Mom's Time Out

The idea of unscheduled time is a new concept for me.  With little kids and a job as a part-time consultant, I don't get a lunch hour or paid time off or vacation time.  Although I am really, really grateful that Mr. Quimby and I made the choice many years ago to reign in our spending and expenses and have me work part-time, I really do miss the ability to have a lunch hour (or 45 minutes) un-scheduled.  I work from the office and I work from home, and it often seems that every minute is accounted for during the day.

Today I found myself stalled in my work for a bit since I had worked a lot the past couple days and had sent out a flurry of e-mails this morning and was waiting for responses.  Instead of having a bagel for lunch at home, I decided to take myself to a local chain deli for lunch and get a nice big salad.  I went to Jason's Deli and although I have been there once or twice before, I'm not a regular.

I fumbled around, trying to find the right line, the container for my salad, etc.  At one point, I was balancing a salad container, a drink, another dish of pasta salad.  It would not be long before I dropped everything, so I looked around for a bag.  A young woman who was working there saw the confused look on my face, offered to help me, and then got me a bag in about 5 seconds.  I know it doesn't seem like a big deal, but it sort of made my "mommy time" all the more sweet because someone reached out of themselves to help me.

I think I might start a regular feature on Mom's Time Out.  I'd love to know what YOU do with your unscheduled time.