by Amy L. Hatch
Credit: Nicholas_T, Flickr
I’m writing this in the car on the way to Nashville.
Laura and I are headed south for a conference, one that will definitely help us make chambanamoms even better than ever.
The week before I have to leave for an extended trip — we won’t get back until Saturday — is a little bit like preparing for an major military exercise.
There’s laundry. And getting the babysitter schedule squared away. Planning for meals (heh, who am I kidding, they’re just going to eat Burger King all week). Making lists.
Dealing with the guilt.
I’ve written before about the transition from working some of the time to working a wee bit more than full time. My emotions as a mother and a spouse are all the map when it comes to finding that elusive “work/life balance” that people talk about.
What is it? How do I find it? Can I buy it somewhere? Because that sounds like the easiest way to achieve it, if you ask me.
Never do these emotions come into play more than when I’m on my way out of town. I want to go. I don’t want to go. I need to go. I don’t really need to go.
This trip, this four-day jaunt to Nashvegas, falls somewhere in a gray area.
I should go, to support Laura who is speaking on a panel about hyperlocal websites.
I need to go, to network with professional women in the same field.
And, finally, I want to go.
I’ll get to see a lot of women I really enjoy. This little project here that Laura and I launched has connected me to some really awesome people who are like-minded.
I’m really going to have fun this week.
It was hard to leave my babies Tuesday afternoon. Emmie was home sick from school and Henry has been clingy the last few days. He wants me, even when he doesn’t want me.
I knew the suitcase by the front door would be greeted with tears, and my premonition came true in spades.
I hugged the two of them and left them in the capable hands of their sitter, who loves them very much. They will be with their father, who is one of the best partners I could ask for, especially when it comes to the daily care and feeding of our children.
I’m out of town.
And that’s OK, for everyone.
