Time > Money

Oftentimes I get asked why I don’t go back to school and get my degree or seek a job with more money. My answer is time. I love the time I have with my family. Sure, I can get my degree and make more but those are hours with my family that I wouldn't be able to get back. They’re only little once. Besides, we’re doing fine with what I make and what I have budgeted. I don’t want to miss any games, plays or field days. Don’t get me wrong I LOVE school, I just love family time much more. I cherish every water fight, every game, every outing, basically every second I have with them.  I want them to look back and remember all the laughter and fun instead of me hitting the books and being too busy.

There will come a time when I’ll be able go back to school and more. Perhaps I’ll even enroll when my youngest does.  For now, though, they need me.  I have a teen and what teen doesn't need guidance? There’s no way I’ll pass that up. It’s not just the kids; it’s time with my mother when she’s in town. When I’m off for the day, I can spend time with her.  It’s the time with my siblings, even though it’s rare when we see each other, I treasure that.  

I guess I’m pretty loyal to the titles: mother, daughter, and sister. I do get “me time” and I enjoy it. I’m on a mini vacation from work as I type. One that I did not plan too well for! Ha ha.  I saw that both children would be away with camps and I thought Hmmm, why not take few days for myself? I really should have put more thought into this and planned a weekend getaway or something.  I’m dreadfully bored and even the roommate has noticed how quiet the house is without the kids.  I've visited and spent time with my peeps and have cleaned almost everything in this house.  Maybe next year I’ll add a line in my budget just for a situation like this but this is the first time this happened. Last year when I was alone I put in overtime so I wouldn't be bored. Come to think of it, I didn't even take a full week off last year either! But I digress...

Some people have an awesome support system to where they can go back like a spouse or parents and I think that’s great. But for me, it’s just me deciding how to spend time wisely.  And with that, family comes first.