Where Does the Time Go?

Lately, I have no time.

No matter how hard I try to stay focused and on task, numerous obligations pop up out of nowhere and then the day is gone! Sometimes, I think this is a good thing. Hey, I have a busy life with two kids, a husband and friends, and all these amazing people require love and TIME. Occasionally, I also have to work and clean my house. :-)

I read an article in MORE Magazine recently where a woman (and mom) wrote that she gave up on the infamous "Girls' Night Out" because she'd rather just chill out and enjoy a rare moment of quiet time. Coincidentally, I met another woman recently (a mom, too, surprise!) who said she does not want to spend the money on a GNO -- she'd rather use that money on getting her house professionally cleaned so she had more...you guessed it...time to herself.

I've already touched on the "Just Say Yes to Yourself" theme in a previous blog, so I won't go there. Who am I to talk, anyway...I've been so busy with work and family this month that I haven't had the TIME to write this blog! Right now (a Friday night, mind you, when most people want to go out) my daughter is crashed out on the sofa fast asleep, my husband is out taking a walk, and my son is in his room playing his guitar, waiting to go out with his buddies. Finally, I have down time, and so here I am.

I have also had to make exercise a priority over my blog. (Sad, but true.) So on those mornings when the house is quiet and perfect for concentrated writing time, I have opted to trek up the Summit, sometimes alone, sometimes with company. In addition to my 45 min. to an hour walks, I have added 30 minutes on an exercise bike. This is a major chunk of time...but it is going to a good cause!

This morning I went to a PTA breakfast where a woman was giving a speech about another mom who volunteers her time and takes on tasks wholeheartedly, even to the point of making herself sick. I thought to myself, as I swallowed a major carb item, that this helpful mom is not setting a good example. Her intentions are admirable, but at her own expense. I believe our health and well-being should come first before volunteering. That is not to say a person should obsess or overdo fitness (it can become an addiction, I think) but that priorities should be to get the heart pumping a little bit every day. It is everywhere now: people (especially women nearing a certain age) absolutely NEED at least an hour of exercise a day.

Well, so much for my time. My daughter is stirring, my son is hungry and my husband is about to walk through the door at any moment. The wind is blowing like crazy outside...my "me" time is gone with the wind!

At any rate, I don't have to worry. This morning I took my long walk (thanks, J!) and rode my bike.