Only freedom will do

BookWorm

Hi Mr E

Just thought I'd stick my two pence worth in....

I am often amazed just reading about everything you have going on...so it must be mad 'living it' You are juggling a mahoosive amount of stuff at the moment...and all on top of life with Mrs and Baby E....you are doing brilliantly.

Some good advice/comments from other people and I don't really have anything else to add... other than...be kind to yourself (although I accept this is far easier said than done )

Hugs

BW x

earthgirl

Hi Ed,

Is there any time you cn squeeze from somewhere else (i.e. work, or anything else that takes your time)? As you know I struggle with exactly the same issue, I'm the breadwinner and also have a million other things to juggle, and OH does most of the childcare for ds2 until I get in.

I try to do anything I can in my lunch hour and break time - extra tuition, shopping, phone calls etc. I maximise the time when the kids are asleep for housework (and reading diaries!). Its hard when I see piles of washing to put away etc, but I just try to be strict with myself and say if the kids are up, I'm doing stuff with them.

Also simpler cooking has bought me more time.

Time with Juliet is precious, I'd second the notion to manage it, rather than it manage you.

About to read your entire diary from the beginning to pick up some investing tips - great use of my child free time!!

AlexLK

I hate to sound so harsh but sounds like far too much "damsel in distress" going on! For all her faults, I cannot think of a time when my wife hasn't got stuck in when it comes to house or car improvement / maintenance. Yes, I know I'm seriously lucky in that respect.

I do all the shopping and most of the cooking but my wife has a full time job. Frankly, I see shopping and cooking as something done by the party who's working less (time to go to the shops without resorting to supermarkets for everything etc.). Furthermore, why on earth are you organising contractors, sorting out rubbish etc. when you're at work full time and she is at home?

elantan

Maybe time to get an alarm? Set it for 25 mins or so for doing house work .. work at it then no more ?

Maybe time to join a club? Nothing huge just 2 hours a week or even a fortnight doing something different ?

Maybe time to get a whiteboard with squares in it and start planning ... hour with juliet just you two twice a week then as a family on Saturday and Sunday spend some time preparing for the week ahead


Not saying all ( or even some) of these things are the answers ... just trying to give your brain cells a wee boost so that you will figure it out, your very pragmatic that way and will sort it out I'm positive

Sometimes we need to set these wee goals till they become a habit and we become happier with our routines

edinburgher

AlexLK wrote: »

I hate to sound so harsh but sounds like far too much "damsel in distress" going on!

Haha - I think my wife would thump you Alex

I zoned out a bit after 'frankly' - frankly people will consider any statement preceded with 'frankly' as a bit rude

The reason for the disparity of labour? Probably my own fault, I am a perfectionist, a bit of a control freak and if I can do a job 'better', I will. No matter how tired I am, or if I can be bothered!

elantan wrote: »

Maybe time to join a club? Nothing huge just 2 hours a week or even a fortnight doing something different ?

That's a good idea El, we have some very large running clubs near me, could be a good way to meet people. I'd probably start with something a bit less strenous, like Park Run or the like...

Karmacat

edinburgher wrote: »

The reason for the disparity of labour? Probably my own fault, I am a perfectionist, a bit of a control freak and if I can do a job 'better', I will. No matter how tired I am, or if I can be bothered!

There have been some great ideas to re-balance your life, Ed, but this quote from you just a few minutes ago contains the real answer :kisses3: it's about your own priorities. Though I still maintain that because it's such early days with DD and you've already noticed it, you've got time to fix it.

Plus I *love* the sound of your £200 mirror for just under £2 - that fitter sounds like a man after your own heart :j

The bathroom might come in at under £5k at this rate

edinburgher

I think it will KC, although it will be close.

Christmas credit card bill just cleared, jings!

£1 Oped (tiny bit of cashback and an ET), I am not in the money

elantan

Loved park run myself ... a wee hour on a Saturday morning set me up for the rest of the day


Go for it Ed


http://www.parkrun.org.uk/ what ya waiting for

ajmoney

I love parkrun, don't know what I would do without that while I am away at weekends. At first I never thought I would get to meet anyone but I have made some lifelong friends now.

earthgirl

Never heard of parkrun - what a great idea! Hope you find something that suits you ed.