I spend my days fending off well-meaning types who tell me I'm busy. Instead of asking 'how are you?' they say 'how are you, busy?'. In 2010 it's like a mantra. There seems to be a fear that if you're not swamped, stressed and running around madly that somehow you're not doing it right. You're not interesting or worthy.
But, instead of joining the busy brigade, I feel like I'm pretty much under control and would adore the opportunity to answer 'I'm fine, how are you?'. I don't find that my life is a juggle or a struggle or even a muggle at all.
There's an assumption that when you're a 'working mum', you're going to be stressed out and bleeding. But it's actually the SAHM who do it tougher if you ask me.
At work, you get to sit down. At home your left butt cheek hits a chair and it's like you've pressed a 'mmmuuuuuum can you...' button.
At work you can eat your lunch without having to explain exactly what's in it. You don't have to share it. You don't have 3 pairs of eyes steadily watching you eat it. You just eat.
Most importantly, when you're at work, there is no one messing up your house.
The only time I think the WM has it busier than the SAHM is in the mornings. There is a lot to accomplish before 7.45am at our place and we need military-like obedience to The Routine if we're going to make it out the door on time. (Military-like obedience in preschool set? We are frequently late for work.)
So, um, I'm fine, how are you?
[Image: Claro Cortes IV / Reuters]
