by Jenny Lutes 0

Years ago, I thought that stolen moments taken throughout the day were selfish if there were kids to look after. Now that I have a 5-year-old daughter and a baby daughter, my perspective has changed.  

My days are filled with constant questions – fabulous and welcomed of course, but by the end of the day I’m tired of speaking. When my 5-year-old says “I’m bored,” I think, I’d love to have nothing to do! She has so many options for play/crafting/creating. Inevitably at some point in the day, a complete sentence is delivered in a whine. It’s like nails on a chalkboard.

Sometimes I just need time off from being a teacher, disciplinarian, referee, maid, nurse, chef, entertainer, executive assistant, chauffeur....so what do I do?

Well, I’ve compiled a list:

• Make a tea...and then another...and then another...until I have time to drink a hot cup. Every time I make a tea the baby ends up wanting to eat so it takes a few before I get to drink one.
• Prepare a picnic lunch (for myself) and eat it at the kitchen counter while checking emails/surfing web. The kitchen has a dividing wall so yes I hide there.
• Take a novel into the bathroom to read a chapter. This involves no “use” of the facilities; it’s purely for quiet time
• Fold laundry and watch TV. I feel satisfaction when the clothes are folded my way, and put away into the proper drawers
• Put on sunglasses and lipstick and take the baby for a stroller ride outside for fresh air...to buy some chocolate, stopping to smell flowers along the way.

After my kids are in bed, I also...

• Light a candle and watch Netflix (on the iPad) in the bathtub
• Absolute favorite thing to do:  Spend time on Etsy.com perusing vintage jewellery while sipping a glass of wine.

None of the things that I’ve listed are very exciting, but I need these stolen moments so that I can recharge.

Image Source: My own photo - from my iPhone

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