My life on the crazy roller coaster... it’s the pleasure-pain principle. As I whiz through the loops of daily life with each new thrill inciting fear, my heart races, knuckles turn white, as I’m tossed around mercilessly. Then I get off and jump right back in line again.
Living with teenagers is my own terror filled ride. I look at the day ahead with its impossibly high and steep drops; even from a distance it gets your adrenaline pumping. Up close, it takes more than a bit of nerve to hop into line and board this super-sized ride.
The school holidays has its own perils, like a caffeinated bucking bronco that never lets up. Sleepovers, revolving door of kids, pantry raids, taxi runs, spending money AND more money. This sleek and zippy ride positively screams; and its screaming riders never shut up!! Not for the faint of heart, this coaster ride is terrifying.
Add to this, driving lessons for the Princess..... eeeeeaaaahhhhh!
This ride varies according to the seat position and other factors such as the time of day and the weather. The back seat, especially, can be insanely rough, although I have had a front seat ride that was not for the squeamish. She navigates hills that alternately delivers rib-crushing positive G-forces followed by the sweet release of floating airtime. And that's only the beginning of this wild ride. Just when you think you've had enough, and you’re ready to get off the ride and take the calm, easy merry-go round... you change your mind, throw you hands in the air and ride this roller coaster all over again. Because that’s what parental driving instructors DO!!
I think I’m too consumed with the smell of fear to stop and smell the roses. I know I need one of these...
Aaahhhhh.... this returning passenger invariably looks elated and sports a frozen grin born from equal parts of terror and joy (that’s the coffee kicking in). And that, my thrill-seeking friends, is the very essence of a ‘mother of teenagers’ roller coaster experience. That's exhilaration...that's living a bit on the edge...that's being ALIVE.