What Gives?

It's been an indulgent week for me. Twice – that's TWO times – in one week I've gone out with a girlfriend to do nothing other than to chat about life and laugh about the craziness of said life. No working, no networking, no agendas, no playdates ... just good old-fashioned girl time. And it was greaaaaaat.

Ironically, while enjoying some rare time away from our busy schedules, one of my girlfriends and I ended up talking about the things we have shelved, sacrificed and put away for a time while we tend to the demanding tasks of raising our kiddos. Of course, the bottom line is that we wouldn't trade our lives now for the lives we had BC (Before Children), but still those things continue to circle overhead like a hawk – high enough not to get in the way but still well within visual range.

Here's how it broke down in my mind:

The foofy stuff that I can no longer wear/find/afford/deal with:

• ridiculous undergarments


• shoes my mother would not approve of


• going to the grocery store just to buy expensive cheese


• expensive cheese


• showers in which I used all the hot water


• the "thinking time" I had in the mornings where I'd gather my thoughts


• Oh, and my thoughts

The stuff that makes me feel guilty that I can no longer do:

• massive holiday card mailings with personal notes


• thank-you cards with personal notes


• personal notes


• returning phone calls


• gifts for the Sparkletts guy during the holidays


• inviting people over to eat expensive cheese

The critical stuff that I've tried – and must for my sanity – recapture

• time with my hair dresser


• not rescheduling doctor's appointments for the 88th time


• dates with my spouse that require us to not dress like Mom or Dad and that also involve reservations of some sort – and possibly ridiculous undergarments (for me)

Of course, life is about moving forward and making changes, and with those changes come new priorities and plans. If I've got to give up holiday-card lists to play Battleship with my son, then I think that's a fair trade, even if that means my Sparkletts guy doesn't get a card or a gift this year. But if I can squeeze in a night out with a friend here and there, then that would be greaaaatt.

What's on your lists?

Comments

[Bertha]

Whats on my list is to have some time with Hubby. Whether its once a week or once a month but simply have dates...watch a movie, lil 1-2 getaways, walks and just simply make him feel like I have time only for him and I!

[The Mister]

Uhm, we haven't had Sparkletts for years. You still send him gifts?

[Margot]

Looooove it!

I've given up believing the bathroom is private time. Someone always wants to come in to "see", "flush", or even "offer me a potty star" (which I have been known to accept with gleeful abandon).

Happy Mom