Dearest @ihatediabetes , can I ever identify with you. I wish you and I lived down the street from each other. We could crank up some music, put the kettle on, and enjoy a hot cuppa before we tackle the mountains of paperwork.

I have calendars and planners, baskets and folding files, binders and desks. All in an attempt at some semblance of order and peace. We homeschool our little Einstein, and we love it. But there is so, so much paperwork. And it all has to be done in a timely manner. I have had two foot surgeries this summer and it is rather difficult to navigate through every single VERY imporatant piece of paper.

It didn't help matters that I had to print out the forms for admission and registration. Well, somebody, we won't say who, dragged their feet and waited until the last possible moment to purchase the ink. After signing about fifty sheets of paper and declaring on my Aunt Fran's grave that everything I have declared is the Gospel Truth, I am ready to hand deliver the check for the Homeschool covering.

Thank God the Administrator is not usually in her office except on certain days. I know she is beginning to think I am some member of the Witness Protection Program. Frankly, at this point, I don't even care. Just having to fill out even MORE paperwotk, and send the Homeschool Legal Defense Association $40.00 more to expedite the process of applying, makes me want to sign myself up for a nice , long stay at Happy Valley Sanitarium.

I'm totally serious. I pay my taxes. I don't lie to my dentist when he suspects me of chewing food on the side of my temporary crown, which broke and came off, by the way. I have my correct weight on my driver's license. I tell the truth and nothing but the truth when I witness an altercation, a car wreck, or an incident of discrimination. I'm a nice person. Kids and babies love me. I teach classes at church and play the piano.

I don't deserve this and neither do you. We are the Rosie the Riveters of this generation where brilliant minds are driven senseless while completing umpteen forms that ask you the same questions repeatedly, to try and trick you to say the wrong thing. Which is the right thing. But we are honest women! We are going to say the right thing!

Enough of this, I say! It is time for us to stand up and do the right thing! Let us make our way to Starbucks, and then do some retail therapy. To support the economy, of course! Be strong, my sisters! Do not let that mountain of paperwork defeat you! Let us be free! Oh...and don't forget. "We are better together!" This is Mamacita, Mayo Clinic Volunteer Mentor, signing off!