Overwhelmed (and disorganised)

This week has been difficult. It was my first week back at home, being a single mom, since my husband went back to work in the big city. I have to tell you that Princess was fantastic. We usually fight a lot in the morning,  both of us being the opposite of early birds. So mornings in my house is usually a constant fight to get to school on time. But not this week. She was up as soon as her alarm went off, with a great attitude. (it may have help that it is Her alarm that her grandmother bought for her, and that it is pink :-) )

You know how it works... The less time you have, the more you have to do. On Tuesday evening, I had to be in school until 6, while being at the Princess' first dance lesson and at the parent-teacher meeting. There was also another get-together with the colleagues at school. Four places to be at the same time... And that was only Tuesday, it was like that all week.

I suppose being in med school is like a job. I believe you should invest about 45 to 50 hours a week in it. I hear you say, well, that is not that difficult. And I would be incline to agree. 

So, why I am feeling overwelmed? Good question! I am used to being very busy, having lots of projects, so what's the difference? 

I think part of it is the organization. I moved to this new house the week before starting school, so there is still a lot to be done, and there is a lot of unopened boxes. Painting is not done yet, so looking at my living room is very depressing. All the closets are too full and I don't know where to find my clothes (I lost 25 minutes just looking for a pair of shoes). I need time to organize my things, time I don't have because when I am not studying, I am making dinner or driving Princess around or meeting her teacher.

Part of it is also adaptation to med school and the case-based approach. I need to define the boundaries, what needs to be done and what is going too far. In my case, I can't spend too much time on a subject if it is not essential. Time is not a luxury I have right now.

I was anxious to see how it would go with my colleagues. For now, they are very supportive. One of them said to me that I was in the most difficult situation, because they only have to think of themselves, while I have to have a normal schedule for Princess, with real food at normal hours. They are a fun group and I would like to spend more time with them, to get to know them better. I'll make it happen at some point.

Because, I am sure I'll get back on my feet. Things can only get better. But for now, I think I have won the right to an hour of tv!