Free Time

Everyone told me that once the kids were in school I would have more time. I liked that idea, considering how behind I am in just about every responsibility I have as the COO of the Harvey Household. I was looking forward to the day Maisey would start Kindergarten, albeit with a slight twinge of sadness that my baby was starting school, but also with a sense of accomplishment: I could catch up on all the things I let fall by the wayside on a daily/weekly/monthly basis.Here was six hours a day I could spend one-on-one with Evie, I could get caught up on housework, I could work on some home projects, take care of things I had neglected, like my garden, my horse, myself.

But since the first day of school August 18, I don't feel like I've had any free time. Granted, I still have a two-year old at home, who requires more time than I remember the first time around, but the mountain of laundry and dishes awaiting my attention, the toys and endless collections of stuffed animals stickers, beads, and rocks--the newest collectible of the Harvey children--strewn throughout the house, which is always in need of a vacuum and mop, and repairs lately, all these things and more just linger on my to do list, making me feel like a hamster in a wheel. Where was all that "free time" I was supposed to have while Maisey is in school? I spend more time now preparing Maisey for school with lunch, clothes, homework, projects, parties, and paperwork than I ever remember being responsible for myself in college. And I remember I used to work 3 jobs in college and still made the dean's list.

Any idiot can face a crisis - it's day to day living that wears you out. --Anton Chekhov

So I guess I'm right where I should be.