As a full-time working mom, I struggle with the weekly decision to continue my career which involves much travel time (~50%) away from the family but provides me with the intellectual challenge I relish, or to be a stay-at-home mom to focus my energies on managing the lives of two very active boys.

What I’ve come to realize is that the time apart from my children shouldn’t be looked upon as a negative aspect of my job. Rather, I need to take that time to recharge, relax, and clear my mind so that I can be a better mother & wife and truly be “in the moment” when I’m home with the family.

This week, I’m in Bellevue, Washington.  It’s cold, wet and dreary everywhere I look.  There are definitely no opportunities for sight-seeing adventures after work to enjoy the beautiful evergreen outdoor spaces.  I’m comfortable just being warm inside my hotel room – listening to the pounding rain, the swish of an occasional car passing under my window, the whirl of the refrigerator in my suite and the overall silence of being alone.

Life is good.. and I can’t wait to be home again soon.