I have kept a secret – all week. This will be published tomorrow (today for you) so I can now reveal it. I have today off. Hysterical giggle. You know when you are at that “omg I have to hide in my cave” day – well that is me today. What’s the big deal? Well I lied by omission, so no-one would join me. I love them all but the fear that one of them might have a sick day today terrifies me.
I dropped one at work at 6am – he’s on his L’s – “are you going to be able to pick me up at 3?” He asks. “Yes, should be ok” I whisper. Back home and wave partner off to his work at 7.30 “have a nice day sweetie” I smile a little – don’t want him to suspect – can’t tap dance or he’ll get suspicious. The youngest ones lunch is ready super early for an excursion – on the last day of term – bless you teacher! He’s complaining about an excursion, I’m praising the faculty for such a great idea. I let him know we all have stuff to do and it’s just life and tomorrow’s Saturday…..
So, back home and back in bed, with a cuppa, watching ‘tele’ with one eye and typing with the other and I am in heaven. I’ve had a shower, the washing is on, the kitchen is clean, the slow cooker is on with chicken and veggie soup brewing and a pork roast ready to pop in at 3 o’clock. I don’t need to achieve anything more today than inner peace.
When I do admit to having the day off, they will wonder what I did all day. The fact is I have just sat down and I have exactly 5 hours till pick up again. Not long enough to cause much chaos even if I had the energy. But it’s 5 hours of clear head space. The boys don’t seem to be able to walk into another room without music blaring from their phones at the moment and they crank it up another notch in the bathroom.
I think ‘time’ is the hugest parenting factor that so many people will never, ever understand – especially the non primary carer. Time. Whether you are married or single, good relationship or bad, one party is often the primary carer even if you share responsibilities. One person is thinking day and night of all that needs to be done and how to meet those needs. Moments of reprieve are rare but this is the silver lining – when you do get an hour or two or five – it is gold. And I will take the gold any day – it is so my colour.
(thanks to Ab Fab for the pic)
