While waiting outside the school to pick the kids up earlier this week I was asked by another mom if I had a good March Break.
My response was swift (and maybe a bit knee-jerk) “No, it actually sucked.”
She looked taken aback and said “Oh that surprises me coming from you.”
Then I felt like a giant turd.
I explained “I generally really do like hanging out with my kids. And there were moments of that…but it just wasn’t a good week. It happens.”
The reason for my non-enjoyment of the break this year?
THESE FOUR
Adorable, right?
Wrong.
Wrong.
Cuyler was still in a funk.
Eva perfected the art of whining. She probably used the word “bored” more than it had ever been used in the history of the English language.
Cam was the same — couldn’t keep himself busy enough. Nor could he appreciate any down time.
Add to that a puppy who chose that week to challenge us with sleeping issues.
Both Sean and I were cranky, impatient and our parenting skills were, let’s just say, less than stellar.
Sunday night every child was in bed at 8.
I couldn’t wait for the week ahead.
I was off work and knew I needed to reset. Recharge my empty battery.
I made a hair appointment.
I made plans to go to lunch with my girlfriends.
I made and appointment for a massage.
I couldn’t wait for the week ahead.
I was off work and knew I needed to reset. Recharge my empty battery.
I made a hair appointment.
I made plans to go to lunch with my girlfriends.
I made and appointment for a massage.
I caught up on laundry at my own pace.
I drank lots of coffee and I watched Live with Kelly & Micheal every morning.
I drank lots of coffee and I watched Live with Kelly & Micheal every morning.
I feel a little bit guilty that I’m enjoying my week off without the kids more than I enjoyed it with them.
Just a little bit. Actually. I’m lying.
Not guilty at all.
Just a little bit. Actually. I’m lying.
Not guilty at all.
Kids are back at school.
Dog is sleeping again.
Dog is sleeping again.
All is right in our world.
How do you recharge when you’re feeling depleted?
I’m with Tracey on the I’m bored issue. I can give all this away…And I do need a cleaning assistant 🙂
To recharge, I like time to myself to do nothing and think nothing. I’m an introvert. This winter I took a Modern dance class that was funky and off beat. I loved it, so far away from my daily realities, most of which I am very thankful for but some do require an escape.
Enjoy the coming week…K
Christine, you’re soooo not alone. Though this March Break was fine enough, I know part of the reason is because I was busying myself with other things, and they were outside playing. Honestly.
Yes, we love our kids – that goes without saying – but when we’re running on empty ourselves, and everyone’s behaviour is a bit off, and you still have to keep the house up and cook the meals and stuff… well, I don’t blame you at all for thinking the week sucked. It wasn’t much of a break for YOU.
PS – When my kids utter the words “I’m bored” I instruct them to get a BIG bag from the bag thingie, and start working their way through the toy closet, ridding themselves of all the things they have don’t desire anymore, since they are clearly bored, and some child who got NOTHING for Christmas (less than three months ago or birthdays since then) and would be more than happy to have their cast-off stuff. That usually shuts them up pretty fast, and I add, “Don’t you DARE tell me you’re bored – I’ll get rid of everything you own, AND I’ll find work for you to do!” Fortunately, they believe me.
Punk kids, man. 😉
Oh God, Christine. I know depleted. What do I do? I try to get a massage in every month (I actually joined this “Massage Heights” chain that just came up from the US where it is a membership and you get a massage every month…)
Sometimes going to work has to serve as my “get away time”. I love my job and it’s great to go there and forget about my OTHER worries and just focus on doing what I love and being good at it 😉