lowering the bar
i’m still 8 weeks from my due date, but it’s already starting: my previous standards and ideals are fading fast. despite my chipper tone in yesterday’s post, i am definitely tired these days. the good news is that i am gradually getting to accept some changes in my lifestyle. it is what it is — and i’m going with the flow.
i’m sleeping later. no more 5 am wake-up calls — i am trying to get at least 8 hours/night, and often a little more. unfortunately, my sleep isn’t that great so i’m still waking up tired at times, but it’s better than nothing. on monday, i fell asleep [in bouts] for at least 30 minutes during an afternoon conference, despite desperate attempts not to do so. i am forgiving myself for that, too.
i’m cooking less. i am planning ~2-3 ‘real’ meals/week with the rest leftovers or quick/easy fare. i got home last night at 6:30 and was not super-excited about whipping up this eggplant/rice dish, but it was easier to do knowing that it was one of only a few nights that week i would have to buckle down and do it.
brown rice with tomato, peppers, and mozzarella-topped eggplant from the march 2012 clean eating
my workouts are short + sweet. it has taken me years to learn that you really can get in a reasonable workout in 30 minutes.
clearly, my run/walks aren’t going to get me into racing shape, but when it comes to exercising for health and energy, quick sessions get the job done.
i’m spending a little more $ on certain things. as i mentioned previously, i am in the process of setting up a cleaning service for our apartment — perhaps as a temporary measure, but i think it may be something we keep as i go back to work [i don’t really want to spend my precious time at home with our baby cleaning toilets!]. i also just set up a massage for this weekend [100% necessary given the recent events — plus i had a groupon!]. i will be happy to sacrifice things like trips and eating out in the future to make up the difference. [i will be less happy to sacrifice shopping, but it’s definitely going to be more minimal for the next year or so after baby].
i’m not planning anything big. meaning: i’m not focusing on spanish or doing extra work right now — and i am avoiding taking on any major new projects. i feel pretty content spending time at home on weekends [when i’m off], getting through lists like this one. sure, we will be organizing the nursery [ie, bringing josh’s desk out to our main room] but there is no time-consuming decorating plan. i’d rather have the time to just hang out, rest, and keep things functional.
progress
i’m not sure that everyone would want to celebrate the loss of their previous standards, but i am happy with the more laissez-faire approach. because everything will change in 8 weeks or so, anyway! and then, when i’m headed back to work with a 12-week-old in tow [gasp], i am sure my priorities are going to shift dramatically again. might as well get used to it . . .
9 Comments
Good to see you are taking it easier on yourself. Also, you look wonderful in the pictures you are posting. I have not had cleaning help myself, but I could totally imagine wanting/needing it in your situation. I am also not blaming myself or my husband when my house doesn’t look as spotless as say my parents house looked, cause she didn’t work fulltime and we do!
And can I ask you, where can I buy that great list-pad (sticky notes probably) or some similar item? I really like them and they would be useful too.
The timing of this couldn’t have been better. For about two weeks now I have really started to let go of the things I would obsess about before. Just this morning I came into work "late" at 8:15 because I felt the need to sleep. (I am 26 weeks with twins btw) I’ve slowly started to let myself embrace the same attitude. My work has also nudged me to start sleeping in a little later and leaving after exactly 8 hours. A huge change for me as I was a 7am-5pm or later person for quite a long time now. Same thing on the meals. I do more "assembly" cooking than actual cooking these days. My H isn’t injured right now, but he coaches a high school winter sport, so is gone a lot on weeknights and weekends.
I totally agree…time to get used to change and "going with the flow" with babies on the way 🙂
26 week twins!!!! congratulations and i think that taking it easy is definitely warranted in your situation! i think that is wonderful that your work has been supportive — i say GO WITH IT 🙂
they are from russell + hazel! not sure if they are still available but YES so useful. i love them 🙂
Good luck! 🙂 It’s easy and great for your followers to find you all over the web!
Josh has someone to cook and clean for him – why shouldn’t you? You can afford it (it’s an investment in your future and own sanity) and it will take the pressure off. Then you can cook only when you feel like it, or even clean, if that’s something you really love. As Josh feels better, won’t he be able to help with the cooking while he’s convalescing?
Please take care of yourself. It’s time for you to be selfish – and do what you want when you want – and only when you want – you know – like Josh.
definitely — and i know he WILL help with the cooking. right now it’s still pretty hard to get around even short distances, but you’re right in a few weeks hopefully he’ll be more mobile and he has already proclaimed that he wants to cook.
i also just want to clarify that nothing i do is because i feel like i ‘have’ to — if i had wanted a cleaning service years ago he would have been totally fine with it. the ‘home life’-type of obligations i have are totally self-imposed. i cook because i don’t want to eat takeout all the time and i clean because i hate being in a super-messy house and i’m the one that has the extra time. for at least the past 2 years, my work hours have been consistently FAR fewer than his, to the point it would have been very unrealistic to have him cooking (after all i’d have to wait until 10 pm to eat . . .uh no thanks).
finally, there are definitely times when he does clean – he is much more likely to sweep and mop the floors for example. however, i think both of us are really ready to hire someone and we have them coming next wednesday. i feel relieved already.
I had to laugh this morning with your post. You mentioned that you didn’t want to spend your time at h one with the baby having to clean toilets. I had been poking through your archives and yesterday read a comment from your mom that said once a baby gets here it might be worth hiring someone to scrub your toilets so you can be with the baby. I thought the timing was interesting. Anyway, it sounds like you have a good handle on things. I found when I had my kids, life just flowed well into the next chapter for the most part. I didn’t miss the things I was giving up and the costs seemed to take care of themselves for the most part. We seemed to naturally cut back on what we could. as long as I tried to go with the flow and remember that plans are a guideline not an absolute. Good luck, you will be an awesome mom!
first of all i am totally impressed that you found that! i totally remember that comment, but wasn’t thinking of it as i wrote the post yesterday AM. i guess she was right 🙂