Off the Clock

Do you ever have one of those days where you just want to be able to "clock out" of motherhood for a little while? To just have a moment when you're not responsible for anything or anyone, where you can clear your head and leave your mom worries behind... where no one asks you to wipe their hiney or tells you they won't eat the "disgusting" meal you've prepared and where the air is so silent you can hear your own heartbeat?

I do, and contrary to what some people may think, it has nothing to do with me being selfish, me not having my priorities right, or me thinking my children are a burden. If anything, it's the exact opposite. It's because I want to give of myself completely to my baby girls when I'm with them, but sometimes mommy can't because she's just so exhausted she can't see straight to help put the puzzle together or to read Pinkalicious just one more time...

Today I left work, wishing I could have just a moment to catch my breath, but knowing I had to hurry to get the girls, get them home and fed and clean and ready for bed. With a pounding headache and an impending ulcer, all I wanted to do was just lay on the couch for five minutes and not listen to them fight over putting together a Little Mermaid puzzle.

I was ready to be off the clock, if only for a moment.

*sigh* It appears this parenting job, though, is a 24/7 gig, and down time is nearly impossible. Thank goodness the benefits are incredible: