Mom In Transition

Here I am on a lovely vacation to the beautiful shores of Florida and this mom in transition is constantly on high alert for any type of insect or bug…I know there is a difference, but don’t care. On our first night I saw a Palmetto bug (really a cockroach, but sounds nicer) walk across the bedroom floor. My husband says…what do you expect, it is Florida? Ugh. Well, of course I called my Florida sister-in-law with the 911. Is this normal? Should I prepare for battle? I was ensured that it was normal, but I should be prepared with my bug spray. Darn…I just spent 2 hours at the grocery store and never thought to buy bug spray. I made it a priority for the next day. This episode happened after my usual routine of disinfecting with Clorox wipes…by the way this place is a relative’s beautiful condo. My husband thinks I am crazy. I think it is just due diligence…I have a baby for goodness sakes. How do I know about the past renters or what the cleaning crew really did? After this entire move in preparation (I was exhausted), I sat back and thought how on earth did I transition into such a bug and germaphobe (I don’t technically meet the definition…so I am not that bad)? Is it possible to coexist with all these invaders? Sure it’s possible with the proper supplies and especially after a glass of wine.

I know that I have a child now and need to set a good example. However, is that to teach her basic bug and germ avoidance techniques or how to embrace these nuisances? I never used to be so “aware” of these predators. When we were kids we played hide and seek in the dark. Spiders! When I was younger I was able to go and stay in a hotel room without Clorox wipes and checking the bed for bed bugs. What happened? I think it is the Today Show and their darn random sample and hotel stories. I don’t want to hear about how many germs are on the door handle, toilet seat, or bottom of my purse. I get it. Although I should give some credit to my personal experiences…through the years I have seen some really disgusting things…people can be very gross and inconsiderate of others. I get a gag reflex thinking about some of my observations.

I really wonder how I ever lived without disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer and wine…kind of like cell phones. Right now I have these items stashed away in multiple locations…purse, diaper bag, car, bathroom, kitchen, etc. (I mean the wipes and sanitizer…not the wine.) I don’t know how to undo what I know, but I could use some reminders on what are the chances of me (I mean my daughter) actually catching some disease or undesirable condition. I will put it on my to-do-list. What about the bugs? Who knows…although I am definitely adding bug spray to my must have items. At this point I am not willing to throw out my supplies of necessities. However, I am willing to take our daughter out of her germ and bug free bubble on occasion, while I sip a glass of wine. Now time for this mom in transition to head to the pool. Don’t worry I won’t bring the bug spray.