A Week of Money: Where the Heat Wave Threatens to Melt Me

PSA: My Stuff For Sale. Make a (reasonable) offer.

DAY ONE

6:00 a.m. — What fresh hell is this? WHY IS IT SO DARK. Oh right. Winter is coming. So why is it SO HOT!!?… I couldn’t sleep at all last night, it was so humid. Little Bun is up early at 6 a.m. probably due to last night with him ruining his book and I’m already up anyway because my partner woke up to shower and that woke Little Bun who said: MOMMY! Pwease get up! Daddy is showering!!! … like I can do anything about that, although I suspect it was just to explain why he was awake.

6:10 a.m. — I make tea blearily, and go through my skincare and makeup routine. My partner escapes early in a strange untalkative mood. I wonder if something is up and he is internalizing it as not to get mad at me or Little Bun.

6:23 a.m. — I leisurely get ready and take an #OOTD shot. I’ve been forgetting lately but my outfits have been SO GOOD!

6:27 a.m. — I also start a load of kitchen towels soaking before I leave, and grab my lunch, attack my basil plant and hustle Little Bun (fully dressed in some ripped shirt because he refused to wear something else, after listening and vetoing his No School Protest), and make sure I have everything: Clothes On, Little Bun Dressed, Lunches, Keys, iPod.

6:59 a.m. — I get in the car and drive to work and pre-school.

7:17 a.m. — Drop off was terrible. I forgot my banana as he was screaming and crying, so I came back for it (I cannot make it to yoga without at least something to eat, or I will faint in this heat, so I braved The Return Trip. Little Bun had already laid claim on BOTH bananas (his and mine), so he had one in either hand and did not want to give either one up. I had to do a switcheroo with some trail mix before he released one into my grasp so I could bolt. Then the tears stopped.

7:30 a.m. — At work, 5 issues pop up and I babysit people through the processes. I sort of wonder what they’ll do if I leave. I want to stay but damn these folks are going to be lost for a long time….

9:25 a.m. — I hear a Director asking about each person’s specialties and I realize I better acquire more to be the most valuable one on the team. Mental note taken. My weakness right now is not knowing their business but that takes time to learn.

11:11 a.m. — I work until I realize I missed a meeting and rush to try and get there but am resolved to sending an email instead.

11:27 a.m. — I head off to yoga halfway through a task (eff it. I don’t want to be late..)

12:17 p.m. — I get to yoga and push myself a little harder. It feels so good to be able to do a push-up now and I just need now to control it and to try a 1-legged push up…

1:33 p.m. — I finish yoga and beat a hasty retreat back to the office. My lunch is good today but I suspect I’ll be hungry come dinner time. I’m torn.. should I go get a salad (LOL)? Maybe. Then I can share with Little Bun (hello justification of spending money!!)…

1:58 a.m. — At the office I eat my lunch and work. I somehow get sucked into browsing a Nordstrom collaboration and now I want Stuff. Ugh. #FirstWorldProblems

2:34 p.m. — I keep working and then get to a meeting …

3:01 p.m. — Huh. What I wanted sold out. So…. I guess this is both good and bad? LOL I am no longer tempted.

4:45 p.m. — I finish up a pending urgent issue so that no one is waiting on me, and then bolt for Little Bun. It is SO HOT, I make him promise that after he eats his snack in the lobby, we are not going to the park because Mommy will Melt.

5:21 p.m. — Hey! On the way back I see my partner talking with a friend, so we drop off to say hello and give kisses all around. Little Bun plays in their front yard and dares to pet their very excited, overeager dog.

5:55 p.m. — Little Bun wants to go home and drink milk, so I pack him up and leave.

6:11 p.m. — At home, I strip down and off all my sweaty gear (ICK) and start laundry. I will do more loads tomorrow, I really don’t feel like dealing with the rest.

6:15 p.m. — My partner gets home, and starts working on the apartment, fixing all the curtain rods to swap them out for wooden ones instead so the metal ones don’t come down and conk Little Bun so hard on the head (he loves to pull on the curtains and NO MATTER WHAT WE SAY OR DO, he does it even more)….

6:19 p.m. — I start a cup of spearmint tea steeping and do the dishes. ALL THE DISHES. The entire counter is covered when I’m done, and everything is drying.

7:45 p.m. — I log online to check the Amazon situation. So far, nothing.

7:48 p.m. — Hum. All of my USB keys are missing caps. I WONDER WHY *staring at Little Bun who innocently looks back at me with big seal eyes*…. he loves to pick off the caps and then run away with them on his fingers like little puppets.

7:51 p.m. — My partner lets out a load of expletives as he works (common I think when people are working on the house), to which Little Bun says: “Mommy!!!!…. Daddy is working!“…. to which I reply dryly: “Yes. When Daddy is swearing like that, yes, Daddy IS working.”

8:11 p.m. — Little Bun starts reading words on my laptop… “It says Mommy. It says Daddy. It says Mash-Up!“……”Stop reading my things out loud, Little Bun“, I tell him..

8:13 p.m. — I order in a fatigued haze JUST BEFORE SLEEPING, a skirt from but in a size 8 that comes to almost $500 USD. Gulp. But it is a stunner. I am HOPING it is like a designer size 8 which means a size 6 at the largest for mainstream retailers. I’ll just take it in a little at the waist at my tailors. The colour is phenomenal! I also picked up a wrap ballet style skirt from them because … hello gorgeous. $837.25 — for realz but most of it was blog income so I feel less guilty but they are so pretty riiiiiight?!?…

COME TO MOMMA!

8:27 p.m. — I log off before I do any more damage and read a book to Little Bun – Busiest People Ever – a favourite, then we start some basic math on the iPad (NOT MY IDEA.. he is the one hassling me to do it). He wants to learn how to do basic addition and subtraction and it is only Day Three but he is slowly starting to get it with his fingers.

8:53 p.m. — Bedtime. It is SO HOT, I can’t even sleep with a blanket near me. I have to shift Little Bun away because he’s like a tiny little hot oven in a cuddly form.

Saved: $0

Spent: $837.25

DAY TWO

5:00 a.m. — I wake up at 5 not because I wanted to but because of Little Person Who Shall Not Be Named.

5:02 a.m. — I blearily get up, grab his bottle and collapse back to sleep. Little Person Who Shall Not Be Named on the way back says: “Mommy, it is still night time. After milk, back to sleep!!!!”… yeah RIGHT. I know how this will end.

5:22 a.m. — He gulps down his milk, I try to half sleep and pat his bum to sleep in vain hope but he wiggles and when I doze off, he squeals: “Mommy!! Patch!!!!” (Patch = Pat).

5:42 a.m. — I just get him and get up to start my night moving into day. I put away the dishes, grab the clean clothes for the kitchen, make my blessed tea to get through the morning, and try to convince him how school is fun. AGAIN.

5:59 a.m. — I think Little Bun is a bathroom attendant in the making because he is handing me all of my lotions and potions after uncapping them and telling me: This is for .. eyes!! (Mascara) and even when I go to the bathroom he stands waiting at my side to hand me toilet paper to wipe (we had to come to an agreement to veto actually wiping Mommy), and then he helps me flush and hands me a towel to dry my hands. It is adorable actually.

6:11 a.m. — My partner gets up too, no point in pretending to stay asleep with a Little Bun meowing around pretending to be a cat, arching his back and crawling around on the floor. “Meow meow!!! Meow meow!!!!! Hissssssss!!!!”

6:18 a.m. — I get dressed and veto the top I chose last night (too casual), and 2 belts until I settle on what I think is the RIGHT outfit for this skirt… there are some skirts that just don’t look right with certain tops / belts and until I find the ideal combo I’m very put out.

6:31 a.m. — We have some time and I accidentally on purpose read an email that ShopBop had a 20% off sale. I’m stocking up on Commando underwear, Cosabella Cami and uhh.. you know, whatever happens to come my way.

6:51 a.m. — Time to leave. I gather up Little Bun and off we go.

7:20 a.m. — He sobs like his heart is breaking until he is lured away with some trail mix. I make my escape.

7:28 a.m. — I work work work and try my best to handle issues properly. I like taking my time but the problem is once people realize that you actually GET STUFF DONE, they email you directly and ask. Whatever, job security. I’ll Yoga it out later.

8:15 a.m. — My manager tells me in equal parts amusement and jealousy that he cannot believe how much I eat and how slim I am. I tell him that vegetables are hard to get fat with and I have a big appetite but I eat good stuff. He pats his belly and says: ME TOO, but it SHOWS. LOL.

9:19 a.m. — Whoa. Someone was about to ask for $600,000 when it should have been $60,000. An accountant somewhere made a mistake and added an extra zero. Half LOLZ. I send out an urgent but dry email about how they “may want to check their numbers” before sending anything to the customer.

11:27 a.m. — Before I leave for yoga, a colleague made “energy balls” of oats, chocolate, dates and honey. I promise to eat one when I’m back from yoga.

11:28 a.m. — I head off to yoga early. Today is gorgeous. My outfit is happily the perfect mix today as well.

1:02 p.m. — I finish yoga (it was a tough class), and head back to eat my lunch, snag an energy ball and see WTF is up with these numbers. Got lots to do today, am trying to kill it but .. you know, things happen.

1:45 p.m. — The Director is out tomorrow so I mayyyyy decide to work from home. He is one of those old school Face Time guys but my manager is the total opposite and couldn’t care less as long as I deliver.

2:49 p.m. — I’m working and realize I have a meeting with another VP I have never met that just popped up on my calendar (I have it set to auto accept if I am free). I quickly scarf down my lunch, organize my notes and then check for basil in between my teeth or bad breath. Do NOT want to make a bad first impression.

3:25 p.m. — I print everything, and arrive with 5 minutes to spare only to wonder if I have the right room. I still don’t know all the numbers but don’t have a laptop to check so I’m never sure at times…

3:30 p.m. — We have a great meeting. The VP sort of gives me the bitch face … and my heart sinks. In general it usually takes a while for women to warm up to me more than men because they sort of can’t really accept that I’m THAT young (although not that young I would add hastily) and also a woman. Something about the Queen Bee complex I read about once.. She just has to get to know me but it takes a while and a little off-the-cuff chatting. I’m used to it but I wish it weren’t like this. Not all women are like this but it happens. Men (not all men though), tend to just brush me off as stupid and inept if they don’t accept my authority as an expert at the start until they see me kill it at work and then the respect is there if they choose to acknowledge it. But generally speaking, guys don’t have this Queen Bee hang up, but I have met quite a few jackasses who saw it as a chance to date me rather than respect me as a professional as if the two would be mutually different. It is why I work harder and faster than most, because I have to overcome my age and other factors to being a young woman.

3:37 p.m. — The VP leaves (would be better for her if I were a hot guy I think)… and we finish the meeting on a good note.

4:02 p.m. — I head back to work. My manager is miffed when he realizes where I was because the Director is poaching me from under his nose and means to tell him he has to go through him to obtain my time as he is assigning me a lot of work — “Does he think you’re lazing around doing nothing?!?”, he fumes.

4:33 p.m. — I finish up a quick document and slink off happily to read a book before snagging Little Bun.

5:11 p.m. — We go to the park, we blow bubbles and then… he starts trying to cut in front of a poor little toddler who bursts into tears at least twice, and causes her father to swear: Calisse!!! (a Québécois swear word slang meaning “Calisse“, but as it is a religious item, it is like taking liberty with a religious artifact in vain) each time (read more about it here), and in frustration, tries to hold Little Bun back from cutting in front and making her sob. UGH.

5:13 p.m. — The mother is fine with it because she knows what she is dealing with and what is to come, but the father was not as patient, and didn’t know how to deal with the situation. I still felt terrible anyway… it isn’t my fault, this is the nature of little children but I STILL FEEL BAD.

5:51 p.m. — I take Little Bun home and remind him that he has to share, and that I am not happy with his attitude and lack of sharing today with his friends and with little babies. I tell him next time he has to show me how good he can share with others and how polite he can be to little babies. I don’t want to shame him, but I do want him to realize what he does, affects others.

6:45 p.m. — We eat dinner, and Little Bun behaves rather admirably the entire night. He sits politely, eats nicely, gets dressed for bedtime… things go well, except for when I go to do dishes. He sobs.. and I just don’t bother. I’ll leave them for tomorrow. I’m really too tired.

8:31 p.m. — I don’t even know what happens after dinner, I just know I didn’t do dishes, I packed my bags, and then I had to explain the world to him outside before bedtime, and then we read one book (obsessed with Pancake Express now) and go to sleep.

Saved: $0

Spent: $0

DAY THREE

??:?? — Little Bun wakes up in the middle of the night giggling and runs to the living room then thunder stomps back into the bedroom announcing authoritatively: “Mommy it is still night time. It is not yet time to get up.”, I mumble “Mmm hmm”, and I reach for him and he curls up in the crook of my arm while I pat his bum back to sleep.

??:?? —  Little Bun snuffles and snorts. I have no idea about what but it wakes me up and I want to laugh. It sounds so damn cute.

5:11 a.m. —  Okay … he is up now for real. What is it about autumn that makes him wake up an hour early?!? It is like his body is prepping for Daylight Savings. I get him milk, and collapse back into bed.

5:21 a.m. — Little Bun waves his hand in my face after he is done is milk: “Mommy!! This hand is too hot”, the other hand was holding a cold bottle of milk so now in comparison, his other hand is hot. I blow on it gently to cool it down and then say: “Is that better?”, and get a soft “Yes.” He gets up, and says: “Mommy pease get up!”, and tries to pull me up with two hands, saying: “Up, up, uppppppp! STUCK! STUCCCKKKKKK!!! MOMMY STUCK!!!!”…. It is equal parts annoying but adorable.

5:23 a.m. — I get up with him (no point in pretending any otherwise), and make some tea while I get ready for work, going through my skincare routine then makeup then dressing.

5:51 a.m. — My partner stays in bed quietly, not moving. I think he is staying home today with Little Bun and needs all the rest he can get. He wants to paint Little Bun’s future bedroom grey because he hates that it is two toned right now. He has to plan that project out.

6:02 a.m. — I take Little Bun to the bathroom at least 3 times (it is like he can’t get it all out in one go), and when he pees on the third time, it sprays up to the ceiling like an elephant trunk / fountain. OMFG. Pee goes everywhere. It is too goddamn early for this. $&@!!

6:09 a.m. — I clean up while he sobs and cries, scared about what just happened (first time) and I have to calm him down but am irritated because I have to clean up as well.

6:18 a.m. — I finally dry everything, comfort him, I put away the dish towels from last night and dress to go. Thank goodness I didn’t get any on myself. I leave the sink half full of dishes because there is going to be more tonight and I will do it all at once.

6:48 a.m. — Little Bun finishes his duties as my bathroom attendant and picks out my pills and hand feeds me (LOL), then helps me uncap my mascara, eyeliner, etc and brush powder on my face and cheeks.

6:59 a.m. — I tell Little Bun I’m off to work and he says seriously: “Today Little Bun stays home wif Daddy and wave good bye to Mommy!! Bye bye Mommy!!!”, and he pushes my bum towards the door. Wow, he slept really well to want me to go or else he really hates preschool. LOL.

7:02 a.m. — Crap. Forgot I had his hat and sunglasses. I come back and quickly drop it off then lock the door. Little Bun with ears like a bat, hears the door and as I drop everything on the rack then run away to the elevator to hide, he opens the door then giggles, not understanding what happened. I then hear my partner come and lock the door.

7:05 a.m. — I head off to work leisurely and end up getting there 20 minutes late due to some big trucks on the highway and a bit of traffic.

7:25 a.m. — I’m at the office, I have a tea and start working.

7:34 a.m. — People are just calling me directly now to work on things and now my manager is getting really miffed. “I have plans for you too!!! They can’t just poach you like that.” In defiance, he assigns me a presentation for training and I know it will take two weeks but I can make it pretty and informative. I’m quite good at this stuff and don’t mind it. I love it when people understand things.

9:20 a.m. — I take a break and end up shopping at the ShopBop 20% off sale, and plan to spend UNDER $500 for 6 new pairs of my fave cotton Commando underwear (time to stock up).

9:34 a.m. — Then I hem and haw over the day over at least 7 various items (none of which I need but only one that I need to replace in my wardrobe), ranging from skirts to jackets, and end up resisting temptation, and buying ONLY a pair of J Brand Maria High rise jeans in white. They are pricey online but as it is all made in the U.S. I don’t have to pay customs and duties AND it is 20% off AND it is globally cheaper than if I were to buy it retail at 20% off. There. #Justified Win-Win all around. If I hate the jeans, they go back but I do need to replace my now too tight pants. $317.13

10:11 a.m. — Shoot I forgot my laptop for today I was going to go to the library. Oh well I’ll read my book and email written blog posts to myself instead before going home.

10:56 a.m. — I continue working, go through my meeting then run off to yoga. I need to pick up some almond milk today as I have run out and am now used to it in my teas. Baby steps.

11:30 a.m. — As I’m walking to yoga after my meeting (awesome, as always), I remember my nightmare from last night of the fear I had that I was being chased and I had to hide and protect Little Bun by luring them off and away from him. I think I’m experiencing some residual anxiety from being stalked last week. I know intellectually he was harmless and he couldn’t really link back anywhere to me where I work or live but it sparked a kind of deep maternal fear inside of my base preservation instinct…

12:11 p.m. — I get to yoga and stretch. I have to get this out of my head. I have lots to do but I shouldn’t rush anything and go leisurely. I hate overworking for no reason. I can bust it out when I need to but I can’t do full speed working all the time.

1:16 p.m. — After yoga I dress, remember to apply some more foundation to top up SOME SPF for walking outside and head back.

1:31 p.m. — I get into the office and someone brought in a massive chocolate box. WTF. I hate my team.. half jokingly…. I snag 3 KitKats before I lose total control.

2:16 p.m. — I work, answer a few more emails and then go for a walk.

2:56 p.m. — I decide to not buy any almond milk today and will do it tomorrow morning when it isn’t so humid and HOT, so I go back to the office and head to a meeting early to have a break before it starts. Got lots to cover today.

3:56 p.m. — After my meeting, I heard back to my desk and finish working until it is time to go.

4:11 p.m. — Someone stops me as I’m leaving and honestly their review process here for approvals is so effing cumbersome and annoying that it takes FOREVER TO DO ANYTHING.

4:51 p.m. — I head to the library even without a laptop (hmm feel like I should keep a spare in the car 😛 )… I ShopBop the sale instead ..

4:59 p.m. — Nope. Nothing to buy. I just futz around online, reading, doing some Instagram reading and decide to head home. My brain is tired.

5:29 p.m. — On the way home, it pours and there’s a tornado warning. It wasn’t that bad.

5:34 p.m. — I get home, check the mail, and Little Bun is not home with his father so I leisurely remove makeup and wash my face before he shows up.

6:25 p.m. — Little Bun sees me and then turns into some little monster, whining for bread, for water, not wanting to do this and that… his father loses it with him and is totally frustrated with his attitude, and I quickly sense Daddy About To Implode, a VERY common affliction when staying at home with Little Ones Who Don’t Behave Nicely The Whole Day.

6:34 p.m. — I corral Little Bun away from his father, separate the two of them and spend some time with Little Bun explaining the outside, and giving everyone a break. Little Bun calms down with my tactic, and then we have some grilled chicken for dinner.

7:43 p.m. — I go to do the dishes, and Little Bun REALLY loses it. I try and try for half an hour to convince him that I NEED TO DO DISHES (it is literally a stack of them covering a counter), and he just won’t have it.

8:15 p.m. — I manage to calm him down with a iPad with a reading of Chaucer (don’t ask), and he is fascinated in hearing ye old English that … isn’t.. English.. and yet is familiar.

8:33 p.m. — He then gets angry at us for talking and screams: “NO TALKING. NO MOMMY AND DADDY TALKING, TOO NOISY!!!!” saying this, screaming, crying and throwing a tantrum for at least 20 minutes before I FINALLY LOSE MY PATIENCE and punish him with timeouts in the room. He gets 4 timeouts (short ones, not even 30 seconds long each, he just hates being shut in a room alone), before he behaves.

8:48 p.m. — Now he no longer wants Chaucer “BYE BYE IPAD“.. and I tell him he has to either sit or stand quietly beside Mommy while I do dishes, or he has to go sit down and do something quietly until I AM DONE.

9:11 p.m. — He opts to stand right at my leg, hugging my left leg as I quickly scrub, soap down everything, and rinse it all off. He gets antsy near the end, and I remind him that Mommy has Things To Get Done, and he quiets down. After I start wiping down the dishes, he runs off and his father is now more calm and less on the edge, and they play with shapes together and some game that involves a lot of giggling and tickling.

9:15 p.m. — I finish wiping down the dishes, log on and quickly check on my aunt’s purchases, and try to get my life organized in the short amount of time I have (half an hour?) before we all have to start our Bedtime Routine — skincare, Little Bun in pull-ups and pyjamas, organizing my work bag and picking out an outfit for tomorrow, and remembering whatever is on my list like buying Almond Milk in the morning when I get to work.

9:21 p.m. — We all get ready for bed, I read ONE book, and I explain the outside world (he is so cute when he says: “THEY ALL SAY GOOD NIGHT LITTLE BUN!” before we go to sleep.

Saved: $0 — Unless you count exercising self control while shopping online

Spent: $317.13 — Half of that amount are the 6 pairs of underwear. Eep!!! But they are great and when your underwear starts ripping slowly it is time to replace them. Amirite?

DAY FOUR

6:00 a.m. — I wake up before Little Bun and get ready for work.

6:03 a.m. — I start up the laptop — I need to make notes beforehand and reply to emails because I never get time at night.

6:09 a.m. — I realize I don’t really want another green tank as it would not go with any of the yoga colours I wear so I order another navy tank and plan on returning the green. $0 – will swap with the other.

6:11 a.m. — Skincare done, I put away the dishes, and take out the dried laundry.

6:30 a.m. — My partner leaves for work after handing me half a baguette for my breakfast (will eat it with almond butter and a banana) for pre-yoga energy.

6:31 a.m. — Little Bun wakes up and is upset as he hears his father leave. “Say.. goodbye to DADDY!!!!”, he sobs. I quickly scoop him up and bring him to the door where I call out for my partner to wait for Little Bun who is on the verge of tears.

6:32 a.m. — Little Bun rubs his eyes as my partner pops back around the corner and waits for him to wave and blow a kiss bye bye.

6:40 a.m. — I set out my pills to take and grab Little Bun’s milk, and as he passes by the pills, my little nutritionist looks at me and says: “Mommy wait for Little Bun …to take pills??”, which I reassure him I will wait for him to hand-feed me pills.

6:43 a.m. — I get my clothes and makeup on, while boiling a cup of tea all while he drinks his milk and I put away the last of the dishes, gulp down my tea, and get him dressed to go.

7:10 a.m. — We are out the door after a little whining about how he doesn’t want school (which I ignore), then he fake falls and fake cries on the floor to buy some more no-school time.

7:11 a.m. — We get into the car and get to school. I tell him his treat is 3 special little bananas and he nods eagerly but then says: Stay wif Mommy?!? .. not a chance, Mommy needs a break at work. Work is nothing compared to watching a little child.

7:38 a.m. — At work, I almond butter up my bread, add some sliced bananas and resolve a few issues before I take a break.

8:34 a.m. — I walk to the grocery store only to realize that they don’t sell my almond creamer (the Barista Blend for coffee is the winner) there and I need to go to another grocery store. Shoot. I ponder buying some sesame Wafu dressing (would be cheaper than blowing $20 on gourmet salads daily), and decide I’ll do it all tonight or tomorrow so it is all at one go. Or maybe I can order it online to be shipped to me.

8:59 a.m. — I leave empty handed and head back to the office.

9:15 a.m. — Someone calls to clarify a situation and was surprised that no one .. wants… to fix .. the problem. Well.. welcome to mediocrity. I’m so tired I don’t even offer to fix it. I need to sleep. I haven’t slept well from that one night with my nightmares, Little Bun snuffling (adorably), during the night… lots of stuff. I have so much happening in my head.

10:48 a.m. — My brain has been going at full speed and I need to step back. Tomorrow my partner has an interview so I need to manage the logistics of Little Bun + Separation Anxiety if he is expecting to “stay home wif Daddy??”…

11:39 a.m. — I walk to yoga, LOVING the cold weather.

1:04 p.m. — After yoga, I feel better but exhausted. Maybe a smoothie? I can’t even muster the energy to go buy one.

1:22 p.m. — I sit at my desk and work, eating my yummy pasta, with the addition of leftover chicken from last night. It is breast but I don’t mind …

1:29 p.m. — I make a grocery list for my partner to recreate that fancy gourmet salad for much cheaper. No more $20 salads for me, that’s insane. Can do it myself.

2:29 p.m. — I finish off an issue and realize people are just not meticulous. How can you see $50,000 as $500,000 and be okay with that??

2:42 p.m. — I take a break. And eat KitKats. Damn my team.

3:52 p.m. — I start on a major presentation and work until it is time for me to go. I get through it and realize that summarizing 10 years of knowledge into something easily understandable is kind of a Herculean task. How are people going to understand this easily?

4:09 p.m. — I leave and go read a book until it is later and time to pick up Little Bun. I need to mull this over.

4:45 p.m. — I pick up Little Bun and we head home. I tell him we won’t go to the park today because Mommy has a lot to get done. He nods and agrees.

5:19 p.m. — We get home and I start a huge load of laundry, he didn’t keep his underwear dry so I dump it all in the wash with some soap nuts.

5:22 p.m. — I then go through my To Do list:

• Write out grocery list for my partner for what I want this week
• Buy more from Paula’s Choice (AHA & Omega 3 stockup) $229.57
• Put out an outfit for tomorrow
• Email my mother
• Reserve “Reset” by Ellen Pao (woman in STEM’s memoir)
• Make a note to return the Banana Republic wool bomber — it really isn’t my style..
• Check the Lululemon site for new pants — just one more pair!
• Buy a new e-reader this weekend — mine is really getting too slow and old I should suck it up and buy a new fast one and not be cheap for something I love (reading)
• Stalk a dress on eBay (no really, this is such a deal)
• Note down how to recreate that yummy salad

6:34 p.m. — We sit down for some grilled sea bass (one each, what a treat!!), and Little Bun asks for more and more until he is stuffed to the gills.

6:46 p.m. — He proceeds to jump around like a kangaroo while I do dishes, singing and then finds a circle which he uses to roll across the floor with his father.

7:32 p.m. — After the dishes, I make tea to steep — I suspect now that my acne is not hormonal but meat-eating, makeup & sunscreen-wearing related as in if I eat any meat or wear any products, I break out from time to time. Sigh. I’ll finish this spearmint tea then stop.

7:52 p.m. — I take a shower as Little Bun is on his iPad playing while I shower and then I get my bags ready for tomorrow:

• Pack laptop for the library
• Pack yoga outfit and towel

8:37 p.m. — Bedtime. Pancake Express again. Going to hate this book soon. Also, it makes me want to eat pancakes smothered in maple syrup so badly.

Saved: $0

Spent: $229.57

DAY FIVE

5:45 a.m. — ….this kid is killing me. Honestly. This is why they’re made to be so damn cute.

5:55 a.m. — I get his milk and lie down to cuddle with my partner. I am so tired…

6:15 a.m. — Afterwards, I get up and get ready. My partner is supposed to come with us but he is doing goodness knows what for work online so I’m at the door about to leave with Little Bun and he says: “Wait! I’m not coming with you?“, to which I reply: “I don’t know, you tell me. You’re not ready and I’m leaving.” He hastily hurries as I tell him I’ll prep the car downstairs for him, removing all the crap I stick on the passenger side.

6:59 a.m. — I take Little Bun down, strap him in, and start cleaning up the space. I wish I had a bigger car, this one seems to be FULL OF CRAP. Maybe this weekend I need to clean it out. Mental note.

7:15 a.m. — I tap my feet impatiently waiting for him to come down. He arrives, I quickly drive out and hit … traffic. This is what I wanted to avoid which is WHY I LEAVE EARLY.

7:38 a.m. — I get in super late and as I park and walk out, the Director is there. Groan. Parking in the same spots … LIKE RIGHT BEHIND ME! LOL…. now I can’t leave early because of this nonsense. Grrr.

7:39 a.m. — We drop off Little Bun at preschool together, and he sobs and screams harder than usual. I think he got confused and thought we were going out to the farm together, Mommy, Daddy and Little Bun, and he just lost it when he was dropped. Oh well.

7:41 a.m. — I drop my bags, grab my gorgeous Cuyana poncho (finally rocking it in this weather) and walk with my partner out to his interview.

7:59 a.m. — I kiss him goodbye (I would love it if he worked close to me! We could meet for lunch!), and go to Starbucks for a matcha latte. $5.11

8:08 a.m. — I get into the office and start working. Immediately, hit with 15 emails, all urgent. FML.

11:22 a.m. — I don’t even know what happened. I worked without a break (okay, one bathroom stop), and then I check the time and just jet off to yoga.

11:52 a.m. — On the way there, I’m reminded that an eBay listing I’m stalking is ending soon. OH YEAH!!! I quickly change, get into the yoga room, lay down my mat to secure my favourite spot, and then head back outside to snag some wifi to win this motha….

12:01 p.m. — HAH! Take that eBay sniping. I win this used on eBay. Sweeeet. Originally $295 USD. $90.09

1:28 p.m. — Back at the office, I continue working while eating my lunch.

2:56 p.m. — I agree sadly to give up my spot to another colleague with more seniority … bah. I love my spot. Now I’m in some crappy spot… Oh well. Suck it up.

3:12 p.m. — I FINALLY solve a few problems and make some headway. My manager is laughing at the absurdity of a Friday having all the hallmarks of an apocalypse Monday.

4:04 p.m. — Outta here. I peel out of the parking lot and head to the library to get stuff done. Namely…. BILL FOR MY TIME.

5:11 p.m. — At the library, I send off an invoice for the month for my work (~$22,000). I love billing day. <3

5:55 p.m. — I feel like an hour just zipped by. I log off and head home where Little Bun is already munching on olive bread. I call out to him: “Hello Munchie!”, and he giggles.

6:33 p.m. — My partner preps smoked salmon and avocado on bread while I put away items, take off my makeup and breathe. I put my clothes away and then I review all of my transactions from this week. Eeeeep!! I spent a lot.

7:14 p.m. — I clean up my email inbox the best I can and make notes for what I have to get done tomorrow.

• Grocery Shop
• Return bomber jacket and see if I can use my Merchandise Certificate
• Upgrade my Kobo Glo to an Aura One; maybe I can keep this Glo as a spare book for work but I’ll probably sell it
• Read my book
• Schedule more posts

7:44 p.m. — I log online and book a laser hair removal for my underarms. I’m sick of shaving. $125 (after tax and tip I’m assuming).

8:10 p.m. — I also bought two cotton tees for yoga but after wearing them I realized they soak up way too much sweat to be comfy so I make them lounge wear shirts instead. I should have just stuck to Lululemon tops, they wick sweat away pretty easily.

8:12 p.m. — I buy a pair of cool burgundy red leggings from Lululemon. Just ONE MORE PAIR and I’m set for yoga daily. Man, I must have almost spent a thousand bucks so far, but at least this stuff can be loungewear as well, though even if I stop working, I’m going to make yoga a daily habit and a break from Little Bun. $90.83

8:17 p.m. — I play “Baby” with Little Bun where I just sit and cuddle him while he quietly talks to himself, and I read my book. I am blown away by this book: Notes on a Banana on depression and bipolar disorders. I wish more people would seek help and I hope that mental illness no longer suffers the stigma it has. It is a real disease.

8:39 p.m. — I then get Little Bun ready for bed and I go through my skincare routine. I think maybe another week of this eyelash stuff and I’ll stop and go into maintenance mode, they’re already long enough for my tastes.

8:59 p.m. — We all get into bed and go to sleep after 5 books (yes he kept pulling them out).

Saved: $0

Spent: $186.93

DAY SIX

??:?? — Little Bun is up a number of times during the night. First for potty.

??:?? — Now he is just wiggling around my body like a cat trying to find a warm spot to snuggle up to. I AM ALL WARM, CHILD.

??:?? — Now he is on me, giggling and kissing my face.

6:22 a.m. — Now we are really awake and he wants milk.

6:30 a.m. — I get him milk, and lie back down to “sleep” in futile.

6:38 a.m. — I get up, go through my skincare routine.

6:39 a.m. — When I do my skincare routine, and I use my O.R.G. Mineral Peel, my skin flakes off like crazy. This is good and bad. It means I’m REALLY exfoliating down to keep my skin clear and my pores small which means less acne, but I have to be extra vigilant in the sun now.

6:49 a.m. — Out of sheer curiosity, I dab some raw apple cider vinegar on my pimples and on my face. Wonder if it works.

7:02 a.m. —  I make some tea.

7:14 a.m. — Oh this is not going to work. I waited 20 minutes and the stench is horrible like sour fermented rotten ickiness. I immediately re-wash my face. I guess it works like an AHA but if i already use proper AHA (which by the way, I LOVE this and stocked up on 3 bottles of this recently), then I don’t need this stuff.

7:18 a.m. — I log in and call my friend. We chat for 2 hours and then she leaves and I decide to take Little Bun to the park (well, he decides for me, and I just went along with it). My partner is working overtime today for a big project he has to deliver for and he is extremely grumpy and touchy this morning, concentrating on his work.

7:30 a.m. — While on the phone with my friend, I’m cleaning out my closet. She tries to help by asking me if I read and have tried Marie Kondo-ing closet but I wail: “EVERYTHING I touch sparks joy!!!”… she bursts out laughing and tells me I have to touch EVERY single item and think if it sparks joy or not. I do it half-heartedly and say: “Yes. Yes. Yes. Oh yes!”…. it is useless. I need to make a pact to wear everything in my closet once and if I reach for something but don’t wear it, I have to set it in a box or ask why (e.g. Linen in winter is a no-go and so is wool in summer).

9:15 a.m. — I have to get Little Bun out of the way so we go to the park and I can read while he plays Little Bun games.

9:20 a.m. — Oh it is WINDY. And COLD. My sweater is going to cut it, I go back and grab his jacket and another to layer. My legs are cold but that is okay as long as my core stays warm.

9:47 a.m. —  We go to the park and he plays happily, all alone.

9:55 a.m. — He falls and slips on sand on the concrete and just cries “BUMP BUMP BUMP!!!“.. and I gather him up in my arms and cuddle him. I think he’s hangry. He didn’t have a banana this morning, only milk, and he is extra sensitive, not having slept well either. I rock him back and forth, cuddling, his hoodie over his face, and I kiss him and cuddle him tight, patting his back and making soothing “shhhh” noises.

10:02 a.m. — I ask him if he wants to go home and eat. He nods, all quiet now, and wants me to carry him home. I lift this now 30+ pound child with one hand (hello yoga muscles!) and tote him back all the way. He is happy and loves being carried and treated specially, knowing I don’t really carry him all the time (I can’t, would kill my back).

10:17 a.m. — We get in and I prep his bowl of vegan tomato soup with lentils and bread. He eats it happily.

10:38 a.m. — We’re done, and my partner stops working and leaves to go get some bread and cheese. I’m making my escape soon and may eat lunch outside if he doesn’t get on it. Mmmm pho!! I have such a craving right now. That, and for Thai curry…

11:20 a.m. — I check all my emails and try to get my day organized of what I have to get done in order so I don’t waste time and tickets.

12:00 p.m. — We eat some cheese and bread and my partner keeps working.

12:15 p.m. — Little Bun sees me start dressing, wiggles desperately in his high chair prison and starts to squeal: “Noooo! Mommy stay!!! Mommmy don’t leave and go do stufffff!!”

12:18 p.m. — My partner lets him down and I get dressed with this child clinging to my leather-clad thigh, squealing “NOOOOOO“. I’m going out to get stuff done. Some parents (myself included), have wondered about feeling guilty when your kid clearly wants you, but honestly he has zero hold over me when I know that he has all my mornings, evenings, Saturday mornings and Sundays…. I am basically either at work or Never Little Bun-Free unless I force myself to take that time and BE free. I NEED THIS. If I didn’t leave, I’d never get anything done and I’d be forced to always stay with him 24/7 if he had his way.

12:20 p.m. — I drive to the garage, park the car and wait for the bus as it is too far to walk. $2.25

12:43 p.m. — It is a nice day but I stay in the shade anyways I’m protecting my skin from the UV rays. I’m also loving my leather leggings today, I’m quite pleased at my score from eBay a year or two ago.

12:50 p.m. — My plan is to hit up a few stores to search for rings for Little Bun’s milk bottles (need 3), and LifeFactory only ships to the U.S. so I need to get this done in-person if I can.

1:18 p.m. — I get to the tailor for my jeans but realize they are mid rise and I shouldn’t bother because they won’t stay in my wardrobe if they’re not high rise. There. $23 saved.

2:10 p.m. — I go and return the nice grey bomber that in a Small is way too big. -$165.56

2:45 p.m. — I head over to ogle clothes and end up not buying anything (surprising!!!)

3:29 p.m. — I decide on a bowl of warm pork bone soup ramen. $17

3:41 p.m. — I want to head over to a Starbucks and read until it is time to go back. I really need time alone and it is nice to have this break.

3:42 p.m. — Instead, I change my mind.. and halfway walking to Starbucks I decide I’ll just walk as far as I can go until I need to take the bus back.

4:54 p.m. — An hour-ish later, feeling way more relaxed and refreshed I head to the grocery store and stock up on barista blend (soy creamer) for my teas, and some salad dressing. I want to recreate that gourmet salad for way cheaper.

5:01 p.m. — I drop by the donation bin for clothes and get rid of my old car seat and a book I hate of Little Bun’s that is a French rip off of The Hungry Caterpillar.

5:30 p.m. — I end up reorganizing the car for the next half hour before heading home and in bliss, I see Little Bun is out with his father getting food, I’m sure.

5:46 p.m. — I head inside happily and log in to get things done.

5:53 p.m. — I hear Little Bun 5 minutes later and groan a little. Oh well. He quietly takes off his own jacket, shoes, shirts, pants and socks, and then runs giggling towards me. I lead him towards the washroom, make him wash his hands, and go to the potty. As he is washing his hands he is squealing: “NO MOMMY. LITTLE WATER ONLY!!!!“.. he basically wants a tiny little trickle of water, not an actual tap gush and it takes FOR-EVER to wash his hands as a result.

6:37 p.m. — We have some nice quail grilled on the barbecue and a tomato salad. I’m stuffed from the ramen so it is a feat to eat….

6:49 p.m. — As we are eating, Little Bun turns into a nightmare. He pulls me away, he cries, screams, and is no longer hungry due to all the bread he ate before the meal and now wants Mommy all to himself.

7:25 p.m. — My quail gets cold on the plate as I’m battling with him, trying to get him to play quietly by himself or sit at the table with me until I’m done eating. It takes 45 minutes before I sit back down and I have lost my appetite so I eat what I can.

7:59 p.m. — I start on the dishes and he finally agrees to play with his app for counting and basic math in his little cardboard house.

8:12 p.m. — Now everything is calm and I wash everything, and as I’m cleaning, my partner gets hassled by Little Bun saying: “Cake? Yoghurt? Rice pudding? Strawberries? Grapes?!?!?”….

8:13 p.m. — We joke that Little Bun’s ideal meal would start with an olive fougasse (bread), fresh orange juice to drink, cake, rice pudding and then yoghurt with strawberries to end.

8:15 p.m. — I finish the dishes and play “Baby” with Little Bun after getting a load of kitchen towels in the washer. My partner is cooking tomorrow so I want dry towels for him to be ready.

8:33 p.m. — I read a book to Little Bun and then we all go to sleep earlier than usual.

Saved: $250 – Going to hold off on that Kobo

Spent: $19.25

DAY SEVEN

??:?? — Potty. I blearily get up. I love that he is so in tune with his body that once we stop pull-ups he won’t need to pee, but damn I’m tired.

5:27 a.m. — Little Bun is up and although it looks like night time I know it is already morning. He goes to the washroom and then I force him back down to sleep which he does…

6:22 a.m. — Only an hour. I grab his milk and we go back to bed. I just need another hour or two but I’m not going to get it.

6:34 a.m. — He finishes his milk and asks me to get up three times. Finally he just plays around me, crawling on me and kissing me before I get him.

6:36 a.m. — He says: “Little Bun said Mommy please get up…”, to which I reply: “I know baby, but Mommy is really tired and wanted to sleep more.” He nods, and I get up with him.

6:38 a.m. — I grab my cashmere midi dress I thrifted for $10 and I decide to wear that as my new housecoat because the neck is a loose turtleneck which I don’t love (feels odd), and I would probably prefer a thin, super soft, slightly loose yet tight turtleneck but cashmere doesn’t do that.

6:43 a.m. — Today I need to organize my closet. I’m in the middle of paring down so I need to get it done.

6:56 a.m. — I make tea, and eat the leftover slices of bread from last night while putting away all of the dishes and washing what is left in the sink and drying it.

7:02 a.m. — I water the basil plants, and make a note to cut my hair tonight before I shower, I will probably never pay for a cut again….!!

7:22 a.m. — Hmm. I’m more certain I’ll keep my Kobo Glo a bit longer. I like the Aura One but $250 is hard to swallow especially since I may get a deal when Black Friday comes around so I’ll wait until then.

7:31 a.m. — I bribe Little Bun with the mini iPad (I never give it to him), and settle in to reconcile my credit card statements with my budgeting sheet. Ouch.

8:08 a.m. — OOOO!!! New cuts on Lululemon. I quickly order 2 pairs of tights in colours I love – Poseidon and Multi-black graphics. I AM GOOD NOW. No more clothes. I’m set for yoga for a week, daily changes. Will even return a few things. $178.16

11:18 a.m. — I do the dishes (not many today), and eat a vegetarian lunch of eggs and bread. Little Bun doesn’t want to nap but I tell him he has to.

11:58 a.m. — I lie down beside him and drift off to sleep until I realize my laptop is on. I go to turn it off and Little Bun gets up and thunders out to me. Noooo!!!!! I try and get him back to nap but he won’t do it so I half snooze beside him, exhausted.

12:08 p.m. — He plays with his stuffed toy, waking it up and down my totally fatigued body and says: Mommy! This slide (he is talking about me me) is for big kids only. My (toy) is just a baby! LOL.

12:32 p.m. — I get him ready and we go out on the train because my partner is working on the apartment.

12:40 p.m. — At the metro he is so excited. I ask him what station he wants today and we ride there. $2.25

12:43 p.m. — We get to another station and I take him back to the set installation where we share three madeleines, a slice of banana bread and a drink. $7

1:17 p.m. — He refuses to wear his jacket so I let him go with only a shirt until I think it is time he wears one. I regret this later…

1:51 p.m. — We go walking around and playing and he makes me carry him before I tell him “No more”, and he walks the rest of the way to the metro. We take the long way around and head home. $2.25

2:48 p.m. — On the way home, he wants to be cuddled so I wrap him in my arms with my poncho and we cuddle together on the bus. LOVE ponchos by the way, I’m quite pleased I bought this one from Cuyana (my review is all here).

3:16 p.m. — We walk home and he suddenly gets a burst of energy and wants to find his Caterpillar Friend (this black and orange fuzzy thing that was creeping across our path this afternoon). I make up a story about looking for Mr. Caterpillar Who Will Turn into a Big Beautiful Butterfly and we make it home.

4:20 p.m. — My partner says he had to work the whole day on some urgent issue so he actually didn’t get a break at all.

4:23 p.m. — I make sympathetic noises and then Little Bun starts coughing up a lung. Shoot. I should have seen this coming. I had an inkling with his runny nose this morning that he was sick (plus his refusal to nap more than 15 minutes), and now this coughing begins. I shouldn’t have taken him out today…

4:27 p.m. — I don’t feel that great either, I’m quite sniffly and my body is a bit tired. Nothing yoga can’t work out seeing as now I have teal, burgundy, speckled black & white, purple speckled, multi-coloured graphic squares and tiger stripes leggings to work out in. I had quite a legging haul in the past month and I plan on making this a daily thing. My goals are to be able to do a Crow stand, Hand stand, Full Wheel, and maybe Headstand but I hate the feeling of those…

5:18 p.m. — I read a bit of my book but am not into it. My partner is grilling guinea fowl tonight (experimenting with wild game), and I have a yummy salad planned for tomorrow but have to grate the carrots tonight.

5:40 p.m. — I go to grate the carrots and realize my partner used them in his vegan cassoulet today… oh well. Avocado, Greens, Parmesan and Wafu dressing it is. Maybe I’ll hit the grocery store before lunch and pick up some other easy vegetables to throw in there like mini tomatoes…

5:48 p.m. — I feel quite cold and put on leggings and a sweater, then cancel my laser appointment for my underarms. -$90

6:30 p.m. — I go through my closet and note what I’m selling. I need to give up the ghost on some of these things, but find it hard to part with them (e.g. My beloved Burberry Trench).

6:58 p.m. — I also unsubscribe from all my newsletters from shopping sites, the only thing left on my list is to stock up on O.R.G. Mineral and I plan on doing that once my current bottle is done. I still have a spare left, I go through a bottle a year and I exfoliate daily.

6:59 p.m. — Oooo. My skin looks amazing. It is so smooth and the pores look exceptionally tiny. The serums from Paula’s Choice I am using are finally having an effect — Niacinamide, AHA, BHA, Vitamin C, and I’m fairly certain my supplements are helping too. Also my eyebrows and eyelashes look so much better.

7:14 p.m. — I use a ponytail holder and position it on my hair. I start my DIY haircut (you can read about how I cut my own hair here), and the results look good. I really need to invest in a sharper pair of shears that can just pop off a ponytail in one straight cut rather than the jagged nonsense I am doing.

7:20 p.m. — I take a shower, propping my coughing Bun up with the mini iPad (his drug of choice), and then step out to moisturize all over. With winter coming I can’t skip this step.

7:35 p.m. — After my shower my partner has the guinea fowl cooked and I sip a small taste of his wine. I don’t drink as I don’t like the way it makes me feel but I’m curious about flavours and subtlety of wine. My partner is excited about the fowl because he says the meat looks just like in France, and he paid $25 for it instead of $16 for a chicken. It would be worth the price to pay more for better meat.

7:36 p.m. — We eat and Little Bun loves it, calling it “chicken” when it isn’t but we gave up on correcting him.

7:39 p.m. — After dinner, I set out my outfit for tomorrow, a simple beige wool dress with an obi belt, and plan on a light trench as my jacket, instead of my poncho which would be a little too matchy-matchy. I wonder if I should wear boots with it… bare legs and warm coats look very strange to my eyes.

7:43 p.m. — I leave the dishes for tomorrow (ugh no energy for this), and vacuum the entire apartment instead, then I get down on my hands and knees and wipe all the edges to remove the dust and scrub off the food stains (if any).

7:46 p.m. — Little Bun asks to play “Baby” again, a sure sign that he is sick or at least tired and I cuddle him with him in between my legs. He falls asleep almost immediately (consequence of not napping!!), and I don’t even notice until I look down and see his little body breathing in and out in a sweet stupor. I quietly go and grab his pants and socks to dress him and forgo the pull-ups.

8:15 p.m. — I then the lights off while my partner is finishing packing our lunches for the week (vegan cassoulet!! I’ll be making a side of salad with sesame dressing for it), and I go to sleep.

Saved: $90

Spent: $189.66