A New Sorority

First off, let me point out that none of the three people reading my blog unwind. What a disappointment.

Randy finished his core skills training and has moved to his regular position at Leeville. He has started the rotating shifts of 4 nights on, 3 days off, 3 days on, 1 day off, 3 nights on, 3 days off, 4 days on and then 7 day "long change." And so with this move, I have found that I've joined a new sorority: the women married to the rotating shift-workers. First was Jaime, whose husband trained Randy at core skills. I found a lot of sympathy and understanding with her. Today at church was Wendy. Randy works on her husband's crew at Leeville. I got an idea or two on keeping the bedroom dark during the day so Randy can sleep. A constant is my friend Lori. She's always got good ideas and sound advice, but now I find myself calling her to ask, "What's the best way to....?"

Who knew that I would find friends, sisters, countrymen (okay, countrywomen) when Randy started this job? When I tell them how long the days are, they say they understand, and I know they do. When I tell them it is hard to be a single parent all the time, they say, "I know," and I know they do. When I mention that I just can't do some things because I need to be home for my kids, they don't ask why. They know why. Their reasons are the same as mine.

I'm not sure of the price to join this sorority yet; however, I'm sure it's a price that none of us want to pay.

Trying to Unwind

It's Sunday night and another week full of busy-ness (not to be confused with business) is in front of me. Yuck. I've studied all weekend. And thought about everything I have yet to do. I have a huge paper due in a week and I haven't even started the research on it. Tuesday night is pack meeting. Wednesday is stake leadership meeting. Thursday is the ward carnival. I hate being gone at night, by the way.

So, with my head trying to keep track of everything going on (doctor's appointments, parent-teacher conferences, piano lessons, class, church stuff, work schedule, running for president http://www.tsgnet.com/pres.php?id=357563&altf=Usvmff&altl=Tupdljoh ), I just want to spend a minute unwinding, BUT I DON'T KNOW HOW! Hence, the poll (see below). How do you unwind? What is something new I can try to work into my schedule? Take the poll, and send me some ideas. Maybe I can think about them during Christmas break.