I recently got a job. I know, you roll your eyes because you too, work full-time. Well I haven't worked full-time since before my children were born. That would be sixteen years to be specific. Since then, I've been at home, a volunteer in the classroom, running to the doctor's office, grocery story, Tae Kwon Do, softball, basketball. You get the picture.
The job is contractual and I'm done October 1. I look very forward to it. So in honor of Mother's Day I thought I'd share a few thoughts about why I miss being a stay-at-home mom and remember they're in no particular order.
My kids. Actually what I really miss is taking them places. No, I hate driving around for hours at a time. But at least while we're in the car I have a chance to talk to them. They might not want to talk to me but at least they see and hear me.
Sleeping in. It used to be 8:30 in the morning. Now sleeping in is roughly 5:30am. That is if I don't have to wash my hair in the morning.
Procrastinating. Yeah there's something in the idea that there’s always time tomorrow. You might not get as much done but eventually you will.
Napping. That's self explanatory, because really who doesn’t like a good nap in the middle of the day?
I miss stuff for my kids. I don't like that. I've missed doctor’s appointments and track meets. I can't always take off and be there, that's a little disconcerting.
Working on my book for lengthy periods of time. Now I have only a few hours and it might take all that time to finally get into the groove. Now I have to accept a sentence as being good enough.
Getting all my errands done when no one is around. It’s awfully crowded after work. I much prefer daytime shopping.
Re-runs of Gilmore Girls. Since they're on at 10 am I'm just not around to watch them. For some reason that show just make me happy.
Not feeling so tired all the time. It’s exhausting getting up early and I can’t quite figure out how to make it to bed before 10:30 pm.
Lunching with the ladies. Okay I really don’t lunch with the ladies but I could if I wanted to when I was at home. It’s simply knowing that makes it worthwhile.
I've gotta admit though, the bonus to working outside the house is continuity, and having a place to go. It's also about talking to real adults, gaining experience and possibly bringing something to my writing. Though I'm not writing as much as I'd like, I find myself far more productive in other ways and for that, I guess the experience is worth it. Not to mention at the end of the day, there's always a pay check to enjoy.
It’s a change, and in the end I’m sure I’ll be used to it, just as the contract writing gig winds it’s way down and is done. Happy Mother's Day!