Names have been changed to protect the innocent...and my husband...and me...but not the dog. His name is Dexter.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Running To Stand Still

Oh, if only I was running to stand still. I'm actually running to fall further and further behind.

Last week I decided to focus on getting some new house cleaning/organizing routines set up and get caught up around the house. It wasn't very difficult changes. The biggest change was instead of having one laundry day each week, I would wash, dry and fold 1-2 loads of laundry each day since I've been having a hard time getting it all done in one day. I lasted 4 days. 4 DAYS! Before I didn't get my daily load completed. The other part was just keeping up with my one major chore of the day and my usual daily chores. That's how I've done it for years, but I needed to *ahem* "refocus my energy" on cleaning the house.

And if you were to come to my house right now, your first impression would not be "WoW!". You can't even tell that I've been working towards perfection. No really. You CAN NOT tell. It looks the same. I haven't even achieved mediocrity. And to add insult to injury, I have fallen behind in everything else. My Google Reader is well over 100, I have numerous emails that need returning, blogs/blog comments that are needing attention, 2 beautiful girls that need more attention and a stack of library books and magazines that I would LOVE to spend some quality time with. So, if you fall into any of those categories you have my apologies and know that I will get to it.....eventually.

I don't know how so many people do it. Clean houses, perfect children, adorable blog designs, meaningful blog posts, thoughtful comments on every single post they read, inspiring tweets, humorous Facebook updates, quality education play time with their children....the list goes on. And I'm pretty sure they eat healthy meals, workout daily, shower, and have perfect hair and make-up.

As for me? Well, at least I still have my adorable children. Everything else.....not so much. Clearly, things need to change so I can have half a chance at keeping up. Some of the things on my to do list need to be crossed off permanently in order to make room for the more important stuff. But those choices are far more difficult than they seem.....do I cut things out that take time from my family even if they add stability to my mental health? The reality is that anything I do for myself takes away from my family. But by doing the things that I enjoy, refilling my bucket so to speak, I can actually be a better wife and mother and have more to give. The trick is balancing it all so that everyone's needs are met. Wish me luck.

7 comments:

Kristina P. said...

I don't think people DO do it. I can do it because I don't have kids who need me.

But sometimes, I look at some of these moms who I swear are onlin 23 hours a day. I know I shouldn't judge, but I often wonder how they do it, you know?

Happy Granny said...

I don't know any of those perfect people you are talking about, so if you find them let me know. Taking care of yourself is as important as the other important things in your life that have to last for the long run. You put gas and oil in your car when it needs it, and money in the bank so you can run your home and pay your bills. Do the things for yourself that you know keep you charged up and going. :-)

Brady + Marsha said...

You are way too hard on yourself. Give yourself a break. You are a great mom!

peewee said...

I LOVE YOUR POSTS!!!!! They are totally meaningful and what I love most are this pics of your crazy cute kids...and dog!

zoo keeper said...

So you know, I think you're amazing! don't be so hard on yourself and focus FOCUS on the positive!

Jessica G. said...

There's an icon on someone's blog that says"We can't both look good...it's either me or the house." That's kinda my motto.

jillytacy said...

You do need to things for yourself and take care of yourself so you can take care of everyone else in your life. That said I can totally relate to what you said. I don't know how everyone else does it! I can't cook, clean, craft, blog, e-mail, work full time, and be the best mom and wife I can be all at the same time. I think it might be impossible. So kick up your feet and relax, you're working too hard and it will all be there later when you get to it.

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