[mommythrowaway]

Being a mother myself and having witnessed many of my friends become parents, if there's one take away for me it is this - no amount of preparation can get you ready for gamut of feelings you'll experience as a parent. Yes, there is exhaustion, there is self-doubt, there is an overwhelming feeling of being alone (especially until the baby starts to talk). But, there is also the inexplicable high of being completely responsible for shaping the future of another human being, experiencing the joy of being a hero in the eyes of your child.

So I am not really sure I buy the "rushing without asking questions" part. I don't know what questions would prepare for this unique experience. Please understand that I am, in no way trying to demean you or question.

Another thing that motherhood has brought about is that every problem gets put into a larger context. Small workplace squabbles do no seem as important as teaching math or alphabet to your child. As an engineer, I also see that I have become more efficient with my attention span, time management, energy management and most importantly content with life.

[mommythrowaway]

I also wanted to address some of the other points you raise with some anecdata

- I do MOOCs after I put the child to bed - No facebook or channel surfing for me. I use my time and call friends/family on the phone (usually after my child leaves for school and right before I head to work). So in a sense, I use my time for synchronous, deeply meaningful relationships vs. trying to be up to date with 300+ people on FB

- I don't get to go to post work social events. But that's a tradeoff I will accept because it means I pick up the kid from school, go the park or take my child to her classes

- We have people over for lunch/dinner, so I do keep in touch with friends - probably more deeply than before

- The things that truly take a hit are doing things on an impulse - shopping on a weekday or eating out randomly. All of which are completely doable with some planning ahead of time.

So for me, it has been about planning, managing time and energy and trying to do fewer things well.