I’m grateful for my job, especially in this economy.

I’m grateful for the income, for a supportive boss, and for all of the opportunities that working full time provides for myself and my family.

But…

This week I have family in from out of town.  My dad, stepmom, favorite aunt and only sister are taking advantage of super cheap airfare deals and spending Monday to Thursday in sunny Florida.

Monday to Thursday, of course, I work a full time job.

Now, we all knew when the flights were booked that my husband and I would be working.  We accepted the fact that, while it wouldn’t be the ideal situation, getting to spend evenings together (and days with the kids) was still better than nothing.  We agreed to make the most of it and I’m determined to relish the time I have with them instead of focusing on the time I don’t.

But…

I find myself fantasizing about what life would be like this week if I didn’t have to work.  I’d take them to the beach and spend the day catching up.  I’d take the girls shopping and get to know my sister (who I haven’t seen in two years) a little better.  I’d watch my children crawl all over their grandparents and let my daddy see that I’m growing up just fine.

And what would I do when they left?

How would I spend my days and my weeks if I didn’t have to work a full time job?

I’d take advantage of that gym membership. I imagine a life where I’d get everyone dressed, fed and headed off to school - and then be free to focus on keeping my body healthy, without thinking about what client phone calls I’m missing in the mean time.

I would write. I would do more than meet a deadline.  I’d finally invest the time and energy into putting together that book query and fleshing out the numerous ideas that have only found a home in my head thus far.

I would take my daughter to the zoo and my son to the science center. My weekends wouldn’t be filled with playing catch up, and I could give my children more of my time.

I would go home and visit my family over the summer. I wouldn’t be worried about asking for more time off.  I’d spend several weeks letting my children get reacquainted with the people who love them most, and wrap myself up in the love of my parents and grandparents.  I’d hold my best friends’ babies and make sure my nieces and nephews knew my face.

I would volunteer my time to the causes that mean so much to me. I would show my children that a social conscience requires more than signing a petition or talking about your values.

That’s what I’d do if I didn’t have to work.

What about you?  What would you be doing if you weren’t working full time?