Ambition

Growing up, I knew that I was expected to attend college and get a degree. The thing is, I never aspired to being anything other than a wife and mother. I never understood the whole "career" mentality. Not that there's anything wrong with it, it's just never been my thing.

I was raised in a traditional household. My mom quit work a week before I came home(I was adopted). She was always at home, even after my younger brother and I got older. She did all the traditional housewife things and Dad worked. He was an engineer so he made very good money. Mom working outside the home wasn't necessary, but I also think they both enjoyed their roles within the family.

One thing I remember my dad telling me over and over was that I didn't have to settle for being a teacher, secretary or a nurse - that I could be a doctor or a lawyer or anything I put my mind to and that just because I was a girl that didn't mean I couldn't do jobs that were primarily held by men. It meant a lot to me that he had that faith in me, but in my heart, I just wanted to be a mom. Like my mom.

I went to college and graduated with a degree in Advertising Journalism. I worked in my chosen field for a few years. I met the Evil Twin and we got married. I continued to work until Buddy was born. I kind of assumed that I would be going back to work after my maternity leave, but when Buddy was born so seriously prematurely, the Evil Twin and I felt like we had no choice but to have me at home with him. He had so many doctors appointments and therapies those first 2 years, it would have been almost impossible for me to deal with his schedule and work full time.

Now, the Evil Twin didn't make much money, but we scraped by - I was very careful with what he did make. My parents helped us out a little along the way, as well. They were very generous and there wasn't anything they wouldn't do for their first grandchild.

So, since we had always lived below our means (no brand new cars, modest mortgages, etc.), we were able to sell our first home and buy a second house that is considerably larger, but we got a great deal and a low interest rate, so we could still swing the payments and the increased utilities, etc.

I don't regret not having a career or professional accolades. I know I have three very important people who depend on me every day for their needs. I stay very involved in Buddy's school and will do the same when Sissy is school age. I consider it a worthy and worthwhile sacrifice.

I've got another evening to myself. My boys are in the downstairs den watching Saturday Night Freakshow (had to be pre-empted last night because the Evil Twin was out with a friend). The happy hausfrau enjoys time to herself!