Pam, This mess started the end of October last year, but as I look back I can see where we were in a downward spiral for about a year. Things are looking good, not perfect, but much better.
Vacation was wonderful, just a few days with sunshine (as opposed to the never ending rain here) did a great deal to boost spirits. Saw the Angels kill the Mets, and did a bunch of amusment parks with the kids. The last park was a bit of a dissapointment and H felt really bad as it wasn't as wonderful as his research led him to believe. He was in a down mood and I tried to cheer him up, but at what point does my responsibility end at making him happy? Sometimes it just seems like someone wants to be grumpy no matter what. So I worked at controlling my reaction. Normally when this happens---H in bad mood, I get grumpy and I take it out on the kids--cranky to them. But, I did slip into that routine and quickly caught myself and rebounded. So, an old dog can learn a new trick.
Felt like we "connected" many times on the trip. Even got some ILYs from H. First day home, he said he was glad to be back at work--that always hit me odd--as he would rather be there than with us. Which is probably true to an extent--work/life balance.
DB, now knowing H's love language, I mowed the lawn yesterday, no easy feat as the dumb house is on a sloped yard, but he told me when he got home what a loving thing it was for me to do. I have told him my theory that I clean/do things around the house for him, because I know it is important to him and I consider it a loving gesture. I think he is starting to see that.
So a few days of sun has definetely boosted my sprits and even the current rain is not going to blow it. I'm ready to move to Southern California---Eliie, as we drove out to the Wild Animal Park I saw Mt. Whiteny on the map right off of 78--though of you and your great accomplishment. Beautiful country you have there.
I test for my next belt in karate tomorrow, not as ready as last time, but I'm going to do it, have all day today to work on it.
Still undecided on the camping thing, though you all have valid points.
