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Article 24: Plan of a power lunch

Christina Johnson Polk is the mother of Max, two, and the wife of Kevin. She lives in the Lafayette, California, and works full time as a Construction Manager.

Forget taking this important customer to the new bistro to schmooze and impress – the idea of a lunch of "power" takes on a whole new meaning to working moms. You have much to do to balance your career, your home and personal time. So be creative with your lunch hour and use the time to deal with things that take time away from your family and friends after work.

Can not find time to exercise? Find a gym within walking distance of the office (or with easy parking). Walk around the block or find an attractive destination as an inner city park or a hill with a view. I know I could be thinking "easier said-to-do", but try. I have been happily surprised by how refreshing it is to leave the office and do some exercise.

If you are socially inclined as I am, invite your co-workers (like other working mothers). If you want more privacy and "alone time" to take their "lunch" a little earlier or later than normal. If you do not want to sweat (or have a bad day) Why do some weight training, meditation, reflection or a few relaxing yoga poses.

Do you feel disconnected from your friends? Schedule a session gossip. Send out an Outlook appointment with a free conference call number from your social circle. When several women in the club of my mother returned to work, really missed each other and hear about children. We now call once a month to reconnect and hear what happens to our children crying.

You can catch up with family, too, call your sister in Cleveland or his father in Detroit. If you work in cubicle land, and made aware of their conversations, Book a conference room rarely used, or your cell phone for a walk (and kill two birds with one stone).

Measures to take your weekend? Get them out of the way during lunch. Hit the store to pick up a sandwich and get your shopping done, too. Keep a cooler in the car for cold things, it will continue through the afternoon. Find a dry cleaner close to work so you can fit it into your day instead of going home. Most dry cleaners also do small repairs such as replacing buttons and hems of fixation, and the small cost is worth it. Go to the toy store local (and supporting local companies) and stock up on birthday gifts for children. You will not have to do an overnight trip to the "big box" store toys for a birthday party for her son's best friend just reminded last night.

Can not remember the last time you did anything to you? Take their time to regroup, rest and relax. Go to a local cafe with a magazine or a novel litter gay. Find a quiet room and get a pedicure – skip the Polish if they are anxious about returning to work. Some salons offer a leg massage as part of the package – great if you have a lot of walking to do, or just want a little treat. Do a little shopping for you. Browse a fashion boutique to try on a new handbag or new shoes. But do not lose track of time!

Whatever you do not feel guilty about how to use this time to get your things done. Sometimes we have to use our lunch hour to catch up on all our action items related to work. There are other times when we must use this time to catch up on our personal action items.

You may need to be discreet if your work environment suffers from a work ethic overzealous. Not everyone will understand what it takes to be Superwoman. We need every minute of every day, so his power lunch hour.

In an extract of 42 Rules ™ for Working Moms "Super Star Press, 2008.

About the Author

Laura Lowell is the executive editor and author of “42 Rules for Working Moms.” She has gathered practical advice and information from working moms all over the world to share with others. She lives and works in Silicon Valley with her husband and two girls.
http://www.42rules.com/working_moms/index

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