So, how have you been?

It's been such a long time since we last caught up.

Yeah, I think it's been over a year.

Since giving birth to my son Edward, I've found it difficult to manage my time at work ,and haven't been out socializing much.

Don't worry. I understand how you feel.

I felt the same when I went back to work after having my daughter Isabella.

Back then, I used to miss a lot of deadlines at work.

Q: it's been over a year since they last saw each other.

     She understands how her friend feels because she had the same experience.

catch up     叙旧    

    If you catch up on friends who you have not seen for some time or on their lives, you talk to them and find out what has happened in their lives since you last talked together.   

back then    那时

Yes, I never used to miss deadlines, but now I miss them all the time.

I don't like missing them, but I can't exactly work late as I have to take care of Edward.

How did you cope with work after Isabella was born?

Well, it's not as hard as it seems.

One thing that helped me was keeping a schedule and setting time blocks for specific tasks.

For example, on a Monday, I now block out the morning to work on my reports, and I make sure the afternoons are free to call my clients.

Q:  Having a child has made it harder for her to meet deadlines.

     Managing your work while raising a child is easier than it seems.

That's a great idea.

But what happens if you need to do some urgent work that was not scheduled?

Just remember to be flexible.

It's important to be able to change your plan if circumstances change.

I also try to avoid as many distractions as possible at work.

I find this allows me to focus on the things that are important.

You're right.

Putting my phone on silent woulddefinitelyhelp me concentrate.

This is all great advice.

I'm looking forward to getting back to my old self.

It won't be exactly the same as before.

What do you mean?

You have a baby now, so you probably won't spend as much time at work as before.

Just concentrate on doing as much as possible in the time you have rather than trying to do everything.

Thanks Helen. You always make me feel better.

That's what friends are for.

Just don't leave it a year until we see each other next time.