It is a busy morning, I’m a bit rushed. My husband has to leave early, which throws off our routine but I make it out the door on time. I drop off my son at school for the day. Make my way, coffee in hand, to the office and get my day started.

I attend the daily 9:30 a.m. meeting and go about the rest of my morning. Must be around 10:00 when I go to the ladies room from all that coffee. I look down at the slate tile and stare at my shoes. That’s when I realize what I’ve done: Two different black shoes are on my feet.

Panic sets in: I’m mortified. Did anyone notice? My first thought is to go home and change, but I quickly dismiss this idea because it would take an hour to get home and back — the simple economics of gas cancels out this idea.

Luckily, the shoes are both black and the same height so I decide to just wing it the rest of the day. I don’t care if anyone notices. It’s just a fact of life. I get through the day without humiliation.

I wasn’t going to blog about this, but think that I should share this misery in hopes that I will make some other Mom out there feel better. And, “Moms At Work” recently posted on their Twitter page about another common embarrassment, “Classic. My zipper’s been down for two hours. Luckily, my job keeps me tied to my desk.” That made me feel better. Perhaps you’ve done this yourself or you just feel better knowing that it WASN’T you. Either way, I’m sure you can relate — we’re all doing so much. If the only thing I screw up this week is wearing two different shoes then I’ll consider myself lucky.

When you are at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.”
– Diane Sawyer
“Good Morning America”

I love this quote from Diane Sawyer. I can’t remember when I first noted it, but it’s brilliant. How many times have you said, “I’m at the end of my rope!”? Too many, probably. Diane’s advice tells us to hang in there. Don’t give up.

It’s great advice for any day.

Parlez-vous français? Oui, ce soir.

We sipped Kir Royals while ordering our escargot appetizer. Waiters spoke in French as we waited for our our entrees and peered out the restaurant’s window at the Eiffel Tower, its white lights twinkling as the sun went down. This was last Saturday night, in Paris … kind of.

Before the evening was over we were safely back home checking in on our son, sleeping quietly in his bed. While we didn’t technically fly to France, we got to experience the finer things that Paris offers by visiting EPCOT — a replica of the Eiffel Tower is there, along with sidewalk cafes brimming with coffee and sweet pastries. All of the emloyees that work there speak French. It’s as true an experience as you can have without hopping on a plane to Europe.

It was a brilliant idea: Date night became being a tourist in our own backyard. A 30-minute car ride swept us away for one evening, but what seemed like longer. It’s amazing what a great date can do.

You don’t have to live in Central Florida or have Disney World in your backyard to have an exotic or fun-filled date. Every city has its own favorite spots. Just ask yourself: “What’s in my backyard?” Then make a date to go explore it. You’ll be glad you did.

By now many of you may have heard the story about the college softball game that went from a championship game to an act of compassion, leadership and sportsmanship. I was reminded of the story yesterday and thought I would share it today for those who haven’t heard it of. It’s a great story to share with mother’s as an example of the compassion I’m sure we all want our children to learn.

Sara Tucholsky hit her first home run, ever, and began running the bases. She made it to first base, but blew out her knee couldn’t continue. Her team was told it couldn’t help her — her home run wouldn’t count. This is when the amazing part happens: Two girls from the opposing side asked if they could help. They were told they could. And so they did. Liz Wallace and Mallory Holtman carried Sara to each base so her home run would count. It made Sara’s team win the game.

It’s an amazing story. Ask yourself if you would have done what these two girls did? I have to say that I probably wouldn’t have even thought of it. It’s what makes it so amazing.

Related:

Read the entire story at ESPN.com.

Ladies, this year, don’t leave the Mother’s Day planning up to your spouse, OR your kids. Decide how you want to spend your Sunday and let the family know. This will take all expectations away and you’ll end up being happier.

Sure, it takes some of the surprise out of it, but it really gives you control over how to spend a day that is meant to celebrate you.