Okay, folks, I'm going to let you in on a little secret: just because I manage to get three kids ready whilst putting myself together in the morning and then head to my job outside of the home does not mean I have my $h!t together. (Pardon my French.)
A few weeks ago, a friend posted a status update on facebook about her frustration with no time in the evening to tend to her children's needs even though she's a stay-at-home mom, and she didn't know how two working parents could run a household. My solution? Time management.
As I once again spent too much time in one store this evening while I was supposed to be picking up groceries while Averey was at gymnastics, I realized I was a complete hypocrite for soliciting such advice.
Sure, I have my laundry duties down to a science (that's what happens when you don't own a dryer) and take a few minutes here and there to spruce up the house and can manage my time well (for the most part) when it comes to that stuff.
But send me on a shopping trip for anything other than necessities, and you'd think I don't own a watch.
Tonight, I got all wrapped up in crafty goodies at Michael's for about 15 minutes longer than planned. My indecisive mind took over, telling me I had plenty of time, and surely Jacey wasn't hungry yet.
But by 6:00, I knew I blew it again. I raced to the grocery store, power-walked through the aisles to pick up what was on my list (even though I left it in the car), and hightailed it out of there to call my hubby to ask if Jacey was hungry. (It was 6:15, and Averey's class ended at 6:30.)
"She was crying, but she's okay now."
"Well, do you want me to come home?"
"Well, I didn't think you'd be out this long. You didn't have much to pick up at the store."
(Feeling my face redden) "I went to Michael's." (Which I did mention before I left.)
"Ohh." I could see him roll his eyes. I could hear the annoyance in his voice. My husband, although never in the military, runs his schedule with military precision. His idea of being late is my version of being on time. (Hey, I'm not late if I'm supposed to be somewhere at 6:00 and show up right at 6:00! Anyone agree?) There have been a couple--few--no, many occasions where he's calling me to see where I'm at, when I'm coming home, because it's a bit--a lot later than I said I would be.
By the time I get home, I'm mad at myself for the both of us. I promise next time I'll be better (to myself), because surely I'll want to go out shopping again. Tonight was no different. I'm still annoyed with myself. I'm sure he's still annoyed with me too, but tonight is his night out, so I'm sure he's thankful for the escape.
Yet time and time again, he forgives me. And time and time again, God forgives me too. I'm grateful to have that model in our marriage, because let's face it, marriage isn't a piece of cake! (I should know from previous experience...)
This time management skill is clearly a fault of mine that I must pray about and work on continuously. But sometimes, when you're out of the house with no kids running through the aisles like banshees, asking for everything in sight, it isn't hard to lose track of time.
Oh, by the way dear--I got a LOFT gift card today, and I heard they're having good sales. Can I go shopping? I promise I won't take more than an hour!
No comments:
Post a Comment