You heard right. But there's a lot
to this picture that you don't know. From the outside it looks like I'm a mum with a lot of spare time on her hands 'cause "oh my god, Becky she has time to write a blog." Bitches back up. I don't have time to write a blog. I make me-time to write a blog. Just over a year ago I was saying to my friend, Karen, "I don't have time to write a blog, how do you find time to write a blog?" In fact, I said it to her so many times that her ears started to bleed and she wrote me a passive aggressive ("F*ck you Jess for making my ears bleed!") blog post. It's title? You'll never guess so I'll just tell you "When Do I Have Time to Blog." It really resonated with me for some reason.
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Pretty tough to write anything with this busy dude around |
But here's where the shit hits the fan. I have run out of me-time. I am turning into an angrier person. I get more upset easily. I don't have time to listen to my husband tell me a stupid one minute story about the neighbour's cat. I miss out on all the little moments he wants to share with me because I just have no energy left at the end of the day for him, let alone me.This isn't new to us, him or me but every year it happens. Every year it's just as hard.

My husband has been studying for the entirety of our marriage - 9 years!!!! With only 1 or 2 years to go ...
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Circa 2007, and he's usually not studying in a cafe |
I can still remember exactly where I was when my husband told me he wanted to do further studies after he'd just graduated from University. We were in New Zealand, just the two of us, finally on vacation. Childless and care free. We went for an evening walk on the beach, and up onto the rocks in the old historical town of Russell. The sun was starting to set, the waves lapping the sand, and my romantic husband whispers in my ear "I was thinking about doing something called the CFA now that I'm done University." You can imagine how wet I got hearing those words (in the eyes of course, you pervert).
"What the f*ck is the CFA?" My initial reaction was to throw him off the rocks and watch his body bloody, as he hit into them with each passing wave. 6 years of him studying and working full time had really taken its toll on me. I longed for companionship. I had been looking forward to all the evenings and the weekends that would be completely ours once he finished his damn degree. I had been lonely for a long time. Eventually I calmed enough to listen to him, and really hear him out. I won't list all the reasons I changed my mind about him doing the CFA, just know they were pretty dang good if I eventually came around to the idea.
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NZ 2011 - This was the actual time and spot he whispered that BS in my ear. As you can see I'm a gross exaggerator. |
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Dave will hate this photo of himself back in 2010, but it's a good reflection of how tired he gets! |
You can see why there's not a lot of time for Dave and I to talk at the end of the day.
I get teary just thinking about it, because I am so worn down right now. But I knew this was coming. It's less than two months until exam time. This is the hardest time for our relationship. It's the time we need to work our hardest to be kind to each other, and give the absolute most of ourselves in all areas of our lives, even when we are both tapped out. I can't imagine how Dave does it. He's so time poor but he still tries so hard to make up for all the time he spends away from us both. Regardless, my love tank goes on empty right now. I get a bit sad, and introspective, moody, and sensitive. And lonely.
I know this will pass, and by June our ships will be sailing at full mast again. Our bed will be rocking, or we'll just be getting up at 2 am with our kid like always.
It's just hard TODAY, and tomorrow... But it won't always be.
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Circa 2010 - This is where he spends most of his time when he is home. There's a lot more Frankie posters on the wall these days. It's also where I'm writing from right now. |
Now if we could just find a solution for getting our kid to sleep through the night ...
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I want more of this - March 2008 |
Is this the part where I post a vibrator ad? Just me promoting whatever gets you through a dry spell?
*Linked up with Essentially Jess for I Blog on Tuesdays
Go you!
ReplyDeleteOh my God the comments form is here today!!!
Enjoy your space. (PS, totally enjoyed your family post a couple of weeks ago about your childhood - it was amazing and I am sorry I could not comment on it at the time. Not sure if enjoyed was the right choice of words but you will know what I mean.) x
No need to feel guilty! When I had my daughter, I put my twin boys in daycare one day/week to give me a break. Three kids 2.5 and under was hard! My hubby travelled away a lot with work back then and I was exhausted. That is tough having your hubby study for so long. Mine studied in the early days of our marriage but we had no kids then. I used to find it lonely at times back then - even without kids. I hope your husband does well in his exam! Will this be the last one? You enjoy that one day off each week and make sure you do nice things for yourself on that day and don't just use it to catch up on jobs! xo
ReplyDeleteYou need to do what works for you and that includes making time for yourself. I need a bit of that- time to just me. It's how I recharge. I get it! And it's hard doing it alone. so good on you for recognising the need! Now, onto vibrator ads... :D
ReplyDeleteit's a hard gig, this motherhood thing!
ReplyDeleteBahahaha if you don't laugh ( and bitch) then you would go insane.... This parenting caper just gets harder and more demanding as they get older. Not sure where I find anytime except that I know I have very little memory ;eft cause I am so tired...
ReplyDeleteWow that would be hard! Such a long time to do it all. You're an awesomely supportive wife that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're getting some time cause it's pivotal for your mental health. Enjoy it. xx
No judgement here gorgeous girl! I totally get that you need a day to yourself. Most working families have the dad home on weekends to help but your situation is different. Enjoy those days by yourself and forget about the guilt. And I hope Dave's exam goes well in June so you can finally have some together time. Xx
ReplyDeleteYeah, who's the PR company I can get to pay me for posting that ad. Maybe get a sample? BZZZZZZZ!!!!! ha!
ReplyDeleteI am learning to let go of the guilt slowly, and care less about what other mother's think.
@writeofthemiddle TWINS!!! GAH!!! Of course you got some daycare. When would the laundry ever get done. Yesterday I had a hot bath. I did all the laundry the day before so i could just blog and bathe, and stuff. Just stuff. WOW. It felt surreal. What did we do before kids?
ReplyDeleteHooray @Jody at Six Little Hearts! I'm so glad you could comment. I love when you do.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the nice one about the family post too.
My son loved being at daycare. It helps that it's a friend who runs it so I really trust her with my boy. She's awesome and really cares about the kids.
ReplyDeleteSo where do I get a vibrator sample and ad? @Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
I love how I can relate to this so much, why is it so hard to have time with our husbands? UGH. Drives me up the wall, and you have so much going on. Time with your hubby alone is so important, otherwise it's just like having an inconsiderate flatmate! Kids do get easier as they grow... x
ReplyDeleteDay care is THE Best thing you can do for Charlie, you and Dave both came from big families right.... instant daycare in the lounge room. Granma once made the comment it was harder raising 2 teenagers than 8 kids in the house at once. Kids keep each other amused. They play, the fight, the learn, the share, but most of all they have fun. Enjoy your guilt free day to yourself, go have lunch with your hubby, do the housework with no added "help" lol or just go back to bed and sleep. Whatever takes your fancy. And remember Charlie's tears when you leave him at day care are Crocodile tears, the minute you disappear out of sight his busy little mind is working out what mischief to get into next. Hugs to you both, enjoy your free time and good luck with the exam. xx
ReplyDeleteWow! That would be hard, good work taking time for yourself x
ReplyDeleteThat is so much to handle. We are all built different with our abilities to cope. There is nothing to be ashamed of because you feel you need time out when you 'only' have one child. Having your little one in daycare one day a week is possibly the best thing for everyone because it gives you time to recharge and face things again while your little guy gets to hang out with other kids.
ReplyDeleteI am SO glad you're taking this one day out for yourself! This is going to make a huge difference for your family. It's no wonder you're teary at the moment. It's hard work toddler wrangling on your own and to do it seven days a week. My hat goes off to you. Great post. Love how funny you are. Still laughing at 'bitches back up' xx
ReplyDelete@Renee at Mummy, Wife, Me It's a wonder how I get away with calling my readers bitches. haha! It's great for people with a sense of humour, like yourself. Even though it doesn't apply to you because clearly you're on my side. Thanks hun!
ReplyDelete@TeganMC That's exactly how I feel! Recharged. Thanks for backing me up!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lisa.
ReplyDelete@Janet Moore Thank you. I've been trying to read Gone Girl. I had a hot bath on Monday and was too lazy to even read it in the tub. So good to just relax. I think Dave and I will have to make Monday lunch dates in Charlestown more often. I forgot what it could be like to just eat and talk with out interruption. You'll be happy to know, Charlie hasn't cried at all being dropped off at child-care. He absolutely loves it. It's way more fun that being at home. There's so much to do for a busy kid like him, it's fantastic.
ReplyDelete@Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me I bet there's single mum's out there going "what's she on about." haha! I wish I'd known how much easier they get as they grow because when he was a newborn I was wondering how I could ever have 2, but as Dave's Aunty above said "Kids keep each other amused." So the more the better. NO, haha. J/k! It does become a flat mate situation, and it's always my turn to do dinner and cook soooo that gets old fast.
ReplyDelete"Bitches back up. I don't have time to write a blog. I make me-time to write a blog" - me to a tee!
ReplyDeletePeople seem to forget that even SAHM's need a break from the kids too, they are draining, exhausting little creatures and there is nothing wrong with really needing that time-out. Makes you a better Mumma I reckon! Enjoy your child-free day each week, it's the best!
ReplyDelete#teamIBOT
It's so true @Veggie Mama We just have to make the time or it will never happen. Everything is always more important than me-time!
ReplyDeleteDo not feel guilty! You live your commitment to your family each and every day. It sounds like you are an amazing wife and mother. And no matter how many kids you have, motherhood is tough.
ReplyDeleteI have also wondered how I could find time to blog (and I'm still working it out)..Well, last night I did and I was up until midnight. But it's important to me so I had to find a way.
Fingers crossed for full night sleeps now!
@Kylie Purtell, A Study in Cont I honestly think I was more "present" today as a mum as a result of having him in care on Monday. We played so many little games together today. I was killing it with the mum stuff. The house is still a mess but he felt the love so whatever :) thanks for the comment!
ReplyDeleteOh honey you're doing a brilliant job! Daycare is awesome for him as well as giving you a break. Everbody wins :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fab job you're doing! Sounds like you need the mother and wife of the year award. Seriously, though, please don't beat yourself up. Everyone has their own shit. Nobody has time to blog, we all just chug away as best we can. You don't need to justify yourself to anyone
ReplyDeleteI have just started the daycare thing too, one day a week (and some weeks I wont even be working). Let all the judgement come at both of us! In all seriousness but, it's a good thing for everyone concerned. It's a bit of an adjustment but in time you'll be laughing! You're doing a GREAT job x
ReplyDeleteWho in the hell is judging you!?!?! Give me names....
ReplyDeleteYou can't be a good mum if you're exhausted and cranky and completely drained. You need to be able to recharge now and then so you can bounce back to being the great mum you are. PLUS - I truly believe that daycare is great for little ones. They get to play and learn and do all the things you can't do with them at home. It's fantastic for their social development. I'm so happy with my decision to send my little hurricane two days a week. I get to do my work and he has learnt so much in the few months he's been there.
P.S OMG you're amazing. It sounds like such a tough slog for you right now. Thinking of you xxx
Hooray for all the mums who are backing me up on this. I feel so supported in my decision! YES. I guess haters would just be jealous? @Sheridan Anne
ReplyDelete@Mumma McD I really feel like I'm winning. I've been so much more present all week. Except for right now. I need to get off the computer and stop commenting on blogs. AHHH
ReplyDeleteShannon, isn't it so gratifying to press 'publish?' So good.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this amazingly supportive comment! So many mums know and understand this overwhelmed feeling, eh. It's a good club, most of the time.
I felt terrible about sending Dora to daycare until I started to love sending her. I know she gets so much out of it too. Mutually beneficial. No judgement here x
ReplyDeleteHooray for us! Don't you have another baby on the way @Vicki @ Knocked Up & Abroad? Gotta have a plan of attach on how to handle it all, right! Thank you for being in my boat with me. My son loves going to care. Way more fun that at home, so that helps.
ReplyDelete@Lauren @ the-thud.com HA! You're the best. "Give me names..." You earned another #thudlife hashtag!
ReplyDeleteI know we have boys around the same age too. OKAY- all guilt is gone. I'm surrounded on all sides by the most supportive group of mum-bloggers imaginable. I guess maybe I was a little scared of the other mums I know who go to "real" work and use day care for that purpose. What will they think. BUT they aren't in my shoes, and I'm not in theres. This is how it is! You think I can talk my husband into a second day? ha!
Socialising them is good for them, right @Kaz @ MeltingMoments? If mum is happy everyone else is happy? That's a saying right?
ReplyDeleteGo you good thing. I'm trying to find a day care in our area that can take our littlest for a day. Don't ever feel guilty about it. A sane mum is a good mum x
ReplyDeleteYep, and mums getting time to socialise is awesome too! hehe. I couldn't agree with you more (in a comment somewhere down there) that you can find you're more present after you've had a little break. I used to feel guilty about that but it helps make me a better mum to have some me (well, me and a baby) time.
ReplyDeleteNo judgement here! I've got a FIFO hubby so I get it!
ReplyDeleteWow - I don't have a child to look after but my husband runs his own business and studies every single night too. Studying has a lot to answer for and I get ragey about it, but soon, one day, there will be time again. Great post x
ReplyDelete@Bele @ BlahBlah Do you have a family daycare system in your area. The groups are usually smaller, and they are easier to get in to. That's what I'm using.
ReplyDelete@That Bettie Thing Thanks! My friend who had a FIFO husband compared what I was doing to that. She said it's almost worse because at least when her husband is home is there for awhile helping out. I don't think we can compare. Everyone's situation is different, but I know you FIFO wives would totally get it!
ReplyDelete@Rebecca Johnstone You'd totally understand. for 6.5 of those years we had no kid. I felt even more lonely with out my son. He keeps me so busy that he (almost) helps me forget about the fact my husband is studying on everyone else's day off. You'd understand doing all the dishes and making all the meals on your own. Always us!
ReplyDeleteYes! Sadly I do. And it is lonely. Luckily I have lots of creative interests but still. My parents even ask why we got married as we really don't get to spend much time together. That's hard and it makes me sad. On the other hand, he could have an equally time-consuming hobby that was just for fun and therefore less worthy of all the time spent on it - like football and following a team round the world. I feel lucky not to have to deal with that! And he is paid well which means I was able to leave a stressful work environment. Hopefully it will all be worth it for all involved and the light is at the end of the tunnel...kind of! xx
ReplyDeleteOh absolutely. My husband comes home for 2 weeks and is like a fairy god mother!! That is soo nice. Keep up the good work. X
ReplyDelete