My Salute to Working Moms
February 2, 2011
My kid is a wreck. The Little Girl is definitely showing signs off ADD, as in lack of attention. She’s extra whiney and trust me when I say she is whiney enough on a regular day so this is over the top. She’s also going through one of her I’m-Not-Gonna-Sleep phases. While this is not terribly unusual for my child, it makes it extra difficult for a work-from-home mom to get her work done. I also think part of it is a ploy to get more attention. She’s smart I tell ya. Because she hasn’t been sleeping and because she’s extra needy right now, she’s had some interesting days at school. Not the worst, but not her best, by far. It does make me feel slightly better that she’s not sleeping for them either but that’s par for the course when she’s hell bent on defying the sleep charts. [Side note: It’s now 9:32 pm and she is still awake even though I put her to bed at 8:00 *sigh*]
This week is shaping up to look a lot like last week where I’m working darn near close to full time hours. Granted, I am at home but my (paid) job means SOLID hours of work. I don’t have one of those cushy office jobs where I get to check email, make personal phone calls, and update my status on Facebook. (Not saying that all working moms have this luxury either. Just trying to make a point that when I’m working 25-30 hours a week, I am working those hours).
Honestly, I don’t know how you working moms do it. Here’s why…
I’m a wreck. I’m exhausted. Not only are the hours long but my job is mentally tiring. I’m in pain. Sitting in a chair for 8 solid hours a day is not my cup of tea. I like to be able to get up and move but I can’t exactly walk and type at the same time. My neck is stiffer than a board and it feels like my shoulders are in my ears. I would love to make a visit to the chiropractor but, alas, there is no time. Just when I think I’m caught up more work comes in. Then there’s mommy guilt. Guilt for neglecting my household chores. Guilt for sticking my child in front of the TV or getting frustrated when she wants me to play with her or read to her. Guilt for not having time for my husband. Basically, it makes me feel like a big pile of worthlessness. This feeling alone may keep me from ever entering the outside workforce again.
My kid is a wreck. The Little Girl is definitely showing signs off ADD, as in lack of attention. She’s extra whiney and trust me when I say she is whiney enough on a regular day so this is over the top. She’s also going through one of her I’m-Not-Gonna-Sleep phases. While this is not terribly unusual for my child, it makes it extra difficult for a work-from-home mom to get her work done. I also think part of it is a ploy to get more attention. She’s smart I tell ya. Because she hasn’t been sleeping and because she’s extra needy right now, she’s had some interesting days at school. Not the worst, but not her best, by far. It does make me feel slightly better that she’s not sleeping for them either but that’s par for the course when she’s hell bent on defying the sleep charts. [Side note: It’s now 9:32 pm and she is still awake even though I put her to bed at 8:00 *sigh*]
My house is a wreck. You know the saying “it looks like a tornado blew through here” and “it looks like a bomb went off?” Yeah, well, you could easily apply both of those cliches to my house right now. Laundry has gone unfinished and I am pretty religious about my laundry routine. Dishes are piled high. Floors are unswept. Beds are not made (cringe) and there are at least 141 items out of place at this moment. My inner type A is about to have a come apart. Let’s be honest, if I don’t clean it or put it back in it’s place, there is a high degree of certainty that it will stay just like it is. Don’t believe me? Here’s proof.
Exhibit A: This is probably the worst of it but I “feel” like my entire house looks like this.
Our finances are NOT a wreck. YAY! The extra money has certainly been a blessing. This is the slow time of year at work for the hubs and my paycheck will help tremendously. However, the old saying is true: It takes money to make money. Because I have been working so much, there are certain purchases that have slipped in. For example, after working all day long with more work still left to do after dinner, there is NO WAY I am making dinner (not that I had time) or cleaning up said dinner. Therefore, we ordered pizza. Also, I usually make hubby’s lunch for work. Not this week or last week either. So, lunch is another non-budgeted cost. [Side note: As I’m typing this I realized I have yet to make hubby’s lunch for tomorrow *sigh*]
How’s hubby, you ask? Honestly, he’s fine. He’s the only one. He’s happy for the extra money and has graciously agreed to help out here and there around the house. While I appreciate his efforts, since I wouldn’t have survived these 2 weeks without him, his housekeeping skills are no match for mine and I think he would agree. Love you babe!
In Conclusion. The combination of the “wrecks” have caused a state of utter chaos at our house right now. We are spending too much time looking for misplaced things and trying to compensate (at the last minute) for things that got overlooked. We are in a very RE-active state of motion. I much prefer PRO-active because it literally does save time and money. There is a lot that goes into running a home and, around here, it is usually a one-woman show. My absence “in” the home is showing. Big Time. Therefore, working outside the home or working full-time from home is just not for me or our family right now. Hubby may disagree with me here but, based on the events of the last two weeks, I am certain that we would have to hire a chef, a maid, and an after-school nanny in order for me to go back to work. Otherwise, it is very possible that I might loose my mind. Considering the above costs, I think we actually make out a little better if I stay home. Besides, less mommy guilt. Whew!
Anyway, I stand in awe of working mothers. I can’t fathom how you do it.
Now, please excuse me while I go pass out in my unmade bed with sheets that haven’t been changed in who knows when. Is it Friday yet?