Gah! Why are there always too many things to do and not enough time? I am lamenting the speed of life these days. When I was young, I recall days lasting FOREVER. Hours upon hours of nothingness. No to-do's, demands or resentment of not having "time". When did that all change? Looking back to even 5 or 6 years ago - pre children....I remember thinking I was busy. And tired. And had too many demands. Yes, these feelings were valid and I do not want to diminish that but seriously....I had no idea. I was clueless to the fact that I would walk down the aisle AND have two babies in the span of just over 2 years. Fast forward to today. Super Husband and I are both full time working parents of two very busy little boys. After factoring work, child care and related tasks, household management and sleep....we are left with a grand total of: 1.5 hours/day to do anything else. This includes watching TV, connecting with Super Husband, hobbies, exercise....
It kinda blows.
I am struggling to understand how other families manage their time.
It's impossible not to compare to others. This is something I continue to "work on". We have very good friends (that we adore) but I hate to admit I am green with envy when I compare our situation to theirs. Now, I know I should not....but I am compelled. I cannot help myself. These friends had parental support when they embarked on their post secondary education. They both graduated debt free. They got good jobs (and worked hard) and saved for a modest house in a good location. They are now in their late 30's and are mortgage free. They have great parental support and a great balance. They have full access to a cottage at their disposal and, during winter months, a condo in Florida free of charge. They have parents who want to look after their children at any time and the means to hire sitters and take dates. They also have house cleaners come in once a week. As a result they have lots of dates. They are both active and train and run marathons. Trips to the spa are part of the regular routine. I can't even seem to manage 30 minutes on my treadmill or slap a coat of paint on my toes while squatting on the bathroom floor. I have issues.
I need to start to "make" time. Sure I do spend some evenings camped on the couch but damn it I'm tired! I've been up catering to endless demands since 5:30am! I need a good kick in the ass, apparently.
*sigh*
This is not to say I don't love or cherish what we have. I have a beautiful, healthy family. And that's something that is more valuable than I can say. We are working towards achieving our financial goals and I am proud of what we have accomplished so far. It's a long journey to the top of this mountain, though.
I am so thankful for all we do have and frankly my family makes me howl with laughter (when I am not super irritated by them). For example, this morning I was in the bathroom looking in the mirror and Buddy came in:
Buddy: Mommy, I have to go pee!
Me: OK. Go for it.
Buddy: (pulls down pants and starts peeing) Wow! My penis is getting reaaalllly long!
Me: Well....you are growing all over
Buddy: Ya, but....my penis! It's so big...and long!
* Enter Little Man who runs into the bathroom like a tornado *
Little Man: Let me see! I want to see your penis! Can I see?
Buddy: It's really big
Little Man: Ooooohhhhh....yes. Mine is big too.
<end conversation>
And so it starts...yes, I live in a house of penis. I am warned this will only escalate as the years go by. Yikes.
