Falling down the #FSN2018 rabbit hole and it’s keeping me going right now.

Isn’t it odd how it’s possible to feel simultaneously that you are too much and not enough?

I haven’t been keeping track daily like I hoped to, but this chunk of my literature review now has about 6.5 pages written. Also, I’m finding that I can genuinely often just copy my synthetic notes whole cloth into the paper, which is huge.

[caption id="" align=“alignnone” width=“2592”] Embrace your cliches.[/caption]

[caption id="" align=“alignnone” width=“3000”] Our hotel has an amazing view of the river. This does not do it justice.[/caption]

[caption id="" align=“alignnone” width=“2250”] They’re giving out Magic: the Gathering cards at registration. Yes please![/caption]

[caption id="" align=“alignnone” width=“2250”] The one thing I HAD to do besides give my poster presentation was go to Cafe Du Monde and get beignets. Done![/caption]

[caption id="" align=“alignnone” width=“2250”] We rode the St. Charles Streetcar all the way to the end, through the Garden District. We passed one of Anne Rice’s houses.[/caption]

[caption id="" align=“alignnone” width=“3000”] Canal Street at Sunset[/caption]

Just had a very serious conversation with my husband about our future as immortals and what type of vampire I should get to sire me while I’m in New Orleans this weekend, so… I married well, is what I’m saying.

I’m going to New Orleans tomorrow for the American Library Association conference and I already know I’m going to love it there.

Kiiiiind of want to host/play in an improv comedy jam for my birthday on July 14.

In the interest of helping myself recognize what things I do as the parent of a toddler, I’m making a list. I’m just thinking through a typical day and every task that occurs on that day, plus every task that has to happen to make sure that task can happen. I don’t do all of these things - W. does a lot of them. But somebody has to do them.

Here goes.

1. Changing diapers.
2. Purchasing diapering supplies: diapers, wipes, diaper cream, diaper pail, trash bags.
3. Researching diapering supplies.
4. Toilet training.
5. Purchasing toilet training supplies: toddler potty/toilet seat.
6. Researching toilet training processes.
7. Dressing.
8. Purchasing clothing and shoes.
9. Researching clothing and shoes: sizes, fabric types, cuts. (Ask a toddler parent about snaps vs. no snaps, overalls or no, and you'll see what I mean.)
10. Feeding.
11. Preparing food.
12. Purchasing food.
13. Meal planning.
14. Researching nutrition.
15. Playing at home.
16. Purchasing books and toys.
17. Researching books and toys.
18. Playing out in the world.
19. Identifying potential activities.
20. Researching potential activities.
21. Purchasing supplies for activities: sunscreen, bug spray, specialized clothing.
22. Packing supplies for activities.
23. Transportation.
24. Purchasing transportation supplies: primarily a car seat.
25. Researching car seats.
26. Entertaining.
27. Learning new songs.
28. Vetting media.
29. Soothing.
30. Discipline.
31. Researching soothing and discipline methods.
32. Bathing.
33. Purchasing supplies for bathing: soap, shampoo, toys, brushes, combs, cotton pads, cotton swabs.
34. Researching supplies for bathing.
35. Getting ready for bed.
36. Dental care.
37. Purchasing supplies for dental care: toothbrush, toothpaste.
38. Researching supplies for dental care.
39. Taking to the doctor.

All of these have to happen. And in addition to all of these, there’s usually a decision layer associated with each one: which food to eat, which clothes to wear (based on the weather or activity of the day), whether that fever merits a call to the doctor. There are several tasks that could be grouped, obviously: purchasing and researching different types of supplies happens again and again.

And most of these happen every day.

On radically reduced sleep.

Alongside all the normal responsibilities that come with being an adult.

And I wonder why I’m tired all the time.

Kids. They’re a lot of work. But they’re worth it.