AWP: Days two and three (continued)

I realized a few important things about myself that I've denied for about twenty-three years:

1. I need food pretty regularly

2. I can function without sleep, but I do need some

Without these two things, I start losing my sanity and emotional stability. Now that more is required of me (I love being a mom!), I need to get a grip and move forward. This is another one of those DUH moments. I know.

I loved the conference. I learned more about book presses, which is interesting and good. I saw Philip Lopate up close and appreciated his kindness. I enjoyed Kim Dana Kupperman and need to research her more.

At the temple.

After morning pillow fights. Levi's a ham.

The last session I went to was "Never Enough Naptime: Writing with Small Children." Hm. I anticipated this one a lot. Not that I expected some great secret to be revealed. Not anything really, but I was disappointed. I'm a mom first. And I want to be a good mom. Yes kids are resilient, but that doesn't mean they should be left on their own. While sitting there I realized that I have to let go of my old perfectionist standards. People forget things. They miss appointments. They run late. They can't write for hours a day. They wonder if they're losing it. And, shockingly enough, I'm part of "people"! Another thing I've denied for twenty-three years. I don't know how I'm going to make this shift, but it needs to be done.

In between not sleeping and the conference, Wesley, Levi and I walked around Denver (because we're at a security code orange we couldn't go to the Mint or capital building. Bummer). We enjoyed the mile long mall and watching people there (we're not shoppers). We drove north through lovely neighborhoods and the university and saw the temple. We drove a bit more so we could see the temple and the city from higher up. (Tried to take a picture: failed). Although we've redefined "family vacation" to "sleep deprivation," we enjoyed being together. We bought a box of granola bars to give to people asking for money (Wesley's idea). We went to a cute grocery store in a parking garage and made tacos. We opened and closed cupboards with Levi. In short, we had a marvelous time--we're so glad to be home.