David has been working with a client who provided us with two free tickets to the Dallas premiere of Iron Man. It was quite the “rock star” evening for us. We met some of David’s coworkers at a pub, shared some drinks and then hit the theater for the show. It was so nice to use my “tiny” purse – you know, the purse you only use for going out in the evening. The purse that cannot possibly fit diapers, wipes, sippy cups, toys, snacks or sundry baby items.

I spent ten years working in online media prior to becoming a mother. Once Lucy was born it became very evident, very quickly that David and I BOTH could not work in that industry and be parents. I tried to juggle both and felt like I was failing or more accurately drowning. I quit and I’ve never regretted the decision. However, that does not mean I don’t miss it. It was so wonderful to be around all those creative people again and to be a part of that world, even for an evening.

I think as women we do such a disservice to each other by trying to put motherhood in a tiny, defined box. I know many women are completely content at home with their kids and some feel they are better mothers for working. For me, it is a combination of both. I need time to be creative, to use my mind for other things. When I take those breaks and come back to motherhood I am more patient, more energized and have better ideas. I wish as women we could all be more honest about that. We assume that only men define themselves by their careers, but in reality women do too. We define ourselves by the multitude of roles we play. And for me that is Wife, Mother, Teacher and last night it was Rock Star.