I Don’t Know How She Does It

A good friend of mine recommended that I watch “I Don’t Know How She Does It” with Sarah Jessica Parker. I remember when it first came out in the theater…it was a movie about a working mother and SJP, one of my favorite actresses, was the lead actress. I remember not having time to catch it in the theater – being a working mom myself LOL. Since I travel monthly for work, what better time than to download and watch the movie during one of flights! I am so glad I did!

SJP plays a mom of two adorable kids – Ben is 2 and Emily is 6. Her husband just started his own business and work was a bit slow for him. SJP worked for a financial company – working late, out of town, but always tried her hardest to make time for her kids. Throughout the movie, friends, acquaintances, and others are “interviewed” – this adds humor and really allows the plot to flow smoothly.

There was one part in the beginning where I totally could connect with SJB. She’s laying in bed, it’s 4:45 am, and she is making a mental list of all of the things she has to do. (This reminds me a lot of my sister who, to this day, I coin as the “Queen of Lists”.) I find that happening to me more and more – waking up in the middle of the night thinking of what I have to get at Target, project due dates at work, do I have time for a manicure during lunch break, what will the kids need to bring with them to camp tomorrow?

It is hard being a working mother. I wish I was able to be around for the boys when they were infants. I did have the next best thing – my mom took care of both boys during the week until they were two – I was super lucky. I wish I could stay home and be the mom that can volunteer at school and go on the field trips. I do try to make their class parties and help out where I can in terms of sending in things that are requested for the classroom. I know the requested donation of a ream of paper doesn’t match me being the class mom, but I try to do what I can.

My husband works from home so he is the elected parent for most doctor appointments, hair cuts, and the one that picks them up when I get the call from the school nurse. I hate that. Well, let me rephrase that – I am so lucky and grateful that my husband has flexibility within his schedule, but I sometimes I want to be the one to pick them up at school, bring them home and cuddle with them when they don’t feel well.

On the other side, I like working. I like the adult interaction, the fact that I can use my creativity and brain to complete projects. During breaks, I call to make the doctor appointments, get my nails done, run errands, etc. so that when I come home from my job – I am 100% with my kids. I shop online so that I don’t have to go to the brick and mortar stores. The reason for that is two-fold actually – 1. not having to waste time going into the stores and 2. if you have kids, namely 2 boys, you know that it is like torture to even try to shop if they are with you. So, to save grief and try to limit the number of grey hairs I get before my next colorist appointment, I opt for the online route.

Are you a lot like SJP’s character?  If so, comment on how you “do all that you do”!!