Changes Ahead July 27, 2009

So lately with the economy the way it is, my freelance work has been really, really slow.  Ok – not just slow – non-existant.  I’ve been more of a SAHM than a WAHM.  You would think “wow, she must have a lot of time on her hands now.”  Yeah, right.  When was the last time you were home with a 7 year old and a soon-to-be 2 year old.  There is no such thing as “time on your hands”.  The hardest part, and I can honestly say that it’s been this way for me since I quit working outside the home 3 years ago, is coming to terms with not bringing in a steady paycheck to help with the household finances.  I’ve always held a paying job since the time I was 16.  I worked the summers during high school, worked through college and immediately upon graduation I had a  job.  Outside of time off for maternity leave, I’ve never not worked and got paid for it. 

I specify “got paid for it” because being a Mom and Wife is definitely a job; we just don’t get paid a paycheck for it.  Yes, I do get to enjoy my children and that is a reward in itself.  But having been a very independent young woman, and even when I was newly married, it was very gratifying to know that I was contributing the household finances, and if I wanted to “treat” myself with a manicure or new haircolor or new outfit, I new I “worked” for it.  But there’s a difference now that I’m not working, especially now with my freelance work so slow.  It may very well be my own hangup – I know it is, and I know I need to work through it.  I feel guilty when I spend money on myself, even if it’s a cup of coffee, because I’m not contributing to the household finances.  My heart tells me I shouldn’t because I’m doing the most important “job” I can think of, but my head sees the budget and knows that only one person is supporting our family.  Some days it’s a very hard situation to reconcile.  Let’s just call it a “work in progress” and take it one day at a time.  For now, I’ll do what I can as far as bringing work in.  I’ll save when I can, be a frugal shopper, enjoy a cup of coffee at home.  And just continue to do what I can.

Giveaway from Another Mommy Blogger July 27, 2009

Another Mommy blogger, and a mommy’s group co-member, is giving away an awesome baby carrier on her blog.  Here’s the link to check it out http://thoushallnotwhine.blogspot.com/2009/07/first-giveaway.html.

Synopsis of My Night July 16, 2009

Just got a visit from Plymouth’s finest. . .WTH now my chimney’s leaking. What a night – moldy cheese on my spaghetti, broken wine bottle in the frig, Crash Test (Buddha’s new name) pushes the panic button with a direct link to the police department, now the chimney’s leaking – I’m done.

Let me explain further – First, getting my dinner ready to eat and poured Parm/Reggiano cheese on my spaghetti only to find that it was moldy – Yuck.  Empty plate.  Start to get more but hear a crash from the refrigerator.  Open the door, a wine bottle had tipped over and broken.  Clean up the broken bottle and the wine that has spilled all over the door compartments.  Just finish cleaning that up and the house alarm goes off.  Crash Test moved a chair over to play with the lights, but I guess the alarm keypad was just too tempting so she pushed a “panic” button. It’s a direct link to the police department so they showed up within 5 minutes. She came right to the door with me and said to the officer “Me, me did.”  Got that all settled, a new plate of food for me, Bug in the shower, and I sat down to eat.  In between the roar of the thunder I hear a distinct “plop, plop” coming from the fireplace – water’s leaking down the chimney.  Wait a minute – I hear another “drip, plop” sound coming from the mudroom.  Yup, sure enough I’ve got a leak there too now.  I’m really done now – tomorrow’s another day.  And for those of you that think being a SAHM or WAHM is easy – this all has happened since 7:40 tonight and the time is now 9:40 p.m.

Just ventured outside to see why all the cars are turning around on our street – it’s flooded knee deep.  Can this night get any better.