All I'm going to preface this post with, is that living on opposite shifts has been difficult for Ryan and I lately. Ryan working from 3 pm-1 am, me waking up at 4 am and working until 6 causes us to not see each other multiple days. "Living among each other" - has been way harder than merely living in opposite states. I know that sounds crazy, but it's true.
My reflections have come up with a conclusion for why this has been so challenging. When we lived in different state, we each were kind of doing our own thing. We'd talk in the evenings a few nights a week, and catch up. When we did see each other, we dedicated that time 100% to each other. We had a "rhythm" to our relationship.
Lately we live in the same house, but we "live" in opposite worlds. Much of the week, the only contact we have, is me being too loud when he's trying to sleep, and vice versa. Add sleep deprivation to the whole equation? And you have what I like to call "a funk". Very technical term.
Well, I am pleased to say that started today, Ryan is back on day shift. Thank you, Jesus.
But another problem solver was a spontaneous, mid-week escape to the mountains. We both happened to have Thursday off from work this week, and I was able to get off work early on Wednesday. At the last minute, we decided to pack the cooler, throw our camping totes in the car, and head up to Mount Lemmon for a quick "over-nighter".
Best decision ever!
We didn't even stay at a campground. We found this meadow on the side of the mountain, with pre-built fire pits, set up our gear, and just enjoyed the outdoors. (Don't worry, camping is legal where we stayed.)
My reflections have come up with a conclusion for why this has been so challenging. When we lived in different state, we each were kind of doing our own thing. We'd talk in the evenings a few nights a week, and catch up. When we did see each other, we dedicated that time 100% to each other. We had a "rhythm" to our relationship.
Lately we live in the same house, but we "live" in opposite worlds. Much of the week, the only contact we have, is me being too loud when he's trying to sleep, and vice versa. Add sleep deprivation to the whole equation? And you have what I like to call "a funk". Very technical term.
Well, I am pleased to say that started today, Ryan is back on day shift. Thank you, Jesus.
But another problem solver was a spontaneous, mid-week escape to the mountains. We both happened to have Thursday off from work this week, and I was able to get off work early on Wednesday. At the last minute, we decided to pack the cooler, throw our camping totes in the car, and head up to Mount Lemmon for a quick "over-nighter".
Best decision ever!
We didn't even stay at a campground. We found this meadow on the side of the mountain, with pre-built fire pits, set up our gear, and just enjoyed the outdoors. (Don't worry, camping is legal where we stayed.)
How perfect is our little campsite? We had this huge area all to ourselves!!
I'm not sure what kind of pose I was attempting in this one. But I was excited!!
This was our view all around us! It was as if we had our own forest.
We made a fun camping recipe, and cracked open a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. Perfection. (Okay, I'll admit it. Our phones did get 3G, which allowed us to play Pandora radio all night.)
We made a really good recipe! It came from the "Campfire Cuisine" cookbook my brother Chad got me a few years ago. It's a book of gourmet camping food - totally our speed!
We made "BBQ Peking Duck Wraps" with an Asian Cucumber salad on the side. Except there was no duck at my grocery store, so I used chicken thighs. It was a marinade of OJ, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, honey - wrapped in a tortilla shells with green onions and lettuce. So good!
In the morning, we ran 5 miles up the mountain. That was a crazy, but fun decision. Running 8000 ft above sea level is more challenging than 3000 ;).
There is no place like the mountains to reset our soul, in my opinion. It's nice to get away from all distraction and just be. We both returned to work Friday with a "Monday" sense of excitement.
(I know most people don't like Mondays, but I get a rush of anticipation about the "newness Monday's bring.)
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