Work and balance

I have survived two weeks of being back in the workforce. Whew! I wasn't sure I could do it. I forgot that eight hours were so long. Those eight hours flew by when I was at home.

I am reminded of the things that I liked and didn't like about working. The pros and cons have come screaming back to me again, as if I haven't had a year-long sabbatical.

PROS:

1) People. It's nice being around people again during the day. I have strong hermit-like inclinations so it is good for me to be out and about. It is good to laugh with others. It is good to enjoy lunch with new friends. It is fun to get to know new faces...and when you start a new job - EVERYONE is a new face.

2) Clothing. Going back to work means I get to dress up and not walk around in fuzzy slippers and pajamas during the day. Yay for me and for all who live with me. I have actually broken out the ironing board a few times lately. Miracles never cease!

3) Building and location. Holy cow - the building I work in is beautiful and it is in a perfect location. My building is next to a golf course and at the base of a canyon. The view of the city is incredible. At least that's what I hear. I sit in the dead center of the building and don't have much of a view. But the word from those that sit near the outskirts is that it's pretty incredible!=)

4) Money. A little extra cash is always good.

5) My job function. I love what I do. I work in the licensing department for a physician staffing company (aka locum tenens) and I love it. I am a total nerd when it comes to doing my job. I love being organized. I love being efficient. I love being busy. I love results! Love it!
CONS:

1) Guess what I did over the weekend.













DUN DUN DUN......































But that's not all - there was also grocery shopping, ironing, and general cleaning of the humble abode. Do you think my kids are saving it all for me during the week because they think I miss it?

2) Tired! At the end of the day, I am soo tired. I sit at a desk all day so I'm not sure why I'm so exhausted. I think I just need to get used to my new schedule. Hopefully it will get easier.

3) Exercise - or the lack therof. I have exercised one time in the last two weeks. Again - the tired thing. What are some things you do? How do you make time for it? I'll take all the advice I can get.

4) Blogging. I have put blogging toward the bottom of my priorities. Something that has given me so much joy is now at the bottom of my list. I still lurk, by the way. I don't always comment, but I read your blogs and they inspire me daily.

5) Family. Unfortunately, my family gets a busier mom. They get a more stressed drama mama. I am controlled by the clock and don't have time for the smallest of inconveniences. I'm easily annoyed by the simple things. Usually it's the things that might make me late for work. Such as the homework left at home that is realized on the way to school. The "oh mom, I'm out of lunch money" as I'm dropping the kids off. Little things. Small things that tend to make steam come out of my ears.

I don't want my kids to remember a stressed mom. I know I'm human, but I want them to remember me as fun, loving and caring. Not stressed. I'm trying to find balance and I know it will all work out. Maybe I should try a little T'ai Chi or yoga. T'ai Chi anyone??

But overall, I feel blessed. Stressed, but blessed.

Just now, my cute daughter Larissa shared a scripture with me that she has memorized. She said, "Mom, Tessa read a really neat scripture in Young Women's today that I memorized."

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid, neither do man light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick. And it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine forth before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is in Heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

I'm blessed indeed.