Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Back to Work

I started back to work this week. Yeah, that time has come. I have to say, it's not my first choice--I'd really rather be the one staying home--I do so love the domestic scene! But Rainer is in excellent hands with his Daddy, and for various reasons it makes more sense for me to go back to work and for Ken to take extended time off. So off to work I went, and it wasn't bad. Thankfully, I have a great job that I like, and since the school year is almost over, I'll be back home again full time before you know it (5 weeks). I've been preparing for this a little. Can't say I am completely organized, but I did sort through my Everyday Foods (dividing them by months) and tidied up my recipe notebook and added a "Week 9" for variety.
I've been giving some thought to this whole "going back to work" situation and some other situations that have been going on around here. And I've come to the conclusion that the absolute best thing to do when you are faced with something that is maybe not your favorite thing but is basically okay is to have a positive attitude. Honestly, I've really been giving it some thought and it seems to me the people I've known who seem the happiest in a very wholesome and grounded sort of way approach life with a good attitude. Being happy and optimistic is, I think, my basic nature, but I do really have to remind myself from time to time not to get seduced by a downward spiral of complaints in my head. It is so much better and funner for me and for everyone around me if I can stay focused on the positive--and we really do have a lot to be grateful for. The fact that I have a wonderful job is one of them, and in truth I enjoy many aspects of my working life. The children miss me for sure (especially Faith!), but we'll all survive quite nicely and soon summer will arrive and we'll all be spending more time together. As for fall? I'll definitely think about that later.

18 comments:

Carrie said...

I'll be watching for your great "back to work" recipes. And end of the year stuff will keep you very busy so the days will go be quickly.

Rachel said...

My initial reaction on seeing your post was "oh, what a shame you have to go back to work". Then I read the rest and actually, you have really hit the nail on the head about having a positive attitude! That's definitely the best way to be. And having your husband take care of the kids, and a job that you do enjoy must make the world of difference. Still, roll on the summer holidays! (Our school year doesn't end until the end of July!!)
I wish you all the best in your time back at work. xx

amy turn sharp said...

um.. I LOVE yr attitude on life! I try to be more like you! Seriously! xoxoxoxo

Meg said...

What a wonderful attitude...such good positive thoughts to focus on. I just discovered Everyday Food and am loving it--I also tried the sesame chicken recipe you posted recently and we loved it. I look forward to seeing your recipes.

melissa s. said...

I agree - a good attitude is the key to a happy life! I'm loving your dinner system. I have a similar one but it's not as 'refined' as yours is. I'm inspired to spruce mine up now. Thanks, and have a great week!

tess said...

what a lovely philosophy to have. xx

Denise said...

De-lurking here to say that your attitude is inspirational. I really admire you. Thanks for sharing snips of your life with us.

Kelli said...

great POSITIVE post for all of us to learn from. Your days will be busier but everyone will enjoy the time they have with you esp with your attitude. Your an inspriation to us all.

jessica said...

Thank you for this reminder on an essential to living a fulfilling life! I needed it!

Kennedy News said...

You are so right! Not only that, but your kids will most likely adopt the same type of positive attitude. You can't ask for anything better...

Carrie said...

Yes,you are SO right,having a positive attitude(even if forced at first!)makes all the difference!

Julie said...

As others have said, your positive attitude is wonderful and inspirational!

Deanna said...

This reminds me of Barbara Johnson's book: "Sportin a 'Tude!". I tell my boys all the time: Choose your 'tude before it chooses you!

mom go green said...

Staying positive helps so much.
You know, I've always been a huge fan of your recipe system. I'm wondering how many recipes you put in for each week? Sometimes I find we don't need a new meal every night since we can have leftovers some nights. But maybe you are feeding more people than me. Just wondering what works best for you so I can give it a try, too. Thanks!

TeamMcDonough said...

That's the ticket :) The ticket to a positve life. Good going :)

Elfin Goddess said...

Hey there! I really needed to know that someone else felt the same way :) I'm now at that point where I too have to return to full time work after having been a homemaker & working out of home. If I choose to accpt the offer, I will be returning to full-time work in my own field and I will finally get to move to another country to embark on a brand new, much- awaited journey :)
You're right, sometimes being happy with what is even ifs just ok, is all that matters :)

periwinkle said...

I have to agree with everything that has been said already, a positive attitude is definately the way to go- well done. I thing Baby G is definately a 'water' baby he just loves it- thank you
Lisa x

Barbara said...

I absolutely agree with the idea of having a positive attitude to things you need to do. It's amazing how it can get you through the day and even rubs off on those around us. Keep it up!

Love the applique t-shirts by the way!