Friday 6 June 2008

A new beginning....warning: this is a long post with no eye candy!

Ive been avoiding blogging about this for a few weeks now but the time has come to share the new road our family is about to embark on. You see, Im about to go back to full time work while DH is taking off 12 months without pay to do the Mr. Mom thing. There...its out there....that wasnt so hard was it?

Before children (BC), I was definitely the more career driven of the two of us while DH was more artistically inclined. We kind of made a pact that when we had kids, I'd go back to work and he would be the at home carer. Well 6 years down the track, weve been really lucky to be able to both work part time, whilst bringing up the kids. I imagined that we'd continue down this track until the youngest was at school (2010). That being said, Ive been really unsatisfied in the part-time rolls Ive had for a while. Couple this with a brilliant job opportunity and what can I say....I had to give it a shot (albeit 18 months early). So in a few weeks time, I'll be starting the full - time, senior roll Ive always wanted (or at least I think thats what Ive wanted). I eluded to this life-changing decision a few posts back now.

I know that I'll miss seeing the girls wake up in the morning, and in a strange kind of way, I'll miss taking/picking them up from school/kinder. I'll also miss just being there for them when only mum will do (not that thats often at my place - both my kids are "daddy's girls"). On a more selfish note - I'll miss my exercise routine (that Ive just got into the habit of - note to self -make it a priority to create a new one!), and I'll also miss that extra time I have at the moment to take in a little craft. I'm sure my blogging might take a back burner too, but I will endeavour to post at least once a week.
So what am I gaining from all this? Well some job satisfaction might be nice. Also I like to think Im providing myself as a reasonable roll model for the girls, "yes darling's you can (almost) have everything". Im also trying the BC dream on for size to see if it fits, once and for all. Im possibly providing opportunities for DH to expand his creative endeavours (once the youngest is at school) and of course the financial remuneration wont be bad either. One thing I know for sure - I definitely wont miss being on the kinder committee! So there you go. In a few weeks, you might see a distinct lack of posts, or a change in the nature of posts (or both). But at least you'll know what Im up to.

On a lighter note, I was going to add some pics to this post but our computer has packed up again so Im posting on the lap top (hence the lack of this is....posts). Then I saw this here and here and thought I'd give it a go. Unfortunately (after two hours trying) the mosaic maker has let me down yet again. I have no trouble creating the mosaic but I cant get it to post. Ah well... there are obviously limits to my technological capabilities after all!

Other things that are happening around here:
* my little one has pneumonia - after 3 weeks of varying diagnosis she has started on antibiotics and is finally on the mend.
* Ive almost finished my SIL's 50th birthday present. I love it and dont want to give it to her. Pics to follow soon.
* I cant believe I have a long weekend stretched in front of me without a single engagement (ooh apart from a scheduled shopping trip with dear friend at DFO tommorow for a couple of hours).
* Im still off the fags, just
* Im loving "Eat, Pray, Love" and going to bed early every night just to get in a few more pages.

Now suffice to say if youve made it to here you deserve something a treat. So I have a little give away in store. You'll probably enjoy this particularly if your into scrapbooking or ATC's. I dont have a pic but think of it as a suprise treat. All you need to do is leave a comment and I'll randomly select one person next Friday night. Australian bloggers only please (this is a biggish item and as such international postage is prohibitive).

Happy Queens Birthday Weekend everyone!

16 comments:

Sherrin said...

wow, sounds like there are some huge changes afoot in your life! Sounds exciting!! Good luck with it all, I hope the transition is smooth and you are all happy.

Sorry to hear your little one has been so sick- you must be relieved that she is getting better.

Your give away sounds intriguing!

faz said...

Congrats on the new job. Good luck with everything! I admire your courage to make such a big change in your live! Keep us updated on how it all goes!!

Christie said...

sounds like a great plan! it's so tricky juggling the whole family/work/kids thing, hope this turns out to be a great balence for all of you!

CurlyPops said...

Oh my goodness, how exciting (and nerve wracking at the same time)!
I hope you'll still have time to blog and make some crafty stuff with the girls on the weekends.
Hope the little one gets better, and have a nice relaxing long weekend!

CurlyPops said...

I forgot to add....well done for staying away from the cigarettes!

Cass said...

Congrats on the job. Look out though even when the girls start school your DH will probably still want to be Mr Mom, I know a few like that who have never gone back to full time work. Have a great long weekend

Kirsty said...

Big big news! It all sounds very exciting & promising. I hope that it turns out to be exactly right for you & your tribe.

Michelle said...

Good luck to you in your new role, hope it does turn out to be what you've always wanted! And hope your bub's pneumonia clears quickly, poor little thing...

Jenaveve said...

Well Bravo! I say. Good to get it out there like this.

Very exciting times ahead - congratulations on the new role and definitely restructure your fitness plans so you don't wear yourself out! Although, keeping up some sort of fitness routine will actually come in handy to keep your energy levels up... but maybe schedule in some chill out time once in a blue moon! Good luck.

Oh, and if your job involves a computer you could squeeze some blogging in the odd lunch hour.

Cathy {tinniegirl} said...

Lots and lots going on. I can't wait to hear more about how it goes as you settle in to such a big change. Good on you for taking the chance.

Stay of those ciggies. You'll never regret it. I am 17 months free now and I couldn't have given myself a better gift. I think it took me about 9 months to really start to feel free. You go girl. You can do it.

Melanie Gray Augustin said...

Don't worry about me for the giveaway, I'm in Japan. I can't wait to see what it is though, I hope you post a photo when you can.

But, I just wanted to say good luck with the new job and lifestyle changes. It sounds like a really positive one for your family.

Hubby and I have always talked about him being the stay-at-home dad, and me being the main income earner. Like you, I'm the more driven and I have to say, I think my husband is the more nuturing of the two of us (says she while eating the breakfast hubby has just cooked for her). I look forward to hearing how it goes for you.

A Spoonful Of Sugar said...

Congratulations on the new job and I hope the transition back to work will go smoothly for all. How exciting to do a role reversal - it is great that there are more options available to women these days and you don't need to stick to traditional roles!

avid crafter said...

Congratulations! I hope everything works outfor you.
We have also had computer problems lately hopefully all fixed now.

Lois said...

Good Luck with the new job.
Hope your little one is better soon.
Good Luck to your hubby on his new role as well.
A high five for the smoke free habit! Good for you!

Maureen Reynolds said...

Best wishes in the newish role. You're wise to realize that this BC role may not fit any more or that it may be an even better fit since having children does change one.

And don't put me on the list...USA here. But know I wish you well...I like change.

Jodie said...

This is fantastic news... Both DH and I are working full-time and would love it if one of us could stay home to do the 'mummy' thing... You never know what's on the horizon, right???? Good luck with your new adventure and well done on kicking that filthy smoking habit... Hopefully you still get a chance to keep up your fitness routine when you start working full-time again, I know you've been working really hard at it... I hope your little one gets over the pnemonia soon, it must be so exhausting for the whole family to deal with...

Take Care :)
Jodie