sanity savers (part 1)

I was thinking today about my blog, and why I love blogging so much. Not only writing my own, but also reading other blogs. Sometimes if I blog in the middle of the day, or take time to browse other blogs, I feel a bit guilty for 'wasting time'. (As a side note, I do tend to feel plagued with guilt about doing anything between the hours of 9 and 5, specifically, that isn't teaching, cleaning or cooking. I think it comes from my many years of working in an accounting office where I had to account for my time all day in 15 minute increments - and strive to make most of it 'billable' time. I guess I feel that only those 3 things count as 'billable' in my world. It's off-base, I know, but I'm just giving you a glimpse into the inner workings of Me.)

But the more I thought about it, the more I felt 'justified' in my blogging. (I'm going to do a Part II to this post talking about the values that blogging holds for me.) Today I needed to reminded myself (from deep within the rational recesses of my brain...) that being a mom, wife and minister are all jobs that never end, and to be able to keep on the 'top of my game' I actually need to build 'sanity times' into my daily schedule. It's not like I have the luxury of 'leaving work' at 5 p.m., and not thinking about it til I arrive the next morning at 8. (Though, in reality, I do realize it's not actually that simple for most people). But I think it's valid to recognize that the life of a mom is a 24/7 on-duty job. I'm not just saying this for my benefit, but I want to encourage other moms, who I know will be reading this.

We do not expect doctors, repair men, or teachers to work all the time. It's healthy to have breaks. Every job has it's downfalls, but there's also usually a few perks. One of the perks of the 'mom-job' is that I might, in the middle of the day, have an opportunity to blog, or maybe hang out on Facebook for a bit. It's not wrong, and it doesn't mean I'm 'slacking-off' on the job; it simply means I can, and do, have interests that have nothing to do with phonics, laundry or discipline. I want to encourage you mommies who feel swamped with whining and diapers and tattling and runny noses and piles of toys, that it is good for you to do little things throughout the day that make you feel like a real person (the kind that has thoughtful opinions, insights and a vocabulary that extends beyond the Super-Readers). Bigger breaks, like dates and girls-nights are special treats, that are sometimes few and far between. But a few minutes, maybe even an hour (if you're feeling really free - maybe during naptime??) to read, watch TV, or surf the net are small revitalizers that can not only refresh you, but often have positive overflow effects on your family.

I've been really excited for the first time about delving into trying new things with cooking; this is in no small part to reading some blogs, having blog friends give me some super suggestions and recipes, and even watching Rachel Ray now and then. My mind has been stimulated and my horizons broadened by reading other political views online, or hearing discussions on TV about the election (my husband appreciates me being able to hold a semi-intelligent conversation about such matters). I've gotten great book recommendations that have provided for me lots to think and talk about in the area of my faith, thanks to some bloggers who, while I have no personal contact with, I've come to admire and respect their honesty in sharing their personal journeys.

All this to say... I've run into quite a few mom's who felt that blogging (or Facebook, or MySpace) is a 'guilty pleasure'. I just want to encourage you to, before you beat yourself up, take a look at why you are drawn to the things you are (be it the computer, the TV, or books...). As long as they aren't damaging in some way (PLEASE don't take me all wrong here and think I'm advocating child-neglect while you run up shopping bills online, watch junk on TV, or do anything inappropriate!!), outlets like these (especially if you are making healthy connections with other people) can be just the thing to help you be better at what you do!!

So, for all of you who think your name is "Hey Hon!" or "Mommeeeeee!!" - take heart and remember that you are in this for the long haul...this ain't no sprint, baby! Pace yourself...and take a little time to enjoy the view. (Yeah, that line's for you, Laur...) ;o)