The last 2 weeks or so, I've been putting in some extra hours at work. We've got a few things coming up that require a little extra money. Instead of expecting my husband to "hand it all over', I've been doing what I can to bring in some extra revenue so we can move(in a few weeks), get some new furniture (thank God), and I'm supposed to go away with a friend for a week. (yay for mommy!)
In my free time, I've noticed I've been out and about more than usual. I'm normally the type that likes to be at home, curled up in front of the tv or reading a book; just relaxing and being quiet. (Well as quiet as quiet can be with a 2 year old).
Lately, I've been meeting up with friends for coffee, going to the movies, having playdates, or just venturing out on my own more often. It's not that I'm a shy person (the thought of me being shy is hilarious), nor am I quite the loner. But the truth is, I actually don't mind being a lone. Biologically, I'm an only child, so I'm used to entertaining myself.
What I've noticed is that the last 2 weeks have been emotional and filled with lots of ups and downs. Some of those "downs" are still kind of "up" in the air. There's been death, overdue bills, misunderstandings with loved ones, etc. Both my husband and I have sort of "taken turns" finding outlets to keep us sane. He's been playing at gigs, and indulging in a few rock band challenges with some friends. I've had more "coffee and/or movie" dates more than ever. And together as a couple, we've enjoyed fellowship with other christian couples.
It's a weird season in our lives, but both us have found strength by managing our time well, communicating honestly, and having some good, healthy fun.
How about you? When life throw's you a curve ball do you tend to stay home, or do you come out of your cocoon and socialize to keep your mind off things?
I do both. When things are crazy busy I try to simplify my social life and be home - but when there is dysfunction or stress getting out of the house and just hang out with friends works well too.
Posted by: Kevin Davis | August 25, 2008 at 01:39 PM
Well, what I tend to be prone to doing is seclude myself within the solitude of my house. I too LOVE to be alone. However, I've found that this is not necessarily the best thing for me to do. I deal with it better if I can make myself just get out and be around people. It lifts my mood and gives me a breather from the stress I'm under for at least a while. And we all need that sometimes.
I think one of the reasons I'm prone to "hiding away" during those times is that I don't want others to see what's really going on. But I'm learning to let go of that, and it's ok to not have it all together all of the time. I usually find that my friends are or have gone through the same things and they love that I'm not to good to let them in.
Posted by: Rachel | August 25, 2008 at 01:50 PM
I tend to hibernate. I like time to think, process and plan, but I do have to balance this with some social time so that I don't consume myself with whatever is on my mind.
Posted by: Jenni Catron | August 25, 2008 at 04:46 PM
I tend to hibernate. I like time to think, process and plan, but I do have to balance this with some social time so that I don't consume myself with whatever is on my mind.
Posted by: Jenni Catron | August 25, 2008 at 04:46 PM
I tend to hibernate. I like time to think, process and plan, but I do have to balance this with some social time so that I don't consume myself with whatever is on my mind.
Posted by: Jenni Catron | August 25, 2008 at 04:47 PM
I tend to stay home and suck my thumb. Seriously, I usually keep to myself during down times.
Posted by: Sally | August 25, 2008 at 06:55 PM
I guess it depends on the curve ball thrown. I'm more of a social butterfly by nature. But I would be spending time with people I'm close to. It's hard for me to spend time with people I don't know super well if I'm going through something, since I'm not my usual perky self. That's the challenge of looking for a new church in the midst of our trials right now. I do crave comfort!
Posted by: Jacinda | August 27, 2008 at 10:33 AM