Is anything more efficient than a parent with an hour alone? Everyday at lunch I marvel at the number of things I can accomplish during lunch. I used to think lunch was about “me time”, but since I’ve given up on my current life involving any “me-time”, lunchtime is all about getting things done. Typically you can find me doing at least two of the following:

Shopping for kids clothes ... Shopping for mommy’s clothes ... Grocery shopping ... Running to the bank ... Purchasing gifts for yet another upcoming birthday party ... Lunch with Scott (We try to do this at least every couple weeks. Heck, we’re already paying for the daycare and lunch is cheaper than dinner out anyway…)... Lunch with a friend (some co-workers I’d really never see otherwise)... Laundry ... Vacuuming (Really, when do you do this otherwise? Nolan likes to try and ride the vacuum if he’s awake, and vacuuming after the kids go to bed risks one of parenting’s few simple rewards: kids sleeping.) ... Cleaning bathrooms ... Cleaning the kitchen ... Mopping (I love cleaning at lunch because I know it will stay clean for at least four more hours. Nevermind that no one is home during those four hours – I know it’s still clean!)... Changing sheets ... Getting a haircut ... Consigning clothes ... Toys to Goodwill (A favorite activity for me!) ...then I come back to my desk and eat.

The funny part is no matter how many things I try and cram into that hour, it still feels relaxing to be doing it all alone. So I guess maybe I’ve just redefined “me-time” more than anything else – which is at least half of parenting in general:)