Okay. This is my first time. I am new to blogging. I spent an hour last night composing a real gem and hit the 'preview' button and *blink* it disappeared!

I am dancing dangerously close to my first anniversary of membership on the EchoDitto Team and I have yet to blog. "What?!?!" Yes, it's true. I have a goal of posting 6 entries by the end of August. Here goes.

In case you don't know me, my role is Director of Finance and Operations. That is my role at EchoDitto, at least. I have many others. Mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend and head cook on Waterford Road. As a working parent (as if parenting wasn't work enough - but that's another post) work/life balance is paramount to survival. Routine is my friend.

So when I entertain breaking from routine, I am faced with a big decision: break routine and bear the consequences or pass (again). After a day in the office, it’s hard to think about going to an evening event, even if it’s something I’m looking forward to attending.

Besides being just plain tired, there’s the whole guilt thing. Often, I can’t shake the feeling that I should be at home maintaining the routine with the kids.

Maybe that’s just a mother thing, I’m not sure.

These are some things I think about if I’m trying to decide whether or not to attend an after work thing during the week:

1. Has the rest of the week at home been disrupted in any way? If we’ve had other breaks in routine, and, we need to get back on schedule, and, get everyone to bed early, then I pass on the event.

2. Is it a one of a kind event, or, is it recurring, and, I can attend next time? Even if I’m tired, I make every reasonable effort to see someone if they are passing through town, or, there’s a special occasion celebration I really want to attend.

3. I have to really work at not feeling guilty for being out on a weeknight. I cover the bases as best I can, plan well and let go. It doesn’t always work to rid me of the guilt. Sometimes I just have to tell myself to “get over it”.

4. If practical, I usually do better if I go wherever I’m going after work rather than going home first. Once I get home, hear the familiar wail, "Mama's home!" and get loads of wet smooches from my 2 year old, I’m inclined to stay home, even if the occasion is a fun one.

5. I also just accept that I may be tired the next day; I’ll get over it. I’d never go anywhere if I passed up an invitation just because I’m tired.

6. Sometimes, it may be enough to just take a few minutes to stop by whatever event is going on. If people are gathering somewhere, I might stop by just for a drink, or, dessert, and, head home.

Sure, there are times that it may be more trouble than it’s worth for a working parent to do something on a weeknight, but, I might miss out on a chance to recharge or reconnect with friends if I turn down every weeknight invitation just because it’s a weeknight.

Yes, I am blessed with many roles. Routine is my friend and balance a key to survival.