Time for myself? What's that?

I've been inspired by blogger Absolutely Bananas to write about what I do for just "me". The idea behind this blog is that the kids are going back to school and Mom's have more time to get "back to themselves". But I have a three-year-old left at home that, now that sissy's gone, requires more attention than ever! I didn't know "me" existed. Well, she used to exist, but she's now been transformed into somebody that puts her family's needs first. I read other moms' blogs about "back to mom" and the things that stuck out are; reading, exercising, scrap booking, yoga, getting nails done, etc. I don't really read (unless it's a parenting mag.), don't really exercise (unless you call walking a half a block to the school bus stop exercise), definitely don't scrapbook, and don't do yoga or nails. So what is there in my life that is just for me. Husband has fishing, R/C cars, R/C airplanes, motorcycles, etc. What are my hobbies?

So how do I find time for me. I guess for me it's little things. A Frappuccino while grocery shopping, a rare winery night with the girls, hot-tub talks with the girls, watching "The View". There have been pretty big "me times". Vegas, Madonna concert, beach trip. I believe that the consensus of Mommies is sometimes we need time to pretend that we're not. Not a mom, wife and CEO of our family. But on the same token, time to reflect with other moms about parenthood. So about that husband, luckily I have a great one! One that will let me sleep in quite often, even makes me breakfast in bed. One that doesn't complain when girls night comes around. One that understands the value of chatting/complaining/laughing with girlfriends in the hot-tub. One that takes on 3 days alone with 2 kids so I can fly away for "me time".

So I think I've assessed my so called "me time" and discovered that I get a lot of valuable time to myself. It may not be in hobbies like other moms have, but I find time for me in different ways. Plus the fact that my husband sees the value in it, makes it so very enjoyable and easy to achieve. Actually, I believe I've discovered my hobbies are wine, hot-tubbing and high calorie frozen drinks. Sounds like I've got a pretty good life!

When's my paycheck coming?

So I found this website that calculates salaries for any job you enter. It has calculated the earnings a stay-at-home mom would earn if she were paid. You can customize one for yourself based on the average hours and duties you perform weekly.
Here is mine:

Earning Statement Eldridge Family Corporation
For the year ending: September 2008

Job title_______________Hourly Rate______Hours worked
Housekeeper _____________$9.67____________624
Day Care Center Teacher____$13.22___________ 858
Cook__________________$13.42____________598
Computer Operator________$15.44____________416
Laundry Machine Operator___$9.92____________ 208
Janitor__________________$10.17___________208
Facilities Manager__________$34.68___________354
Chief Executive Officer_______$68.04___________333
Van Driver_______________$15.94____________343
Psychologist______________$36.55____________359
Interior Designer___________$18.48____________104
Event Planner_____________$25.21____________208
Bookkeeper______________$16.50_____________104
Nutritionist______________$22.52_____________156
____________________________________________Total Value
Regular Hourly Rate________$20.91___________2,080____$43,492
Over Time Rate___________$31.36___________2,792____$87,583
_____________________________________________________
_________________________________________$131,075

That $131,000/year sounds great, but don't forget, this job requires being on-call 24 hours a day and not getting any sick days. There are job titles that aren't included that should be added; hairstylist, personal shopper, personal stylist.

Wow, I really need to collect that paycheck! Seeing that does make me feel better about the things I do. Because like all moms, I sometimes feel like I'm failing at my job. So maybe it's better that I'm really not being paid, 'cause there are days when I'm not meeting the company's standards. But I believe that if were to have an annual review of my performance, I would ultimately come out shining. Maybe I should ask for a raise!

If you'd like to make your own, visit: http://swz.salary.com/momsalarywizard/layoutscripts/mswl_newsearch.asp

(There's even one for Dads)

What to do if you lose your lost tooth

So Michaela lost another tooth, nothing new or notable on it's own, but this one fell out at school. She gave it to the teacher for safe keeping until after school, however, it could not be found later. So she came home with a new empty slot in her mouth and nothing to give the tooth fairy. Luckily we have prepared for this day. After reading a few books on the matter previously, we had a few choices in how to deal with this situation. (If you find yourself in this situation see this book) http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Tooth-Hello-Reader-Level/dp/0590642308/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220994101&sr=1-2


One book had said to take a picture of your gappy smile and leave that under your pillow as proof. Another said to write the tooth fairy a note explaining your predicament in hopes that she will pity you and leave a prize without proper payment. Michaela wanted to leave a picture but our printer doesn't work. So she wrote a note:

You may need it translated: "Dear Tooth Fairy, I lost my tooth at school and I want some money. From Michaela"

I'd like to point out something very cool. She currently writes and spells phonetically. And as some of you know, when you are missing a few front teeth your speech is slightly impaired. You may have trouble with "s" sounds and "th" sounds. So as you can see, when Michaela sounded out "tooth" she pronounces it with a lisp and so her spelling is "toosh". I just love it!

Anyway, all went well and the "toosh" fairy did accept her note and took pity and left her "sume mone". The teacher did find the tooth and gave it to her yesterday. I guess now we should give the tooth fairy what she is owed. But Michaela wants more cash for the found tooth. I guess I'll have to explain to her the intricacies of owing a creditor.