Every day I struggle with balancing the work I want to do with the work I have to do.
I want to work on each of my blogs and on building my business.
I have to do the laundry.
I want to hang out on Twitter.
I have to pay the bills.
I want to submit photos and look at others’ photos on Flickr.
I have to unpack this stinky pile of wet, dirty clothes from my daughter’s camping trip.
I want to read my friends’ blogs and find new blogs to read.
I have to clear the clutter off the counter, yet again.
I want to continue writing my novel and finish the children’s book I started a decade ago.
I have to sort the kids’ clothes into what doesn’t fit them anymore, what can be saved, what should be given away, and then unpack their spring and summer clothes. I really, REALLY, REALLY HATE THIS CHORE!
I wish I could say the struggle is getting easier, but it isn’t. I still hate doing the laundry and the other mundane tasks. What is getting better though is how I fit in the “have to’s” around the “want to’s.” For example, I put in a load of laundry each morning, clear the counter, and start the dishwasher while my baby is eating her breakfast in the high chair. When she naps, I dash to the computer to get some of the work done I want to do. At lunchtime, I move the clean load of laundry to the dryer, put another in the washer and pay the bills at the kitchen table while my baby eats her lunch in the high chair. I really do appreciate that high chair! When my baby watches Sesame Street (so, so cute to hear her giggle), I dash back to the computer to get more work done that I want to do. This flip flop between the work I want to do and the work I have to do pretty much goes on all day. On the good days that is. 
Shannon Hutton draws on her experience working full-time, part-time and from home with three kids to blog about the universal challenge of achieving work-life balance. She also uses her Master's in Education and professional experience as a School Counselor to address parenting and school issues in her weekly 
I hear ya, laundry is never fun.
I hope you find a happy balance between ‘have to’ and ‘want to.’ And if you do, will you please share the secret with me?!
Have a great day!
bits & piecess last blog post..WW #12 ~ playtime with the new pup
Use the miracle of black plastic garbage bags for sorting out clothing like so:
Step 1) Gently put all too-small clothing on floor into bag.
Step 2) Drop off bag at clothing bins in Pathmark shopping center
Step 3) Cackle wildly with glee
’tis far less painful.
Barbara
Barbara Lings last blog post..Twelcome To My Twitter Page!
Aah the mom’s art of multi-tasking all day (and night) long. It never ends.
Dees last blog post..Advanced Placement - Commonplace
I don’t think I there is a woman who would not be able to relate to this! Great post!
Danielle Says Hellos last blog post..For Heather and Her Husband Shamus
I can so relate to this! Unfortunately, flip flopping seldom works for me.
Genesiss last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: A Little Something I Whipped Up the Other Night
I totally know where you are coming from, although it sounds like you have it figured out a bit better than I do. I am currently struggling to find the sweet spot of balance. I am new to being the at home mommy while I get my freelance marketing career launched. No matter how hard I work at getting the load if laundry started early, throw a meal in the crock pot, pre pack tomorrow’s lunches and set out the clothes for the kid’s next outfit …. by the end of the day, it’s all STILL GOING ON. ggrrrrr…. : ) Thanks for the post, good to know, I am not alone.
Billie
Hmm, the fact that I’m here reading your blog at 3:30 in the afternoon should probably tell you what I SHOULD be doing instead… I am so unmotivated to be at work today though!
I struggle with the same thing - the ‘want to do’ versus the ‘have to do’. Somehow the second list is always longer…
Deb - Mom of 3 Girlss last blog post..Bloggers Unite for Human Rights - Thursday Thirteen style
Don’t I know it. I’ve been living this flip flop life since 2004 and it’s getting old. Nothing ever gets done well. There is always something that gets left out or undone, but I know it won’t go on forever, so that keeps me encouraged.
Mycrazylifes last blog post..Keep Your Dirty Hands off My Cape
Followed a link over from problogger….your post title strikes a chord! I start having a meltdown when there is too much to do so I just have to do one small thing at a time to maintain sanity. Fun read, thank you!
Aww the dreaded “have to’s” vs. “want To’s”. I think many of us struggle with that.
It sounds like you are creating a great schedule for getting things done
Aurelias last blog post..Hamsters, Gerbils and Rabbits
Boy you really hit home with alot of your fellow Balancers.
Love Dad
Ps I’ll have to try Sesame street on Fridays.
Love DAD