I sat at a table today with several other bloggers talking about life as a Stay-at-Home-Mom versus working full-time. I shared that after events like that, I go home and feel like Cinderella who got her old job back after the ball. Dishes, laundry, dust. All there before and after — which makes getaways like today so much more sweeter.
Jo-Lynne from Musings of a Housewife tells the story so much better so I will send you there for pictures and a run-down of our brunch in New York City. Sponsored by Child's Play Communications/Team Mom, we enjoyed a delightful time learning about new products and services to moms and families. When our box of awesome goodies arrive (apparently it was too big for us to carry home!), I will give you the official review at another site, (either my own GenMom reviews or somewhere ELSE that will be announced soon but I don't want to do it here.)
Though my husband and I respect each other's independence and thirst for adventure, I asked him over the weekend what he thought about me going today. I don't know why I asked — I really would love for him to think day trips to New York are the norm for us suburban moms.
He said, "How does this trip help our family?"
He knew that a day away would mean dishes unwashed, dinner unprepared, laundry still in the baskets. Normally, he wouldn't say anything, but I did ask after all, trying to be the communicative wife — not something easy for me.
My response was that I was keeping a friend company, that it would be fun and that I wouldn't have been home anyway since I normally volunteer on Tuesdays and got the days changed at the last minute. Moms need a little break, ya know.
To be totally honest, I am tired but I loved every minute. Maybe tomorrow I can tell him about the Macy's windows dressed with Christmas scenes already, the funny styles on Fashion Avenue, the Veteran's Day parade filled with motorcycle riders AND the wonderful women I met while talking about issues we all face. I loved, loved, loved the whole process of networking, exchanging information, social networking and coming away with plans to meet again. It met such a need I have to learn about other people and grow from that experience and add new knowledge to my inner databanks that will help our whole family in the future.
Why did today help our family? Because I am happier for going. Because I will be more productive simply from the joy of meeting and discussing the solutions to life's problems as only women understand. Today helped our family by me seeing new educational products and fun ways for children to learn and be entertained in engaging ways. There are so many reasons today was a good thing and I can go to bed now, perhaps with less done in my home, but a heart that is full and a head that is exploding with new ideas for the future. There's got to be something said for that!
