About Heather Camlot
A freelance writer, crafts junkie and mom of two, Heather Camlot is constantly on the lookout for that elusive work-life balance she hears so much about. Read about Heather's never ending search for five minutes to herself while trying to meet deadlines, make the school bus and raise two fantastic children.
I’m very fortunate to be able to work from home. It doesn’t take much to write and edit, just my computer, and occasionally the printer and telephone.
Working from home allows me to meet Alexandre’s schoolbus at 3 pm and work flex-time (barring any pressing deadlines) if the kids must stay home due to illness, pedagogical days, holidays, etc.
Once in a while I do step out of my office to attend meetings, press conferences and other work-related, out-in-public, must-find-decent-pants events. So you can imagine my complete freak out when on such a day daycare called to tell me to pick up Juliana – now.
It was 9:30 in the morning. I had a press event at 10 am that I had to attend because I was commissioned to write an article about it. I then had lunch plans with my friend (and SweetHome.ca editor) Sarah to thank her for suggesting I apply for this MySweetBaby gig. I knew Sarah would understand if I bailed (again), so I begged the daycare to let Juliana stay until noon. Nope. She had pink-eye and she had to leave.
I called my husband in a panic. Usually, it’s impossible to reach him as he tends to be in meetings all day, but he picked up the phone, listened and calmly said, “Drop her off here.” Confused – what was he going to do with a two-year-old in an office tower? – but relieved, I grabbed my gear, stuffed a bag full of crayons and colouring books and headed out the door.
At noon, Sarah and I met Marc and Juliana (Sarah never got my cancellation email, but that’s a whole other story). It seems the father-and-daughter business team hung out in a conference room for the two hours, interrupted only occasionally by fellow employees who made silly faces at Juliana through the glass windows. No one thought anything of it.
Marc returned to work and the three gals went for lunch. The day worked out beautifully. But I pray that next time illness strikes on the days I’m staying home.
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