Unemployment Begins, Optimistically

Yesterday was my official first “work day” of unemployment. No nanny, no job, no idea what to expect.

I was pleasantly surprised, but cautiously optimistic things will generally be this positive.

The day started with me waking to Hubby’s alarm. I can’t remember the last time I slept through the night, unaided by chemistry of the alcoholic or sleep aid variety, to the point where I woke to an alarm. (I’ve been in a state of stress over my job since about August.) My alarm used to go off 30 minutes before his so I could get a shower in before him. Today I got to doze as he showered, taking my time to wake up. About 30 minutes later I had a nice hot shower, and just before I was ready to turn off the water, the door opened and my little Sweetness traipsed in to say “Hi Mommy!” all smiles and kisses.

Mr. Man had also slept through the night, blessedly, after about two weeks of rough nights thanks to no less than six teeth trying to come in at once. What can I say, the man is a perfectionist in training. Hubby had the kids both up and dressed by the time I came out to breakfast, then I took over as he headed out to work.

Everyone seemed in a good mood, had breakfast then settled down for about 30 minutes of Sesame Street while I had my breakfast, checked e-mail then cleaned up.

For some reason, the kids are on a Lady Gaga kick, so we had to do a few rounds of Poker Face, followed by Bad Romance to get the morning started right. You know it’s going to be one of those days when your kids are demanding a song about having sex with someone while pretending you’re actually having it with someone else (Poker Face) as well as one about a sick and twisted desire to bang the hell out of someone you really shouldn’t, but you’re not letting that stop you (Bad Romance). What kind of example am I setting for my kids?

Don’t answer that.

The kids happily brushed their teeth and we read some books together. They played a bit, then we had a morning snack just before it was time to run Sweetness off to preschool for two hours.

It was a gorgeous day and I really started to feel good. After Sweetness was happily in class, Mr. Man and I hit the road to run errands. We got two grocery stores, the doctor’s office and the Starbuck drive through under our belts before returning to get Big Sister, who was as happy as a clam to be back at preschool.

I was a little early to pick her up, so sat in the main room with Mr. Man as the kids had their music time in the adjoining room. I was warmed all over when the kids started coming out, and some came right to me to say hi. I never fail to get all mushy inside when a little one decides I’m pretty cool.

One of the other moms came over to my place with her little dude after class and the three kids had a blast playing with my kids’ Cars and Hot Wheels toys from Christmas as my pal and I had an hour to catch up. It really made my spirits soar to have a fellow SAHM to chat with for a bit and I’m eternally grateful for the support of my wonderful mom friends.

Then the kids had lunch and went down for nap/rest time. Both stayed quiet for two hours and I was able to do a little freelance work for a client I’ve had for years.

By the time everyone stirred, I’d had lunch and felt I’d been somewhat productive in the professional department. We had snack, played a bit then Hubby came home and entertained the clan while I got dinner on the table.

I think Sweetness had as much fun as I did all day. She inhaled two helpings of dinner and some ice cream for dessert. Mr. Man was in a much better mood than the past several days with his teeth finally coming in and his teething fever gone. Both kids were out by 7:15 p.m. and Hubby covered for me at the monthly preschool meeting for Mr. Man’s preschool so I could have a little quiet time. (Read here: Sit on my couch, blog and listen to music rather than football/baseball/basketball/soccer/Sports Center/whateverthehellball is on tonight).

I’m cautiously optimistic. I know there will be good and bad days. I may slip slowly into insanity. I may find my groove. I may run away with a Cabana Boy (though my taste in cabana boys leads one to believe I’m a few bricks short of a full load, so the later is not very likely). Of course, Hugh Jackman could call and tell me he wants me for his woman. In that case, you’ll notice I stop posting. But, again, chances are slim to none for that there pie in the sky fantasy. Cabana Boy is more realistic. And that’s laughable at best (because laughing keeps me from crying). So, really, I’ve got “find my groove” or “slip into insanity” as my choices. Sigh.

Choose wisely, I hear the old mentor saying.

Where is the fun in that? Haven’t you heard about my children’s music preferences? Where is slipping into insanity that bad? Maybe in my special new world Hugh Jackman is the Cabana Boy and he wants a Bad Romance?

Hum, I may be on to something there.

Tagged as: SAHM, unemplyment