I want... I want... I dunno.
Thu Nov 17 2005

I continue to be out of sorts today.  I'm restless, but languid at the same time, I want something but I don't know what it is.  I find myself wandering through the house looking for something, but I don't know what I'm looking for.

There are a half a dozen things I need to be doing right now, but can't seem to bring myself to do them.  Fortunately for me none of them are urgent.  Well, except perhaps my school work.  I have a paper on a movie I need to write and I need to get another John Woo movie to watch (I can't decide between Face Off and Broken Arrow).  I have a couple chapters to re-skim over and some homework to put the finishing touches on for my computer class.  

Part of me wonders if this funk I'm in is because I don't really feel like I'm contributing to my family.  While part of me has enjoyed the almost 4 years I've been home and not working, a bigger part of me desperately misses working.  I miss knowing I'm bringing in an income to help my family.  I miss working with, and having adults to talk to all day long.  I miss having a reason to get out of the house every day that does not involve doctor, dentist or therapy appointments, or one of the kids being in trouble.  I miss feeling like I have a purpose.

Don't get me wrong, being a mom and wife does have a purpose.  I just don't know that I'm really suited (and some may argue qualified) to be those things full time.  I'm a casual housekeeper at best.  It isn't that I don't know how, I just don't wnat to.  I'm just not the kind of person who can get excited about cleaning toilets, vacuuming and dusting, and cleaning an oven.  Oh, I keep the house mostly picked up, and I run laundry on a semi-regular basis, but my house could definitely use a deep cleaning.  I try to be a good mom to the kids.  #3 never needs help with his homework, and #1 and #2 don't want help with theirs.  When there are injuries, physical or psychological I give comfort the few times the kids allow me to do so, but most of the time they keep to themselves.  As far as being a mom goes, I'm reduced to being a short order cook and maid.

OK, enough wallowing in self pity for the day.  Maybe I can rouse myself out of this lethargy by baking some cookies.  I just need to find the give a damn to do so.
3 Comments
  • From:
    Yetzirah (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Nov 17 2005
    It IS a thankless job a lot of the time.

    But dang it all, it is IMPORTANT!!!
  • From:
    Pragmatist (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Nov 17 2005
    I went back to work part time when all my kids were in school. I wanted to be home when they got home, so part time worked just fine.

    When the boys left home, and there was a teenage Megan left, I turned over the household duties to her, went back to school, got my license, and worked full time.

    Megan enjoyed the responsibility (and turned out to be a darned good cook!), and I enjoyed getting out of the domestic scene.

    I think some women are just not meant to be Domestic Goddesses, but I think going to school is a good option for you right now. When the boys are old enough, then you'll be prepared for work in your chosen field. And you can again feel like a contributing member.

    However, being a Mom, available to your boys and your husband IS CONTRIBUTING!! Don't put yourself down there. So you're not a Martha Stewart clone. BFD! Does anyone else in the home care? Besides you?

    Shalom
  • From:
    Hellcat (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Nov 17 2005
    As soon as I say "That is the best Hugh Jackman pic yet!" The pic keeps getting better!
    God I love that one!

    *drools!*