On Having "Me Time" as a Working Mom

On Wednesday I took a vacation day. I knew going into this vacation day that it would not be a real vacation. Yes I was off work, but I took the day off because I had a dentist appointment and a million other things I needed to do. Thus, it was more of a Chore day than a Vacation day.

So I "slept in" until 8:00, showered and got ready, and dropped Sophie off at the sitter's by 9:15 so I could make it to my 9:30 dentist appointment. After my appointment was over, I let Sophie stay with the sitter so I could clean the house and run some much needed errands. As most parents know, it is nearly impossible to clean your house with a toddler underfoot, and it makes grocery shopping much more of a chore as well.

I really needed this day. I needed a day to get things done. But I have to say, I have trouble taking days like this for myself. It's hard as a working mom because you are away from your child so much during the week while you're at work. So most days I have off I try to spend with Sophie. I felt guilty because I could have technically had her with me that day, but it would have made things more difficult. Plus, I really wanted some "Me" time. Even though this wasn't what I would have used to have referred to as Me time. Back before I had a child if I had taken a day off from work I probably would have slept until 10:30, lounged around in my pajamas, watched a bunch of crap television, and maybe painted my toenails.

Instead I cleaned the house, did the dishes and two loads of laundry, dropped our comforter off at the cleaners, went to Sam's Club and Walmart, and went home and unloaded the groceries. I did all of this, and was done on time to pick Sophie up by 3:30. It's funny how my life has changed.

I am happy with this change though. I felt a sense of accomplishment getting all of that done. (Oh and I also had dinner cooked and ready to be eaten by the time Chase got off work.) As a busy working mom I have to weigh my priorities, and take advantage of what little free time I can get.

However, this doesn't mean I don't ever take any real Me time, or time to just relax. It just isn't as frequent. Last night Chase and I went to dinner sans baby, and it was really nice. And I also have a lovely massage gift certificate from Valentine's Day that my wonderful hubby got for me, which is burning a hole in my pocket. I plan to use it soon on a real Me day.

So tell me fellow working mommies, how do you spend your Me time? Do you relax and really enjoy it, or are you like me, and usually end up spending it doing chores?