I have no time. And by that I mean, actually, no time whatsoever. So I’ve been trying to make something out of nothing. And it’s good.
Since I went back to work in February, I’ve changed my working hours so I work a four day week over five days. I do three half days, two full days. We head off from home to school, Montessori and crèche after 8 in the morning and then myself and my husband take turns to do the lunchtime pick up. Either one of us is home in the afternoon to tend to shouty little people, homework, mountains of washing and dinner. Technically speaking one of us has the ‘afternoon off’. Technically. Evenings are the usual mix of dinners, jobs, packed lunches and night-time routines. After dark there are the frequent wakings and a small man trying to grab my boob. And then it begins again.
Our working hours are a fab arrangement for the kids who are only out of the house for 6 hours of each day. Everything is local to them so there’s no trekking in and out of the car – and genuinely little stress to their routine. Safe to say they don’t appreciate one jot just how handy they have it. The elder pair greeted me with ‘we want a minder’ when I showed up to collect them the other day. I was really glad I’d busted a gut to dash from work that day let me tell you.
The hours they’re in school / childcare mean I have just about enough time to impersonate a reasonably intelligent (if crappily dressed) professional before resuming my duties debating who the mayor of Lego City is, or whether Apple Blossom is actually Apple Bloom’s older or younger sister. It is not however enough time to go to the loo; eat lunch or do any of the normal lunchtime jobs like buy socks or birthday presents. I can start my day on the hop by making a few calls on the way into the office – but it inevitably ends with me mouthing ‘I’m not in’ while trying to escape phone calls that come just as my day ends. It’s always just-about-enough-time, but never quite enough.
With days that are munched I cherish any precious minutes. Last week I dropped off a work package on the way to pick up Woodie at crèche. I was faster than expected and I ended up with SEVEN MINUTES TO SPARE. There was no point picking up the wee man early as he’s lifted from his nap right before I arrive so he’d not have been ready to go – and I was damned if I was spending my golden minutes checking out laminated fire evacuation procedures in the crèche lobby. If I was at home I’d probably have sorted a wash, emptied the dishwasher and made the place look respectable – as all parents know you can achieve serious household mediocrity in seven minutes. But as I stood in the middle of O’Connell Street with those seven minutes to spare I didn’t have enough child-free time to go to the shops but I wasn’t going to waste what is so rare. I nipped in for a coffee in a new swanky place I’d never even heard of. I fidgeted on my phone while I queued, balked at the price of a latte, and had my toe stood on by a tourist. Still reveling in care-free delight I headed out into the sunshine, coffee in hand, sun glasses on head, only to find the Luas Works has severed my crossing and I had to walk half the length of O’Connell Street to get to where I was going. I arrived at the crèche four minutes late, clutching my half drunk latte, apologising breathlessly and sweating profusely – the perfect vision of the working parent.
To make a little room in our busy life we’ve been taking one evening each a week to skip the bedtime routine and carve out a little space – not for each other but for ourselves. We have no babysitting backup so for now it’s hubby-or-me time – not hubby-and-me, but that’s actually fine. For that one evening we take our turn to loiter around Town, skip the chores and do the bits that never get done – like delete inboxes of emails, reply to a small portion of ignored messages and tax the car. The first week I used my time extremely wisely and headed to the pub at 4 O’Clock (with friends). This was brilliantly clever as I managed to have a laugh, get tipsy, return home, eat a cheese sandwich and get to bed – all by 9 O’Clock. Since then I’ve taken the more sober – but equally indulgent option, of enjoying a cuppa in a café where I can read or blog or just loiter. Generally, no one pulls at me, touches me or asks me to arbitrate in the latest dispute. It’s divine.
The space is lovely. After a few weeks of it I’m sure I’ll happily use my free passes to catch up with friends but for now I’ll selfishly guard it and keep it to myself. I’ll head to the movies, wander and treat myself at a table-for-one. I’ll think about starting a Pilates class and then decide to revel in my curves and have a beer. I’ll write the ten million blog posts that never get written, think about what I want to be when I grow up and create a little space that’s just for me. Then I’ll head home, kiss the sleepers, feed the toddler and catch up with the tired husband. I’ll be happier for having checked in with myself. A little more sane for the time-out.
And then I’ll look forward to next week.
Seven minutes in O’Connell Street would have seen me in Clarks and a new pair of boots the poorer. Probably. Still, I’m sure coffee was nice too, whatever.
Sounds like you’ve got a good thing going. All you need is a babysitter for the odd date night too. My nephew lives near you. He’s only 12 and a half, but he’s pretty smart. Maybe I can put you in touch. 🙂
Christine recently posted…Blogging crisis post
Oh Maud! The demise of Cleary’s has saved me from myself. In seven minutes I could have claimed half their ground floor.
I suspect you’re on a percentage of that young fellas babysitting! Sadly a certain little persons medical diagnosis means no sitters or date nights for now but I’ll be sure to keep you posted!
What a handy arrangement! Which of you came up with the idea? I can perfectly understand the need for time alone to catch up on your own life. I could do with some of that myself. Enjoy!
Fionnuala recently posted…Our Planned-To-Be-Romantic Night at Lough Rynn Castle (featuring Number Three)
*cough, cough* Don’t you know it was all me! It’s nice to have the bit of space alright – I can recommend it!
That sounds like an amazing (and much needed) arrangement – with only one I’m frazzled, with three these things should be prescribed from the get go! I know creche for our fella was an absolute godsend, the child free coffee after drop off is my favourite part of the day.
Lisa – Four Walls, Rainy Days recently posted…Heading Into Nature: A Wander in BallyBrack Woods, Douglas
Oh it is – and that’s why the interruption of mid-term sees me only posting my replies now!!!
Great idea! It’s so hard to find a bit of me time in everyday life, it’s good you guys can make something work for you both. If myself and J were ever at home together in the evenings I’d like to think we’d do something similar but I’m generally solo for the bed routine but it does mean that I get time to myself and some peace come 7.30pm when the boy child is in bed.
Louise (@TattooedMumsy) recently posted…Everything is so LOUD
We’re slowly reclaiming the post-bedtime hours Louise but with school lunches and endless jobs its closer to 9pm by the time the couch beckons by which time I’m konked! Avoiding bedtime all together is way easier!
Oh that sounds so lovely – what a smart idea! I am seriously impressed that you have friends who would agree to go to a pub at 4pm – those days seem so long ago now. Now, I think I need to hear a bit more about what’s going on with Apple Blossom.
Office Mum recently posted…Sorry Seems to be the Easiest Word
Even better – I have a boss who goes to the pub with me at 4 O’Clock. And trust me – you don’t want to know what Apple Blossom’s been up to lately. Totes ‘mare (geddit?)
This is not only a great idea – it’s also so important!! At the end of the summer, we decided every few months we’d give each other a weekend pass…I’ve had one weekend off in about 2 years and it was the GREATEST THING. Of course I didn’t really know what to do with myself and I called to check on himself and the baby every few hours…but knowing I could just do whatever I wanted was bliss. Good for you! I might see about incorporating a regular evening off now too…. 🙂
Nessa Robinson recently posted…Health Update
Great idea Nessa – and well deserved. The funny thing is that if I were to get a weekend to myself I’d want it to be at home while the others clear out! That probably sounds mad but it’d be utterly divine!
I got some time for myself today, and not just maintenance time either, or a five minute peek on Facebook to stop me screaming! It makes such a difference to be able to catch your breath, doesn’t it?
Looking for Blue Sky recently posted…Depression Is