Withdrawals

Well, apparently I am to the point where I have to admit that I am a social media and Kindle Fire addict.  There, I said it. 

This weekend is our stake conference.  Our stake presidency has asked us for the week before our stake conferences that we participate in millennial week.  This means no TV, no unnecessary use of social media or games.  They want us to use that time to study scriptures or spend time as a family playing games or things that will bring us closer as a family and closer to the spirit.  I've participated in the challenge at least 3 times.  I can tell you that it is very rewarding.  You should try it sometime.  I know what you are thinking...."I'm can give up TV, Facebook, Candy Crush and Words with Friends any time I want."  Yes, I thought the same thing.  I do it too, but today for some reason I am having withdrawals.  I think it is because it is so quiet as I sit here working listening only to the hum of my computer and the howling of the never ending Spring wind blowing inches of dust into my window seals.

However, that being said, during my work day is when I feel the withdrawal, not after I get finished.  Here's the reason.  Let me just give you an example of my evening schedules.  Yesterday I had to get off a little early and take Austin to guitar practice (50 min drive one way).  While I was there decided to drop off some Stampin'Up catalogs and invitations for a workshop I'll be doing in a few weeks.  Grab a $5.00 hot and ready pizza and head on home (another 50 minutes).  Take Austin by the neighbors to feed his cats and horses and finally get home.  Talk to the hubs for 5 minutes before he heads out of town while I wash a few dishes.  Remind Austin and Stetson about homework and piano practice.  Then at 7:30 head us to the neighbors to have some root beer floats and help with some computer stuff.  9:00 home and nagging for 30 minutes to get kids to go to bed knowing that 6:30 comes way too early.  Me, no TV or games at night so I am reading a book Storm Testament II).  10:15, lights out.

Tuesday, here's my schedule:  Off work a bit early again to get Stetson at piano at 4:15.  Then on to Castle Dale (15 min drive) to grab Austin from piano lessons.  Stetson has wrestling practice at 5-6 in Castle Dale.  Then at 6:15 Austin is supposed to be back in Ferron to go to scouts swimming in Castle Dale.  Haven't figured this out yet, might just take dinner and eat in the car and drop him off at the pool.  6:30 book club in Ferron for me.  Then hopefully at some point we do some homework and practicing guitar/piano etc.

I'm exhausted thinking of it.  Just glad I am not single mom and have to do it all the time alone.

I love the idea of millennial week freeing up my time, but in reality, I haven't had time for TV or Facebook or games other than a break from work or putting myself to sleep.  Nice idea though.

I'm glad I have mornings to listen to my scriptures (the LDS app on my Kindle is a lifesaver, it reads to me while I get ready).

Kudos to you single parents who do this daily.  My hat's off to you!  Happy millennial week!