You know those days when you can’t think straight? And you’re working hard and staying up late and getting up early?
And you’re just trying to catch up and establish a routine so you can finally prioritize the important things? And you know you’re moody because of the lack of sleep, but that until you’re caught up you’ll just have to wait and sleep later?
And your daughters are whiny and they want attention and you keep telling them “later”, but you both know that just means nothing because later never actually comes?
And your son wants to snuggle right in the middle of an important email that you’re already late in responding to and he keeps knocking your computer to climb onto your lap to snuggle, but you’re too caught up in the email to notice anything other than the fact that your computer keeps getting bumped, causing you to lose your place until you finally snap and roughly remove your son while yelling “later!” only to realize when he starts crying that all he wanted that whole time was to sit on your lap and snuggle?
And your husband hounds you about doing your paperwork so he can file taxes and keep your finances in order so that even though you are behind with the things you need to do at least he is not behind in the things that he needs to do and you get mad at him for bringing it up all the time when he knows darn well it’s on your list of things to do later?
And your dog looks at you with that naughty look and you know he’s just being naughty because he doesn’t get walked which is something you totally plan on doing later?
And you have every intention of staying on track but personal noise in your personal life will not shut itself off and let you concentrate, causing you to sit and stare and sip coffee and hope that peace will come later?
And you know someday this cycle will come full circle when your kids grow up and have things to do and can’t be bothered by moms who want their babies back, when they had their chance to be present but instead insisted on later?
Sigh.
Yeah.
Me either.
Nikki says
Me either. Though I’m pretty sure the tears in my eyes meant that something familiar in what you said resonated with me but I don’t know what. Perhaps later after I’m done doing the dishes and editing these client articles I’ll figure it out.
jennyonthespot says
Ugh. Did you just steal my life/guilt. Oy. Ugh. and Yes.
Maria says
This is so true. The last few sentences really struck me, because I have been too busy to help my mom hang pictures and too busy to visit my grandmother lately. I am guilty of always telling my kids that we will do something later. I am really going to try to do better.
BigMamaCass says
Awww. I so know. Ugh :-(
mom taxi julie says
Always trying to juggle it all. Which ball am I going to drop next?
Jessica says
Later absolutely sums up my life right now.
Stephanie @ The Blue Zoo says
I have really been feeling exactly like this lately. Im not sure how im going to fix it, but I need too.
Karen, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry" says
This is so sad! I’m glad I am not this bogged down that I don’t have time for my family and pets. Although, I must admit tax season always makes me more irritable–it’s just such a chore. Sounds like it’s time to prioritize.
Nicole @ Moments that Define Life says
This is something I battle with constantly. Being able to just stop and be present for my kids when I have other things to get done or commitments I must honor. It’s tough. Some days we fail miserably at balancing it all out, but at least you’re aware and trying. That’s the most important thing because it means you will find your way to more days of being present and balanced than not. I hope today is a better day!
Grams says
Awe, this made me feel melancholy. Great blog entry … it really stirred my feelings and brought back memories. I remember those days when I just couldn’t take the time … for whatever. One of the best things about being a Grams is that now I have time.
Veronica says
I feel guilty about these very scenarios on a daily basis..
Jennifer says
Ouch. This really hits home. Hard.
Amanda says
I have fought this battle for a few months. I had so many things on my plate that is made me absolutely miserable. A schedule so tight that I dreaded weekends and night time just because it meant more time for me to work on projects. I finally asked myself why I had to rush? Major guilt trip there. I rearranged some things and this week has been the best yet. I still have a lot to do but about half of what it was before. Until that point my head was filled with many of the same thoughts you posted. I never knew how badly I needed a change until I made one.
seriouslyahomemaker says
I have no idea what you are talking about. :-)
Vicarious Chelsea says
Ugh this is a good reminder to do some things “now.” Maybe for lent I’ll give up doing the dishes. That’ll buy more time with my kids, yes?
Lindsey says
It’ll buy you Royal Chinet ;)
Jennifer says
I decided a few years ago that later doesn’t cut it when it comes to kids. They have a NOW mommy. Yes, my house is a mess. Yes, there are other things I could do. But my kids are only small once and I plan on enjoying every moment I can. Now instead of my kids getting told later, the dishes, laundry, etc., etc. are the ones getting pushed to later. It’s making for happier kids and a happier mom and dad!
Anna says
i am trying to become a now mommy too. it means a lot of stuff goes undone, but at the end of the day i feel a lot more peaceful with the other stuff undone then the kid time getting the short end.. ah balance!
Amy says
I needed this wake up call!!! Thanks for writing it!
Jill says
OMGosh… Totally me! I was just telling myself that I’m going to play a game or do something with my daughter after school. Just the 2 of us. She needs that. (So do I!)
Jen says
That last line about moms wanting their babies back? That killed me.
Lisa says
You just described my life right now. I’m thinking of just having ‘Later’ stamped on my forehead….it would make things a tad bit easier.
Ado says
Such a good post for me to read today. Thanks for giving me a better idea of what I really mean when I say ‘later.’
My six-year-old has a definition of it too, one time when I told her “Later…” she retorted: “Later is NOW, Mommy! Now is LATER! You should know this by now!”
Well…after your post, now I know it. (-:
misty says
Thanks for speaking my mind… my thought patterns, as of late, are echoing this VERY thing…
Paula/adhocmom says
It’s totally our theme here. . later. Unfortunately the nap I really want is going to happen later too.
Shell says
I’m so, so guilty of saying “later” to my kids.
Mrs. Flinger says
Yes Yes and also, Yes. Oh, and uhu and yes.
Lindsey says
I’m fighting my way out of this too. Cutting out nonessentials (which almost always means spending less yime in front of the computer) really helps me.
Jen says
Trust me when I say, I get it. Really, really get it.
Bruna says
I so hear you. How many times have I said LATER? It’s so easy to get lost in the moment and not think of the bigger picture. Yikes. Thanks for putting into perspective. Even though we know it, sometimes we need to hear someone else say it out loud!
Carrie says
I don’t think there is a parent out there who hasn’t felt that way.
Carri says
I totally get it and I only have one child! You’ve got a lot on your plate and I know how hard it is to just slow down for a second and take it in. It’s SO hard!
I wish someone would tell me to go take a nap.
Natalie says
Very Cat’s In the Cradle.. And something I think we can all relate to.
Galit Breen says
This…is beautifully written. Of course it is- you always deliver! But it hits way too close to home.
susie@newdaynewlesson says
Ouch and yes I can relate.
Jenna says
I juggle with this everyday
Queen Bee says
I hear you! And I needed to hear you! I think we all feel like this at some time or the other. I seem to be living here and feeling the guilt. I’m ready for my “laters” to be “sures”.
Jess says
Sounds like we have a classic case of time-to-get-the-locks-changed-because-it-seems-kat-is-kicking-it-in-my-closet syndrome.
‘Twas not more than three hours ago that I was having a breakdown over the exact, same, laters with Husfriend. Minus the dog part. We don’t have a pup.
Le sigh.
Tonya says
Playing catch up should be my middle name. Ugh. I SO feel ya. Hang in there.
Rebecca says
I’ve been trying to write this post for weeks.
Only my title would be “In a bit”