Who is our Crash Test Mummy of the Week?
Jane is a full-time working mum from Melbourne, Victoria
Who do you live with?
My 4 year old son Darby (and a messy house!)
How old were you when you first became a mum?
27
What do you love about being a parent?
I love the craziness, the ups and downs.. and the fact I have had to learn to just go with the flow! For a slight control freak this has been a test!! I love the moments that happen so randomly but make me laugh so loud.. I love it when Darby says things I didn’t know he knew.. amazing how his little brain is growing …Its like a massive discovery – every day there is something new i am learning about him and about myself! (oh and I love how I hear his voice in mine, its just a reminder that I am passing on all i know.. the good (and the sometimes bad!)
What is the most difficult thing about being a parent?
The most difficult thing has been navigating single parenthood. I have a very unique and friendly relationship with Darby’s dad, which makes things a whole lot easier.. but it is tough doing it all alone. The most difficult feeling for me, is the balance of giving myself a break and wanting to spend time with Darby. My heart breaks every time I drop him off at his dads, but it is also a sigh of relief as I feel like me again. Its a double edged sword… never a pure feeling of contentment!
What daily task do you wish was easier?
Getting ready for work/kinder… I am organised, but it is just getting Darby out the door before 7.20 that proves to be a big challenge! Also coming home can be a tiring part of the day, stuck in traffic, pick up from childcare and getting home at 7pm….This makes dinner time almost non existent for both of us… Not much fun at all!
What superpower would you like to have and why?
I would love to have a organising/cleaning power … I love beautiful things, but I just cant keep things clean and tidy.. it does my head in! I may be messier than Darby!! I also wish I had the powers to organise my life… it feels all out of whack! An ability to be able to whip up a decent meal in the blink of an eye wouldn’t go astray either.
For me I would also love to have a superpower wingman.. to take me out and help me find the man of my dreams… I know he is out there, I just don’t have any time to be doing all that looking ….This list could go on and on ….
If you had time to take care of yourself, what would you focus on?
Number one would be exercise (which I have set one hour a week with a personal trainer since July last year). It has made a difference to my mental frame of mind! I would like to do more! I know how important it is to take care of yourself.. self love is very important.. that’s where my coffee comes in.. going out and having coffee is one way I am taking care of myself.. it’s checking in to a safe haven!!
What is your idea of fun?
Again in my normal day to day existence it is probably going for coffee with Darby….
- Although I would really love to go out and kick up my heels for a night of dancing, laughing and karaoke… the thought of it gives me butterflies!!
Fun for me is anything when I am relaxed.. so holidays are always fun, times by the beach… not having to go anywhere and do anything!
What question would you like to ask the Crash Test Community?
What tips or strategies do you use to switch off at the end of the day when the kids have gone to bed? I am finding this a hard one at the moment?
Want to know more?
If you’d like to read more about Jane, check out her blog Java Jane where she writes about her journey of drama, laughter, craziness, and coffee. As Jane says, “Life’s too short for crappy coffee” ;)
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Jane, as I’ve said already, I am looking forward to some answers to your question! I’m hopeless at switching off and unwinding. I’m a tightly coiled spring more often than not!
Do you have the answer to switching off at the end of the day? Please share in the comments below :)
Laney x
I started sewing to switch off. I have never shown an interest in it – hated it at high school – but that’s probably why it works. I have to really focus on what I’m doing, so all the other stuff going on tends to quiet down.
Oh, and a glass of red – perched somewhere well away from what I’m working on, but within reach – doesn’t go astray either :)
Hi Rebecca .. Thats great – something to concentrate on would definable help melt the thoughts of the day away!!! What are you sewing??
Oh and the glass of red would help too : )
Java Jane’s last post..Bridesmaids Boot Camp
Hi ya :) at the moment I’m making a pair of pants & a luxe (faux-)fur vest. It’s stalled as I’m opening the doors to my first business this Tuesday, but once the craziness has settled down a bit it’ll get sorted (hopefully before winter’s finished!!)
A nice hot bath some nights and curling up with a good book (which is enough to relax me and send me to sleep). It takes a while to find something that works x
Bel’s last post..Give me five
Hi Jane and Laney, we ditch technology after 830pm. No phones, no telly, no computers. We talk, or read or play a game, then head off to bed around 930 and read or journal for 30 mins before sleep. It helps me wind down and sleep better :)
Jenn’s last post..thankful thursday
I find it really difficult. The only way I do it is by being so exhausted that as soon as my head hits the pillow – I’m out!
Rachel Noble’s last post..How NOT to be a domestic goddess
These are great tips… might have to put all of them into action!!! Rachels is already happening now.. but I might work on the no technology (maybe a few nights a week.. and the bath as well!!) xx
get out! you like kareoke??? I never would have picked it:) I will however take you out to coffee – that’s something we have in common. You do an incredible job with Darby – one of the most loveliest little boys I’ve met. x
Pip Macdonald (@PipMacdonald)’s last post..Blogging Hiatus
My Comments don’t seem to show up Laney… maybe its telling me to switch off ; )
Java Jane’s last post..Bridesmaids Boot Camp
Just rescued your comments from spam! Sorry about that!