I started writing "In Pursuit of All the Good Stuff" because I like to share things with people. In my first blog post, I told you I am not a professional writer, my grammar is often terrible, and I'm not REALLY an expert at anything. Yet, you've continued to read, and for that, I am grateful. I'm going to do my best to keep writing. This one is going to look a little different. Don't worry, we will resume with booze, food, and swearing, on Thursday. We can't be savages all the time, ALTHOUGH, if you look at how I spent the last few weeks, you may beg to differ. But, moving forward....

The Top 3 Things Needed So That You Don't Lose Your Damn Mind As A Stay-At-Home Parent

1. Patience. You are going to need boat loads, buckets, oceans, of patience. I happen to be someone who was born without a patience gene, so I have had to work at this. I have to work at it every day. I fail at it, most days. Then I feel guilty, most days. Guilt is another thing. It could have it's own number. Get ready to feel guilty. I feel guilty writing this because I don't want it to be perceived that I am not appreciative that I can stay at home with my kids. I am appreciative, but I frequently lose my shit as well. So, dig deep, and get ready to figure out a way to find some more patience, and then get ready to not find it and feel like shit about it. 

2. Sharon. I will get to her at a later date (like late March). But just know that you need a friend who is savvy in ALL the things. You need a Yoda, like in real life.

3. Kate. You will need a Kate (preferably one that lives 5 houses away) in order to not lose your damn mind as a stay-at-home parent or as whatever it is you are. Kate, who is 1/2 of the blonde duo (see #2 for the other 1/2) who came to me at a point in my life when I was sure that I had met my quota for good, deep, friendships. I'm glad I was so wrong. 

What can you say about a girl who has a way of lighting up a room with her big beautiful smile, and her goofy, and sometimes clumsy, antics. Someone with the kindest heart, the best Mom, and best friend, you could ever ask for. She plays the fiercest air guitar you have ever seen, and has faith in God, that is unwavering, and admirable. She has run multiple marathons, but never takes herself too seriously, and can be spotted running around town, in a full-blown elf costume, in December. Kate and I share a love of food and wine (I mean, obviously), but she often takes that one step further, and shares that love with local families who are having a tough time, and could use a home-cooked meal. I have been on the receiving end of Kate's never-ending kindness, so what I can say is, thank you, Kate. You make everyone around you better. You make life better. Happy 40th birthday, my friend. I love you so. Till the bed breaks. 

XO

Tara

PS - I wish there was a way to send a stripper to your house without traumatizing your children. If there was anyway I could have pulled it off (and gotten myself a lap dance in the process) I would have.