April 11th, 2007 by Atomictumor
Well, perhaps entropy isn’t the best word in the world, but the simple fact is that it feels frequently like I’m treading water. It feels like I’m working frequently and getting nothing done, but when I look back at my day, its really that I’m getting nothing done. This doens’t bother me so much, but theres no progression.
I’m having a hard time seeing myself doing anything beyond the status quo, like going to school, or getting a promotion, or anything like that. Y’know, the kinda stuff that I kinda NEED to be doing.
Take, for example, the bank. Back in January, when I was buying my car, I had met my friendly bank chick many times setting up the loan (which is paid for, woot), and talking about investment for the chunk of BJ’s insurance money that I haven’t spent yet. I had an appointment with her to sign the papers to open up a CD and an IRA, and ended up having to miss it. I rescheduled, and missed it.
And, now its April. I keep thinking “huh, I need to do that” at times like this, when I’m at work, but then I go get Pigpen, work from home, go get MastaG, figure out whats for supper, make sure homework gets done and that children are getting some sort of exercise or activity that’ll keep them from going craz.
Thats the point, now, where I should be doing this kinda stuff. MastaG can’t be arsed to go out a lot of the time, he really likes having about 30 minutes to himself in the house, so me and Pigpen should head out, but when I get done with the chores of the day (and this doesn’t at all include things like laundry, dishes, cleaning, etc) all I wanna do is sit on the couch and relax with the boys.
Which, while fantastic, doesn’t move me up in the world towards lasting financial peace.
Bummer, huh?
April 11th, 2007 at 10:38 am
No one can set your long term goals for you AT, and no one can set the pace for you to accomplish those goals, but don’t you dare think for one minute that you aren’t accomplishing anything. You are investing your love and your life into the lives of two very worthwhile people.
As a parent with grown children, I can tell you that the investment that you are making now will pay huge dividends.
Disclaimer: if that didn’t make any sense, blame it on hydrocodone.
April 11th, 2007 at 11:02 am
Welcome to the existence of every house wife in the world!!
Seriously how to “do it all” will come to you in time.
For me it was spurred by a moment of desperation followed by a whole hell of a lot of work.
The worst part is that it is never really over. There is always something else that you will have to do.
Sigh…
I have to get my masters soon…
April 11th, 2007 at 11:03 am
Hydrocodone??
Did you bring enought to share with the class?
April 11th, 2007 at 11:11 am
See, I knew you could write it!
I agree with DACO. While it might not seem real glamorous write now, being a Dad, and being a good Dad is huge. Since you are being mom and dad, it is even bigger.
So here is a possible solution to your time dilemma: Set aside 1/2 day per month to deal with personal business. You can leave the boys with us, or someone else you trust. No problem. Everyone wins.
April 11th, 2007 at 12:23 pm
Sounds like a case of the “parenthooditis”. I think anyone with kids and family whether they are single parents or married, feels the same way most days. I know I do. Hang in there.
April 11th, 2007 at 1:09 pm
you stole my post.
April 11th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
Is that an accusation?
April 11th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
i call em like i see em.
April 11th, 2007 at 1:46 pm
I don’t see how single parents do it. I feel much like you do, that I’m working all day but nothing is done at the end of it. I feel like I have no time to myself now, if I didn’t have my hubby I would really feel tired. You are raising two great kids and that IS the most important thing you can do.
April 11th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
PunkHP has the idea. As a single-parent you have to set aside some time for yourself (somewhere, somehow), and not just for the taking-care-of-business related stuff. Sounds like you have lots of folks in line to be called upon, they’re just waiting for the word.
April 11th, 2007 at 4:23 pm
I’m not a single parent, and I admire those who can carry it off. I appreciate that it ain’t easy, and I certainly endorse what has been said about the value of investing in your children.
That said, I think you will be happier and more fulfilled if you have a secure financial future and a career you enjoy. Making the time to invest your money and going back to school, while uncomfortable in the short term, will pay dividends later. Do it while you’re still young. I don’t believe you have to compromise your parenting responsibilities in order to do this for yourself.
April 11th, 2007 at 5:47 pm
I’m exhausted being a parent and I have partner helping! I don’t know how you manage.
Have you thought about opening an account through ING direct? You can definitely set up a CD, don’t know about an IRA, online and they seem to have decent rates.
April 11th, 2007 at 7:34 pm
I started back at UTK as a 30 year old freshman… Went part time, worked, but took out no loans. I finished six years later and then got my masters degree… Just Do It! You have friends and family who will support you, so make the most of it.
April 11th, 2007 at 7:41 pm
No kidding. You’ve got friends and family.
So I just clicked on my comment. I wonder what this thingy is?
Ha! It let me update my comment.
April 11th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Its a hard life. Been there done that. Your money may not be getting top interest pay off right now but, you are Daddy. Like Punk said let one us keep the kids for a while and do your deeds. Me and g can play the knitting game.
April 12th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
I agree with everyone. What you’re doing is very important, and what you can do now for your future is important also. I am of the opinion that you still don’t need to rush into anything if you don’t feel up to it yet, even if it’s just investing in a CD or taking a class or 2. It’s only been almost 5 months since we lost BJ, and even as remarkably well as you’re doing, I would let more time pass before I made any big decisions. I don’t think taking a year off would hurt. But all that is said with zero experience with any loss of this magnitude, so ignore it all you want. I just had to throw my 2 cents in.
April 13th, 2007 at 9:34 am
AT:
Your smart, you’ll figure out what works for you. Quit putting so much pressure on yourself. Remember, no life changes for one year.