down in the dumps – Mummy To Twins Plus One

Sad about unforseen events. Feeling better when I think about what we have already.Image courtesy of Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I’m a bit down in the dumps. I was all set to purchase a ticket to go to Problogger in August but that has been put on hold. Why you ask? Well it is all about finances. Hubby has been on a long contract with his work and has been told that he will be only renewed till the end of July. It is not only the fact that I was looking forward to taking the family to the Gold Coast again, and learning more about the business of blogging, it has implications for the rest of our life. Paying bills and keeping a roof over our head is more important than a blog conference. Although I know that is true I am sad to not be able to go this year.

Do you have plans to do things and then unforeseen events throw a spanner in the works? I was thinking of making a slick presentation to organisations for sponsorship but as tickets go on sale Monday (Yes Monday the 3rd of March tickets go on sale! I was so close to getting one) I don’t think I have time. I could buy a ticket and then work on the other variables but have decided against it. I don’t want the stress and worry if things don’t work out. Do you do this to yourself? Think if I just got the ticket, then all the other parts will fall into place? I have been thinking like that, but I need to snap out of it.

I was lucky to go to Problogger last year. 1stAvailable.com.au ran a competition and the first prize was travel to the Gold Coast and a ticket to the Problogger Conference. I won this competition and it was joy to be there and take the family on a holiday to experience my much beloved Queensland (I grew up in Queensland and miss it so much, I dream of taking the kids there again. Especially where I grew up Hervey Bay and Fraser Island)

After I dropped the kids off at school I drove to the post office. I sat in the car just thinking about it all for a while. It is rainy here and just a bit miserable like my mood. I decided that it is not the end of the world, I am grateful that we have our house, our health, the kids are happy and content and that we are together and happy. Like everyone more money would help the situation and of course allow us to do more, but we are doing o.k. There are others in the world that have it tougher than I do and I just need to be thankful for what I have already.

Do you catch yourself thinking that you are worse off for not going to something? I sometimes do, but it is really not a major issue. It would be nice, and wonderful but it is not the end of the world.

Hubby is hoping that things get sorted out before the end of July and I am trying to earn money to help out. I will be adding things to the blog that you can download at a cheap cost (I want to keep things reasonable so that it is available for all) and also have some freebies that you can use as well. So stay tuned for that.

At the end of the day, I am still working at putting last years learning’s into action. I am hoping that I can purchase a virtual ticket and this will allow me to have access to the talks and audio at the conference.

What are you grumpy about currently? Has realising that you are blessed with things already helped you deal with not going to something you desperately wanted to go to? I am feeling much better about the decision to not go now, thinking about what I have and feeling grateful for has helped so much. Send in your comments.

Update: I have decided to email some brands and agencies that I have worked with before. Why not see what happens. I can offer advertising, sponsored posts, updates while at the conference, tweeting and updates on all social media, showcasing the use of your product or service, and much more! Contact me if you are interested.

Where is my old self?

Do you ever feel like you are just doing the same thing day in day out? Well I do. I know that being a mummy is hard work, and it is very important; however it is hard to stay motivated when you seem to come last for everything.

Sounds depressing doesn’t it. Have no fear I am not depressed. I am still laughing, going out and seeking help when I need it. However, I wish I could wear a glam dress just because, and the heels to match it. Maybe if I was lucky, I might even have time to put on makeup and do my hair.

Currently I just feel like a fat, unattractive, daggy dressed, stay a home mother, who gets overlooked due to having kids. I know that this is not true, but it just feels that way. Am I the only one that feels like this? It is just a tough gig.

I think I am just craving some time to socialise with other adults, and have an assemblance of my previous life; even for a couple of days per week. This will eventually happen more when the kids are older, so I am decided to work away at things I can do from home. I am nearly finished my masters in project management, and hoping to start a business from home in the future.

Caring for two kids that are nearly four is a challenge, they are both on the go for nearly 12 hours or more and it is a big task to keep them occupied for this period. Upon thinking about my main annoyance lately is for time out. I understand that I have time out when kids are at pre-school, but I think it would be nice to have time out that is not on a deadline. I have a whole day, not a 6 hour window to get things done. With hours up your sleeve to do a task, I find that you only get bits and pieces of things done. This can be good and bad at times. Especially when you think you can get it all done.

I have decided to do some things that will put more of a spark into my day, and in the end make me feel more like me:

– I dyed my hair

– I did a home facial

– I am going to have a bath this week and just relax

– I want to read my magazine

– Watch my favourite shows

– Do some exercise, go for walks, use my Wii Fit

– Wear nicer clothes out

– Put on makeup

– Wear earrings

– Socialise with other adults

I am going to try and do some or nearly all of the above so then I won’t feel like such a dag (for those that don’t know what a dag is, according to dictionary.com, it means the following: “a person who is untidily dressed”), and unattractive. If you feel good with what you are wearing, you usually carry yourself better. I know it is superficial but it works.

Maybe the whole reason I feel so down in the dumps is that being a mother is not paid, glorified or respected enough. As I said it is one of the most important jobs to do. I am sure that other mothers out there think and feel like this. It is a thankless role and it is a pity that I am not getting paid or benefits of any kind. The only wonderful benefit is two great kids who love me, I know a bit over the top. It is nice to be there for the girls and have the ability to help them learn. I do feel lucky I can do it.

What do you do to feel like you again? Is it difficult now you have kids? Do you think that you have changed much or not at all? I feel like I have not changed, however it is just the access to things that is limiting. As the primary caregiver, I cannot just go to the hairdressers/beautician. I need to book that in when kids are at school (and there is a time limit on those days) or on the weekend. If it is in school holidays, just weekends. Send in your tips and tricks to make yourself feel great. Remember to vote for us for Best Australian Blog.