After 5 1/2 years I have finally "retired". For over 2 of the last few years I was working as many as 65 hours a week. I started at 3:30am and worked until 2:30pm, all so my children were never in daycare. After working at ChildTime Daycare in college I swore that my children would never be with anyone but me. So, for 5 years Shane put the kids on the bus and I was home (some days only be seconds!) to get the kids off the bus. While I was not able to do field trips or volunteer in classes I was still there for my kids. Working the school schedule was also a blessing! No missed vacation days (and Greece has a ton!) or school activities. But like any other mother who also has a job outside the home I still had to maintain my home and family. Shane never denies that he does not help out at home but it has been difficult to say the least to keep up with my home without help. Laundry has gotten out of hand, floors were dirty, cupboards were bare........ but I was here for my kids. As I face my third surgery in a year this coming Wednesday I am hopeful that as I recover I also am able to repair friendships that have been neglected due to my lack of time. I know my friends understand that my kids have always been my priority but I am glad to know I will have more time for myself. We are still not sure how we will manage on one income but we will muddle through. I have a few friends that are so dear to me from work that I hope to stay connected with too! I have never gone on a trip or had any lengthy trip that was all for ME but I was persuaded to take a trip to Toronto to attend a Time Out For Women conference. I must admit that I'm a bit more excited about the shopping and food in Toronto but glad to have a fun activity on the horizon. And before long I hope to get back to Vermont to visit my Auntie who I miss dearly. Bear with me friends as I mend.