Finding Guilt-Free "Me" Time

Between a full-time job and two kids, there is precious little time to just enjoy myself. I find myself trying to do the little things that I like (blogging, exercising, catching up with my DVR) in the wee hours of the night.

My attempts to carve out "me time" during the evening hours when the kids are up are fraught with guilt. Am I ignoring the kids and somehow causing them psychological trauma? Am I over-burdening my husband by having him fly solo with the kids? Do my dogs miss me? OK, I know the answer to that last question is "yes".

I'm pretty sure my husband doesn't feel one iota of guilt when he goes out to see a Sharks game with his buddies, so why do I beat myself up over two once-a-month activities (Girls Night Out with the gal pals and a writing group)?

And I always feel like I need to fill it with something "productive" - working on the computer, working out, etc. Why can't I let my "me time" be taken up with a nice lazy activity, like napping? Lord knows I could use the extra sleep!

Someone please tell me the secret to finding some guilt-free time to myself!

Update on Jerrianne

I heard from my friends last week that their baby Jerrianne (see previous post) does indeed have cancer. They removed her spleen and have her on chemo therapy. Jerrianne is looking happy and well in her pictures, but of course, my friends are feeling very bittersweet.

Thoughts and prayers for you, Jerrianne, and to your adoring family.