Tuesday 17 May 2011

I’m Still a Secret–and that’s how I like it

As my blog is still in its very early stages, I haven’t actually told a lot of my friends or family or even husband about its existence just yet. I had been considering writing a blog for a little while and recently ending my agreement with work whilst on Maternity Leave served as the catalyst to sign up. Technically I have been on Maternity Leave for the last 18 months but due to resourcing issues I was still performing some of my duties from home on a casual basis. These duties required layout and design work which fulfilled my need for some kind of creative outlet and a mental challenge outside of Skye-Wrangling. Facing the prospect of losing that outlet was all the motivation I needed to get started. I didn’t realise how much I was going to enjoy writing it and I also think it is a fantastic way to document this special time in our life in a way not even Project Life can replicate. But I am still not sure if I am ready to share myself with my real world.


I am not in any way embarrassed or trying to hide anything from the people I love, but from the small group of people I have told, I have already seen some criticism. I will say that the raised eyebrows have come from those without children who I suspect see my time spent at home with Skye in the same way I used to imagine it would be, no different to how you spend your time when on leave from work or chucking a sickie, i.e. however you want to.


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The most common response so far has been that I am able to spend time writing a blog because I have so much time to spare. Really? How was your 2 hour “working lunch” at the cafe yesterday enjoying wine and a toasted Turkish followed by cake and coffee? My Vegemite toast and Moccona Dark Roast inhaled between loads of washing and feeding Skye was fab, thanks for asking.


As anyone who has ever spent time as an at home parent will tell you, the concept of time as you know it ceases to exist once you add a baby into the equation. Babies, as adorable as they are, do not particularly care that shops are only open until 5pm, or that you need just 5 more minutes to finish cooking dinner, making the bed or brushing your teeth. Especially in the very newborn stages, their demands are unpredictable at best, but probably more accurately described as maniacally erratic. Aside from the total lack of routine I was also completely floored by just how long everything takes! There were days when Skye was a newborn that I wouldn’t leave the house even though I was a little delirious with cabin fever because it was simply too much effort. It hasn’t gotten much better lately, yes, the routines are now securely locked down but timeliness is still an issue, however I am now more prepared and factor shoe negotiations and change table wrestles into my exit strategy.


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There is a positive that has come from this criticism though. I am indeed human, and I recognise that I do waste time that could be put to better use. I have re-evaluated how I use my time and where my priorities lie. I am a bit of a night owl so I now try to use this quiet alone time to get ready for the day ahead, it works for me because I can do things uninterrupted and it doesn’t interfere with being with Luke and Skye. Since starting my blog, I use the small amount of free-time I have creating posts rather than tuning out in front of the TV, I plan it into my day as a window of “me-time”. Not only do I get a chance to process and express my feelings, but it has given me a better appreciation of how great our little life really is, a huge bonus I never expected and one that doesn’t rely on anyone else’s approval.


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6 comments :

  1. This is great and I can relate to it all! I look forward to reading your blog and I think you should share it with everyone. Go for it, you have nothing to lose! There will always be someone who criticizes- that is their own criticisms though remember! Whatever they criticize is a reflection of themselves etc... good luck with it all, you will do great! Plus, it is great to hear I am not the only one with time issues with kids! I know what you mean about having the 'me-time' at night too, seams I can get things done easier then. What an exciting journey you are on, look forward to following it :) From your newest reader, Anita :)

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  2. That was a great post and I can relate to it all! Don't worry about the criticism, go for it because the rest of us stay at home mums know exactly what you're talking about and we appreciate your honesty. Your loved ones will support you, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. Great blog by the way, I just found you last night whilst on Super Organiser Mum :-)

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  3. Thanks and welcome Anita and Lisa! I am glad you can both relate, just having people who understand what its all about really helps. It's a tough gig at times, but I really wouldn't trade it for anything and I truly appreciate being able to stay at home with Skye while she is still so small. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.

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  4. I understand where you're coming from completely. I started my blog at the start of the year, and like you, kept it pretty quiet, for fear of what people would say. Once I got into it though, I thought "bugger it". I'm a stay at home mama to two little princesses/grubs, and my blog is my outlet - and if people want to criticise me for it, they can go for their life. Funnily enough, the people that were initially very negative about it now love checking in to see what I've made each day.
    I think mum thinks it's a bit of a waste of time, but hey... it's my life.
    Blog and be proud of it, and to hell with the naysayers! :)

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  5. Thanks Rita, I am glad to hear you got the support you deserve eventually, apart from your mum, hehe. I agree its quite therapeutic to blog your thoughts, and really, is it all that different to keeping a (public) diary?

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  6. Never feel the need to justify how you spend your time my darling. You are more than entitled to use the quiet times however you wish. UnoWho xoxo

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Come on, gimme some sugar xx

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