Day one of my New Year’s resolution to schedule more “me time” started halfway through the month of January. Better late than never, I suppose.

My original plan was to put my son in preschool. He has never had a babysitter or been away from me other than to visit family. I felt like we needed to start getting him comfortable in a school environment. However, I quickly learned one day a week of preschool costs the same as a one-month family gym membership. I had to choose.

I chose me. I chose the gym. And that meant a new morning routine for all of us.

We woke up for that first new morning at 7:30 a.m. after a night up and down tending to cranky, non-sleepy tots.

Exhausted, we all scrambled to get ready for my “free” personal training session scheduled at 9 a.m. I have a few years of experience in personal training and health coaching so I know what to do when it comes to working out, but a free session came with my membership and I figured it couldn’t hurt.

As we dashed out the door, I almost forget to feed myself and I know one of us forgot to brush our teeth, though I’m still not sure if it was me or my son. And, I didn’t get in a much-needed cup of coffee either. But in the car we went!

We barely got off base and my son was crying to go home. I explained to him our new, fun routine and the kids he will get to play with at the gym nursery. He was not convinced, I already felt guilty for being selfish and taking “me time.”

But I need this. We need this. So I kept driving.

Day care at the gym is awesome. There were a few tears but by the time I made it out of the locker room, he was playing. Sweet! Off to my workout I went.

The trainer looked like she graduated high school yesterday. After a few fumbles and mislabeling of muscle groups and exercises, I realized this girl has no idea what she is doing. So, I hurried the appointment along. Nice girl, but a waste of my time.

It’s been an hour and my mommy guilt started kicking in. I checked in at the day care and, sure enough, my oldest is hysterical. It’s almost lunch and naptime so it seems like a good time to leave.

“Me time” at the gym and two napping kids - could I be so lucky?

No. The rest of our day was a nightmare. 

No naps and total meltdowns by both boys. And, is it possible to catch cooties after one day in daycare because while putting the baby to bed he sounded congested and snotty.

The rest of the day was a blur. I didn’t even shower until I was ready to crawl in bed. I thought to myself, “am I supposed to do this all over again tomorrow?”

Yes.

I remind myself this is new for all of us and it will take time to get used to. I cannot give up yet.

Giving up is too easy.

So, with the little energy I had left, I pack our bags and get ready for tomorrow.  I had gone through much harder things during the course of our military life and survived. One bad day was not going to stop me.

Sometimes, as a military wife and mom, I feel like I am preparing for my own war every day.  I am not sure what the day will bring but all I can do is prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

But one thing is for sure. I can never, ever give up.

Day two, bring it on!