I'm Mr. Napkin-Head!

Ok, not quite. But you know that bit in The Holiday? "I'm a guy who reads parenting books and cookbooks before I go to sleep. I spend my weekends buying tutus. I'm learning to sew. I'm Mr. Napkin Head! I'm on some kind of constant overload..." That. Replace tutus with tennis balls and I'd say that's pretty spot on. Because somehow, in a seemingly random yet entirely deliberate course of events, I became responsible for a pack of teenagers. Their meals, rides to practice, live-in support system... it's all me. And being a 26 year-old who was just asked in the binder aisle at Staples if I was in middle school, I can only say what. the. heck.

Life is crazy. Preaching to the choir, I know, but it seems to be the motto of this year and this summer in particular. Hence the terrible lack of posts! I'm sorry! I've just been treading water ever since I got here. But who am I kidding? I am still treading water! No wonder you start with babies! Suddenly being responsible for ten teenagers? This is equal parts I-am-having-so-much-fun-getting-to-know-them-and-this-is-my-non-desk-job-and-eat-my-dust-this-is-fantastic and dear-God-what-have-I-done-I-cannot-do-this-and-you-must-be-joking. There were tears in the beginning. Many, many tears. But I've been so blessed. Challenged each and every day, every single hour, but blessed. It can be awkward and frustrating; I'm so used to it just being me and the weight of this responsibility is staggering. And, yes, sometimes I find myself crying over eggplants (side note: because I'm always seizing the opportunity to quote Bridget Jones' Diary, "To Bridget who cannot cook, but who we love just as she is!"). But then I'll randomly have a breakthrough... Like tonight I found myself drawing out the quietest girl in my little brood and it was lovely and encouraging and it made me so excited to be doing what I'm doing. Building relationships, making a positive impact... It makes the not being easy so worth it.

And let me tell you... the amount of story inspiration I'm getting from being around these tireless kiddos 24/7? It's insane! I'm just marinating in their highs, lows, hopes and dreams, and everything that makes them tick. And, gosh darn it, when I finally get this schedule figured out and can pencil in some quality me time, my pen will be a thing to be reckoned with!

Anyway, just wanted to check in after an absurd hiatus with some happier news and also... A DESPERATE PLEA FOR EASY PEASY RECIPES! Have I been living off the same five recipes for the whole of my twenties? I always thought I was a pretty decent cook, but... creating weekly menus?? Not so much. Anything in a slow-cooker would be just graaaaaaaaaand! Help! Gracias! Ciao!

P.S. More soon! I mean it and I promise!

P.P.S. AHHHHHHHHHH LIFE!!!!!!