class. In fact, I keep envisioning myself in a lecture where the professor is discussing symbols, tragic flaws, etc. I have even been writing analyses papers in my head. (This is part of the reason why you will soon be getting my book report on the Twilight Series.) OK, so I'm turning a bit nerdy here, but it's helping the brain wake up.
3. Listening. I borrowed my friend's 'Wicked' soundtrack. My kids actually allow me to listen to it in the car (a rarity because usually it's ONLY 'Old McDonald,' etc.). By having uplifting music running through my head rather than children's rhymes, I feel a sense of fulfillment. I've actually never seen the play 'Wicked' so it's been fun trying to make up plotlines in my head.
Now that I'm writing this, I realize how embarrassing it is to confess that these simple brain exercises have brought me so much joy and satisfaction. How have you stay-at-home moms exercised your craniums and kept them in shape?
5 comments:
I hear you on this one. Besides blogging and reading (I'm interested to hear what you have to say on the Twilight series as I've read all three), I really enjoy practicing French. We check out stuff from the library or sing along to the Childrens Songbook in French. The kids have picked some of it up, too. Very cute.
My other favorite hobby is scrapbooking online. I just started using Blurb.com (after seeing Linz make an album through them) and it's VERY COOL and easy. You can upload your blog and write as much or little as you want. Plus that way I feel less guilty about not keeping a journal!
I do it just because we have so many books around the house, but I have heard that sudoku is really a good brain exercise. I totally get the baby brain thing though and am grateful for my book club to make me read at least 1 book a month.
Good post, Jeni. As soon as my brain starts working again, I'll let you know my tricks.
I love Wicked too. We are going to see it in LA in two weeks. I'll give you the scoop!!
Okay, so how old is this post, but since I just refound your blog, I have to say yes to this all.
When I first looked at your blog I thought it was a one time website, so never looked back and forgot about it. Now I am blogging and I am finding out that I can actually write. I always did medical/analytical type papers in college, so, not that I am an amazing writer, but it is fun to be more "creative".
Love reading. Love that Stephenie Meyers chick. Can't wait till Breaking Dawn!
Your kids will come to love your music too. I have Wicked too, never been to it either, but Christian will ask for the "witch music" and guys and dolls and other music. It is fun.
My kids will be in all day school next year, so I am contemplating taking some classes at the local community college. Art classes, actually. We will see what happens...
We definitely have to sharpen our saws. And about reading during the day (your latest post about The Host), I think it only makes your kids see that you enjoy it and get more into reading too. It has definitely made a difference with my kids!
Miss ya!
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