I am…
a wife
a mother
a failed career woman
a SAHM
an INTP
a knitter
a once-upon-a-time weight-lifter who can’t get back to the gym until I can find childcare for my daughters
feeling fat most of the time
running late
a Christian
a wannabe knit-designer
analytical to a fault
American
British
recently back in the US after 15 years living in rural England
feeling slightly freaked most of the time
in over my head.
Stumble it!
You are so brave to profess the doubts every mother undoubtedly has. It is such a hard world for mothers today. Society makes us believe we can have it all – the children, the career, the husband, but it’s so overwhelming to balance it all.
Just imagine all of the opportunities you’ll have once you return to the states and as the little ones get older. Just the fact that you recognize your potential means you’ll seize the moment as soon as an opportunity presents itself.
Good luck with the move! Get packing. : ) Hire some movers off of Craigslist.com – they’re cheap and it’s so much easier.
Just found your blog. It’s great! Good luck on your move back here. It will be culture shock, but also wonderful in many ways….
wow… your blog has really struck a chord. Am also an American expat living in the UK with my Brit husband, and mother to a two year old… Ironically came to the UK to get my MA, and now struggling to keep my career path whilst being a full-time working mother. I don’t have any of the answers myself, but will read your blog hoping I can figure it all out!
Question… do you think a broken career path in the UK will matter when we move back to the US?
I wish you well! Try not to worry too much about your life-enjoy the now. Enjoy the softness of your babies, enjoy your good health, enjoy the path on which you find yourself. It is ALL important and there will be time enough for what you need when you need it!
-a mom of 3 kids, a recent MA in History, a married woman of 18 years
Please don’t say “failed career woman”
1) One is not one’s career
2) You have a lot of time left to find other outlets for your energy and creativity
richard shade gardner
I agree with RSG. But I recognize the sentiment. Am beginning to realize, though, that when we breach the crest of the horizon, walking into the sunset, THAT’S when we’re going to really understand how little these perceived “failings” matter.
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Hi
I love your recent post about the NHS, I am going to post it on my own blog in a very positive way, I hope you do not mind. You have managed to put the whole thing across in such an informed and objective manner that it puts my own emotional response to shame.
I think the fact that the debate is taking place is good, and I think that in the end common sense will prevail and only good can come of it all.
Cheers.
“…slightly freaked out most of the time.” !
Yes, me too. Welcome to life as far as I’m concerned.
(Pointed to your NHS-related post by Beth, aka avanutria.)
But, meanwhile, I’ve enjoyed your various expressions of existential angst, because it’s my constant companion.
Strawberry knows me better as Ava from the forum.
Ava, I knew it was you as soon as I saw your comments, because of your email address. Nice to see you!
I do look in on you now and again on your blog, and wish you all the best in your move. Exciting times! 
Loved your story on This American’s Experience on Britian’s Healthcare System, very expressive indeed. Using some of your resources for a paper on Cultural Views on Healthcare, properly cited of course. May I have your permission. Thank you so much for your insight and might I add, I am originally from Manchester, England myself. Sadly to say, I feel this country is going to the dogs, if you’ll pardon my being so frank. TTFN. and God bless to you and your lovely family. Cheers!
Shall come back to visit!
Linda, thank you for your lovely comment and, yes, by all means, cite my post in your paper. If you do, please send me a copy — it sounds like it’d make for really interesting reading!
Have you given up blogging? I’m sure plenty devout readers, like myself, are missing you.
I hope all is well.