We had a really great long weekend. The weather was beautiful, the kids were well-behaved and the meals were awesome. We got in lots of outdoor time, lots of family time (thanks in part to my gift to Homer: Mario Kart for the Wii - FUN!)
After planning and executing a nice birthday for Homer on Saturday and then cooking and baking all day on Sunday for a nice Thanksgiving meal, I declared that on Monday I would "do nothing". As it turned out, "do nothing" included doing a craft with the kids, going to the field to play soccer, going on a hike through the nearby woods, baking some whole wheat cinnamon bread, playing Mario Kart and reading individually with each of the kids. And it was great. The kids were bathed, in bed and sleeping like angels by 8:30, leaving me lots of "me"time (with Homer, of course).
The thing about long weekends is that I have a lot of time to think and dream about the way things could be. I've said before that I like working. I do. But, working full-time while managing a home life with three kids, trying to keep some order in the house and offering healthy meals isn't always easy. In addition, I have parents and extended family that I like to see regularly, I have friends that are important to me and every once in awhile it's nice to have some time to myself. The ultimate solution is to win the lottery. Then, I can start my own charitable organization, set my own (reduced) hours and have all the time I need for myself and my family. Since Option A is a tad unrealistic, I'm dreaming about Option B, which would have me working my own job on a reduced schedule. One extra day off a week would make such a difference. Can I swing it? Sigh. I just don't know.
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It seems like it's just such a constant struggle. All you can do is figure out what works for you without making you crazy or setting up impossible expectations, and go with that.
Also, Mario Kart Wii is the best ever.
I just read your comment about this over at Misty's. It's so hard to balance everything, isn't it?
My sister-in-law is a physical therapist for the school system. It is such a perfect job for her right now: great pay, works THREE DAYS A WEEK, has school holidays and summers off. She is so grateful.
I wish there were more options out there like this for working parents. It should not be considered a luxury but a necessity, I think.
I could, very easily, switch to a four day a week deal instead of 5, but I would still have to do the 40 hours. It just seems too much for me. I wouldn't even SEE the kids during the week for more than one hour a night. And while only seeing them for three hours a day seems like not enough, not even clocking a full hour before bedtime? Unthinkable.
I hope it works out for you though. Really.
I HEAR YA!
A reduced schedule would be ideal. I tried a "compressed schedule" a few years ago, when my Cal was 6-12 months old. It was NOT the answer. I worked 4, 11-hours days. Then I got Fridays off. We saved a bundle on childcare, but I felt depressed and stressed for 4/7ths of the week. Life does not lend itself well to a balanced life.
I have SO much respect for you, and everything you do, no matter what you decide with the scheduling!
i can't remember the last time i did nothing, can you? you are doing a fantastic job with your kids and giving them so many gifts that will last their whole lives. I admire all the loving efforts you put into your family and home life - lucky family!
I had a great weekend, just like yours. And I was thinking the same thing. I know I can't go down to a 4 day work week with this job. But some day I may pursue part time work... Some day.
I too would love flex schedule or part time work week. Check out the new link!
http://rollingofftheedge.blogspot.com/
I want a mario kart wii RIGHT NOW.
There's just no perfect balance, is there? You have a job you love and enjoy working and then you regret not having enough home time - or you're home and then you don't have any freaking money and you go slowly mad from the isolation. No win/no win.
I have the same idea - try to work 4 day weeks. I have no idea how I will do it, but it's my longer term goal. I'm on mat leave now and I keep wondering how on earth I'll handle it all when I go back.
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