Today is Wednesday. Wednesday might be just another day in your house, but in The ODD house Wednesday = Mommy Day. What, you ask, is Mommy Day? Well, let me tell you, because I'm very excited about it. Mommy Day is the day where Mommy runs out the door just as fast as she can after supper, without so much as a backwards glance. OK, maybe she glances back, but only to make sure no one is following her.
But seriously, now. TheODDDad is in a play, and rehearsals have him out of the house two evenings a week and every Sunday afternoon. TheODDDad normally gets home from work around 5:30 or 6:00 p.m., so on rehearsal nights he runs in, eats, kisses the boys goodnight and me goodbye, and then runs back out to his 7:00 p.m. rehearsal. Now, I don't begrudge TheODDDad his theatre -- it's his escape, and we all need an escape. To be honest, I wish I had something I could throw myself into like he does. What I do begrudge a tad (but only a tad) is that it is a time-consuming interest that leaves me to deal with the kids a little too much for my liking. But, such is life.
I don't know about other mothers, but I tend to feel guilty when I go out, as if I'm doing something really mean by leaving TheODDDad to put the kids to bed. I'm not sure why since he's the dad, which means he's just as qualified as I am to deal with anything the kids might throw at him -- literally. Yet somehow I often feel as if I'm being selfish by taking time for myself.
But no longer!
I have now declared Wednesday to be Mommy Day, when Mommy goes out and does something just for herself. It might be going to the library, it might be a walk down by the water with the dog, it might be a little drinkie-poo with a friend or it might be something -- anything -- else that Mommy feels like doing. I've only been observing Mommy Day for a few weeks, but I have to say that just knowing I have an escape route has helped me on the rough days.
If you don't already do something for yourself, I strongly suggest that you start. I'm convinced that it's safer for all concerned.
Absolutely...
ReplyDeleteGood for you!
ReplyDeleteYou need you time to recharge. Absolutely. Go forth...play and be merry ;)
Hey, why not get a little crazy and take a pee by yourself??
xox
I even got hit on. Yay, me!!! Apparently I'm "kind of cute." lol
DeleteWednesday is my Mommy day, too. The older 2 are in grade school and the youngest is in preschool. (I teach at the preschool on the other 2 days he is there.) It's also a "lunch bunch" day - hurray! The preschooler stays an extra hour. It's my Holy Day of No Obligation. Until 1:30.
ReplyDeleteHoly Day of No Obligation?! I love it! Aren't those days the best?
DeleteI think it's great that you are observing "mommy day". I think all mom's need one, but for mom's who deal with special needs children I think it's crucial. I struggle with observing a mommy day myself, mainly because my husband works late each night so it requires someone staying with my kids. I do feel like an escaped lunatic from the asylum when I do manage a night out though! Lol! Our daughter has significant special needs and even though she is in school during the day it can be very overwhelming. I'm so glad I found your site, it's always great to find another family who is also dealing with special issues and special children!
ReplyDeleteHi Kathy, I follow your blog, so I know the challenges you deal with on a daily basis. You inspire me! I know evenings can be hard to find but I know you're also a stay-at-home mom...have you considered giving yourself a "mommy morning" once a week? Find some time to do something just for yourself. No groceries, no banking, no dishes...nothing except something for you. If you like taking pictures, that's your time to go out with your camera. If you like coffee with friends, then that's your time. I would just say make sure you actually leave the house. I find that if I take "me" time at home I feel guilty that I'm not doing something "useful." Sitting and reading a book beside the dirty dishes is not my idea of relaxing. lol
DeleteI LOVE IT!!!! My usual me time is when I go to the grocery store while the kids are in school. There are times my husband tells me to go out to the movies or something but I don't like going to the movies. I don't keep what with what's out there and it just feels like a waste of money to me. I hope you enjoy your Wednesday nights.
ReplyDeleteI'm not much of a movie person myself, so I know what you mean. I hate to tell you though...grocery shopping without the kids doesn't count as "me time." That's just smart! ;-) Try to find a little time for yourself, even if it's just a magazine and a coffee shop.
DeleteYAY you! I have been singing in the Grand Philharmonic Choir since 1996. Even when many of my other indulgences went by the wayside when I started working from home, I clung to the choir, even though I pay more to be a part of it than I do to be a member of PWAC. It's my solace, my sanity, one of the few things I do just for me.
ReplyDeleteA series of unfortunate events meant I couldn't sing the Good Friday concert for the first time since I joined the choir. Sitting at home instead of sitting on stage reinforced to me how much I need to keep doing it.
Mommy Day is a grand idea.
It IS a grand idea, but I haven't exactly been following through. Sometimes it almost seems like too much work to get ready and go out. Sad, huh? lol I'm glad you take time for you and I'm glad you realize how important it is.
Delete