Another Wonderful Day

Although I lost out on good sleep, missed one of the most beautiful days I can recall, and accomplished nothing at work...today was a great day. Why? One-on-one time with my gamer, 'nuff said. Since he wanted to enjoy the beautiful weather (and see me, I hope), he surprised me by coming home early from work and waking me up to hang out. I think his good mood must have been related to the bag of Hershey kisses I left at his computer or the fact that I have ensured that his supply of soda, Eggo waffles, and Cordon Bleu has been resupplied mysteriously every evening.  :)

Stress

This exercise in having a totally different schedule from my husband has been enlightening for me. I feel free, relaxed, energized, and not-stressed. When I go back to my old schedule, I will have to apply the things I have learned about myself:

(Lesson 1) I need to plan quality activities with friends, not a large quantity of meaningless errands. I really like to go to the store by myself and wander the aisles to find what I know I need. I also really enjoy relaxing with friends, while playing board games or just plain hanging out to talk. I need to stop trying to mesh the two activities.

(Lesson 2) I need to go to bed knowing that everything is planned, set out, and ready for the next day. So, I need to spend at least a few minutes each evening setting out my clothes, making our lunches, and reviewing the next day's schedule. A little preparation goes a long way.

(Lesson 3) I need to clear my head by exercising alone every other day, just after work. Multi-tasking by making my exercise time coincide with hanging out with a friend forces me to exercise according to my friend's availability and makes me set low exercise priorities, which ultimately leads me to not wanting to exercise at all.

(Lesson 4) I need to take time each night to write down my thoughts, read, and unwind in front of the TV.

(Lesson 5) I need to make time for good quality conversation with my gamer. When we both make the effort, we are both happy with the results.

So...that's the plan for March...hope I can stick to it.

Eventful

I could not have planned today to run better. I woke up (on my own) before my alarm, arrived at and left the Vet's office early, arrived at and left the Chiropractor's office early, and arrived at work right at start time. My gamer cooked his own dinner tonight (I see the wrappings by the toaster oven). I laid out instructions for Chicken Cordon Bleu, and it looks like his first baking adventure was successful. By the end of the week, I might get him to cook me lasagna (in my dreams). All this alone-time has directed me toward my newest passion: Netflix. If I had Netflix when I first decided to stop playing online games, I don't think we would have had such a hard time coping with the change. Even when my gamer is gaming, I can watch my Netflix shows in the same room (if one of us wears headphones). The television is placed in such a way that he can see what I watch, and he often comments on the characters and plot of each movie. I've always enjoyed his perspective. So although he's asleep right now, in honor of my gamer, I'm off to watch Netflix.

Happy Valentine's Day

The next few weeks will test our almost two-year marriage. This time the pressure won't be from gaming, but work schedules. If we both get 8 daily hours of sleep during this period, we will have a maximum time together of about one hour per day. This morning did not work out so perfectly, though. My gamer woke up as I drifted into slumber. I think he kissed me, but I don't remember if that was a "good morning" or a "goodbye" kiss. Tomorrow will be harder, I think, because I need to sacrifice sleep to take our dog to the Veterinarian and stop by the Chiropractor's office for a neck adjustment to stave off the migraine I feel coming on. Oh well, I have alleviated some of that worry and time crunch by setting out my clothes and making up our lunches early. (Feeling a little nostalgic about grade school days...homework's done and backpack is waiting by the door)