Book Club Girl Returns to Work, As Long as Nature and NJ Transit Accomodate Her

So yes, tomorrow is my big return to work from maternity leave. I'm pretty excited actually, it's definitely easier to go back the second time around, especially because we have an amazing babysitter. Now the weather is not exactly working with me, with about a foot of snow predicted. NJ Transit is not known for rolling with the weather punches, so my return could be delayed a tad. My main concern is getting back home on time in the evening to my hungry daughter.

So all day, all I've been able to think of bookwise is Allison Pearson's I Don't Know How She Does It, the hilarious and heartfelt Bridget Jones-for-the working-mom-novel. When it was first published I was still single and childless (though engaged and about to become a full-time stepmom) and I remember how much I enjoyed it while it also STRESSED me out. Five years and two more kids later, I now know "how she does it," not perfectly, but humanly, as long as she cuts herself, and her family, a fair amount of slack. So back to the (paid) workforce I go!

Comments

[Meg @ Literary Menagerie]

I read I Don't Know How She Does It probably five years ago (it would have been my sophomore year of high school I think). If course, I couldn't relate to it personally, but I do remember enjoying it--especially the way it begins and ends with the rotten fruit in the basket. It seemed so reassuring, like whatever choice you made, you'd be making the right one.

BTW -- I think my cover was various shades of blue, rather than pink. LOL!

[Julie P.]

Good luck!!!!

[Kathy]

I hope all goes well! My hubby's working from home this morning until some of the snow here melts.

[Lisa C]

I always found it difficult to go back to work because at the time I hated my job. I'm sure it's a completely different story for you and I hope it goes well. Wishing you an ease free transition.

[M Denise C]

I love I Don't Know How She Does It! I wish Allison Pearson would write more! This book was laugh out loud hilarious. It was one of the first books my book club read. Good Luck today and with the weather. I am in Texas and can't complain!

[BookClubGirl]

I agree, I wonder if/when Pearson has another book coming! Well, I'm at work and so far so good. Thanks everyone for your good wishes!

[Dawn - She Is Too Fond Of Books]

I hope your commute goes well, and the transition to working back in the office is a smooth one!

[Darby Lohrding]

Good Luck Jen! I think you are awesome!!! Your kids and husband are very lucky to have you!!!
Hugs
Darby
darbyscloset at yahoo dot com

[Lori Barnes]

Good Luck to you going back I know it's a trying thing to get adjusted to i often thought about people i dealt with at work if they only knew how little sleep i was running off of they may would cut me some slack, hope things will go good for you : ) take care, Lori Barnes

[B]

Oh! I loved this book when I read it a while ago! So much fun... and, yes, scary in lots of ways!:)

[Ti]

I read this one sometime back and I thought it was hilarious but also a tad sad. Even with excellent baby sitters / daycares it's still hard for a working mom to raise kids.