[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.