Back in April of last year I wrote a post about having the whole house to myself during my girls' spring break. Well, the heavens smiled upon me again this past week during Madeleine's February vacation. Once again, Geoff and Madeleine flew off to warm and sunny Arizona and I stayed behind to enjoy some peace and quiet. Five days and four nights to myself.
And I did enjoy it, but I also came to a huge revelation. I really don't need to have the house to myself to have time to myself. My everyday life is already pretty amazing! In the past when I've had time alone, I haven't done much else except read, relax and possibly go on a few "fieldtrips" that I wouldn't have time to do otherwise. This time, I realized that I didn't feel a driving need to do those things. I couldn't figure out why at first and then it hit me. I already get to do those things on a regular basis. I usually have plenty of time to read and relax and I go on lots of excursions with my friends - or sometimes on my own. This was a huge epiphany for me. My life as a wife and mom has definitely changed a lot from the hectic days of raising babies, toddlers and young children. There are definitely stages and cycles to motherhood and I realized that I have entered a new one.
So, how did I spend my time? Well, I did go on one fieldtrip - to Boston with my friend, Barbara. Her son goes to Northeastern University and she has become familiar with the area surrounding the university. We had a great day exploring and shopping. This is something I've been wanting to do for awhile, so this was the perfect opportunity for me.
I also got together with my high school friend, Kim, who I saw for the first time in 28 years back in April when I was last Home Alone. Kim's parents still live in town and she was back for a visit during her kids' school vacation. We met for breakfast and it was so great to have a chance to visit and chat with her! I really enjoy her company and conversation and hope we can continue to see each other when she comes to town. We may even meet up in NYC sometime to explore. That would be amazing!
Other than that, I ran errands (can you believe it!?) during the day. This was when I had my revelation. Why am I running errands during my free week? Why aren't I protecting this precious time and cuddling up at home with a book and some great movies? I just didn't feel the need. So during the day I ran a few errands and in the late afternoon and evenings I enjoyed having the family room, sofa and remote control to myself. I realized that that is what I really enjoyed the most. Because those are the things I don't normally have on a regular basis. Madeleine definitely monopolizes the family room every day once she gets home from school until she goes to bed at night. That was really all I needed to feel as though having the house to myself was any different from any other day. As I said in the beginning - my everyday life is pretty amazing! I guess I just needed to be reminded of that. And in 2 1/2 short years, Madeleine will be away at college and I will have the family room to myself every. single. day. I'm pretty sure that will not be something I will enjoy. So, for now, I'm going to appreciate my epiphany and give thanks for my amazing life. I think this stage of motherhood just might be one of my favorites.
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8 comments:
It still sounds absolutely amazing to me!! But I know what you mean - I'm sure I will miss the kids when they're gone and I have plenty of time to myself.
For me, I am usually home alone every weekday morning, but that is my productive time, not my "me" time. One of my new year's goals is to try to do something just for myself each day...I manage about 3 days out of 7 so far! Also, lately, snow days and sick days have invaded even my little bit of time alone!
So, all that time with no obligations or responsibilities sounds pretty awesome to me! Glad you enjoyed it.
Sue
I relish my alone time - which is very rare it seems. Your time sounds dreamy, except for the errands part :-)
Nice! Glad you enjoyed your time. I just Blogged today about how my roles in life have changed too, we are kind of on the same page! I guess Great Minds do think alike! :)
Glad you had an enjoyable time to yourself. It's important to do that sometimes.
In a very different way I remember a similar realization. Your father used to go fishing EVERY Memorial Day weekend. I had three days to myself to plant my garden and get the planters done. Three days was plenty and I was glad it wasn't longer. Then the year came when they decided to stop that trip. WHAT?! No more long weekend alone? But, like you, I realized I have all the time I want/need to do my own thing.
Every stage of parenthood has been enjoyable and continues to be so. It is just getting used to these changes along the way and having an epiphany moment certainly helps. Great Perspective Pam :)
Like you I have the run of my house for a few hours daily, this semester has been odd with Adrienne going to the CC for classes and Caitie doing a virtual class last block my "alone time is only 3.5 hours. I clean my house and do laundry, pay bills, etc and it's less time alone to read/play than I wish.
Now, next year, I think I need a job, but I think it will be odd to have 2 less in our home daily.
All in all, I lead a fairly charmed life.
I thrive on alone time. Crave it. Need it. But it is nice to know there are other people in the house. Most of the time.
I'm glad you got to enjoy your time, though!
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