Routine

For as long as my husband has known me, which is a long time, he has always "made fun" of me for being a person who functions best with routine. When we were were just an engaged couple he worked on the road. Often he was away 2 weeks at a time and then home for a week. I was never a huge fan of him being away for 2 weeks at a time but I had my routine when he was gone - school, work, friends, etc... When he would come home after being away for 2 weeks or longer, he would throw off my routine. It took all my power not to snap because of it.
Now, as a wife and Mother I have even more routine (which as a young, single woman, I never thought possible). I have the giant "Mom" calendar on my fridge saying what days I work, what is happening at school for the kids, when my night classes are, when the kids activities are, playdates, weddings, medical appointments, etc, etc... A blank day on our calendar is few and far between.
With that being said, this summer, my calendar often had many free days. I never had to work. I didn't have night class. The kids activities were off for the summer. The only things written were fun playdates or vacations planned! It was a dream! I got used to drinking tea on the deck while the kids played and not getting out of our jammies until 11am. I got used to later suppers and free evenings to go for bike rides or have friends over for sangria! As much as I thrive on routine, I thoroughly enjoyed a less hectic schedule and doing what we wanted whenever we wanted!
Now, life is back to structure. Last night I sat down at the table with my calendar and started writing things in...night classes 2 nights a week, school everyday for Rory, preschool for Jack, work for me, Henry's 1st birthday, weddings, swim lessons, dance registration, hockey and figure skating registration! Suddenly my calendar is filling up at a rapid pace and even though I know I will function with all of this, I also feel a little anxiety. I always thought that when the kids were really little that it was my most hectic time. Up every 3 hours in the night, the constant feedings, diaper changes, nap times, etc. Don't get me wrong, thats crazy too! But, now that I have school activities and work and my own classes and the kids activities its a never ending day! Run run run.
Don't get me wrong - I wouldn't have it any other way. Night classes for me means that I have been given the opportunity to expand my education. Hectic? Yes. Important? Absolutely. Running 4 nights a week with kids activities means that I have healthy, active children. I wouldn't want it any other way. Work means that my husband and I are making money and able to grow and learn everyday. I love my job. He loves his.
Last night I was feeling overwhelmed. I said to my husband "I think I have to drop out of my class. I don't think I can do it all. I know education is important but being there for my kids and their activities is also important!" He said "Don't do anything drastic yet. Let's see what happens. Let's see where everything falls. We will work it out. Together."
With all of this being said it brings me to the gratitude challenge that was going around facebook. I loved waking up and checking facebook to see the things people were thankful for. I found it really changed everyones outlook. People lost the negativity. So even though I did the gratitude challenge I feel like today I need to sit down and be thankful instead of feeling stressed and swamped!
So here it goes:
1) My job. Even though I don't have a full time contract I enjoy the hours I do have and the subbing possibilities I receive. I am thankful for the staff I work with and the opportunities I have to learn and grow in my job.
2) My kids. They are very active kids. They enjoy dance, hockey, swimming, figure skating, etc. Even though it makes for a busy calendar I like nothing more than to cheer them on and see their excitement!
3) My husband. When I feel frazzled or overwhelmed he is there to bring me back down and calm me down. Letting me know that we can work it out as a team and I can do the same for him when the roles are reversed.
4) My night classes. I am given the opportunity to go back to school for something I am passionate about and have it paid for by my work. I think all education is important but free education is so wonderful. Plus, I got to meet some really wonderful ladies by taking this class as well.
5) Big ass calendars from costco! This allows me to stay organized (and my husband) and keep my head on straight!
6) My family and babysitters. They are always there to help out when I need to sub at work, or run to activities or school, etc. If you would have asked me when I was 18 if I would ever move back to Bruno I would have said "hell no" but now I couldn't imagine it being any other way. I love being close to my family and Kurtis' family. I love this small town!
7) For my bed. After busy days of running around - there is nothing sweeter than crawling into my nice, cozy bed.
8) Wine. Sometimes a big glass of wine can make the day all better too!!!
I'm sure this list could go on and on!
Anyways - to all of you out there trying to get back into routine! Good luck! I hope you can all find the time to be where you wanna be and when you wanna be there! I hope you can find your balance and keep your sanity! I hope you also have good people in your life to help out when you need it. I also hope you can sit down and find a few things to be thankful for - even on the craziest of days!