Just let me lie down!

So today I read an article from the new "Real Simple" magazine (may edition). Can I call you back in 15 years got me at the title, how I so feel like that some days and the past month it has been just definitely like that. Kristin Van Ogtrop author of "just let me lie down" writes about balancing kids, work and sleep - she leaves the husband out of it (for a minute). She talks about us having lots of time when we are young and suddenly balancing everything in our lives in our 40's it brings us to a subject of friends, she never thought she would have to "choose" to see friends rather than it be a natural thing, she notes that "friendships need consistent attention and occasional aggressive pruning" and really having to give up a few minutes of alone time to see a friend it becomes a juggling game.

I did as she did in the article and that was to draw up a pie chart and divide it up with the things you do in a day and boy I discover the same as her, I have very little time alone to do the things I love - yes I do not have cleaning the toilets on my "love to do" list.

I pride myself in being efficient and a good time manager but when asked to go out and I cant make it (babysiter problems or just exhausted) I am often made to feel guilty, but honestly i am tired or I do have to do the cleaning/tidying/shopping, god forbid I go to bed early! Is it because nathaniel is an only child that I take him to all these activities - I doubt it cause if he wasn't doing them he would be on playdates, but I sure feel like I spend a lot of time ferrying to his activities (14 hrs per week), and still working about 30 hrs a week minimum and volunteering and still having food on the table a smile on my face and a clean pair of knickers on!

I try to be good at everything, but it is more than obvious that as I take care of everyone else, it is me that goes down hill in the food I eat and the clothes I wear and the lack of exercise I do and the lack of friends that I see. I really do try and keep in touch as much as I can but it can be a struggle during these busy times! I am sorry.

So if I am sitting alone when I hit 80, please come and say hello, I know being busy isn't an excuse but sometimes it is a reason!

Happy Monday

Happy Easter and moving on!

So yesterday we had our "Easter party" it was so much fun, lots of friends and their kids to relax with. People "thank" me or tell me I am crazy but for me there is nothing better than getting to hang out with friends! If my house was bigger I could invite more but I felt it was the right number to keep an eye on and also socialise with everyone.

It was also a sad time as our friends Thomas, Elise and Elie are heading back to Montreal tomorrow for good. Now as experts from moving backwards and forwards around the world I can certainly understand how they feel and once Elise leaves there will certainly be a lot more wine in the Napa valley since everytime we get together we try to empty the place!

Elise has painted a beautiful picture which stands pride of place in our dining room and she has given up her 2 rugs.

We will miss them very much but wish them well as they head home to their Mother land and then for adventures in Lebanon after that

To my friends, THANK YOU for being our friends

podcasts

So, I have recently re-discovered podcasts! As I drive around all day in my car I have tried music, radio and audio books but they all just don't grab me, either too repetitive or need me to concentrate more so I have popped back into itunes and starting downloading some podcasts and you know what??? It is working,

I am cheerier when i get to my patients home and easy to pause and restart.

So what have I been listening too.

Well - "the Archers" a UK soap opera has me listening to a little bit of craziness

Chris Moyles radio show is always a fun favourite

Sarah and vinnie Secret show is another daily favourite (not for the kids)

medical matters - from the BBC keep me upto date with some favourite topics

World book authors, give an insight and interview with an author of a book.

Any journey you take is always better with companion ship so next time you are out and about - check out the huge podcast directory and find something you are into!! They will keep you company all the way!!