Practically Perfect in Every Way

I graduated from college with a B.A. in Communications.  My concentration was in "performance studies" and all of that is just a fancy way of saying that I played around in the theater for a few years and then they gave me a diploma.  Once I got out into the world and began looking for a job I remember wishing I had chosen something more practical as my major.  Something like accounting or animal husbandry or something else with a clear career path. 

The other day I was yelling out ten minute, five minute, and two minute warnings to help keep my children focused on getting Harrison out the door and to school on time.  It reminded me of moments I spent as a stage manager.  I took a look at my life and realized that all of my dilly-dallying in the theater was great preparation for my role as mother.

I am the stage manager: keeping track of our schedule, making sure things get done on time, letting everyone know when to turn off the lights and shut the doors.

I am the director: guiding, encouraging, comforting, reminding, and occasionally giving line readings ("What do you say . . .?").

I am the producer.  Hopefully that one's self-explanatory.

I am the costume designer,wardrobe supervisor, and dresser.

I am the actor: showing enthusiasm for each and every picture drawn, bouquet of weeds picked, and level of Lego Star Wars beaten. 

I am the props master.  The set designer.  The stagehand.  And craft service.  (Kraft service?) 

Mr. Shakespeare was right. "All the world's a stage."  And it would seem my choice of study was not completely lacking in practicality.