Sunday, February 20, 2011

Like riding a bike ...

Hello,hello...is anyone out there? Are you still with me?

I've been away so long that it feels like I don't even know how to do this anymore. It's not that I've forgotten about this place, I've actually been thinking about it aplenty. Finding the time to gather my thoughts and to capture them in any coherent fashion is another matter.

Where have I been by the way? Well, here, but with work and the kids and the soccer and the gymnastics...barely hanging on at times.

The kids want a dog. They've been wanting a dog for a couple of years now. I say, "It wouldn't be fair to the dog though, no one is home during the day."

And they respond, "I've got an idea, Mommy. Why don't we get a nanny -she could be home to look after the dog while we're at school."

Clever kids. Too clever. We're now working on it.

I didn't want to go there. After all, why can't I do it all? I've been doing it, well, sorta for over a year now. But it was always the plan to take stock of the full-time work situation after a year, and see if I would need help. If you look back at my posts in that time it gives you an idea of how well I've been coping-or more correctly how I haven't been coping. I'm tired of being tired, stressed and yelling all the the time. I'd like to spend more quality time with my kids and be less of a stress bag to my husband.

As I write this, I'm enjoying an evening with my family in a downtown hotel as part of our family day weekend. I smile as I hear them laughing, playing hide and seek, enjoying the moment. But at the back of mind I'm already planning what to write in the week's schedule for the man, before I head out again tomorrow evening for a week away across the other side of the ocean. The stress is just deferred.

I want to be able to smile at my kids more and shout at them less. To be able to help them with homework rather than having to keep an eye on dinner or watching the clock at the same time.

So, I'm going there.

Never say never... I say.

(BTW, I caught the movie with the girlie and it rocked. I hate to admit it, but he is a rather sweet boy - and that was clear in the movie. He's a cutie-pie kid. So the girl crushin' on him a bit is fine by me.)

12 comments:

Tara R. said...

I already have two dogs, two cats, and only one kid left at home... can I get a nanny too?

(Good to see you here again.)

Cid said...

Hey, glad you're back. Hope things work themselves out, either way - at home or at work, it's never simple.

Anonymous said...

Since when do we have to do it all in order to have it all? In this case, arguing against hiring an extra caregiver is like arguing against hiring a housekeeper. Will bringing in extra help enrich your family's life and make the time you have together into more quality time? If so, and presuming you can afford it, why not?

I have no issues with working parents hiring caregivers. It's a choice you have to make as a family. My kids' dad and I have always felt that the more people that love and nurture and teach our kids, the better. My kids are proudly village-raised.

Jill of All Trades said...

Glad to see you here. I so remember the days of non-stop kid stuff. Good luck.

MARY G said...

You should do what suits you - and forget all the opinions for and against caregivers.
A nanny and a puppy sound like just the thing. Um, maybe get the nanny first?
Hugs!

Unknown said...

I always love seeing a post pop up from you, Karen!! Glad to see everyone is thriving. You do what you have to do, simple as that.

Dina said...

women traditionally were never meant to do it all. The old saying "it takes a village to raise a family" should really be the norm and not an old tale of times past. I know in my own life even sending both kids to daycare full time isn't enough,while also working full time. I am always on edge with not enough time to do it all. We are always pressed for time and the house is always suffering in some way or another but we can't afford a nanny- kudos to you for realizing the need and going forward in trying to rememdy the problem.
Wish I could find a way to stop the yelling and stress in our household that didn't involve another cost!

jmt said...

I think hiring someone to help keep a house up, healthy meals on the table, and a dog walked each day is a fine idea. :) I hope you find the right solution for you.

J said...

On the topic of dogs, have you thought about a rescue dog? Often you can research breeds, and then get a dog that is the breed you want, who is an adult. We adopted our Keeshond/Sheltie mix, Genevieve, when she was 4, from a Keehond Rescue. She's almost 13, and has been a constant joy to us. She was already house trained, and we knew her personality right away. Yes, a puppy would have been cuter and more fun...but they don't stay puppies for very long anyway, and it made more sense for us to have an adult dog, who could indeed be home while we were at school/work, and not chew up the house and pee everywhere and cry all night. :)

Regarding the nanny, why the heck not? If you can get someone to take a few of the tasks off of your plate, and care for the kids after school before you get home, and maybe even do some chores when you are home, so you can concentrate on enjoying the family? I say go for it. Too bad you live on the other side of the continent from Chrissy. I think she'd like to share a nanny with you. ;)

Unknown said...

Hey, lady! I've missed you!!! I'd totally share a nanny with you...if we weren't 6 hrs apart! :( LOL! Speaking of which, I'll be in the T dot on the weekend of the 30th. I say you, Dina, Fancy, Danielle and I should get together! xx

Colleen said...

Never say never. Or always. Or perfect. :)

louann said...

I thought I was the only one gone for too long>>i hope you continue blogging.

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