For instance…
Our entire married life, my husband has probably averaged 55-70 hours per week working (and/or studying). I bet close to 99% of it was weekends and evenings, too. Or at least it felt that way. When we moved here, his work dropped closer to 30.
The first month, I was thrilled contemplating his new schedule. After so many years, the thought of him home more often made me giddy. The idea of regular family time blew my mind.
The second month, I couldn’t believe how many family activities he attended. No longer did I need to drag the kids out on my own.
The third month, I frowned a little when he worked on the same night as a church activity. What a pain!
The fourth month, I caught myself irritated -even slamming a car door- because he worked on a Tuesday; I had to drive the Suburban on my regular errands instead of borrowing his more fuel-efficient car! I mean how unlucky is that?
Then I had a reality check. Hello. My super-adapting skills caused me to go from ecstatic to whiny in four short months, way too soon take his new schedule for granted. Months 5 and 6, I kicked myself whenever I thought to complain. (I’ll not embarrass myself by telling you how often I had to do it.)
Of course my kids have adapted, too. They’d probably seen their cousins, at most, 5 times their entire lives. Less than six months after moving closer, they think I’m inflicting cruel punishment if they go longer than 4 days without contact.
I won’t talk about my husband’s adapted need to be on the golf course 3 times a week.
Perhaps our adapting talent is only surpassed by our whining one. Hopefully we get to continue adapting to more positive things instead of testing our ability in the other direction!
I love your take on life and your honesty. I think we ALL do this for certain situations in our lives and don't ever realize it. So, hey, at least you're realizing it and trying to change it!! :)
ReplyDeleteOh, and hi-five on the new schedule, that is awesome!!
Love that initial quote! It's funny how quickly we adapt when circumstances change even in our favor!
ReplyDeleteI think we have to adapt at many of life's situations. Doesn't mean we like it!
ReplyDeleteWe are in the same boat. I get very pouty when he can't attend a school function...this after missing most of my pregnancies and other important family happenings.
ReplyDeletethere's a serious reality check... when we lived out in the Pacific Northwest ManOfTheHouse was gone 12 hours most days (at least 3 of those were traffic-battling hours in Seattle)
ReplyDeletenow that we have a drier, more regular schedule and nearly 10 years have passed... I get a little annoyed when he's got too many days off in a row... ummm, go to work already!!!
sad, but true.
Good luck toeing the line between adapting and whining- it's a thin one ;)
ReplyDeleteIt looks like your move really was for the best!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that your hubby is around more often and your kids are having fun with their cousins (I grew up 1000 miles away from mine).
So true! It's good I have very wise and insightful bloggy friends. My mind has been a little frazzled lately! For all my healthy kids and nice-ish house, and employed husband, I sure find a lot to complain about!
ReplyDeleteIf only I had a new mini-van then I'm sure I would appreciate it for at least a few weeks, until it was crumb filled and had melted popsicle on the seat. Then, I'd be longing for my old junk van! :)
When I read that his work dropped to 30 hours per week (amazing!), my first thought was, "I bet he spends a lot of the time difference on the golf course." :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're trying to minimize your whining about improvements, but...based on the horrors we've read about your Suburban, I think you should be free to complain about that vehicle as much as you want!
You're speaking a HUGE truth about my life here. I've always called it taking things for granted but I like your spin FAR better. I'm just a super adapter!
ReplyDeleteWhile I totally know this is supposed to be funny...the truth hurts a little. I'm always like this in the summer when my husband works less, or not at all. I love it, but then I get all grumpy if he needs to do something for work. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is so true to life. We get use to what ever we have to deal with then it becomes hard. Glad Peter is home more and your kids get to see their cousins.
ReplyDeleteI must be too independent because I find myself getting grumpy when my hubby is around all the time. Don't get me wrong, I am madly in love with the guy, but I get on my jag with my own agenda, and then another adult comes along with ideas and input. I know I need to be a little softer. heehee
ReplyDeleteI am jealous of his golf habits. I would be happy if I got to the golf course 3 times a month. FYI - I linked to your blog on mine as one of these blog award deals. No obligation to play, just a heads up that I gave you a shout out.
ReplyDelete