This past weekend we went to our annual family fun day at my aunt’s house. She lives near the beach and we were fortunate to have amazing weather. Of course we packed up half our house to go- we couldn’t forget the towels, sun screen, water bottles, beach toys, change of clothes, kite, and of course the potty. By the time we got there it was 2:30pm and everyone was asking why we were so late. Apparently all my cousins got there in the morning, spent the day at the beach, had lunch and went back to the beach for more fun.
Well, my plan for the day was a little different. We spent the morning relaxing at home, fed the kids their lunch and then packed them into the car just in time for their naps. We had just enough time at the beach (both boys were petrified of the ocean, so they just spent an hour digging in the sand), we flew our kite for a bit and then headed back to the house for an awesome BBQ. That was perfect for us! Kinda reminds me of the other time I didn’t do exactly what everyone expected. In the end it worked for me, so I didn’t really care what everyone else thought.
Since it was a family get-together I got to spend some time with cousins who are also working moms. In the end I don’t think it really matters what industry you work in- we all had similar experiences. When I told them how much I couldn’t stand my new commute (I just couldn’t be super positive about it), they wondered why I didn’t start looking for a new job. Then I told them the reasons I love my job and they completely understood. Turns out they are in their current jobs for most of the same reasons! Who knew?
Having a career, kids, and tuition obligations all at the same time provides a unique situation and everyone deals with it differently. For most of us (I think), we just try our hardest to make the best of a tough situation. Let’s hope that Wednesday’s Power Ball drawing ($305MM) changes things!
Until next time,
Shaindy
