Tag: alone time

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Family

Early Dinner

I have a new episode for Bluey, it is called “Early Dinner”.

Need an early dinner to allow me to go back to my hotel and relax

The episode would go like this.

Chilli has a work getaway organised. Bandit would look after the kids, Bluey and Bingo. Chilli kisses everyone goodbye and starts her journey to the city. Chilli then has to decide; does she meet up with her workmates or does she stay and relax in her hotel room?

She decides to stay in her hotel room and relaxes with a warm bath, then watch her own tv while eating dinner from room service. The episode ends with Bandit being super busy with kids wanting to constantly play and Chilli falling asleep in the star position on her bed in her hotel room.

Now cut to actual real life and not a Bluey episode…

A few weeks back I met some of my teammates in the city for dinner and an early morning start for a HUGE strategy day at work. While deciding where to meet and the time I explained if it is not good for the others, I would be perfectly happy to get dinner on my own and spend the time in my hotel room doing my own thing.

Image from https://mr-heeler.tumblr.com/

I know this sounds very antisocial but as a busy mum to three kids, finally being on my own was wonderful. I did want to meet up with my colleagues but also would be very happy not to as well. I was conflicted.

Once I divulged this to some of the ladies I work with, one told me she totally relates. She then told me, if I wanted to just stay in my hotel and not meet up that was fine too.

One suggestion was to have an “Early Dinner” so that I can socialise and still have me time at the hotel.

Before kids, I would have never entertained an early dinner and now that is fine and a good idea. And yes, perfectly acceptable.

What a dilemma! Socialise or be antisocial? Or finally, have some me time and relax!

Have you been in this situation before? Spoiler alert: I ended up socialising and did really enjoy it as well as finally being on my own in my hotel room.

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Categories
Family

After Lockdown I Need A Holiday Alone

We are about to enter our eighth week of lockdown. Yes, it will be nearly two months until we have been allowed to go anywhere other than our local LGA (council area).

Not only are we going stir crazy and getting frustrated, but it also looks like there is a huge possibility that the lockdown that was set to end at the end of August will be extended for another eleven weeks! However, this is not confirmed but has been a rumour, especially on Twitter.

So if it is true we have another few months of lockdown. It will end around the end of October or possibly be extended for Christmas and New Year, who knows at this stage.

A holiday at a hotel just for me!

It has been rather sad as the kids have missed out on their holidays as the lockdown started during the winter school holidays and it looks like the twins will celebrate their thirteenth birthday at home if we are still in lockdown in September.

I am sure I am not the only one that has missed alone time. With everyone at home there is nowhere to be and when you do finally stop working there is always something crazy going on with the kids that means that you are never truly relaxed.

I am living in a house that is constantly noisy, crazy with activity and with kids that don’t listen.

Not only is there no break but the kids have taken over my personal laptop for their school work, so that means that when I finally get some time for me, I cannot access my own computer due to the kids using it.

One thing that would make things much easier, is if all the kids could go back to school. It is a real struggle to get my five-year-old to do any school work and the constant arguments and negotiations are so draining.

After lockdown ends I know that many will be desperate to travel and I for one am one of those people, however, I have been thinking that after a huge lockdown trapped with family members that are making you frustrated, annoyed and making you feel like retreating.

I believe that holiday retreats for parents without kids or just the mum having some time out is what is going to happen. Bring it on I say!

I am drooling over the idea of going to a hotel all by myself. I don’t need to partake in all the services offered, however would be happy if the hotel of choice has a day spa. Mainly I would just enjoy the room on my own, sleeping in, watching my own tv and doing my own thing for a change. Oh and finally being able to not be responsible for the food and bedding would be awesome too!

Have you been thinking about the holiday you would take if you were not in lockdown? Currently, I don’t have to travel that far to get a nice hotel but as it is a huge cost staying at home is the cheaper option.

I am still getting emailed newsletters about holidays I can go on throughout Australia and also overseas, although with us not being able to travel at the moment, booking a holiday is not a good idea. I do spend a lot of time staring at the photos on the travel emails and wishing that I could go somewhere with the family or on my own. However, at this stage, it is not to be.

Wishing I was in the Maldives

Are you in the same boat? Wishing you could travel somewhere amazing? Are you also getting heaps of emails about booking your next holiday?

I know it sounds crazy that I wish to be alone after lockdown but with all the constant crazy energy I am seeking some calm time out. I am also wishing it would be nice to visit family and friends but mainly I am dreaming of a hotel room for just me.

Let me know if you are feeling the same.

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Family

Do You Holiday Alone?

The other weekend hubby and I went away for the weekend.

It was a lovely escape to the city for just the two of us.

No kids were coming!

Yes, you read that right, we finally got alone time.

Before I went away for this magical alone time (well not completely alone, I would be with hubby) I was telling another mum at the school about getting some time away for just us. She was very happy that we were finally getting away. She was as excited as I was.

This other mum then told me that in May that she is off all by herself to a retreat in Bali. Yes, she is going to a different country for a full week all by herself. This mum also has three kids and is desperate for a break also.

My dream holiday alone.
My dream holiday alone.

I was happy about our trip away for the weekend, but found myself rather envious of this mum’s trip. I wanted to do the same!   Maybe one day???? (I was excited for my friend too, and thrilled she was getting some rest and relaxation)

In the news was an article about another mum that books herself into a hotel twice a year. She does this alone! Yes another person going away all by herself!  I read this article before I heard about my mate’s trip to Bali.

The article from Essential Kids said that having a break by yourself makes this mum a better parent.  I am sure time alone would help any busy parent.

I have caught myself drooling over holidays, trips away, having fantasies about sitting on the beach sipping my cocktail while the kids are entertained in a kids club.

I would just be content in having a holiday at home as long as the following happened; I could sleep in, I would be able to do my own projects and the house was quiet. I think to get my wish list travelling somewhere else might be necessary.

The weekend away with hubby was nice and relaxing. We had a lovely dinner out on Friday night, and finally eating at a new trendy restaurant. It was a nice change to not have to factor in if the food will be okay for kids before we book for dinner.

Not being on call for others was nice, no yelling, nobody saying mumma all the time, or yelling mummy at the top of their lungs. No fights to break up and no issues to deal with. Rather peaceful actually.

Once we got home the tension in my neck and jaw started to set in. The kids started arguing, I found out they hadn’t been very good on the day we came home and then they started harassing me again about everything and nothing.

It did feel like I hadn’t been away at all.

Maybe I need to go away for more than two nights?

I think I need to look into a Bali retreat like my other friend has done. Would a week somewhere relaxing make me feel better?

Would coming home to energetic kids bring all the tension back instantly?  I seriously need to look at a week long retreat somewhere…..send in ideas people!

I know the kids were excited to see me and hubby, and this is a nice thing. Cuddles, kisses and more were greatly appreciated. The only thing that I can live without is the chaos.

Do you have time out on your own?  If so has it helped you to have more energy and feel better?

Being a full time mum and carer to three kids is exhausting. Any other job you get a holiday, however being a parent there is no sick leave, holidays or breaks.

Down time is needed, but for some a night out or weekend away might the only break they get.

I have managed to be away for a few nights for a blogging conference, basically just a weekend away and then back to mummy duties.

Are you able to manage time away just for you?

How long have you been away for? How did the kids cope without you, were they happy when you were home?

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Family

Hectic School Holidays

Today is day two of term one.

The twins are officially in grade four.

The baby is finally not sick and is in care, and mummy is able to take some time to just be.  To sit and have quiet time.

The school holidays were crazy. Well, not all crazy, but some of it was just chaotic.

 

 

There were some nice moments of sleeping in, not having to be anywhere and staying at home, plus spending some nice time with the kids was good.

There always seemed to be something happening. One kid fighting, one kid hurt or hurting the other and then the arguments. Oh my gosh! As the mum of three kids, it seemed that no matter what was going on it was hard to keep up. I was constantly exhausted.

Do you find this? Trying to entertain kids at all times is difficult. Once you think everyone is happy and playing it then all changes and you are back to sorting out a disaster.

A disaster could just be someone throwing out a drawing or not playing the game they want to play. Simple things but huge dramas to a little kid.

During the holidays the twins flew to Coffs Harbour to see their grandparents. The girls were unaccompanied minors and they got on a plane all by themselves. This was a huge step and a great thing to foster their independence.

This was one of the weeks that I was really looking forward to. While the kids were away I thought that the baby would be in care, and I would get so much done.

Fast forward to the actual week that the twins flew to visit the grandparents and of course Alexander was ill. Yes, this was the week that my little boy was very sick.

No child care, he had to have mummy and now the week that I so desperately was excited about was not great. My time alone was non-existent.

I did feel like it was a horrible conspiracy. No, you can’t have time to yourself….. ever! Yes, I know that the baby did not plan to be sick and these things just happen.

However, why do they happen on the week that the older kids were not going to be home? Why couldn’t this have happened the weeks before the girls flew to visit their grandparents?

How did you fare during the school holidays? Did you have fun? Did you get driven crazy by the kids?

Now that school is finally back I hope that you are having a well-deserved rest.

If you are busy at work you might need to wait for that rest, but I’m sure work is a change from looking after kids during the school holidays.

I’m happy about school going back but I miss sleeping in, and not having to be anywhere important was nice while it lasted.

Doing your own thing was good, and I must say that I’m not really in back to school mode just yet.

How are you doing now that school has gone back?

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Categories
Family

Summer School Holidays End

I know a cat photo is strange to put in this post. I did look for a photo of an annoyed mum or parent. Or even kids being silly. I thought that this annoyed cat summed up my feelings and might even represent some of my facial expressions over the holidays.
I know a cat photo is strange to put in this post. I did look for a photo of an annoyed mum or parent. Or even kids being silly. I thought that this annoyed cat summed up my feelings and might even represent some of my facial expressions over the holidays.

I love summer.

I love holidays.

However I am over the craziness of the school holidays and keen for kids to go back to school. There I said it. Lately everything is a drama, and I am so over it.

When is my turn to take a holiday?????  I have been trying to use positive thought power to attract a family holiday to Fiji maybe, or possibly a working holiday just for me to Queensland or Melbourne. Who knows… I am just dreaming and putting it out to the universe at the moment.

I know a cat photo is strange to put in this post. I did look for a photo of an annoyed mum or parent. Or even kids being silly. I thought that this annoyed cat summed up my feelings and might even represent some of my facial expressions over the holidays.
I know a cat photo is strange to put in this post. I did look for a photo of an annoyed mum or parent. Or even kids being silly. I thought that this annoyed cat summed up my feelings and might even represent some of my facial expressions over the holidays.

One thing that I am not looking forward to is the weather getting cooler but one BIG thing that is making me smile is the hours that will be mine when kids and baby are at school and care.

Soon I will have some uninterrupted time. This time will be quiet. No kids yelling, no kids arguing and no baby demanding cuddles or screaming and crying. The joy of soon having two days to myself, aside from school pick up and drop off.

The girls start grade three on Monday and due to the baby being in care on the Tuesday I have organised something for me.

I’ve made an appointment to get my hair done. Yes some pamper time for mummy. It will be relaxing and so nice to do something for me and to be on my own for a change.

Are you looking forward to school going back? Are you over the kids acting feral and crazy lately? I know I am. I am longing for some lovely time to just be at home and to get things done. It could be blogging, sorting things out with the house or just sitting down and having some quiet time for me.

What are you wanting to do when kids go back to school? Let me know.

Categories
Family

Finally Some Alone Time

Yesterday was a good day. I had an appointment at the hairdressers to tidy up my hair and to also to give it a big lift….yes I had a nice colour put through it.

Waiting to get my hair done.... how nice to have some me time. Also I think my hair thanked me for the love and attention it got.
Waiting to get my hair done…. how nice to have some me time. Also I think my hair thanked me for the love and attention it got.

The pampering, silence and no kids was much needed. Some alone time was lovely. I sat with a peppermint tea in hand and reading a trashy mag while I waited for my stylist to arrive. I left the house thinking I might be running late for my appointment but to my surprise I was 15 mins early.

How amazing to be early somewhere. Having three kids and getting everyone ready to leave the house is a chore unto itself.

So I relaxed with the knowledge that I can just be and wait without the constant chorus of “mummy, mummy, mamma!!!!!!”

The stylist arrived and apologised as I was waiting and he did not know I was there. I said that is no big deal and I was in fact early so there was plenty of time. He was lovely and listened to what I wanted and worked his magic to make my hair look and feel wonderful. We swapped stories of babies and life and just had a great time while my hair got some much needed TLC. It was a lovely start to my afternoon.

I explained to the hairdresser that ever since my third child was born I have been losing handfuls of hair in the shower and also in the hairbrush. I have read that this is normal and happens due to hormones and the fact that you don’t lose hair during pregnancy but afterwards it seems like I am losing heaps. It has made me get very worried but since googling “hair loss and having a baby” I have found the following:

After I left the hairdressers I walked around very slowly, I took in all the coming and goings that I usually miss out on as I am racing around with kids normally. I loved the fact that I could go into shops and not have to be stressed out about kids touching things or the possibility of them breaking something very expensive. I was able to go into areas that are generally off limits to prams and to spend as much or as little time as I liked in each place. It was rather luxurious to do this (It does not sound like much but it was heaven).

My fab new do. Not much different from my old do but it is feeling nicer, the colour makes it look more healthy and the stylist worked with my natural curls.
My fab new do. Not much different from my old do but it is feeling nicer, the colour makes it look more healthy and the stylist worked with my natural curls.

Ever since I had Alexander my body has been out of sorts… I think I need to be realigned and have daily or weekly massages. My pelvis, hip and shoulder feels very sore. I do think that maybe my rib and also pelvis might be out of place as it is very painful to lie down and I never seem to feel good, every part of me feels like it is in constant pain. Not good I know. Has this happened to you after you had your baby? What did you do to feel better?

I have been seeing my chiropractor and he has helped a bit but the pain and issue is still there. I was thinking maybe a deep tissue massage might help me out.

So after my lovely relaxing time at the hairdressers and the shops I took myself off for a Deep Tissue Thai Massage.

Yes…… it was amazing and different. I have never had a true Thai Massage before, the lovely lady used her body to help get my kinks and to stretch my body out.

It was a brilliant experience and I will definitely be going back. I was twisted and manipulated and it has made parts of my back and body move more easily, however it also made me think that everywhere this masseuse touched me was so sore. It made me think how out my body really was.

The masseuse suggested that I come back soon as my back needs to more help to feel better. I will have to book a massage for the next weekend so that I can start to feel better. Next weekend I need to book my time again so that I can help my poor back and body.

I did have a lovely fantasy while I had my massage. I was a princess getting her daily or weekly massage. Yep I don’t muck around with my daydreams. In my fantasy I was in a fab room that was all decked out with detailed fabric, furniture and no expense was spared. I hope I’m not the only one that has weird thoughts while having a massage. Let me know if you do this too.

Have you found that a Deep Tissue Thai Massage helped you feel better? Also have you managed to sneak in some me time after kids? Let us know.

 

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3 years and beyond

Elusive Alone Time

Alone Time, Image by FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Alone Time, Image by FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Why is it when you want to be left alone no one does? Yes it is very annoying, and frustrating. I have a lot to do, namely reading for university and would like to do some stuff for the blog and who knows, maybe something else.

We decided to go out to lunch and then a drive, it was a day of constant, “Mummy, can you do this, Mummy, can you do that” Oh……a nice nap or quiet time under a tree would have done me today.

When I do finally get time alone, my head, shoulders, and neck hurt and as you might have guessed that then leads to a headache. This also means that I am exhausted and just in no mood to do anything, very annoying and frustrating actually.

Do find that you have periods like this, that nothing gets done and you are feeling very frustrated within yourself? I am feeling like that at the moment, I know things will sort themselves out and all will be fine. Currently I am just hanging for kids to go to bed, that time cannot come soon enough.

Today has been good and bad, I have had sooky kids which at times was nice and bad, the nice part was the cuddling the bad part was not being able to put a child down to go and do something like get a glass of water or maybe have a lie down.

I have organised a bath for the kids and they have more ice boats so hopefully after this they will be very sleepy and ready for a nice big sleep.  Off get the ice boats, pj’s sorted, and towels, hubby is watching kids in the bath. Finally some time with just me!! YES a small win for today!

Have you had a good day today? Were you able to have some alone time?  I am now sitting with a glass of red wine while I type this and feeling a little better about the day, as it is now night time and kids will soon be snoring and in bed (well I can only hope).

Do you have tips or tricks to make you get more alone time? Have you a timetable with your partner/husband to make sure that each one gets alone time? Send in your comments.

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3 years and beyond University Study

Bed is calling me

Why is it when you have a million things to do you are not feeling your best. This just makes what you have to do, harder and more annoying. Maybe I should have done more university work before now. It is hard fitting it all in being a busy mummy; however I probably could have done more than I have done. I have an assignment due on the 2nd of April and just between you and me, I have done some research but not put much of it together. More reading and time spent on this needs to happen this weekend.

I have told the husband that I need to be left alone to do university work, and that was met with, he needs to sleep in, do the lawns and get his hair cut. Understand that these things need to be done and he has had a big week, so catching up on sleep is great. So hoping that when he is up it is my turn to be left alone to get on with what I want to do. He can look after the girls like I had to when he had a presentation to do for work.   I just fear that I will end up looking after the girls till about 1-2pm and then I will get nothing done.

Currently I feel terrible, tired, and achy, the beginning of a sore throat, and just generally out of sorts. I would really like to go back to bed; however this cannot happen with kids in the house.

Today the goal is to get some of my assignment done and my tutorial questions. Once these are done, or at least well on the way to being complete I will feel much better about university and the situation.

Now the other goal is to be left alone to complete this task. Maybe daddy might take the kids out to get his haircut and leave me alone?  You can only hope.

Have you had things you need to get done, but it is hard when you are not left alone to do them? I know I have some extra days due to pre-school, but I tend to get some housework done, shopping and try to fit in university study. The issue with university is that you can take hour’s just investigating one issue or looking up an article. Then there is a matter of reading it all to understand what it is you are doing. So the day that you had goes and you don’t feel like you have done anything.

Does your partner/husband help you have time to yourself for study/time out/hobbies/anything else? It is really hard to fit it all in. Next week I am using pre-school days for me, not the house. Send in what you do to fit it all in? What tips and tricks can you share with us all?

Update: Finally now on my own, it is 11:40am, and feel annoyed most of the day is gone but pleased to be getting a start on my work. Now getting a hot cuppa tea and to get stuck into it. In the end I have organised the format for the assignment, now need to read all the articles and put it all together. Wanted to do more, however after lunch I felt terrible and decided to rest.