I'm going to need all your tricks, ladies!

[greencrayon]

My husband moved out two weeks ago. We were cordial about the separation while under the same roof in different rooms, but I think it finally hit him that it's real, because he's been a jerk.

I got accepted into vet school yesterday!!

I had planned on doing this with his help, but it may be on my own more than I realized.

Most of my days will be 7 or 8 am - 6 pm. My daughter will be 18 months old. From the students, I got the impression that my schedule will vary from day to day.

- I'm buying a robot vacuum
- I'm going to do batch cooking
- I'll pay an undergrad to walk the dogs every day
- I will have family up probably at least once a month to give me some free time
- I'll get a therapist there ASAP
- I'll need quite a few baby sitters to have on call for weird hours

What tools do you all have that I can add to my belt? I need to start now so it's a habit by August.

[cuddlyevil]

You've got a pretty good list there. Will your stbx have your daughter at all?

Does your school have a daycare or something nearby for your daughter while you're in class?

[Deleted]

Care.com is good for finding sitters

[doglove]

Congrats on getting into vet school!

[mcc]

Congrats! How far will you be from your ex? Will he had your DD at all?

Since you're going to be busy, make sure you have productivity tools to keep you organized and sane. Tools like Wunderlist, Trello, and a shared Google calendar might help you out to organize classes and duties.

[doriswe]

I think one of the most important things is to know you don't have to do everything. You're not superhuman! So if the house isn't as clean as you'd like on a Tuesday night, who cares! There were some weeks, when I was in school and single mom-ing, where all I could get done was feed them and put them to bed. The house stuff waited and was there for my kids (vs scrambling to try to do it all everyday).

[Deleted]

Congratulations on vet school!!  

[alleinesein]

Is the vet school attached to a big university? I know that Iowa State has a child care center at the Vet college and its open to students and faculty. Its definitely something worth checking out.

[greencrayon]

Thank you!

Yes, its at University of Florida. The medical school has a daycare, which I will be signing her up for ($205/week). Its open from 6:30-6, so I may have to hire someone to take her from daycare to my house in the evenings if I'm running late!

My ex will be in NC until december at the earliest. I'll be moving down this summer. I will have at least one semester on my own, but at the rate this is going, I need to plan on doing it all my own.


I will look up Wunderlist and Trello, thanks!

[mcc]

Like doriswe said, you don't have to do it all. There are a TON of companies that have services that you can use though to help you out. For example, I rarely buy things at the drugstore anymore. I use Drugstore.com through ebates.com - free shipping over $35 and I don't have to lug stuff home. Great for city living, better for single parenting. Toilet paper, shampoo, detergent, paper towels, almost anything you want at your door. Plus if you use ebates you get cash back. I make big purchases to stock up so I don't end up without something, which will help if your DD gets sick in the middle of the night.

Think of those things that you'd use a partner for and keep them in the house. There was a post a few weeks ago about that here. Immodium, pepto, benadryl, bandaids, tylenol, baby fever stuff (I don't have kids so I have no idea), extra toilet paper, wipes, etc. Stock up when you move so you don't need to worry about running out in an emergency. Make and freeze meals so you always have something on hand. Prep in the mornings - coffee, lunch, workout clothes, bags packed - so you're not rushing around like a mad woman. Keeping yourself organized will help the transition.

[greencrayon]

Feb 28, 2015 18:46:41 GMT -5 mcc said:

Think of those things that you'd use a partner for and keep them in the house. There was a post a few weeks ago about that here. Immodium, pepto, benadryl, bandaids, tylenol, baby fever stuff (I don't have kids so I have no idea), extra toilet paper, wipes, etc. Stock up when you move so you don't need to worry about running out in an emergency. Make and freeze meals so you always have something on hand. Prep in the mornings - coffee, lunch, workout clothes, bags packed - so you're not rushing around like a mad woman. Keeping yourself organized will help the transition.

I saw this post. It hit me pretty hard. Even though we're not on best terms, he would help me by picking up medications and such. Thank you for reminding me! 

[onedayatatime]

Congratulations on Vet School - Ditto the previous advice, and I second the Wunderlist app.

[abcdefu]

I don't have any advice, but I wanted to say Congratulations!!!