Posted by Eugh. Not a great start to the first day back to school/work after New Year. The last year or so has been a constant battle to find a routine that works where I can give my best to work, give my best to the kids, and make time for myself. The last one I am severely failing on. Can’t a guy just spend a bit of time staring into a mirror declaring his love?
I’ve sacrificed television time – to the point where even Arsenal games at home are on in the background rather than being able to focus on the football. I don’t get a chance to read because there’s other things that need doing around the house. Same for running. If I do go out it’s at the expense of having a knock-on effect for the days after. In many ways this blog is the only thing allowing me to manage my thoughts. So, for that I’m grateful. But at this rate, even maintaining this blog isn’t sustainable for much longer if I don’t get into a routine that works. I know, I know… How will you all be able to live your lives without my words in the morning?
Every night I plan to wake up early. First I wanted to join the 5am club. But reality hit me hard when evenings drag on with errands. So, I plan a 6am start to give me a chance to get enough sleep. Then I get disrupted by the kids during the night so it becomes 6.30am. Then 7am. Becoming 7.30am. And usually at that time it’s a rush to get myself ready for work before the kids wake up and the mad dash begins.
I really do not do well when the day starts with chaos. I just feel so unorganised. Doesn’t help that Mrs OddFather and I are not aligned in our approach so adds another layer of complexity. I’m the sort of person that needs organisation to function, that needs routine to excel, structure to get through the day. Without those things I just feel a mess. And that is where I’m at right now. Drowning.
So, not the greatest first day back after the new year. Maybe I need to be more realistic and manage my expectations. Parents – is this a regular thing in your households too? Have any of you found something that works? Maybe it’s a carry-over from the bad weekend, but I really struggled this morning.
This post is a bit on the late side today. Truth being said, I had to heavily edit the first draft which was far too depressing. I can feel all the people sniggering that have actively chosen not to have kids. And that’s fair! Parenting changes everything. But despite my mini-rant, I personally still wouldn’t change this for the world. Like every decision one makes in life – there’ll be good days, and bad days. Just got to ride the storm.
Right, no time to linger. Til tomorrow.