It’s been about a year since I left my job. Officially, this means that I am officially more of a stay-at-home mom than I ever was a working mom.
But, the one year anniversary of not working seems more significant than the one year anniversary of working after my son was born. I’ve learned a lot in this last year – things I could never have dreamed of accomplishing while working.
For one, I’ve brushed up on my Spanish (thank you, Dora). I’ve learned how to effectively organize toys with multiple pieces and parts (thank you Tupperware, Rubbermaid and Target). I’ve managed crises with ease – I can clean up puke on me, my kid and my floor with barely any swearing.
I am one step closer to my dream job of being a rock star – I have an audience (ok, he’s only almost 3 and I’m only imitating Laurie Berkner, but I never claimed I was selling out the United Center.)
I’ve conquered Monday morning blahs by signing the little man up for drop-off preschool, and I no longer look forward to Fridays because it means two consecutive days with no class.
I know how to set realistic goals - if I can shower, dry my hair and squeeze in a 20-minute catnap during naptime, it’s been a successful afternoon.
I’ve made a lot of new friends. Their names are Diego, Max and Ruby, the cast of Hi-5 and Goldbug. Thank g-d for Goldbug.
I’m learning how to manage my schedule. If I double book a lunch date, I have a list of acceptable excuses for the unassuming party. My kid disabled my f’ing BlackBerry! (Speaking of BlackBerry, do I even need one anymore?)
Best of all, I’m standing up to my new boss. No toddler will tell me where to sit or how to play with the Legos!
So…
be my name Mommy or Mama or Mom
or You sit right there on your tushie bum,
I’m off to Great Places!
Today is my day!
My SUV carpool is waiting.
So…I’d better get on my way!
(Hearty thanks to my other BFF, Dr. Seuss.)
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
OMG, imagine if they have Laurie on all those Rock Star video games? We’d totally rawk. “Oh, I know a chicken!”
I swear sometimes I feel like my only saving grace as a working mom is that it means my kid doesn’t watch TV. I have no idea who any of those people are. Except for Seuss. We practically have a shrine for him on the bookshelf.
Has it really already been a year?
Hey, I don’t know if you remember me, but we corresponded a few times when we worked in neighboring buildings downtown. I think of you and your blog often because I finally quit the corporate world a few months ago. I feel like I can totally relate to the different stages you have gone through. At first I just felt so free, but now after a few months I am going through the “Is this really all I’m doing with my life?” phase, and trying to figure out what to do next.
I completely understand! I have to say though that now that my kids are a tiny bit older, I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel and I have a little more time for myself.
Your comment about no longer looking forward to Fridays hit the nail on the head. My kids are now in school all day, but the days of Teletubbies, Thomas the Tank Engine, and Blues Clues seem like yesterday. And, I still use Arthur episodes to explain different life situations. Congratulations on your anniversary! You’ve now got experience in every season!
Marijean led me to your blog – and I’m in complete understanding with you. I always tell people if it’s not on Disney, I don’t know about it.