Is Exhausted the New Tired?
If 40 is the new 30 then is Exhausted the new Tired?
So, it’s 11pm and I’m just now sitting down to write a little. Just a little so I can clear my head enough to sleep. I had a very productive day at work (yipee, so grateful for a job that I really like!!!) and a very productive day at work means I’m exhausted. But, as a single parent, it’s hard to be exhausted because there’s only me to do what needs to be done (and is still in a laundry basket in my bedroom as I write this).
Now, I’m not a number cruncher, but if I do the math, if there’s only one parent to do the work of two parents, doesn’t the level of tired need to double before it reaches exhaustion?
Spring is a crazy time of year for everyone. For parents, it’s spring sports, spring schedules, later evenings with the kids (they just don’t want to go to bed when it’s still light outside), activities, festivals, weddings, and parties galore!
For single parents, it’s twice as crazy (remember, there’s only one person doing a two-person job) and then, of course, for some of us, there’s dating. Ugh. There’s a lot of embarrassing things I can do on a date but the YAWN is at the top of my personal list…but how can I not be exhausted…oh, I mean tired?
Last week I met a nice man and he wants to take me out. And, as luck would have it, I’d love for him to take me out. The trouble is, when?!? I’m booked every night or I have my kids. Friends who know my insane schedule are smart and book me well in advance. But this poor guy doesn’t really grasp the reality of the life I lead. We can’t find a day this week so we’re already looking at next week. Oh, and just so you know, today is TUESDAY!
I used to worry about my schedule and dating (I’ve had 4 years of experience of juggling personal, professional, and family life). I used to think that I’d miss out on someone because my schedule is so unappealing. But, I’ve been told, and more importantly, now I believe, that when a suitable suitor comes along, the schedule will not be a deterrent. And until that day comes, my schedule might actually help me weed out men who aren’t serious about getting serious.
And, at 40, or 30, or however old I am, I am ready for serious. “Chatters” and “Players” need not respond to this very happy, very grateful, and very exaust…oops, I mean tired single mom.
