That's the time when my youngest goes to bed, my oldest slows down a little (unless he's outside playing with a friend in the yard) and I get a little sanity back.
If I have something to do, (and truly, when do I not) it's the time that I can go do it because my husband usually walks in the door about 6:30 p.m.
It's the time when I am (usually) free to pick up where I left off with work (though I prefer when possible to have my oldest in bed too before I do that), go take a class or rush off to a client's event.
It all sounds great...my treasured 7 p.m. time...doesn't it? Well...I should mention it's also a frustrating time b/c when I finally have a moment to be "me" and go and do what I want to do - which is usually some form of exercise (seriously - I should be in MUCH better shape than I am considering how much I adore physical activity), there isn't much offered.
It appears the majority rules thing - well, it rules. Most people, as I'm told, prefer to go straight to a class after work, 5:30 p.m., so they have their evenings free. I get it. I think it's great. I think - we live in a small town with a ton of people who ACTUALLY leave work at 5 p.m. That's not an insult, I swear - just an observation.
In Charlotte, where I worked before moving here, there were classes at 7, 8, 9 p.m. Most people had somewhat of a commute or just worked late - every single day, so 5:30 was not the only option. So you can imagine my surprise upon my return to beautiful Beaufort. I can't blame the businesses, they are doing the right thing - simple supply and demand, right?
Sure there are the 24/7 gyms (ok there WAS a 24/7 gym but that was not my bag baby), but I want community, I want fellowship, I want to sweat and laugh and yell and all that with people around me! I'm an extrovert for GOODNESS SAKE:)!
Most suggest getting a sitter that time of night. That MIGHT be doable if I weren't already pouring money out for childcare during work hours #moneydoesn'tgrowontrees.
So I'm left with three options:
1. Go running (great, but not something I want to do 5 x a week, or 4, or 3...more like 2)
2. Take the children with me (SO THEY CAN TOTALLY FREAK OUT everyone in class and my newly walking baby can fall and scream at JUST the right moment) - not a chance.
3. Do what I do now and wish those who can be free at 5:30 well and know that my time is coming soon:)
So you see what I'm sayin. All is well, life is good...but please...if you know someone struggling to break out (haaa) - give em an hour or so of your time (read: watch their children like a loving hawk) to laugh, cry, scream, sweat, eat, drink, whatever makes them a better, well, them.
And that is all from the peanut gallery tonight folks.
Very well said! I remember those days..well, actually fondly..I look back and remember how ppl would tell me to cherish the time bcs it goes so fast..yea, it does..and I do find myself missing those days I would hold my babies and always know they were safe with me at home..now all four of them are away from me at some point..school or outside activity, etc..and my soul is just not the same until I lay my eyes on them again and know they are safe and in one piece...yes, I miss the days of being with them at the cost of my ME time more than I thought I would.
ReplyDeleteBUT..don't get me wroing girl...enjoying the older stages of them as well where I do have a bit more flexibility ;)