If job titles were handed out in families, I would immediately claim mine as Operations Manager. My husband and I work very much as a team but when it comes to the day to day machinations of the house, all requests and schedules land on my desk.
I knew travelling home for this operation would require a temporary leave of absence. I had to pass on the (power) decision making process to the husband if this was going to work. Thankfully, great friends jumped in to help with the distribution of little travelers, but all other components of the role are now in his hands.
My position is now remote, I no longer work from home. I phone it in.
I join the children for breakfast at two in the afternoon each day. I don't wake anyone up, help anyone get dressed, or brush anyone's hair. I am a thousand miles away from being practical, a time zone too late.
My appearances are now made on the screen of an ipad or laptop, kisses are blown, waves are made, funny faces are pulled. And in a G-rated game of "Spin the Mummy", the little travelers place me in the middle of the table, and spin me from face to face.
"Hi Mummy" says the fourth little one.
"Do you want to know what I chose for hot lunch yesterday?"
As he reels off the names of various fruits and vegetables, I will myself not to ask why he's having hot lunch at the beginning of the week. Hot lunch is on Thursday, but management has obviously made some changes. The fourth little one is very happy with the way things are panning out.
"AND, we're having hot lunch again today!" he squeals.
The second little one who is not a lover of change and enjoys the rules that come with life, raises an eyebrow and brings the laptop closer to her mouth so she can whisper "Dad didn't do the grocery shopping on the weekend".
