I decided that I had several options as to how I'd approach the day, and I chose to put my game face on. I was going to tackle it at full force, no matter what the previous night's events would try to dictate.
Now, does this mean I made it out of my jammies? No. But I didn't make a Starbucks run either. I did do lots and lots of laundry and snuggled and took a fifteen minute nap that I say is better than nothing.
I opened the windows and breathed in the air. A storm was coming, I could just tell, but it wouldn't be here until night. I loved how the wind blew the grass and the clouds changed from white and fluffy to mysterious to fluffy again.
The kids played in the backyard for a long time. This was a wonderful "alone" time for me, I guess, even though I was watching them right through the screen door. They made up stories and things to do and never came in once the whole time to get a drink or a snack or a toy like usual.
I looked at my children and reminded myself that they were kinda my "work" and if I had to "go to a workplace" today I'd have showered, dressed, and made the best of my day no matter that I had no sleep and little legs and arms poking me in all directions. I felt that they- being the little lifes that I love more than my life itself- deserved better than what I would fake for some coworker at the end of the day. They deserved to have all of me and, although I didn't shower or dress up for them, I gave my all yesterday.
And I'm
So, my family is safe. I didn't have Starbucks or a real nap or a long hot bath or any real time to myself as hubby even worked late last night on top of that, too! But I am going shoe shopping today and I did make an appointment for a manicure tomorrow and I am so going out with the girls tomorrow night. And Sunday night, too. And I deserve it, thankyouverymuch.
Now, one good thing about blogging this is that I have a record of this exemplary behavior of mine. I am not so sure it's likely to be repeated.
My kids were hellions during the day, causing me to be oh so close to putting them to bed at 5:30. I changed my mind and decided to let them play while I cleaned instead. My house is spotless! There is nothing like "determined" cleaning.
ReplyDeleteGreat look at it! We choose to be "kinder" to people we work with than people we live with. I probably wouldn't complain to my co-workers/boss, the way I complain to my husband or kids. Anyway... thanks for the perspective! I will keep that in mind today!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I know "those" days all too well, and I can't say that I always come through as a winner, but it really does feel like an accomplishment when it happens!
ReplyDeleteGod gives us that extra grace when we
ReplyDeletedecide to put on the "game face" instead of letting our circumstances ruin us!
I am glad you made the best of it!
Great outlook! Isn't it true that we need to DETERMINE to have a good attitude? I know I do!
ReplyDeleteHave a great "me time" later!
Lori
I'm glad the day turned out OK for you! It is funny how much our attitude influences our mood! Way to go! I find shopping therapy to be one of the best cures for any "ailment". Have fun!
ReplyDeleteI love this. Great writing! You are one hard working mom!
ReplyDeleteGreat outlook girl! And shoe shopping? In THIS weather? Me and Carter WERE going to go to Target, but I'm thinking a less stormy day might be better. Enjoy your weekend. Manicure, AND two nights out. Jealous... :)
ReplyDeleteGood way to look at it as the other ladies said.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to my hubby working late and my son off to grandma's tonight. I too think I'm going shopping.
Because I gotta have something for a girls night out I feel. I deserve it!
Enjoy all your deserved time this weekend!
I can relate to your feeling that your kids are your work right now. That's how I feel also. I'm not perfect...like going to a job outside the home and having a bad day those happen at home also, but I do remind myself that I'm home where I want to be...raising my family like I always planned.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you made the best of your day because you made your mind up to do so. It always feels better once we do that. I remember feeling lighter than air because I was doing the dishes. For some reason it just hit me that night that I'm exactly where I always hoped and I need to relish it.
Good for you! I do hope you get lots of sleep between now and the baby, though. :)
Maybe its in the air, but my 2 year old was extremely crabby yesterday. I just stopped what I was doing and sat down with her for about 10 minutes and then she was fine..Good job on giving it your all and have fun with girls..
ReplyDeleteI think you should write a novel. When I was reading this I sucked in, like it was a really great book I was reading. I think you can do it.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had a pretty good day after all:)
Now, that's the daughter I raised....So proud of you. Enjoy your shoe shopping and night out with the girls.
ReplyDeleteYou're a terrific writer, Steph. I'm sorry you were so exhausted - I'm fighting something like that myself - but it does pass, eventually.
ReplyDeleteRegardless if you are a working mom from home or a working mom outside of the home, we are all moms and we all need some personal alone time. It is tough to wear so many hats at times and to get overwhelmed with the needs of others, but taking the time to breathe in and then exhale can give you such a new positive perspective can't it?
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that you are feeling better and enjoy the shopping, mani and girls night out!
Thank you for that post. Sometimes I get down on myself, and think "why?". I'll keep this post in mind when I'm dead on my feet. I am so thankful for each day I have with my children...and it's moms around the world who help me understand.
ReplyDeleteIve had to do a lot of "telling myself" things lately too. Things like, "you know this will pass" and "only one thing at a time, don't worry about everything else" and, "it's only been a week, it's ok if you still need maternity shorts."
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks for refreshing my perspective!
ReplyDeleteI love this post, but I love the last one, too. I think it's awesome that you allow yourself to be honest enough to post both of them, and we are all that way. Both of those people. Thanks for being real.
ReplyDeleteYou're such a stellar 'employee'! Now, I better get OFF this computer and get back to real life...laundry dishes & cleaning :)
ReplyDeleteI really need a girl's night out! I was just thinking today about how long it's been since I've gone out with a friend for fun. Meetings and studies don't count. Have a fun weekend!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I just wanted to say I love the way the great outdoors smells right before a storm.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I love how you take time for yourself without burdening yourself with guilt. You deserve it - and I'm sure it makes you an even better mommy than you already are.
Have fun shoe shopping, manicuring, friending, etc.
I love you "workplace" relation. Its so true. I notice those days that begin with me just sucking it up and putting on my game face often turn out to be some of the best.
ReplyDeleteGOOD for you, love. You most certainly DO deserve it!!!! Buy the cutest shoes ever!
ReplyDeleteI didn't read the previous post, but I just wanted to say I really appreciate this one. You write so well, Steph.
ReplyDeleteJody was gone for much of this week and I purposely was sure to not over-schedule myself w/ blogging, etc. so that I had time to really be present for my kids. The week went very well as a result. I wish I could do this every week, but I struggle with it because I feel like I need time to do my thing too. It's so hard to find the right balance btwn meeting the needs of my children and meeting my own needs (i.e. keeping my sanity).
Hope you enjoy your ladies' nights this weekend! :) You deserve 'em!
Enjoy your alone + girls' time. You deserve it.
ReplyDelete