Sarah, What do you do with your time?

Everyone knows that we explore on the weekends. Everyone knows that Devin works his tail off all week. Everyone knows that Genevieve goes to school each day. But what does Sarah do? Good question. This is a new time for me. In the States, I have a private practice in Counseling, I ran the Parent Association at Nevi's school as well as ran their annual Auction, I was always busy running here and there -doing this and that and never really knew how to sit around. Well! Once Nevi and Devin are at school/work- my life looks like this- I have a cup of tea or coffee and check my email. I update this here blog. I call my mother often. Then I head for the gym. This little yet adequate gym is right here where we live. I have been trying really hard to go to the gym 4-5 times a week. This amount is un heard of when I am at home. I am lucky if I get to a pilates class once a week at home. But here- well let's say I have made it a priority- because I can!
With Nevi's school day short and I commute with her in the morning- I really have about three-four hours without her each day. I can hear Devin now.....what he would give for 3-4 hours alone! I do not take this time for granted in the least.
Anyway- I use my alone time for quiet reflection, planning our next family travel adventures, booking hotels, trains, airlines, emailing with friends, learning Malay, working out, reading, yoga, grocery shopping, organizing our apartment, creating things for Nevi and I to do in the afternoon- like art projects, home school work and games...and I challenge myself to be ok with just this...my over-achiever self is aggitated- my new, slowing down, self is well, being born.
I am excited when Nevi gets home as my primary focus here is being a present, energetic, more fit, connected Mother/Playmate for her. I know the day is coming when she will choose her friends over time with me. I know the time is coming when hanging with your parents is well- not enough. But right now- in this moment- she LOVES being with me...she LOVES being with Devin and she LOVES being together as a family. So, I am reminding myself of this precious togetherness everyday and delighting in the priviledge that is coming with this time abroad to just BE with our daughter and with my quiet self. Ok my treadmill awaits my feet~