Friday, June 5, 2009

Working Mother Meltdown...

I'm sure you've heard of it.

It's a phenomenon that occurs when the working mother is juggling too many balls and someone throws her another one and everything comes crashing down.

That happened to me this morning...

Steph is holding a Mary Kay party tonight at our home (she is a Mary Kay beauty consultant with quite a bit of help from her Mum). This week has been a busy one for us. Monday night we had our grand final of squash (my team came second), Tuesday I baked in readiness for Steph's party, Wednesday night we went out to tea for a friend's 40th birthday, Thursday was netball training. And of course everyday between the hours of 7:45am and 6pm I am travelling to work, working, and travelling home.

Got home from netball training around 8pm and set about scrubbing the bathroom till is shone. Since Steph is having a spa party I wanted guests to be able to use the bathroom if need be.

Was feeling quite smug with my efforts this morning as I showered in my sparkling bathroom when dear husband said "you could have done a bit of housework last night"

I didn't yell and scream, that's not my thing. I held it in and tried not to react. And failed. I'm not sure whether it was the banging of cutlery as I made Scott's lunch or the sniffing as I held back angry tears but something tipped Kym off to the fact that he'd crossed the line.

He apologised, still justifying his position. "I always leave things to the last minute" was one of the comments he made. And his sorry was more like a sor-RY. The kind of apology that he begrudgingly gives to try to get himself out of trouble. He said "sorry, but..." There should be no "but".

I'm being a bit hard on him. He was genuinely sorry that he upset me, but still adamant that he was right.

I will get it done. I usually do. It bothers me that he has so little faith in me. That even though he has apologised he still thinks I'm not doing a very good job.

And I may not be.

But I can only juggle so many balls...and I'm doing my best.

My best may not be good enough sometimes, but it's still my best, and it's still all I can do.

7 valued opinions!:

agrantham81 said...

I'd have lost it. Completely. I'm not having a good week though.

You juggle so much. We all do. Best of luck with the party tonight.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharon

Just a question. Is the housework all your responsibility? And if so, why?

Hugs and prayers

Leah Adams said...

I completely understand. I think that is one reason the Lord is adamant with me about giving up some things and prioritize everything in my life. Hence my post from a week or so ago.

Leah

Joanie said...

Oh dear...

I'm not having a good week either. With family challenges, trying to get the garden established, dealing with college-aged children who are not contributing at home and making some not-so-good choices, stress between Blaine and I (regarding the family challenges), hot weather, needing to find a part-time job (but everyone is looking and I feel overlooked, because I haven't been in the workforce recently) and now the washing machine broke last night! Ugh ~ I can't take it anymore...

I can relate. I do relate. I don't know how you do it all. I'm trying to figure out what I'm supposed to be doing and what to let go (but I've already let go of so much). It seems others are not truly understanding or helpful in getting what needs done around the house.

I sympathize, empathize and pray God gives understanding to all involved. Hope you had a great time with the party and a joy-filled weekend ~ including more rain!

He is able, even when we aren't... Have you read The Shack? I'm still reading it, but find it quite interesting ~ interesting indeed.

HisPrincess said...

Amy: Sometimes I think I should lose it more often. I don't say anything and that allows people to think that I'm ok, when often I'm far from it.

Wendy: No the housework isn't just my responsibility. Kym does quite a bit, I think that was his point. He didn't think I'd done my fair share. What I need to get across to him that when he is busy with work and other commitments I take up the slack, which is all I'm asking of him. He also has much higher standards regarding housework than I do, and stresses out when people are coming over and the house isn't perfect. So that contributed to his less than perfect attitude!

Leah: I'm feeling a bit torn. Taking on the Mary Kay with Steph is a big drain but she is gaining so much from it...I certainly don't want to cut back on church committments and I can't afford to cut back on work. I'm actually feeling led to take an even more active role at church...but that's another blog post entirely!

Joanie: Thank your for your empathy and prayer. Praying that a path will become clear to you soon, and that all these issues will be resolved.

Joanie said...

Worked out in the yard today and updated my blog, so life is better (except that a blackberry thorn stabbed me under a fingernail and is still throbbing!)...

No yard work tomorrow ~ off to an herb and food fair! Have a great rest of your Saturday and Sunday...

Lightening said...

{{{HUGS}}} I've only just found this post. I somehow managed to miss it. So, I'm not some horrible friend ignoring you...honest. :)

It was a full-on week. I can totally relate to the "leaving things until the last minute" and I don't have the hectic schedule you're trying to keep up.