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I Am Woman... and Mommy, Too
by  Cheryl Gochnauer, Homebodies.com

Raise your hand if you still remember all the words to Helen Reddy's testament to females everywhere, "I Am Woman."

I roared through my twenties until I got hoarse, clutching to the precepts of that 70's anthem.  But soon after my first baby was born, cracks began appearing in my New Woman philosophy.

Both baby and employer demanded 100%, and only the elusive Super Woman could satisfy both masters.  I had never met this Super Woman, of course, but often heard glowing reviews of her prowess.  She remained my hero.

As time passed, the phrase "Yes, I've paid the price...but look how much I've gained..." began to take on a certain irony.   No longer able to pay the full amount upfront, I had to broker credit terms both at work and at home.

To my child:  "I know Wesley's mom got to come see him perform.  I got to see you, too, Honey...she made a video.  Isn't that great!  Well, I'm cheering now...  Don't pout.  All right.  I'll see if I can get some comp time before the next (fill in the blank:  game, play, contest, presentation)."

To my boss:  "I understand completely.  But I won't be able to work over tonight.  I don't have a sitter.  How about this weekend?  My kids are going to grandma's."

Anybody who's tried to properly date two people at the same time understands what I'm talking about.

Frowns.  Everywhere I looked, there were frowns.  On my kids' faces.  On my boss's face.  In the mirror...yep, there was another one.

A "Type A" personality can take such rejection for so long, and no longer. Being an overachiever...or at least, an overachiever wanna-be...I finally decided to take charge.  Using a classic winning strategy, I picked one area in which to excel, and in this case, it was with my children.  I decided to become a stay-at-home mom.

The effects of this simplifying choice have changed my life - and the lives of every member of my family.  No longer under the dictates of a Daytimer, there is time to sort out priorities...to enjoy a gentler pace...to live.  I love it.  And so do my kids.

My husband's a different guy now, too. He takes comfort in having a partner who's committed to transforming our home into a haven.  He knows his children receive the best possible care around the clock from the one woman who loves them - and him - the most.

Are finances tight?  Yes.  Is it worth it?  You bet.  A peanut butter and jelly sandwich on my belly in the park with my daughters beats a croissant with a client anyday.

Smiles.  Everywhere I look, smiles.  In the mirror...yep, there's another one.

If I have to, I can do anything...one thing at a time.  I am strong.  I am invincible.  For this season of my life, I am Mommy. 

Comments?  Write cheryl@homebodies.org or visit her website at
www.homebodies.org.

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