Get Out Of The House!
November 14, 2007 by Michelle Waters
Chances are, you spend a lot of time in the house.
If your kids are older, you take them to school and pick them up. You run errands to the grocery store, post office and the bank.
You’re probably starving for some adult-level interaction. Conversation about something other than Hotwheels, dolls, snot and “He hit me!”
So step outside. Join a group. Take some time to talk to people.
I took my own advice last night and today — and have had the most awesome 24 hours, or so.
First, my husband, kids and I went out to eat with people from our church. Three adults and five kids. We talked, the kids played. No one got hurt, pandemonium did not erupt and I actually had fun. Of course, it helps that we were in good, fun-loving company. 
Then today, I opened a new bank account with the help of a woman who is a member of the same local Chamber of Commerce I joined recently.
On the way out, I ran into someone else from church.
Dropped my daughter off at school and headed for a Chamber meeting, and ran into my son’s baseball coach’s wife on the way.
A few hours later, after picking up the kids from school, we headed to McDonald’s, where CW’s teachers were searching dinner for a school fundraiser. Met more people from church and got to eat with them.
I’m pretty sure I met more people I know today than I did all last year. LOL!
I think I’m going to get out of the house tomorrow too. Who’s with me!?
I joined the gym about two months ago and it was the BEST thing I could have done! I’m not only feeling better but I get to talk with my friends at the gym everyday. Don’t know why I didn’t do this earlier
Beth
Good for you! How often have you been going to the gym? Do you take a class?
I should probably join a gym or something, but I hate exercising. I wouldn’t mind playing a game, like softball, because I’m too busy thinking about the game to notice that I’m working out. But we’re in such a small area, I’m not sure that’s possible.
We’re going over to a friend’s house Saturday to watch football. I’m not a huge football fan, but the kids will have fun playing together — there will be 5 to 8 total, depending on who all shows up — and I’ll get to talk to real life people. Woohoo! LOL
I go to the gym usually 4 - 5 days a week, and I either go to a class or go on a cardio machine. I drop the kids off at school and drive straight to the gym. I’ve never been into sports myself (though I spend a ton of time at the side of a soccer field or in the stands at a hockey arena!) so working out on my own time is perfect
Beth
I wish I could get into doing that. I have an elliptical machine sitting in my bedroom doing time as a housecoat hangar. *sigh*
I told myself I’d exercise while watching TV in there. Yeah right! LOL!
I have a really nice exercise bike and home gym downstairs and I never used it (though my husband does). But as soon as I started paying for a membership and there was a set time to be there (for a class) then it’s been real easy to go. At first I felt so incredibly guilty that I took time out from my business to go but I’m feeling better about it now…the emails and voicemails will still be there when I get home
And when I tried to work out at home all I did was wander back over to my computer to check emails so I never actually finished a workout LOL.
Beth
You absolutely did the right thing by getting out of the house and taking time for yourself. I have been taking time to go scrapbook with my friends, go to church, attend my son’s baseball games and generally have a life outside of my house. Since then, I just have a renewed sense of who I am and a much better attitude.
I’m also more excited about my work, now that I’m not consumed by it. A lot of work at home moms get wrapped up in the idea that they have to do it all themselves — and that they have to be there 24/7 — that they either burn out or get sick. It’s not pretty.
I’m glad to hear that you’re taking time for yourself!
Yes, I totally agree with the “more excited about my work” and “renewed sense of who I am” statements. Since I have a shortened work day now I find myself working more efficiently and not slacking off as much. I had hit that “burned out” feeling not too long ago so going out of the house daily (and trying to wear nice clothes and have makeup and hair done) has been a real boost for myself, which has translated to my business as well
Beth