Mommy's Leaving on the Parkway

In less than two weeks, I will be boarding a plane from and flying nearly 3,000 miles to attend this year's BlogHer Conference in San Francisco, CA, where I will have the extreme pleasure of being able to re-visit with dear blogging friends and thrilled to be meeting some of my sisters in blogging, for the first time!

Traveling across the country, to a strange city, sharing a bed and one bathroom with two other women [waves to Donna and Shannon] and then representing...you know...myself, in front of hundreds of other bloggers, in something other than pajamas - not so much!

Stepping out from behind your blog can be awkward - trust me, having approached and then eventually alienating dozens of non-huggers, I know - but, for those of you wondering what it's like, having to explain to your kids mommy's leaving and...NO!...they can't come...well...that, my friends, just sucks wet poodle!

Until, I get on the plane - see paragraph 2!

So, to give you an idea of what I'm feeling, here's a little song I wrote dedicated to all Mommies - BlogHers and friends, thereof - who will be leaving their little honeys behind:

LEAVING ON THE PARKWAY
[Adapted from the Original Words and music by John Denver’s, “Leaving on a Jet Plane”]

All my bags are packed; I'm ready to go,
I'm standing here outside your bedroom door,
I hate to wake you up to say good-bye.
But the dawn is breakin',
It's early morn,
Daddy’s waitin'
He's blowin' the horn,
Already I'm so anxious, I don’t know why.

So kiss me and smile for me,
Tell me that you'll brush your teeth,
I’ll be home soon; you’ve got to let me go.
'Cause I'm leavin' on the parkway,
Don’t know if it’s jammed up again today,
Oh, babe, I hate to go.

There are so many times I’ve meant to leave this town,
So many times I’ve turned around,
I need a day or two away alone.
Ev'ry place I go I'll think of you,
Ev'ry star I see, I’ll wish for you,
When I come back I'll bring you a souvenir.

So kiss me and smile for me,
Tell me that you'll eat your peas,
Mind your Aunt or I may never go again.
'Cause I'm leavin' on the parkway,
Don’t worry and please don't cry,
Oh, babe, I have to go.

Now the time has come, I have to leave you,
One more time, please let your poor Aunt feed you.
Then wipe your face and mind your manners please.

Dream about the days to come
Of pizza pies and ice cream cones,
About the times I won't have to say:

Clean your room and brush your teeth.
Don’t stay up late or fuss too much,
No, I have no time for another board game now.

'Cause I'm leavin' on the parkway,
I have just got to getaway,
Oh, babe, I need to go.
I’m leavin' on the parkway,
But I’ll be back again and please don't cry,
Oh, babe, because I love you so.

Sometimes, it's really hard to be the Momma...yes?  Going to BlogHer?  Then, I really do hope we get a chance to meet in San Francisco - along with the other bazillion people, already there - and be sure to give me a hug; heaven knows we Mommies have to stick together and will ALL need one, for sure!

Original New Jersey Moms Blog post - Liz also writes for the Imperfect Parent and can be found, hiding-out, in her blog This Full House and no doubt is missing her kids...ALREADY!