A Special Kind Of Happy

Life is busy. Life is always busy.

Back when I was working at The Firm, it was it’s own brand of busy. I was pulling long days in an office a half an hour away from here while Matthew balanced his own work, as well as dance lessons and soccer, and all of the other things that needed to be done here. In this town and in our own home. He took the brunt of it all, because I was in the next town over and not able to help because I wasn’t in the vicinity.

Ever since we made the switch to me working from home again, the balance has been (mostly) restored. It’s definitely taken some adjustment, as Matthew was used to carrying the bulk of the household duties. He’s also a bit of a neat freak and thinks that he should get out of bed and do a load of laundry. As for me, I don’t do anything other than grunt until I have a cup of coffee. Or three.

(I also bark. My children can confirm this. “Mom! What’s the weather supposed to do today? What should I wear?” “I JUST got out of bed. LET ME HAVE COFFEE BEFORE WE SAY ANY MORE WORDS.”)

Lack of household groove (and coffee) aside, we’ve gotten into a pretty great work rhythm over here. I have my contract and freelance work, and Matthew has picked up some ‘handyman’ jobs in addition to his church work. Things are tighter than they’ve been in the past, but they aren’t tight. We’re just being smarter about our money so that we can give the kids piano lessons (They’re doing great!) and let them sign up for basketball (Nathan!)(Of course!) and sign of for jazz dance (Emily!)(Whee!).

(Graham pestered his teacher for a full day in order to have extra math homework. Oh, he is SO my child.)

Life is still busy, but it is a busy that I love.

I love that I am here in the morning to get the kids off to school. I love that I can pick them up from school, too. (Graham chooses the bus over me to hang out with his friends. I understand.) I love that I can give time to the Food Bank and that I have all of the records computerized and organized, and I love that I contacted CRA and confirmed that we can get 50% of the GST/HST tax that we pay back as a rebate. (I love using my accountant powers for good.)

I love that I get to run with Jen two times a week and that we’re running a minimum of 8K per run. I love that we get to run and to chat and to moan in commiseration when we reach THE HILL THAT NEVER ENDS.

I love that I get to volunteer at the school again. Helping first grade kids write their journals is something I recommend to everyone. If you don’t have kids, volunteer anyway. You won’t be sorry.

I love that I get to visit with other Moms on the outskirts of the playground while our kids swing on monkey bars and play tag and swing.

I love that I get to help my husband with his workload and pick up supplies, or take over the home baking (Cookies and muffins and granola bars, oh my!) and switch laundry loads and put them away. (No, really. If I do laundry daily, it’s easy peasy, lemon squeezy.)

I guess that I just love that I am here instead of there. I am immersed in the lives of my four favorite people and I am forever thankful.

* I use the term ‘A special kind of stupid’ when I’m referring to people who make up that very definition. My family doesn’t fit the definition (AT ALL), but the spin on it made me smile.

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