Just like you, I love my kids. I adore them. They are most definitely the single biggest and best accomplishment of my life. In my particular situation, I share their precious time, with their Dad. What does that mean? Well, sometimes, they’re at their Dad’s house and I’m on my own.
Sure, this can be a good thing. Plenty of time to get housework done and engage in some kind of social life. Sleeping in on the weekends and organizing my closet. Check.
But, I have to tell you, because my social life is still a work in progress, I’m left with a whole lot of down time. After the house is cleaned, the dishes are done, the laundry is folded and put away – then what do you do?
This leaves me with a lovely little list which I will pass on to you.
Things To Do In [insert city here] When You’re Bored and/or Miss Your Kids.
1. Stare out the window. Stare at people who walk by. Have a cat? Pick it up and stroke it, lovingly while you’re staring. Keep a tally of how many people purposefully cross the street. Be proud of that ‘crazy lady’ moniker. You’re gonna earn it.
2. Put on some old school music and dance like you used to. This may or may not bring up some old school memories which might result in an open bottle of wine. Proceed accordingly.
3. Call your best friend and talk endlessly about all your problems. The phone is perfect for this as you can’t tell if she’s rolling her eyes.
4. Update your facebook status to read: ‘Kids are Gone. Lonely and Bored’. Your fb friends will feel obligated to comment with encouraging words and ego boosters. Every little bit helps.
5. Watch the Real Housewives of Atlanta on Slice. This show always makes me feel better. None of the women on that show are the least bit attractive but they have confidence and style and they rock OUT! (See? Confidence is really all you need!)!
6. Go to the grocery store with your Ipod on. The music will make you smile. Everyone will wonder why you’re smiling and assume your life is fantastic. Men will notice and begin asking you to help them choose produce. Of course, you won’t hear them because your Gloria Gaynor is blasting in your ears.
7. Troll internet dating sites. No, seriously, you don’t have to join but there are a few free ones like Plenty of Fish which will allow you to search the available single men in your city. Not only will you have a good laugh at all the photos of motorcycles and prize winning fish, you’ll also realize how many single men are in your area. There are a lot. Much more than you think.
8. There’s a reason why gossip magazines are a billion dollar industry. People want to know that celebrities have problems too. Yes, they’re rich and famous and have access to the personal trainer, the chef and the plastic surgeon but that doesn’t always equal happiness. Buy yourself a trashy gossip mag and get in the know. Money cannot buy happiness. There is hope for you yet!
9.Rent The Pursuit of Happyness with Will Smith. This unbelievably fantastic film chronicles the true story of Chris Gardner, who went from homeless single father to self made millionaire. The story will inspire you. It did me.
10. Take an exercise class. Preferably one which involves hitting things. Need I explain?
Yes, it sucks when the kids are at their Dads. But treasure these moments. Just as you treasure each precious moment you have with them.
What do you do when YOU have some time to yourself? Let me know!
Thanks for sharing your list with us!
I’m not a mom…I’m just a college student that goes to school. When you’re children are with their dad, the way I see it is that it is a good way to get some ME time in.
*One thing I also like to do is just hang out with my cat and dog and have some music on in the background and just do nothing…
Next time when you feel like you are bored and do any of the items in your list, just think of it as a way to have a lot of ME time before you get your children back for however long you get them…