Pink for Pink Slips...

I feel like I am "waiting for a bus."  It may be my upcoming special fundraiser for work or my husbands pink slip....

Well I am being dramatic, sort of -- but the World's Greatest Husband text me this morning .. I am wearing my pink shirt for my pink slip.  Apparently the Governor who I have gushed support for and changed my profile picture on Facebook with -  may now be laying off 5,000 or so State workers.  I still stand by my original post that I am willing to support his shared sacrifice budget philosophy but honestly I am saying some serious Hail Mary's that this lay off doesn't impact my family in a serious dramatic way.    I am hopeful that the union negotiations will produce a reasonable package that most can live with. In the meantime, the World's Greatest Husband only has one pink shirt so if I take it to the cleaners... maybe the "pink" slip" won't come...

For all the mothers out there...

...and on a lighter note...I love this video!
Happy International Women's Day! (a few days late)


Special thanks to Kind over Matter for posting this.  Now, paper peeps...Pass it on to the special women in your life who are working hard to build a fabulous life... 

Furlough...Smurlough... Let's Get Back To Work....

I return to work today.  I've been off on a two week furlough.  Life is about to get super hectic.  I had big plans for my furlough.... crafting everyday, walking the track for miles,creative cooking..... where did the time go?  It's always amazing to me when relaxing days are followed by frantic ones, how a little R and R can be wiped away in an instant.


So my two week furlough? I hardly cooked because of our kids schedules, didn't walk once and managed to squeeze in 15 minutes of crafting time last night because I needed something to calm my nerves.  The World's Greatest Husband worked at the hospital until 1am.  Having five kids by myself is a way of life but it sure is easier when two are home to manage the troops.  My kids (yes school is only days away and we should be practicing a proper bed time) went to bed at 11pm after an evening of fighting, a few minor injuries, screaming, wrestling and of course... laughing (at silly things like burping and farting)... please someone tell me it is going to be ok!  All this after a day of entertaining a family that we haven't visited with in quite awhile.  I think returning to work might be the relaxation and peace that I truly need!

Ok, so here is the final result of my two week craft-a-palooza that lasted only 15 minutes.  My fifteen minutes of peace for a very, very, long day. I must admit, doing this sort of stuff makes my heart sing...

A Quick Laugh

My kids were camped out in my office while I had a meeting yesterday morning.  Today I arrived to several cute notes posted around my office.  I thought it was sweet and clever.

Sometimes while I am at work I will make a note or two of things I want to blog about or check out on the internet etc... (I write them on my cute Vera Bradley note mousepad)  I had left a little note to self "what makes me a softball mom?"  This note was developed into a post  I wrote a few days ago....   I cracked up today when I saw my daughter had responded to my mousepad scribble with: .... having kids who play softball.

Got to love it!  Simplicity!

Paper Mama needs some help...

Overwhelmed doesn’t seem to cover it.

I am so upside down!  This week is about to push me over the edge and it has hardly begun!  Any advice? Any tidbits to bring me peace?  Because all I really want to do is hop on a plane outta here! 

The World’s Greatest Husband continues to provide sound advice, hand holding, accommodations to make my life a bit easier.  He actually told his boss he has to come home early this afternoon so I can accommodate some responsibilities I have at my job later today….He is so sweet and kind and the funny thing is…. I am so koo-koo all I want him to do is simply stop talking!  I know, crazy mama’s gotta stop!

Children? Children? My kids should just move out for the week.  I am only kidding, but they should at least stay out of my way, do their own laundry and make their own meals… ok, I am kidding they can stay, I'll cook.

Work? I plan to close my door and work like a mad woman. I have my major event on Friday and I expect things will improve after that – please God, help me get to Saturday!

 

So there you have it – Paper mom is officially nuts but my dear psychologist husband tells me I have nothing on the real crazies he treats in the ER…. Now there is some peace.

A Secret

I Came home with a new look last night.  It involved scissors, a razor and a brave heart.  YIKES!  My kids screamed and ran under the kitchen table (I didn’t find that to be amusing) and my husband said I look younger but didn’t announce a real compliment until hours later…. Check out the new look (my professional 6 year old photographer took the picture, l love that kid!)

Are you sitting down? I have a secret…. Ready?

I miss working full time.  I know that sounds crazy to any mom who is running around like a crazy woman, but here me out.  As a part time professional and full time mommy,  I have my hands into too many things… As much as I appreciate a part time schedule it makes everything an opportunity.  I try to attend every important work event and meeting outside my scheduled part time hours because I want to be flexible and part of the team.   I try to attend every single kid event because I “only” work part time and feel the pressure to always be available to the school, the club, the team, to be flexible and support my kids…  I am acutely aware of time.  I know we all are but when I was at work at 8:30 and home for 5:00 I only had one place to be, of course with appointments and meetings I had my eye on the clock but it wasn’t about rushing out the door to meet the bus, carpool, visit the school, drop off, pick up etc.  I don’t want to sound like I wasn’t available or able to participate in school activities because  as a full time worker, I did participate, but I did it on a more limited basis, I did it on my time and on my terms not because I was the "part timer" who is always available.  I also had many days where I was pulling out my hair trying to manage it all. Being a part time professional some how has allowed me to become out of control with time, trying to be all things to all people….Not to mention,  I’ve missed having that professional stimulation all day long.  It was my “me” time that I swear makes me a better mother.  So to some of my readers, I am sure you are saying what the heck is this Paper Mom’s problem???? And maybe it is just the day and time of month that has me writing this way – part time also has a few perks that I am willing to acknowledge (a morning routine that allows for a blog!)  Another important point of interest is:  I know I am able to allow myself to miss full time work because we seriously do have the most amazing child care provider in our life.  I know that makes a difference.  Her willingness to help us and love our kids has always freed me from motherly worry that sometimes stifles full time professional creativity.  As moms and professionals we are only as good as our child care provider.

So there you have it… today, I miss working full time.  I know my part time gig isn’t forever and full time maybe closer than I think… I guess mentally, I am ready.

Today is Thursday, our crazy day!  I hope you are having a good one!