What did I fill my free time with before becoming a parent? This question often runs through my mind during those rare quiet moments when I lie in bed, pondering the endless list of chores that never seem to get done. Free time feels like a mythical concept now, as if it’s a word from another language. Is that some kind of Scandinavian term?
Even on the rare occasions when both kids are napping, I find myself tackling mundane tasks like washing dishes or folding laundry. Whether it’s dealing with last night’s leftovers or tackling the never-ending pile of kids’ clothes, there’s always something demanding my attention.
Looking back, the activities I used to indulge in are almost laughable. I remember those blissful evenings when my husband was away on business, sipping wine on the couch while I watched dust particles dance in the sunlight, totally relaxed. Ah, the struggles of yesteryears!
Here are some other amusing things I used to occupy myself with before embracing motherhood:
- Nail Painting: I used to take an hour just to paint my nails. Now, I can hardly sit still long enough to use the bathroom, let alone watch polish dry.
- Hair Styling: My round brush, once used for curling my hair, is now a toy for my toddler.
- Spray Tanning: I would prance around in my underwear, carefully avoiding anything until my tan dried. Now, I can’t imagine telling the kids, “Don’t touch anything; Mommy’s tanning!”
- Trimming Split Ends: I used to meticulously trim my hair. Now, my kids are my hairstylists – and they prefer pulling my hair out instead.
- Hand-Washing Delicates: I used to hand-wash delicate items. Now, I’m just happy if I can get my kids clean without a meltdown!
- Organizing Everything: I was once obsessed with alphabetizing my books and DVDs. Funny how having kids can cure even the mildest case of OCD.
- Ironing Baby Clothes: While pregnant with my first child, I ironed all of his baby clothes for photo ops. What was I thinking?
- Ironing in General: I no longer bother. Wrinkled clothes are now the norm, and the dry cleaner is my occasional savior.
- Hanger Swapping: I spent two days switching all our hangers to wooden ones just because they looked better. Now? I can’t believe I wasted that time!
- Cooking Lengthy Meals: I used to enjoy cooking meals that took over 45 minutes. Now, I’m all about quick microwave options.
- Music and Makeup: I would spend an hour perfecting my makeup while listening to my favorite tunes. Now, the only music I hear is the “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” theme on repeat, with my son providing additional sound effects.
- Multistep Face Treatments: My skincare routine has been reduced to a quick wash and moisturizer. Simple is the name of the game.
- Morning Meditation: I used to meditate and stretch. Now, my stretching involves reaching for the coffee mug in the back of the cabinet while my patience runs thin.
- Sleeping In: Ah, the luxury of sleeping in! It’s a distant memory; now, every morning feels like a race against the clock.
- Spontaneous Movie Outings: Going to the movies used to be a casual decision. Now, it’s a meticulously planned event that requires a babysitter and a lot of luck.
- Organized Grocery Lists: I once organized my grocery lists by aisle. Now? I just jot down a few items on my phone and hope for the best.
- Recording Dog Videos: I used to think my dog was the best thing ever, recording her antics. Little did I know, just a few years later, I’d be glued to videos of my own kids giggling and bonding.
While I may no longer have the time for these once-loved activities, I’ve gained priceless moments through motherhood. Yesterday, I spent an hour working on puzzles with my kids, witnessing my son come up with hilarious phrases and my daughter taking her first steps. These moments, once overlooked, are now the highlights of my life.
Perhaps I don’t need those 17 activities anymore. After all, I never really enjoyed face masks that much anyway.
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Summary
Reflecting on the amusingly unproductive activities I engaged in before becoming a parent serves as a reminder of how my priorities have shifted. The mundane tasks I now juggle have replaced leisurely pursuits, but the joy of watching my children grow brings unmatched fulfillment.