I struggled with this a lot last year. I was managing two very demanding projects. They were both very crucial in terms of client satisfaction and complexity. That meant very long work hours for me. I would put long hours at work, barely make it on time to pick up the kids, try to get through Sean’s homework, their dinner and put them to bed only to again login back from home. It was a very challenging and stressful year. Long hours for me at work also meant that the kids were also forced to have a long day at school. That resulted in huge Mommy guilt every single day in addition to all of that work stress. I’m thankful for Aji for all the support and oh so grateful that all of us lived through it without damage. Both my projects were extremely successful and received client accolades.Thank God for that!
One of the most important things I realized last year was that I never ever wanted to short change my time with the kids and Aji. I wanted to give them my 110%. After a lot of thinking, pondering and losing my mind, both Aji and I decided that it was in the best interest of all of us that I go part time. So I spoke with my management and they were so very receptive right from the first time I brought this up. So starting September I’m now doing 32 hours per week. I do 8:00-2:00pm Monday through Friday with an additional hour two days a week to round the total to 32. I have to admit this has been one of the best decisions I have made in my life. There are days/times I feel bad about my reduced responsibilities. Lame as it seems, there are times that I miss those minute to minute and second to second curve balls that came my way when I had an overflowing plate full of work and not enough time. But then, I realize that I’m so much relaxed and nicer to be around now. Another big plus - Sean can take the bus from school now rather than having to go to after school care. This means he and I can spend some time and get the bulk of his homework done while he has more energy and before other distractions namely his little sister gets home. I pick her earlier than previous years as well and it is so much better.
The other good thing that came out of this is that I have more time and energy to plan for a weekly menu so I don’t serve the same 2 or 3 items the whole week for dinner. I also wanted to make sure the kids are eating less processed foods (I've lost count of the bags of chicken nuggets and fish fingers we have bought from Costco) and fewer trips to Mc Donald’s. I have started planning my weekly menu in advance so I can stick to my grocery list and not be distracted with the 10 other items that are calling my name at the store. This has made such a huge difference. Previously I would stray from my list so very easily because I'd be planning my dinner as I did the grocery. Which meant I'd pick up things that I really did not need rightaway and just end up eating space in the pantry. Which reminds me - Time to clean out the pantry. There are quite a few items that need to be purged or be used soon.
I’m also trying to make meal time more fun and educative – using food as a passport to travel around the world. So if we had Chinese for dinner, we do 3 fun facts about China like – capitol city, currency, language. This means I have to keep trying cuisines from different parts of the world which is fine because I enjoy cooking. I hope that by doing this Sean and Rhea start enjoying cusines from around the world and also get introduced to the diverse cultures.
The only thing left to do now- Jump back on that workout wagon. I can’t use the ‘I don’t have time’ excuse anymore.
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