On Call

We're having one of those weeks around these parts: a week that is more stress than relaxation, more hard work than down time, extra effort and long days for everyone.  I've been on call since Saturday, a position I will man until Monday morning.  To say that it is a challenge to juggle family life while being on call would be an understatement.  Dinner has been abandoned on the stove, I've given advice on how to handle a persistent nosebleed while nursing my baby, laundry has piled up and chores aren't even on my radar.  It is difficult to balance work and home life on week's like this because I am not able to step away from work, work must follow me home and I must be available to those in need.  I'm trying really hard not to be grumpy when my phone starts ringing and wakes up the baby.  I'm trying to be patient when a caregiver calls me out of the house at 10:00 at night only to discover that the problem could have waited until the morning.  I'm trying.  Because I know this week will pass.  Soon, I'll get some sleep, finish my chores, and get back to everyday life.  Soon, I'll get back to many more hours of this...