Just a Little R&R

By now, most of you know Alex and I dated long distance (across states/time zones) for two years before we were married in December 2012.  As husband and wife, it was incredibly refreshing to finally be living in the same state, town, and even the same house.  The weeks or months apart were grueling, but good practice in patience and selflessness, priming us for our roles as husband and wife (in more ways than one).

Almost a year and a half into our marriage, we still find ourselves experiencing periods of time that greatly resemble that season of long-distance dating.  The way our work schedules shake out, one or both of us is away overnight at least once a month, and in some seasons, two weeks out of the month.  We're lucky that those two week months are never consecutive days, but four or five nights is not unheard of.  February-June and August-December are especially tough...which, if you do the math, are 9 of 12 months out of the year.  Yuck.

I really do love baseball season, but literally every weekend from February to June is occupied with Alex's work, and thus we are not able to visit friends/family, or even spend a weekend relaxing around the house.  As much as I groan about it, I am reminded of the toll this grueling schedule takes on Alex, and try not to give him such a hard time about the yard needing mowing or broken appliances (re: garage door) needing to be fixed.  He really does make an effort to do everything in his power to be totally present with me when we do find those rare moments together.

This weekend, Alex had to travel with the team to Jonseboro, AR, for a three game series against Arkansas State.  Last year, I joined him for Easter weekend at UALR in Little Rock, and this time around I was able to make the trip once again.  Most couples would have taken advantage of the opportunity to explore all things touristy in a new town, but that plan just wasn't for us this time.

What were we excited about?  Watching TV in bed.  Really?  Yes, really.  To quote a good friend's mother, "Nothing good ever happens in a bedroom with a television," and I agree.  So, staying in a hotel room with a television in front of the TV was a real treat for us.  Even more so, being confined to the space of four walls with one another for three days...that was a real treat for us.  (Not like that.  Get your mind out of the gutter, people.)  

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We did get out and about a little, enjoying a few restaurants that don't happen to be in Monroe, and even doing some shopping.  No significant purchases were made, but it was incredible to be together...and discussing plans for our summer garden or home projects while we were at it were just an added bonus.  So as we head out on that 5 hour drive south this afternoon, I can honestly say I feel truly refreshed and re-energized about the sacred relationship between my husband and I.

Alex says this is his "I don't feel well" face.

As for everyone else, I hope you enjoyed your holiday weekend.  Now...go eat a chocolate bunny.  :)
-Lauren