High Ho.

My job is extraordinary.

In fact, it’s one of a kind. With new challenges and obstacles to tackle every day, I’m constantly learning and evolving as a person mentally, spiritually, physically and emotionally. On a day-to-day basis I’m kept on my toes and any possibility of boredom sneaking up on me is ridiculously low.

Most work days I’m a part-time teacher and mediocre chef, but do make-up on the side. Painting and sculpting are also my Forte, as well as being both an author and narrator of many stories. Occasionally, I even have to whip out the first aid kit with special band aids and be an half-assed excuse of a nurse. Luckily there’s a real hospital across the street for actual emergencies.

During spring and summer seasons, I’m an explorer and bug catcher extraordinaire, a wild kite flyer on windy days and expert puddle jumper on rainy ones. While in autumn I’m a leaf collector and pumpkin carver, a treater of candy and a costume stylist too. Wintertime means snowman and fort building duty daily, with a hint of professional color mixologist for snow art.

I love my job because being a stay-at-home parent means morning snuggles every day. At least when toddlers are involved. My job means catering to a bossy four-year-old and a soon to be three-year-old, from the second they wake up, until the moment they go to bed. I’m on the clock 24/7, with no out or pin to timeout.

Throughout the entire day, my ability to multitask comes into play. I could go on about every little thing I do for them, from cooking to cleaning, potty-training and the likes, but frankly that’s the boring and mundane part. Yet all necessary when it comes to this job, so much so it eventually became routine, which I don’t mind 99% of the time. The other percent is reserved for off days, where I feel cooped up and in need of adventure. However, a good book always sates that craving.

Anyway, as I was saying, what’s wonderful about this job is watching my children flourish and grow little by little. Once newborn babies when all they did was sleep and eat, to bright and vivacious mini people with loud personalities. Earlier I mentioned that my job is unique and in saying it’s one of a kind, that’s solely because my kids are. They make the difference. Every single second spent with them is wholesome, even the moments of complete chaos and overwhelming frustration. There is still nothing I would rather do than commit all my time to raising them.

Honestly, I’m uncertain if it’s wrong to call being a stay-at-home parent a job. Not because I’m writing if off as ‘you chose to have kids’ or ‘daycare is an option’… but because I don’t like thinking of them as that. They are so much more. In my first born I see a leader who takes care of those she loves. Someone unafraid of being herself and taking charge. A well-suited guide for her younger sister who mimics everything she witnesses, some of it quite questionable. Within her is an artist who sees beauty everywhere and whatever she is handed can be used for something other than it’s intended purposes. Her imagination runs untamed and whenever music plays, her head bops on beat and small feet tap timely.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m aware that millions of people spend their days doing the same job as me and cheers to every single one of them who genuinely love their children, because like myself, I’m sure getting out of bed is tough some mornings. Knowing you’re probably going to repeat yourself multiple times before being listened to or must pick up the same mess for a fifth time in a row. Yet in between the repetition, there’s endless curiosity, affection, fun, laughter, and learning for both sides. Every day that passes shape my children and myself. Mostly for the good and occasionally for the bad. No one is perfect at their job in the first place and as I said, it’s constant trial and learn with my own.

Still, I love it immensely. To be able to raise and instill what I’ve learned over 27 years of life is a dream. Two wondrous souls that absorb everything, always wanting to experiment, be messy and play. I try to fit basic schooling in whenever possible, but anyone with toddlers know they only stay in once place for so long. No day is ever the same with them. I never fully know what to expect, or what I’m going to hear from either one of my daughters’ mouths.

Speaking of, they truly are my biggest motivation and the only reason I’ll forever need to keep this job. Inside them is limitless moxie and spunk and with that, I want them to want better for this world, as I do. Starting off with the most important thing, which is selflove. I fully believe having authentic love for yourself is crucial to being successful throughout life. So even though both my children’s birth certificates label them as females, if there ever comes a time when they’re certain they aren’t, there won’t be any hesitation on my part to change or deny it. It’s not my job to force or tell them who to be, rather it’s to help them find and fall in love with that person. As RuPaul says, ‘If you can’t love yourself, how the hell you gonna love someone else?’ No truer statement Queen.

All I hope is that by showing them how to love themselves properly, they’ll bestow upon others the same sincere and undisputed love. Almost like a pay if forward with love, because isn’t that really what’s important? Adding a whole lot more of love to this world? More love for every person, despite their race, gender, sexuality, culture and wage class. More love for every animal suffering and our planet, that we’re destroying little by little, every single day for power and greed.

Either way, I believe love is the answer and that it is my job to ensure my children grow up thinking that too. What I really what to gain from this work, if you can call it that, is memories and moments. Ones that will last me until the end of my days, bringing feelings of nostalgia and wide smiles to my face when I’m old and retired. Let's face it, when that day comes, there won't be one regret or doubt concerning my time spent doing this job. That's the one thing I know for certain in this life.