Projects, Then & Now

I used to dive into projects.  Whether it was re-organizing my recipes, making a quilt or a stocking or cleaning out flower beds, I would start with laser-like focus, work my butt off and get it done.  It was so rewarding to accomplish tasks that way.  I would put my mind to it and I would do it.

Then, I became a mom.

Actually, it wasn't until the second child that my projects really started to suffer.  Because even though my sleep and energy were somewhat compromised with one, there was always nap time and early evening time after he went to bed.  After the second one (and the third compounded it even more so), things certainly changed.  I've never had two napping at once and my first was (and still is) quite the talker, so even though I sometimes don't have to lay down what I'm doing, my mind (now for years) has been interrupted by chit chat and questions.  Years.

No wonder Jamey gets the evil eye if he accidentally interrupts me while I'm speaking.

These days, the interruptions include cleaning up the occasional puddle of pee, refereeing countless disputes, redirecting semi-dangerous behavior (like children launching their small bodies off the back of the couch), pulling up underwear, putting socks back on, getting tissues, getting drinks, putting on a band aid, opening something, tying someone's shoe, finding someone's missing shoe, putting on another band aid (the first one fell off), getting something down from a shelf, untying knots, helping to start a book on tape, and asking children to stop shrieking so I can hear my own interrupted thoughts.

I have three projects in three different stages of completion that I hope to give as Christmas gifts.  The anxiety that this produces in me is embarrassing.  I know I can't expect to get done what I used to and, believe me, the expectations I have for myself in general have changed significantly, but I want to complete those gifts!

I may be in denial, though.  Would having four books started at once be an indication?

Breaking projects into smaller tasks has helped a little bit.  Projects that I once tore through in one fell swoop, now get broken into 10 manageable pieces.  Even if the unpacking and clean-up of the project every time to keep it away from little fingers is driving me a tad batty.

Would I trade my kids for project time?  Yes.

But only for a couple hours.

(That was not a plea for you to watch my kids.  Unless I can swap and watch yours sometime.) Pin It