See ya monkey

Tuesday is that night where all my kids commitments line up. I drop off, pick up, drop off and pick up. Miraculously no one is left waiting for this crazy red headed mother to arrive. I left my house at 6:00 PM tonight and arrived for a glass a wine at earls with my girlfriends at 10:30.. This is my life. Its a full time job. Factor in the morning prep including making lunches, the scrambling of hormonal girls looking for outfits , and the final pressure cooker question from the Mom, "do you have?". Then pick up again at 3:10 to unload back backs, making sure homework is done, drive to lessons, sports and make dinner. It is at least 8 hours in each and every school day. Now, being a single mother of four, requires some skill in time management. So, if I spend 8 hours of my day dedicated to my kids, why are people always asking when I am going to get a job? At some point laundry, bills, housework, volunteer commitments factor in. What about me? As stay at home mothers, we feel guilty when we go to yoga, get a coffee or the greatest indulgence, lunch downtown with our friends. Why do people try and make us feel guilty for having a reverse life? My real work starts when the most important people in my life need me. Wow, it took me 15 years of staying at home to get here. I just lost a Monkey.