I'd like you to welcome Serena from Bewildered Bug as she shares her take on how to find some time for you.
FOCUS ON YOURSELF AND YOU WILL FIND YOUR "ME TIME"
If you follow my blog, you will know that this year in particular has been crazy busy...wait...I mean CRAZY BUSY (yes capitals, bold AND Italic) for me.
I've managed to get through seven months of no free weekends and definitely not much "me-time".
I've finally reached my limit, so I've recently decided that I need to declutter my life - and I don't mean with a mop and broom. I mean I need to clear my schedule a bit, learn to use the words "No thank you" again and to "disappear" for a bit, do what I want, when I want, with whom I want....or by myself.
One of the promises I've made to myself is to become more independent again - to do what I'd like to do regardless of what the hubby wants to do.
I am creating me time. And I don't care who protests - because if I don't get it, there will be one very annoyed bug walking around here - and I PROMISE that won't be pleasant.
I thought I'd share my "me-time" efforts with you because I know a lot of you are as busy and perhaps more busy than I am. So I hope you are able to implement some of these into your life as well.
1) Make yourself a private corner in your home. I had done this when we first moved into our apartment, but my reading chair in the quiet corner quickly became the dumping ground for my husband's junk and for his clothes (yes for some reason the word laundry basket is beyond him). I recently threw all his clothes on him and told him to do the laundry and then cleaned up my corner, even expanding it and including a blogging/crafting table! And he is not allowed to come near it. The TV may be his, this area is MINE.
I actually got this idea from a home redesign show a few years ago (I cannot remember the name), in which this poor lady had five boys (all under the age of eight!) and was going nutty. So they designed an area in the house for her alone. They put a folding screen so that when she was there, no one was allowed to call her, to bug her or to approach her. She could still keep an ear out for potential disasters, but she was able to get a few precious moments on her own per day.
I haven't put up a folding screen......yet.....
2) Need to relax? Go for a mani-pedi. Yes I hear you, you have kids to feed, you have a house to look after....I am not a Mommy and I am not going to criticize that. However, I am going to say - you need your time alone and that if you really think, you can manage at least one mani-pedi per month. I live in the city so it is easy for me. There are four nail places within five minutes walk from me - all except one with the cool massage chair/pedicure chair combo. I went for one today and got a back massage...and I am completely renewed because I had a few minutes today to myself.
What's even better about the cheap places - is that there are usually week day specials - so if you work, or if you have no one to look after the kids during the day, just get to the place before it closes (as in as soon as your hubby walks in the door), shut your mind off from anything except you and just enjoy the luxury for an hour.
3) Make a list of things YOU would like to do and find a way to do it. Not your husband, not your kids, what would you like to do? Now what do you have to do to make that a reality? Stop getting permission to do stuff that you used to do pre-kids - just arrange a sitter, drag your hubby (or not) and go do it! Make a date with your hubby and/or yourself and concentrate on that moment - not the fact that maybe your house may be on fire.
4) Remember when you were single? What hobby/activity made you ecstatic and why don't you do it anymore? (Okay, there may be some R or X rated answers - I'm talking PG here people!). Let's make sure you find someway to enjoy that activity or hobby again. I set up a crafting table - I haven't done crafts or painting in decades - but I always enjoyed it even if I was not that good at it. It calms me. Also, I started blogging and doing reviews.... Next? Maybe I'll start playing the piano again.
My husband has not been complaining about my crafting, painting or blogging because if you twist it so that your partner sees it as a potential source of income, he may actually encourage you (again from personal experience) and offer to look after the kids to allow you to do your work.
In the end, what I've learnt is finding me-time is really a decision you have to make and an action that you have to implement.
So, if you find that your husband is keeping you back from life (*cough cough like my hubby seems to be doing recently cough cough*), the kids are overwhelming, the in-laws are driving you crazy, the dog has soiled your white carpet yet again or that you wake up in the morning wishing you were someone else, somewhere else with a different life - as long as it were not yours.......then you need to decide to focus on yourself for a change.
Good luck ladies - it's not easy, but once you've done it you'll be really happy you did.
Keep in touch and let me know how it goes!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
An Uninvited Guest
This week was supposed to be for talking about taking a time out. Stepping away from chaos and mayhem and gathering your own thoughts, even if only for a few precious moments. However, an uninvited guest named Irene has done nothing but create chaos and mayhem and has interrupted regularly scheduled programming.
I'm happy to be sitting here at my computer writing this post because it means I finally have my internet service back! However, I also realize I have no business being upset that I had no cable or internet. All around me there are friends with no power, friends who have severe flooding, friends with damaged homes and properties. I count my blessings that I weathered the storm unscathed.
For those who did not fare so well, I pray that picking up the pieces will not be far off or too difficult.
I'm happy to be sitting here at my computer writing this post because it means I finally have my internet service back! However, I also realize I have no business being upset that I had no cable or internet. All around me there are friends with no power, friends who have severe flooding, friends with damaged homes and properties. I count my blessings that I weathered the storm unscathed.
For those who did not fare so well, I pray that picking up the pieces will not be far off or too difficult.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
The Kid's Take
Back to school is right around the corner. If it was up to my two boys, they'd never have to go back to school and they'd live the life of leisure. If it was up to my daughter, there would never be any days off from school! I asked them about how they felt about returning to school and what they thought they should do to prepare (other than stalking the mailbox until the teacher assignment letters come!). Their answers reflect their personalities.
The 10 year old who is entering 5th grade:
How do you feel about going back to school?
A mixture of excited, sadness and curiosity. I'm excited to see who is in my class. I'm curious to see who my teacher is and what their personality is. I'm sad that summer is over and I have to go back to all my activities. I like relaxing in the summer.
What do you do to get ready to go back to school?
I put stuff in my book bag and leave. {spoken like such a man in the making. You should have seen the expression on his face when I asked him this question.}
The 9 year old who is entering 4th grade:
How do you feel about going back to school?
Not the best because I don't like school. Another 180 days of not summer.
What do you do to get ready to go back to school?
{I may have missed something because I was laughing so hard}
* Eat. {what?! I asked him to clarify how that works into going back to school} Because I have new lunch times and I have to get used to eating around that time. {this kids life revolves around eating. I don't know how he is so darn skinny}
* Watch as much TV as I can because I won't have a good chance to watch it once school starts.
* I hope their is a crazy hat day so I can wear my cat in the hat hat.
* Learn who my teacher is.
* Play outside
The 7 year old who is entering 2nd grade:
How do you feel about going back to school?
AWESOME! School is so fun! I can't wait to find out who my teacher is and be able to tell time better.
What do you think you should do to get ready to go back to school?
{keep in mind she wants to be a first grade teacher when she grows up}
* Know what you are going to wear on the first day of school
* Remember your teacher's name
* Remember to bring your smile
* Remember everything you learned last year
The 10 year old who is entering 5th grade:
How do you feel about going back to school?
A mixture of excited, sadness and curiosity. I'm excited to see who is in my class. I'm curious to see who my teacher is and what their personality is. I'm sad that summer is over and I have to go back to all my activities. I like relaxing in the summer.
What do you do to get ready to go back to school?
I put stuff in my book bag and leave. {spoken like such a man in the making. You should have seen the expression on his face when I asked him this question.}
The 9 year old who is entering 4th grade:
How do you feel about going back to school?
Not the best because I don't like school. Another 180 days of not summer.
What do you do to get ready to go back to school?
{I may have missed something because I was laughing so hard}
* Eat. {what?! I asked him to clarify how that works into going back to school} Because I have new lunch times and I have to get used to eating around that time. {this kids life revolves around eating. I don't know how he is so darn skinny}
* Watch as much TV as I can because I won't have a good chance to watch it once school starts.
* I hope their is a crazy hat day so I can wear my cat in the hat hat.
* Learn who my teacher is.
* Play outside
The 7 year old who is entering 2nd grade:
How do you feel about going back to school?
AWESOME! School is so fun! I can't wait to find out who my teacher is and be able to tell time better.
What do you think you should do to get ready to go back to school?
{keep in mind she wants to be a first grade teacher when she grows up}
* Know what you are going to wear on the first day of school
* Remember your teacher's name
* Remember to bring your smile
* Remember everything you learned last year
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
A Teacher's Advice
To get a teacher's point of view on heading back to school, I invited Sarah from Yes, Teacher.
This will be my seventh back-to-school season as a special education teacher. It is truly a bittersweet time: on the one hand, the summer joys of having no responsibilities are drawing to a close; on the other hand, a brand new school year with brand new kiddos is starting!
A teacher does several things to get ready for the school year:
1. School supply shopping. Yes, we go broke too!
2. Getting the classroom ready - this can take many, many days.
3. Researching and planning fun, new back-to-school activities.
4. Trying to forget ALL of the summer fun you had. Developing short-term amnesia makes getting back into the habits of work a little easier!
And as a teacher, I always hope that kids and their parents are getting ready by:
1. School supply shopping - already done? Consider buying extra supplies to donate to children in need. I can't tell you how heartbreaking it is to see the sadness in a student's eyes when he/she has NO supplies to drop off on the first day of school!
2. Getting into the habit of going to bed and waking up earlier.
3. Reading daily!
4. Packing in some last minute family fun!
But whether we're all ready or not, soon enough I'll be standing in front of a new group of students; we'll all be wearing our brand new back-to-school outfits and smiling in anticipation of what the new school year will bring!
~Sarah
A teacher does several things to get ready for the school year:
1. School supply shopping. Yes, we go broke too!
2. Getting the classroom ready - this can take many, many days.
3. Researching and planning fun, new back-to-school activities.
4. Trying to forget ALL of the summer fun you had. Developing short-term amnesia makes getting back into the habits of work a little easier!
And as a teacher, I always hope that kids and their parents are getting ready by:
1. School supply shopping - already done? Consider buying extra supplies to donate to children in need. I can't tell you how heartbreaking it is to see the sadness in a student's eyes when he/she has NO supplies to drop off on the first day of school!
2. Getting into the habit of going to bed and waking up earlier.
3. Reading daily!
4. Packing in some last minute family fun!
But whether we're all ready or not, soon enough I'll be standing in front of a new group of students; we'll all be wearing our brand new back-to-school outfits and smiling in anticipation of what the new school year will bring!
~Sarah
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Getting Ready for School
I have friends who have had a countdown to the first day of school since the last day of school. While I must admit I was a little hesitant for summer to start now that school is looming, I don't want it to end. Have the kids driven me crazy this summer? At times. But we've had a lot of fun too.
Back to school doesn't just mean starting school....it also means back to craziness and mayhem. It is the start of CCD, dance, scouts, sports, all of the activities that keep us on the run. Our summer schedule is so much more relaxed and I'm not ready to give that up. But since I can't fight the inevitable, I guess it is time to prepare.
Shopping seems to be the biggest way I prepare. I start stockpiling juice boxes and snacks for the lunch boxes, scouring the sales for school supplies (notebooks for a penny at Staples this week!) It is also a great time to take stock of what the kids have outgrown, clean out some drawers for donations, and grab some great new things on sale. What would the first day of school be without a great new outfit?
About a week or so before school starts I start getting the kids back on a school bedtime schedule. Luckily this isn't usually too difficult because I don't let them go too awry over the summer. Our school start time is late too, so if we aren't on a perfect schedule it is usually okay.
I encourage my kids to read all summer and occasionally I give them a workbook to do with some math problems. I try not to let them get too far into the "summer slide". As school grows closer I push this a little more just to help them get into the routine of schoolwork.
For a last hurrah I pack in the play dates, look over the summer list and try to fit in a few last moments of fun!
What else is left except to stalk the mailman along with the kids waiting for the teacher assignments?
Back to school doesn't just mean starting school....it also means back to craziness and mayhem. It is the start of CCD, dance, scouts, sports, all of the activities that keep us on the run. Our summer schedule is so much more relaxed and I'm not ready to give that up. But since I can't fight the inevitable, I guess it is time to prepare.
Shopping seems to be the biggest way I prepare. I start stockpiling juice boxes and snacks for the lunch boxes, scouring the sales for school supplies (notebooks for a penny at Staples this week!) It is also a great time to take stock of what the kids have outgrown, clean out some drawers for donations, and grab some great new things on sale. What would the first day of school be without a great new outfit?
About a week or so before school starts I start getting the kids back on a school bedtime schedule. Luckily this isn't usually too difficult because I don't let them go too awry over the summer. Our school start time is late too, so if we aren't on a perfect schedule it is usually okay.
I encourage my kids to read all summer and occasionally I give them a workbook to do with some math problems. I try not to let them get too far into the "summer slide". As school grows closer I push this a little more just to help them get into the routine of schoolwork.
For a last hurrah I pack in the play dates, look over the summer list and try to fit in a few last moments of fun!
What else is left except to stalk the mailman along with the kids waiting for the teacher assignments?
Monday, August 22, 2011
Back to School
How does your family prepare for going back to school? Do you start setting your alarms? Make your kids do book reports? (yes, I've been known to do this!) Have a shopping spree? Wake up on the first day and wing it? Weigh in!
If you have any tips on how to make the transition easier please share!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
My Secret Place
Ever since I've become a mom I've been trying to cultivate the perfect hiding spots. Since you just never know when or why you will have the need to flee, the perfect hiding spot has a few specifications they must meet to make them perfect. They need to have enough room that I don't feel claustrophobic, I need to have the option to bring food, and it must be able to have phone service, whether from my house or cell phone. Oh, and light to read by is helpful. A bathroom would be great (hey, you never know how long you'll be holed up in your hiding place!) but I have found this to be too difficult to obtain. And the bathroom is way too obvious of a spot to hide.
I've debated a long time whether to write this post. I mean, what if they found it? I'd be had. I'd be forced out in the open. I'd lose my hiding place. I may never hear the end of it that I purposely hide on them; right now I can get away with saying they just didn't see me and I must not have heard them.
However, after some searching I've decided to share my special places. This is my gift from one mother to another.
When my kids were little I used to hide in my closet. I came upon this spot one day when I was in search of finding a spot to have my phone conversation without a thousand interruptions. I kept going from room to room only to be followed or found. I decided to duck into my closet and low and behold, my sanctuary had been found. Even when my kids entered my room to look for me, they never thought to open the closet door. Even when it dawned on them to look in my bathroom, they still did not think to look in my closet. It came to be my hiding spot whenever I needed a time out. I could make myself a cozy little pillow with some clothes and just close my eyes and count to 10 (or 10,000).
Then my husband found me.
While I still use my closet in a pinch, I have since found two new spots.
I came upon my car as a perfect spot when I had the need to storm out of the house. I had had enough and just wanted out. I went stomping out the front door and then thought "now what?". I stood there for a minute deep breathing and looking around when I saw my mini van just sitting there in my driveway. I thought to myself, "why not?". I snuck back into the house, grabbed my keys and a magazine and climbed on in. I reclined the seat back so I couldn't be seen and proceeded to flip through my magazine. When searching for mommy nobody ever thinks to look outside. And if by chance they do? Their quick glance doesn't detect a reclining mom. I have since discovered a cell phone is a great device to have too...I can call a friend, check in on twitter, bitch on facebook...you have to love technology.
I don't remember when I discovered my next spot but the next spot is genius. Genius. It is the top bunk of my boys beds. You may be thinking to yourself that would be way to easy to be spotted but people, I kid you not, the kids have been in the same room with me and have not seen me. My older son never climbs up into his bed except for bedtime and since his bed tends to be a disheveled mess he would never notice upon entering the room that the comforter is pushed up against the railing. Yup, the comforter provides my cover. A comfy pillow and mattress makes for a great place to take a little cat nap or read a book.
For more Writer's Workshop visit Mama Kat
I've debated a long time whether to write this post. I mean, what if they found it? I'd be had. I'd be forced out in the open. I'd lose my hiding place. I may never hear the end of it that I purposely hide on them; right now I can get away with saying they just didn't see me and I must not have heard them.
However, after some searching I've decided to share my special places. This is my gift from one mother to another.
When my kids were little I used to hide in my closet. I came upon this spot one day when I was in search of finding a spot to have my phone conversation without a thousand interruptions. I kept going from room to room only to be followed or found. I decided to duck into my closet and low and behold, my sanctuary had been found. Even when my kids entered my room to look for me, they never thought to open the closet door. Even when it dawned on them to look in my bathroom, they still did not think to look in my closet. It came to be my hiding spot whenever I needed a time out. I could make myself a cozy little pillow with some clothes and just close my eyes and count to 10 (or 10,000).
Then my husband found me.
While I still use my closet in a pinch, I have since found two new spots.
I came upon my car as a perfect spot when I had the need to storm out of the house. I had had enough and just wanted out. I went stomping out the front door and then thought "now what?". I stood there for a minute deep breathing and looking around when I saw my mini van just sitting there in my driveway. I thought to myself, "why not?". I snuck back into the house, grabbed my keys and a magazine and climbed on in. I reclined the seat back so I couldn't be seen and proceeded to flip through my magazine. When searching for mommy nobody ever thinks to look outside. And if by chance they do? Their quick glance doesn't detect a reclining mom. I have since discovered a cell phone is a great device to have too...I can call a friend, check in on twitter, bitch on facebook...you have to love technology.
I don't remember when I discovered my next spot but the next spot is genius. Genius. It is the top bunk of my boys beds. You may be thinking to yourself that would be way to easy to be spotted but people, I kid you not, the kids have been in the same room with me and have not seen me. My older son never climbs up into his bed except for bedtime and since his bed tends to be a disheveled mess he would never notice upon entering the room that the comforter is pushed up against the railing. Yup, the comforter provides my cover. A comfy pillow and mattress makes for a great place to take a little cat nap or read a book.
For more Writer's Workshop visit Mama Kat
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Wordless Wednesday: Wasps
I just wish I had a picture of my husband in his battle gear as he waged war on the wasps.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Just Dance Summer Party
We own Just Dance and Just Dance 2 and play them frequently. My daughter especially loves these games. I find them a good way to get up and move while still having fun. An added bonus for this non-video-game-savvy-mom is it is a video game I can actually play with the kids. So when I was given the opportunity to review Just Dance Summer Party, I jumped (or danced!) at the chance. Summer may be winding down but you can still dance the night away with Just Dance Summer Party!
The Summer Dance party version has lots of fun songs to dance along to. You can hear newer songs like Katy Perry's Firework and classics such as Born To Be Wild. There are even a few songs on here that I've never heard of such as Chicken Payback and Professeur Pumplestickle. One of my favorite songs to dance along to on this version is Pump up the Volume! I love finding songs I used to listen to when I was younger. I really get into them and my kids just look at me like I'm nuts. But anyway...
Like other versions of Just Dance there are lots of great features:
I was playing around in the menu options and came across a Warm Up. It is just like when you go to that aerobics class at the gym, some simple stretching and warm up exercises before you start to shake your booty!
In the Just Dance mode my favorite feature is the nonstop shuffle. It still takes a few seconds in between songs but seems to be a little faster than going back out to the menu and picking your song. For me, this is an important feature when you are trying to keep moving and dance off some calories.
Just Sweat keeps track of your sweat points. You can choose from mild, tough and intense and depending on the intensity of the songs you choose will determine how many songs you will need to do to reach the desired level of points. An important feature they are missing here is the nonstop shuffle. This is where I want to keep moving! I don't want to take the time to stop and keep picking out new songs. I'm not a computer programmer, but I'd love to see them create a shuffle that starts with a slower paced song and works up to the fast paced more intense songs and then work back down again....just like a work out.
In Dance Battle you can compete against others. There are a few different games in this mode. We don't tend to play this mode so I don't have much to say here.
I was going to ask my kids to help me write a review from their perspective but I decided to let them show off how much they enjoy it instead:
Dancing to Katy Perry's Firework
This family gives Just Dance Summer Party 2 thumbs up! You can pick up your own copy and get the party started!
Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this blog post. Please click here to learn more about Ubisoft. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own.
The Summer Dance party version has lots of fun songs to dance along to. You can hear newer songs like Katy Perry's Firework and classics such as Born To Be Wild. There are even a few songs on here that I've never heard of such as Chicken Payback and Professeur Pumplestickle. One of my favorite songs to dance along to on this version is Pump up the Volume! I love finding songs I used to listen to when I was younger. I really get into them and my kids just look at me like I'm nuts. But anyway...
Like other versions of Just Dance there are lots of great features:
I was playing around in the menu options and came across a Warm Up. It is just like when you go to that aerobics class at the gym, some simple stretching and warm up exercises before you start to shake your booty!
In the Just Dance mode my favorite feature is the nonstop shuffle. It still takes a few seconds in between songs but seems to be a little faster than going back out to the menu and picking your song. For me, this is an important feature when you are trying to keep moving and dance off some calories.
Just Sweat keeps track of your sweat points. You can choose from mild, tough and intense and depending on the intensity of the songs you choose will determine how many songs you will need to do to reach the desired level of points. An important feature they are missing here is the nonstop shuffle. This is where I want to keep moving! I don't want to take the time to stop and keep picking out new songs. I'm not a computer programmer, but I'd love to see them create a shuffle that starts with a slower paced song and works up to the fast paced more intense songs and then work back down again....just like a work out.
In Dance Battle you can compete against others. There are a few different games in this mode. We don't tend to play this mode so I don't have much to say here.
I was going to ask my kids to help me write a review from their perspective but I decided to let them show off how much they enjoy it instead:
Dancing to Katy Perry's Firework
This family gives Just Dance Summer Party 2 thumbs up! You can pick up your own copy and get the party started!
Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this blog post. Please click here to learn more about Ubisoft. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own.
Monday, August 15, 2011
He Didn't Notice
Let me start by saying I love my husband. He is a good husband and an even better father. However, I've always said my husband wasn't overly observant and at times it drives me crazy. I'd like to offer you a little proof of how unobservant he is. These are things I've done in the past week that he didn't notice:
- Got my hair cut and colored
- Had my son's hair trimmed
- Got a manicure
- Got a pedicure
- Spent quite a bit of money at Lia Sophia/Pampered Chef/Longaberger parties
- Hired a babysitter and planned a date night.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Camp Grandparents
My kids have been away at Camp Grandparents for the past few day. Camp Grandparents, such a beautiful thing.
I've decided everyone needs parents like mine. While they drive me insane, they love my kids and even better, they want to spend a lot of time with my kids. They rotate taking my kids on "vacation" throughout the year. Sometimes it will be one child, sometimes two, occasionally all three. I repeat, it is a lovely thing.
While all three kids have been off enjoying the grandparents, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't enjoying myself. The most valued part of my kids being off having fun is my quiet mornings. I'm not a morning person and most mornings include me being woken up by someone whining, screaming, or beating the crap out of a sibling. For three glorious mornings I've been able to take my time about waking up and enjoy my coffee with a side of peace and quiet.
The other great thing? My husband and I have been taking advantage of not needing a babysitter to go out. We really don't get out all that often. Finding a babysitter, making plans well ahead of time so we can book the sitter...it is all a pain, never mind out busy schedule. So in the past few evenings we've been down to Atlantic City, out to dinner, off on walks, and able to talk without a gazillion interruptions. It's been nice.
Last night my husband made an observation that I've been relaxed, not crabby and generally in a good mood. He told someone that he thought I was always mad at him and that it was nice to see I really did like him, it was the kids that stressed and tired me out. That may have been the best thing that came out of Camp Grandparents.
Now I'm off to enjoy my last cup of coffee in peace. The countdown has begun for the return of my babies.
I've decided everyone needs parents like mine. While they drive me insane, they love my kids and even better, they want to spend a lot of time with my kids. They rotate taking my kids on "vacation" throughout the year. Sometimes it will be one child, sometimes two, occasionally all three. I repeat, it is a lovely thing.
While all three kids have been off enjoying the grandparents, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't enjoying myself. The most valued part of my kids being off having fun is my quiet mornings. I'm not a morning person and most mornings include me being woken up by someone whining, screaming, or beating the crap out of a sibling. For three glorious mornings I've been able to take my time about waking up and enjoy my coffee with a side of peace and quiet.
The other great thing? My husband and I have been taking advantage of not needing a babysitter to go out. We really don't get out all that often. Finding a babysitter, making plans well ahead of time so we can book the sitter...it is all a pain, never mind out busy schedule. So in the past few evenings we've been down to Atlantic City, out to dinner, off on walks, and able to talk without a gazillion interruptions. It's been nice.
Last night my husband made an observation that I've been relaxed, not crabby and generally in a good mood. He told someone that he thought I was always mad at him and that it was nice to see I really did like him, it was the kids that stressed and tired me out. That may have been the best thing that came out of Camp Grandparents.
Now I'm off to enjoy my last cup of coffee in peace. The countdown has begun for the return of my babies.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
A birthday and a prize
Today is my husband's birthday. Now, I realize this is usually where I should start singing his praises about what a wonderful husband and father he is, but that is rather predictable. Don't you think? So instead I'm going to tell you a tale about how I'm not receiving a prize forWife of the Year. (unless it is worst wife of the year, that is)
It all started a few days ago when I realized I couldn't find a present that I had bought him. I guess that is what I get for trying to be on top of things and shopping early. I fear it has been swallowed up by my bedroom closet. I gave a feeble attempt to sift through some crap in there the other day but was quickly discouraged. At this point I'm just hoping it makes an appearance by Christmas time. (and hopefully by osmosis, I really don't have the energy to tackle that beast of a closet). Luckily the kids have some things to give him. Oops...just realized I don't have a card for him either.
On MY birthday, I want to sleep in and then have my coffee (and maybe even a little breakfast) delivered to me in bed. This morning I woke up to the smell of pancakes cooking. When I got downstairs he handed me a freshly brewed cup of coffee. I realize that the whole process of that should have been reversed but hey, he knows he didn't marry a morning person.
Now he wants to spend the day on an outing. I'll pretend that I've gone along happily with it all. I wouldn't want you to think I'm a bitchy wife or anything :)
In my defense, I'm not used to having to fuss much over his birthday. He usually takes vacation in the beginning of August and we are away.
As long as I get breakfast in bed on MY birthday all is good.
It all started a few days ago when I realized I couldn't find a present that I had bought him. I guess that is what I get for trying to be on top of things and shopping early. I fear it has been swallowed up by my bedroom closet. I gave a feeble attempt to sift through some crap in there the other day but was quickly discouraged. At this point I'm just hoping it makes an appearance by Christmas time. (and hopefully by osmosis, I really don't have the energy to tackle that beast of a closet). Luckily the kids have some things to give him. Oops...just realized I don't have a card for him either.
On MY birthday, I want to sleep in and then have my coffee (and maybe even a little breakfast) delivered to me in bed. This morning I woke up to the smell of pancakes cooking. When I got downstairs he handed me a freshly brewed cup of coffee. I realize that the whole process of that should have been reversed but hey, he knows he didn't marry a morning person.
Now he wants to spend the day on an outing. I'll pretend that I've gone along happily with it all. I wouldn't want you to think I'm a bitchy wife or anything :)
In my defense, I'm not used to having to fuss much over his birthday. He usually takes vacation in the beginning of August and we are away.
As long as I get breakfast in bed on MY birthday all is good.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
When A Sick Day is Like a Day Off
I'd like you all to welcome my guest Becky from Frantic Mommy. She is the Queen of the Kingdom of TIRED. Over at her place she is usually good for a giggle or two. Today she talks about slowing down from her frantic life.
When A Sick Day is Like A Day Off
Last night, I was up with our 5 year-old who had a bad case of the Latest Evil Crappy Virus.
Hubby is out of town, so I am flying solo on this one.
It became very clear to me about 2:00 a.m I would not be going to work that morning.
Despite the fact I was freakin EXHAUSTED, and very concerned for her ( I hate high temps)..I was also RELIEVED.
Not disappointed.
I relished the thought of taking the day to slllooowwww down, to be with her.
To not fret about my To Do List that is as long as my arm.
To not worry if I am “making my monthly sales goal” at work.
To not race from destination to destination trying to cram it all in.
I was giving my frenetic lifestyle the big ol Middle Finger for 24 hours, just so I could hang with a little person who needed her Mom real bad.
As long as I don't have to clean up puke, it's all good :)
When A Sick Day is Like A Day Off
Last night, I was up with our 5 year-old who had a bad case of the Latest Evil Crappy Virus.
Hubby is out of town, so I am flying solo on this one.
It became very clear to me about 2:00 a.m I would not be going to work that morning.
Despite the fact I was freakin EXHAUSTED, and very concerned for her ( I hate high temps)..I was also RELIEVED.
Not disappointed.
I relished the thought of taking the day to slllooowwww down, to be with her.
To not fret about my To Do List that is as long as my arm.
To not worry if I am “making my monthly sales goal” at work.
To not race from destination to destination trying to cram it all in.
I was giving my frenetic lifestyle the big ol Middle Finger for 24 hours, just so I could hang with a little person who needed her Mom real bad.
As long as I don't have to clean up puke, it's all good :)
Monday, August 1, 2011
Vanity
By no means would I consider myself a vain person. I always say I was born without the hair and makeup gene, I've never quite figured out how to do either. I'm certainly not the girl you'll catch checking herself out in the mirror in a public restroom. You won't catch me in the most up to date fashion trends and though I normally wouldn't consider myself as dressing like a slob, if pressed hard enough, you may be able to get me to admit to leaving the house in pajamas a time or two.
However, in the summer the one piece of vanity I indulge in is pedicures. I hate feet and if we all insist on baring them in flip flops and sandals all summer long, the least we can do is try to pretty them up a little.
I went for this last pedicure when I unexpectedly found myself alone on a Saturday morning. I slipped off to the nail salon expecting to find it mobbed and I was pleasantly surprised to find I wasn't going to have to wait. While I was getting my feet done I was flipping through a magazine and updating my twitter feed. I also allowed myself to be talked into a manicure by the nail tech. (I normally skip manicures because I'm hard on my hands and my mani's are usually destroyed within hours of getting them).
While getting my mani it dawned on me that I'm not really there in the name of vanity but for time to myself. Alone time can be pretty hard to find over the summer and the hour or so it takes to get my nails done is the perfect way to recharge my batteries. I just has the added benefit of prettying up my feet.
However, in the summer the one piece of vanity I indulge in is pedicures. I hate feet and if we all insist on baring them in flip flops and sandals all summer long, the least we can do is try to pretty them up a little.
I went for this last pedicure when I unexpectedly found myself alone on a Saturday morning. I slipped off to the nail salon expecting to find it mobbed and I was pleasantly surprised to find I wasn't going to have to wait. While I was getting my feet done I was flipping through a magazine and updating my twitter feed. I also allowed myself to be talked into a manicure by the nail tech. (I normally skip manicures because I'm hard on my hands and my mani's are usually destroyed within hours of getting them).
While getting my mani it dawned on me that I'm not really there in the name of vanity but for time to myself. Alone time can be pretty hard to find over the summer and the hour or so it takes to get my nails done is the perfect way to recharge my batteries. I just has the added benefit of prettying up my feet.
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