I still remember a year ago, anticipating being off for a year, looking forward to not being pregnant and to having another beautiful daughter in our lives. Well all of that came and was all that was to be expected with a few extra surprises both good and not so good. However, it is amazing how fast the year has gone. I wasn't really worried about the whole returning to work until a few weeks ago, I chose to attend a company family picnic.
For anyone on maternity leave that is not looking forward to returning to work, STAY AWAY FROM WORK FUNCTIONS. I was out of touch when it came to conversation. Everyone was rambling on about work and I of course had no clue what they were talking about. There was more conversation about lay-offs. So I guess I should be grateful that I have a job. However, the statement that drove it all home was... "OMG Karen!! We are so busy on our project. I am consistently working 12-13 hour days."
Ugghhhh!! It all came back to me. Getting up early, dropping my daughter off at daycare early enough so I could catch a train. Reminders of living by a train schedule. Spending all day playing nice with clients. Don't get me wrong. I typically get along with clients. But others don't and I usually have to bridge the gaps. Then the rush out of work to get back to town by 6pm to pick up my daughter. Sure... you think 6pm... that's nothing. I thought you said 12-13 hour days... Well I am not done yet....
Home at last... time to relax... NO WAY!!! Now we need to get dinner ready, bath my daughter, read her a story and get her to bed by 8pm (if I am lucky). Sure my husband is very helpful when he is on day shift, but if he is nights, it's all about me. Bedtime.... ahhhh!! time to relax.... zzzz.....
Brrrrinnnnggggg!! Curse that cell phone! "Hello!! Karen speaking... what you want a conference call now at 9pm... for how long.... and then don't forget my presentation tomorrow!! How could I, I still have to finish reviewing it?" Yes that was what life was like and hearing the 12-13 hour complaint brought it all back. And just think I get to do it all again only this time, I have 2 kids both at different daycares. Good times!!
Well it is now September 11 and I now have only 19 days left to relax... oh yeah and start reaching out to work colleagues in search of a project. What do I have to look forward to??? A paycheck again. That I am excited about... talking to adults again... maybe that too... But I will miss seeing my kids everyday during the day... The sad part too is that I will never have this year again with them because my husband and I have decided that 2 kids is enough for us. That decision I do not regret. Kids are expensive and in case I have never mentioned it before... I HATE BEING PREGNANT!! Love motherhood just hate the part before. Kudos to those that like it. They are better moms than me.
Ugghhhh!! It all came back to me. Getting up early, dropping my daughter off at daycare early enough so I could catch a train. Reminders of living by a train schedule. Spending all day playing nice with clients. Don't get me wrong. I typically get along with clients. But others don't and I usually have to bridge the gaps. Then the rush out of work to get back to town by 6pm to pick up my daughter. Sure... you think 6pm... that's nothing. I thought you said 12-13 hour days... Well I am not done yet....
Home at last... time to relax... NO WAY!!! Now we need to get dinner ready, bath my daughter, read her a story and get her to bed by 8pm (if I am lucky). Sure my husband is very helpful when he is on day shift, but if he is nights, it's all about me. Bedtime.... ahhhh!! time to relax.... zzzz.....
Brrrrinnnnggggg!! Curse that cell phone! "Hello!! Karen speaking... what you want a conference call now at 9pm... for how long.... and then don't forget my presentation tomorrow!! How could I, I still have to finish reviewing it?" Yes that was what life was like and hearing the 12-13 hour complaint brought it all back. And just think I get to do it all again only this time, I have 2 kids both at different daycares. Good times!!
Well it is now September 11 and I now have only 19 days left to relax... oh yeah and start reaching out to work colleagues in search of a project. What do I have to look forward to??? A paycheck again. That I am excited about... talking to adults again... maybe that too... But I will miss seeing my kids everyday during the day... The sad part too is that I will never have this year again with them because my husband and I have decided that 2 kids is enough for us. That decision I do not regret. Kids are expensive and in case I have never mentioned it before... I HATE BEING PREGNANT!! Love motherhood just hate the part before. Kudos to those that like it. They are better moms than me.
