Funny how our definition of “normal” changes as time goes by and our perspective changes.
For the past, oh, 5 years, R has worked almost every Saturday… taking maybe one off every 5 or 6 weeks. When this first started, I hated it. I missed having him around. I missed having time together as a family. I had gotten used to a “normal” where we were together every weekend and I didn’t like the change to my routine. I selfishly wanted both the extra money that came from working overtime AND the time I felt like we were missing out on with him.
We adapted. Or, should I say, I adapted. I think that kids are much more adaptable than grownups anyway. It was not as big a deal to them as it was to me. Anyway, it took me a while (a LONG while) but I adapted.
The girls and I began to make plans for Saturdays… fun “girlie” things to do together. We’d get pedicures, go out to lunch with our friends, stay at home and scrapbook all day. We created a new “normal” for us.
Then, the economy hit the tank, work slowed down, and job changes forced upon us a new “normal” again. We didn’t have as much extra money for our outings and although R was still working a lot of hours, his job responsibilities shifted and he was under a lot less pressure at work. Life began to shift again.
Ironically enough, we’re moving back towards that old “normal” of 5 day work weeks and weekends together as a family. I miss the extra money (our budget misses it!) but I sure am loving the time together as a family. As I type this R is outside (crazy in this heat, but that’s him) working in the flowerbeds. He’s happy. Doing the things he does to relax. It’s nice to look out the window and see the girls interacting with their dad and him puttering around with them.
We may not have that extra money, but what we’re gaining in quality time as a family is a lot more valuable in my opinion. I guess I’ll take this new “normal.” For as long as it lasts, anyway.
Thoughts Along Life's Highway 