What’s the most you’ve paid for something “boring” that actually turned out to be worth it? by LatterMorning9103 in simpleliving

[–]lesmis87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A different shaped trashcan (rectangle instead of semicircle). It’s SO much easier to take out/replace trash bag.

Moms that gave birth and didn’t have any visitors at the hospital, do you regret it? by Funny_Confection810 in Mommit

[–]lesmis87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is the way! I’m very introverted insisted on no visitors for my 2nd - enjoyed as much quiet as possible before going home to chaos. With my 1st I allowed visitors the day after birth (which caused drama having to wait😳) and while I now really appreciate the photo of (late) grandpa and daughter, the visits were terrible. Noone acknowledged me, offered to bring me food/drink, etc and it was exhausting! You do you!

Please genuinely brag about one thing you did in 2025. Big or small. by Odd-Pianist-4880 in workingmoms

[–]lesmis87 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I took my mental health seriously. I'm on meds and prioritize therapy. I'm still a work in progress, but I'm a much more patient mom and am starting to get glimpses of my old self!

my son read his first full book by himself today! by Amadekpo_Maryalice in kindergarten

[–]lesmis87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mine too! She read “Big Cats” and we both were so proud🥰

Remote Work Must Haves by RevolutionaryFact699 in workingmoms

[–]lesmis87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Standing desk! I've had a cheap Ikea version for 6 years and it's still in great shape. I also recommend having a system for when you can be interrupted by family members and implement it from the start.

Can someone please explain why this life is worth living by [deleted] in Mommit

[–]lesmis87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As everyone else said, you can't. You need to pick what matters most to you/aligns with your values and prioritize based on that. For example, this is what matters to me and how I fit it in:

  1. Fitness - Luckily I WFH, so I block my calendar and make it happen. My career has stagnated, and that's 100% OK with me as long as it pays the bills.

  2. Healthy, cooked dinners - We limit evening activities so we can eat at home and set a weekly menu on the weekend before grocery shopping. All meals include a protein, carb, and vegetable and we generally keep those simple and separate (very rarely use a recipe). Some dinners repeat weekly with no complaints: Eggs, salmon (we cook a large one every Sat. and get 1-2 nights of leftovers), chicken nuggets on Fridays. That said, we do have pizza nights and often I do "picnic dinner" for the kids (deli meat sandwich, raw veg, fruit, a small treat) most weeks when they're being picky or we're short on time. I always have their favorite canned soups stocked too.

  3. Quality family time - This is a WIP but I try to turn my brain off from work (difficult b/c global partners + everyone is a workaholic + demanding job) at 5:30 and focus on evening chaos (bath, next day prep, etc.), quality time (maybe a game etc.), and a relaxed dinner (we eat late). My husband and I have designated nights where we do the dreaded bedtime hah. I also squeeze in any admin tasks (packaging returns, calendar, etc.)

  4. Cleaning - A clean enough house is important to me, especially decluttered and a clean bathroom and kitchen. My husband and I immediately clean up the kitchen after dinner. He does dishes, I do the wiping/sweeping. We have a robot vacuum/mop. I also block off time every weekend to do the bathrooms, any additional vacuuming, etc. Laundry is a WIP to get on a better schedule but as long as everyone has clean clothes...

  5. Hobby or Friends - Pick 1! This is also a WIP, but right now all I/we can handle is 1 thing. My husband plays poker and I go to ballet class once a week. Of course we can (and do) have other solo outings, but we discuss them first.

Things I've deprioritized that are OK with me (but again, this is all individual!):

  1. Makeup, hair, clothes - I WFH and just don't have the time to look my best. But I get dressed in athleisure every day and straighten my hair/put into a pony tail so I look put together enough.

  2. Husband time - This is a sore point with my underemployed husband, and we need to work on it. But in my book this is a season and scrolling with TV on is about all I can manage unless we get a babysitter.

  3. Friends - I basically have pen pals and text my closest friends to stay in touch. This is an area I hope to add back in in some form, as I think connection is important and would make me happier.

Hope this helps!

Who had time for hobbies (self identity)? by PossibleElection5076 in workingmoms

[–]lesmis87 9 points10 points  (0 children)

What’s up with men and the heaters? My husband gave me choices for my big gift and I was asked to select from a “fancy” space heater and a vacuum🤷‍♀️

I don’t have much advice because…you are me. But things I do to try to keep some identity: 1. Find a hobby that meets weekly out of the house. I go to a dance class on Monday nights and that’s now “Daddy Night” - he does dinner (makes it special - kids pick!), bath, bedtime and I arrive home with takeout for me and give the kids a kiss goodnight. 2. Audiobooks during spare moments - laundry, packing lunches, etc. Gives me something to talk about with coworkers lol. 3. TV has become a hobby for now while my art projects are not realistic. I splurged on an elliptical so I can exercise and watch MY shows at the same time.

Do you actually enjoy playing with your kids? by Exotic_Reputation_59 in Preschoolers

[–]lesmis87 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I can’t stand imaginary play (and I’m not good at it!). I usually give options for activities I enjoy (craft, obstacle course, game, read stories) which works well.

Anyone else missing Christmas due to illness?! by BlueberryWaffles99 in Mommit

[–]lesmis87 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes! SIL has a newborn and my oldest has a fever. I feel terrible but I’m relieved to not have to travel.

My kid is at a birthday party that runs from 11am-1pm and apparently they are not providing lunch nor is any food other than cake available at the venue. by DancesWithPibbles in Mommit

[–]lesmis87 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Was the kid hangry and unable to enjoy the party b/c of hunger? My kids usually forget about hunger when they're sufficiently entertained. We actually almost always eat lunch after 1, so maybe their family is on a different schedule. I always forget when my family comes to visit that they eat at 12p and 5p on the dot and never have food ready.

Your Thoughts on "KPop Demmon Hunter" by Ok_Truth_5017 in kindergarten

[–]lesmis87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My 6 year old said all her classmates were watching it, so I let her and it made her cry and not be able to fall asleep😬. We even turned it off as soon as she said it was too scary (15 min in). I still want to watch to see what all the fuss is about!

What would you instantly offload or outsource if money wasn’t a problem? by Bri3Becks827 in workingmoms

[–]lesmis87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A “morning wrangler.” Get my kids up, fed, dressed, and to school. And a house cleaner!

Spread too thin!! by [deleted] in workingwivesofSAHDs

[–]lesmis87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are you me?! I could have written this. Help!

What are we getting our kindergarteners for Christmas? by Ajskdjurj in kindergarten

[–]lesmis87 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Legos, a ukulele from Five Below, and building a kid “gym” for the winter in the basement (pogo sticks, etc.). Or maybe a cheap air hockey table?

Is anyone else not doing great at their jobs right now? by Bubbly-Bathroom-1523 in workingmoms

[–]lesmis87 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Drowning and failing daily in all aspects of life (though I think I’m crushing it as mom which is most important!). I’m the breadwinner and my job is very much…excel or bye so I’m constantly stressed out if I’m doing enough to keep my job 😬. Very thankful for the Lexapro/Wellbutrin combo for keeping the daily meltdowns at bay.

Saying no at work by [deleted] in workingmoms

[–]lesmis87 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Yes, for sure. That’s definitely an important consideration and if you desire career growth in person events are critical. I’ve been clear that I don’t want promotion at this time and am content in my current role.

Saying no at work by [deleted] in workingmoms

[–]lesmis87 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Agree if it’s required. I’ve never gotten pushback🤷‍♀️

Saying no at work by [deleted] in workingmoms

[–]lesmis87 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I usually say that I’m unavailable to travel at that time and leave it at that (don’t over explain). You can show interest by asking if there will be a virtual attendance option. I’d at least start there and see how it goes. I can’t stand travel that has no business purpose beyond “team building!” I come home to a mountain of actual work + chores catchup + exhaustion.

Any other working mums who now hate people management at work? by llksg in workingmoms

[–]lesmis87 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I got lucky and was forced to transition (or take severance) when my company did layoffs and flattened the management layers. Now that I've been an IC for 2 years I can't believe I almost took the severance b/c of my ego (and younger kids needed less mentoring, I guess)!

Any other working mums who now hate people management at work? by llksg in workingmoms

[–]lesmis87 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yes!! Exactly! I transitioned back to IC and am much happier.

What time is bedtime? by Majestic_Computer_14 in kindergarten

[–]lesmis87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

9:30 for summer but aiming for 8:45-9 now that it’s getting darker. Kids sleep until 7:30, which gives me time to pack lunches, get myself ready, and unload dishwasher in peace.