feeling overwhelmed so I just broke down the "jobs" I need to do at home

[imgoingtodisney]

There's the everyday living jobs to be done - food list, coupons, food shop, put the laundry away, keep up with my reading and walking

Then there's the Chrismtas jobs to be done - finish wrapping, decorating, etc

Then the trip jobs to be finished - still have 1 suitcase to unpack, make photo album, maybe postcard collage

Then when everything else is done I want to make folders for all our DVC info - payments, points used/banked, etc

 

[wvjules]

That doens't sound like too much to do. It sounds very managable to me. I have the same things to do, except the DVC part, plus much more and Im not feeling overwhelmed at all.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

I guess you can cross
"Make A List"

off of the list of things to be done.

Let the kid decorate, save the postcard collage and DVC folders for February. It will be fun to revisit the trip memories then.

 

[imgoingtodisney]

oh ya - did i say its better for me to do these things when dh & ds are at work & school? That way it feels like im not working while they're sitting? anyone else ever feel this way? so I have 1hr btwn when DS goes to school and I go to work - when I get home they are both home from their days

 

[poohbears5]

Little over stressed still recovering from being hit by car and daily daily chores of 5 kids still have to finish shopping and wrap everything , practices for church play for 2 youngest ,dd back and forth to work as she is only 16 don't drive yet ,bake cookies ,decorate house but Iwll not let it over whelm me because 3 weeks ago as 3 of my children watched I could of been killed right in front of my 6 yr 8yr 11yr instead I am here to celebrate with them so what gets done gets done what doesn't just won't or it will later .

 

[wvjules]

I'm a single mother. DD and I leave and get home at the same time. I don't see the problem with doing things while your DS and DH are home. I think you create more stress than you actually have.

 

[becka]

I wish that was all I had to do. Having a baby in the household sure does increase the number of household chores expontially. At least you don't have to worry about making bottles and giving your DS a bath every night, etc. Those chores just can't be put off.

I would say that if you are really feeling stressed then a lot of your list could be put off. Finish wrapping presents but don't go all out on decorating. We put up some of our lights and decorated the tree but that has been the extent of our holiday decorating in order to cut down on stress and the number of things to do.

Postpone the organizational stuff. DVC, collages, etc. can certainly wait until after the holiday season. Let the suitcase go unpacked if it is necessary. I still have a half packed suitcase from our Thanksgiving trip sitting in my bedroom that I have not had time to unload. Getting other things done (and still getting some sleep has been more important).

Keeping up with reading is often one of the first things I get behind on. I have about 6 Newsweeks and 7-8 Entertainment Weekly magazines, plus a couple of parenting magazines in a big stack. I try to read for a few minutes here and there when I get a chance. I try not to let it get me too stressed because reading is really just to unwind and for fun. I actually finished one of my Newsweeks just last night (it was so old it was discussing opinions on who the big winners would be in the mid-term elections! ) I doubt you could be further behind in your reading than I am.

 

[Disneydenise]

I feel like i get more done when I work around the house when they aren't all home. I try to do what I need to do when they are gone. My DD just got home from college for a month long break and I will be interestedtosee how long it takes until she is on my nerves. I miss her when she is gone but she does seem to suck the wind from my sails when she is here.
I am a list maker too I feel like I am getting more done when I can cross something off the list. It is just a mental thing for me.
Well I better get to the list. My car is going in for service today.

 

[believe]

When I am stressed I don't like doing things as DH is sitting around. I get upset and wonder why he hasn't offered to help instead of just sitting there. So I understand where you are coming from.

Individuals have different stress levels, so what stresses one individual may not stress another and individuals handle stress differently.

Sorry you are feeling so stressed....take it one day at a time and just make sure you complete the have-to things before the things that can wait.

 

[aprincessmom]

I'm a single mother. DD and I leave and get home at the same time.

Right there with you wvjules! I only just started reading again for pleasure. I'd love to have chores to postpone but I don't seem to have many that I can do that with.

I tend to do things like fold laundry, prep for dinner, and housecleaning after DD is in bed or before she wakes up in the morning. That way I have time to spend with her while she's awake. Means many nights I don't go to sleep until 11 and I get up at 4:30 but that's how it goes.

Now that she's older, (she's 6) she helps out around the house and the load isn't as heavy -- puts away laundry, helps make dinner, makes her own lunch, makes her bed, cleans her room, etc.

Having a baby in the household sure does increase the number of household chores expontially.

becka -- man I feel for you! The greatest day I had was when DD wanted to take showers instead of baths. It was great! Although I do miss the Barbie water shows we used to do

 

[Nikole]

Originally posted by imgoingtodisney
There's the everyday living jobs to be done - food list, coupons, food shop, put the laundry away, keep up with my reading and walking

Then there's the Chrismtas jobs to be done - finish wrapping, decorating, etc

Then the trip jobs to be finished - still have 1 suitcase to unpack, make photo album, maybe postcard collage

Then when everything else is done I want to make folders for all our DVC info - payments, points used/banked, etc

Be glad your week doesn't consist of having to visit a loved one in a hospital. Be glad you HAVE a family to do those chores for. Be glad that one of the things (DVC) involves something MANY people in the US aren't financially able to participate in.....there are many people who don't know what a vacation is. Be glad that you can afford to purchase those prsents that you still have left to wrap.

Be glad that you won't be studying for an entrance exam all through Christmas. (yes that last one is personal)

 

[dandave]

Great post, Nikole!

I let my 6 and 8 year olds help me make lists and do the work. They help with supper, they've decorated the tree just the way they want it (except for the lights), they fold clothes, they help me Christmas shop, etc., etc.
Maybe your son could help with things like gift wrapping, so it won't seem like such a chore. That'll give you less work, and you two would be able to have together time.

 

[Steve H.]

Good luck on the exam, Nikole!

 

[Nikole]

Thanks Steve! *I wasn't looking for that but....thank you!!!* And I must say......what a class act you are! Going through what you are, knowing what you could post to this thread and yet taking the time to wish me good luck.
Thank you Steve!!!

 

[Lucky4me]

I find when I get up off of this chair and turn off the computer, I get a lot more done around the house! (But I know the feeling of being overwhelmed, believe me....)

 

[aahmom1]

Poohbears5, you poor thing, I hope you're ok.

 

[Kelsie]

It has been a difficult year in my home. My DD had her 2nd heart surgery in July. So this year, I am just enjoying her health. This Holiday is about spending time together. I am not going to let the typical stress of the Holiday's capture me. So, if a few presents have to be bagged instead of wrapped, if I have to buy store made cookies for the school Christmas party, etc. so be it.

Nothing is more important than being with our loved ones. Enjoy them

But hey, you can always combine two projects and read while you are in the bathroom!!

Happy Holiday's

 

[poohbears5]

aahmom1 I am fine thanks for asking . Very grateful that it wasn't worse , the worse part has been past week cabin fever I broke my tailbone so no driving for couple weeks . But it could of been so much worse so I am very happy to be home with my dh and kids alot of people have so many more things on their plate to deal with and aren't so lucky.

 

[Nikole]

Oh poohbear! I'm so sorry you were injured!!!! Your attitude is impressive though!!!! Hope you heal quickly!

 

[believe]

I find these two items so insignificant to be on your heavy burden of "to do" lists. But seriously, talking to a mental health professional ,instead of daily posting your tales of woe, MIGHT be a good idea.

Significance is in the perspective of the individual and sometimes 'venting' really helps you to think through your situation at the time.

imgoingtodisney-Feel free to 'vent' to me or tell me your tales of woe any time. Support is a wonderful thing, even when others may not see them as significant.