A Much Needed Personal Day

Parents really never get a day off.  Our job does not allow us the luxury of a quiet lunch, a 15 minute coffee break or even sick/vacation days.  Heck, We can't even go to the bathroom by ourselves!  We are on duty 24/7 and honestly, it can get a bit tough at times.  Now, throw in there running a small manufacturing/retail/crafting business and whoa.....forget it.  There is no longer time for yourself. 

Don't get me wrong.  Taking care of my kids and running a small business is exciting, satisfying and very fulfilling...AND it is just as trying, difficult and stressful.  My true "breaks" have been few and far between.  It is very rare that I take time for myself anymore.  VERY RARE!  If I'm not with the kids, I am tending to the business.  Aside from the hour a few days/week I alot myself to go to the gym, I really haven't done much of anything else.  I can't tell you the last time I saw a movie in the theater that wasn't animated.  I can't tell you the last time I watched a tv show for that matter.   And as for shopping...well,  if it isn't a store with toys in it, you can bet I have a  child begging (or crying) to leave. 

(Image from thelongthread.com)

Ok - you get the point.   WELL.....I've been working my tail off the past week and a half so I could take a day - an ENTIRE DAY off.  I have arranged for my husband to drop the kids off at school - AND pick them up.  I plan on leaving the house before 8am and come home well after 8pm.  My day will go something like this.....

7:15am - Kiss family goodbye and leave the house for a Dr. Appointment

8:30am - Hopefully be finished with Dr. Appointment and find a cafe and read the newspaper (or stare at a wall enjoying the silence)

10:00am - Shop IKEA by myself, FOR myself....no kids haning on my legs, no pressure.  Just me, my thoughts and a shopping cart. 

11:30am - Meet an old friend for some outlet shopping and lunch.  Shopping will include actually going into dressing rooms and trying on clothing (no rush, no screaming).  Lunch will include adult conversation, NO kids meals and no negotiating what is an acceptable amount of vegetables to eat.

Afternoon - Not sure....anything I feel like doing at the time....(need to repeat that - anything that I feel like doing)

5:30pm - Meet another friend for dinner.  Once again, NO kids meals, no rushing, no negotiating.  Dinner may very well include a glass of wine which will be thouroghly enjoyed!

7:30pm - Go to the movies and see Eat, Pray, Love (the only book I have read in the past 2 years - h ow sad)

9:30pm - Go home to a quiet house where kids will be asleep and I can unload all of my shopping goodies from the day and enjoy them by MYSELF!

And dear customers, although I always make a point to get back to your inquiries the same day, and customer service is always top priority, today I will NOT be checking email....I will not be replying to messages or sending out confirmation emails.  I will not step one foot into my sewing studio.  I will be allowing myself to indulge in something I very rarely get to myself.....TIME...time off, a personal day with NO responsibilities. 

No worries though, I'll be back at it Saturday morning (probably by 4am), but today is MY DAY and I'm being a bit selfish.  And I will be a better Mom, Wife and Business Owner because of it.