I am taking an unexpected break today, courtesy of a dog that decided that 5:30 in the morning was a great time to throw up. Bending over while you're pregnant is never a fun experience but quickly hauling 20 lbs of dog into the bathroom at 0530 can really set your day back.
I've been working like crazy these last two weeks to accomplish some fairly nebulous goals: catching up to all the things that were neglected while we were traveling, getting ready for baby's arrival, and just generally trying to put some order back into my life. I've actually gotten a lot done (i.e. baby clothes/blankets/bedding is 90% washed and put away) but I still have a long list of things that need to be accomplished (i.e. renewing a car title).
Being unemployed for nearly two years has required a lot of mental effort on my part, mostly to stay busy and feel like I am contributing to our family. I'm guilty of reminding my husband a little too often that he doesn't understand "how much I do around here" but the last few months have shown me that maybe I don't know how much I do. During my first trimester, it was a good day if the dishes got cleaned and my homework was done; grocery shopping was a great day. For my second trimester, while I was feeling better, I was at least able to keep up with the housework and homework, even if I didn't ever get ahead (although it didn't help that we were gone so much during the last month of that energy boost). I'm still continuing that slow down effect in my third trimester, with naps looking more appealing every day. My to-do list shows me that I can accomplish 4-5 tasks each day, generally a mix of errands, housework tasks, and a craft project.
I'm learning to modify my plans when I need to. For instance, today I was supposed to run some errands to Target and a couple other places but my back muscles and slightly swollen ankles are telling me that long periods of walking are not an option. My errands can wait a couple of days, so instead, today I will do projects that can be done while sitting at home. I remind myself that it's still progress, just on different goals.
First up: rearranging my to-do list into a more realistic timeline. Listing always makes me feel better. :-)
How do you know when you're doing too much?
my head is usually what tells me to slow down. that and my emotions. if i get frustrated quickly or repeatedly in a short timespan, i know it's time to take a few steps back.
ReplyDeletei'm glad you're keeping it realistic and being okay with adjusting your goals. get ready for more of that when the little guy arrives! case in point: monday, i'd hoped to drive down to viera (20 min) to attend a breast feeding support group and perhaps do a return and some shopping. well the little one and i got not even a mile down the highway before she started belting out screams. we turned around and immediately went home. hungry baby got fed, and i got a bit of a headache. luckily she was nice enough to let me sneak in a catnap. that helped immensely!
never feel like you shouldn't take it easy. you've got the best rationale in the world for kickin' back and relaxing!