What have I done for me lately?

The blogosphere (with the exception of yours truly) is abuzz with talk of children going back to school. There are tons of posts with adorable children in their brand new clothes heading off to school with backpacks full of pristine school supplies.

The reason you won't find any of that here is because my oldest is just two. So although "back to school" doesn't have the same meaning for me just yet, there is no denying that summer is over and fall is here.

In the spirit of back to school, Jen at Absolutely Bananas has suggested that this Monday we write about Back To Mom. Sometimes we get so caught up with doing things for our children that we forget to think about ourselves. In other words, what are you doing just for you?

So I spent some time this weekend thinking about the things that I do for myself. Here's what I came up with:


This blog is for ME. After giving birth to my second son, I felt like I needed a creative outlet. So that's why you are all stuck with me!

When the whim strikes I can jot down whatever want to, and I have been amazed that other people actually read what I write. I can talk about what is going on in my little world and I am amazed to find that other people care. It is nice to feel that sense of community. It helps me feel less isolated and insignificant... I realize I have more in common with other mothers than I sometimes think.


I am fortunate to have the ideal working situation, and I enjoy going to work. Two evenings a week I have the opportunity to work as a reference librarian at our local university. I used to work there full-time, but now I am the only part-time librarian they employ (I only work 8-10 hours a week).

I love my boys, but sometimes I need to spend time with other adults and use my brain. This way my husband gets one-on-one time with the kids and I can stay current in my field and make use of that Master's Degree that I worked so hard to get.


I have a new hobby and it actually involves exercise! (I know! I can't believe it either!)

Honey Daddy started commuting to work by bicycle and he enjoyed it so much that he wanted to participate in bicycle tours. I had wanted to find something we could both enjoy together, so I gave it a try.

I was surprised to find that I love cycling. HD and I went on our first tour a month ago, and I actually rode 42 miles! We are doing another tour (on my birthday!) later this month and my husband and I are planning to ride about 65 miles together on our second tour.

I love the way I feel after I go out riding (especially on the new bike HD got me!). Sometimes I have to get up very early to get a ride in before my husband leaves for work, but it's worth it. I feel wonderful and I am getting in great shape in the process!


Right now my boys still take naps in the afternoon, so I use that time for myself. It is tempting to get some extra housework done but I find that I am happier if I spend that hour and a half doing something I enjoy.

My sister has children that don't nap anymore, but she still has a "quiet hour" where the kids have to lay down and watch a movie while she does her own thing. Smart woman, huh?

Often I will blog during naptime, or I will spend the time reading a good book. If the mood strikes me I will work on making cards or work on my current sewing project. I treasure the time I set aside for myself. I think it keeps me sane and makes me a better mother and wife.

So there you have it. I try to get enough sleep, take my vitamins, and do these things for myself. I think my children will thank me for it later on... and my husband supports me fully. He knows that he's happier when I am happy.

So what do you do for YOU?