working mom
During the eight months that I knew that I was pregnant I must have Googled “work at home mom”, “work at home graphic designer pregnant”, “work at home do it all well mom and still run a successful business” about a thousand times. I couldn’t find much in the way of guidance or inspiration. I really wanted to find somebody out there who had a baby, stayed at home to work, stayed inspired, found balance, did great work, raised an awesome kid, had time for her husband, ate great meals and partied with friends within the course of a week. I didn’t find her.
So, I suppose, I’m setting out to be her.
The list of goals is long - I know that. But, I’m willing to try. The first order of business was to not take off any time after giving birth. I don’t recommend it, but, when was the last time that I listened to my own advice? The theory behind not taking time off was to get all ongoing jobs done and then spend some quality time with the new kid. Well, those jobs - of course - are still going and and the kid has passed the two month mark. My work flow has had to change a bit. I’ve had to become more efficient and able to work within shorter stints of time. I can now only fondly remember those beautiful days when I could laze around with a concept all day.
Second challenge - to stay inspired. For me that means listening to music, trying not to watch TV (other than the few programs we rent on Netflix), drinking a lot of coffee and getting out of the house as much as possible (which is turning out to only be about once a week).
Then there’s BALANCE. The goal I’ve had for years. Oddly enough this is the most balanced my life has ever been. A few things may have been lost in my effort for work/life equality… like hygiene - but, come on - isn’t a shower every day over kill anyway?
“Do great work” - so far so good. I’ve been doing some of my best work, albeit slower than I’d like.
“Raise an awesome kid”. Check.
“Have time for husband” - uh… I think I talked to Marc yesterday at some point… does that count?
“Eat great meals“, “Party with friends“. Check. Check.
So, yeah, there’s some some room for improvement. We’ll see how it all goes…
Listening: Pete Seeger sings “Ticky Tacky”
I love this post. I had always thought of myself as someone who was efficient with her time but since Tyler’s arrival I have become uber-efficient. It is amazing what a mom can get done during a 2 hour nap. Todd and I (mostly I, if I’m being honest, but without him I could do none of it) have all of these same aspirations. So far, I feel like we are meeting them. Comprising my career or my running goals was not something I was willing to do and neither have gone by the wayside as of 1+ year post kid. I made all of Tyler’s baby food, and I am no holly homemaker by any means but I loved it and I still make 90% of his food, which is now our food since we eat as a family. One of my biggest hopes is that Tyler sees how much Todd and I mean to each other and that because of this, he becomes the kind of amazing man his dad is. Sorry for rambling but this whole topic is an area I feel strongly about and I am inspired by your posts that relate to it. I know you will have no problem creating (or sustaining since it seems you already have it) the life you want.
i love you comment!
ahh… mutual-internet-love… how sweet.