This is our new zip code. We have been residents of williamsburg, va for exactly two weeks today. Our home is lovely. We have worked so hard painting, unpacking and making it our own. I've spent countless hours in the landscaping (the owners who built this house were unable to care for it, so it was a mess), and we are calling in the professionals to help with a lot of it. I've ripped out two trees, bushes, battled snakes, bees and bugs i've never seen before, and a horrible case of poison ivy. All while on a quiet culdesac, in the sun, with my children playing happily nearby. Seriously, there is nothing better then time spent outside as a family on a warm, sunny spring day. And the fear of busy streets, strangers, and other dangers lurking, are not a concern here. I am blessed. So very blessed. My family will live a happier, healthier life here in williamsburg.
Spencer is doing very well - he LOVES his office. Its the perfect space for him, and he is able to accomplish what he needs to in a more relaxed atmosphere. The kids are better about listening to mommy and not disturbing daddy because they have room to roam. Playroom, living room, kitchen, their own rooms, and a HUGE yard. They are relaxed. we are relaxed.
I don't know how we did it for 8 months with Spencer working out of our bedroom, and the two kids crammed in one room. We outgrew our old house QUICK. But at the same time I find myself missing it. Spencer had taken pictures of the house after he cleaned it and was just about to get in the truck to move, and it was empty, but at the same time, it was still full. Does that make sense? It was the first home Spencer and I bought. We brought James home there. I remember the day Spencer was laid off and came through the door and I hugged him and told him how proud I was of him and loved him. It was a cool december day, and when he called me, I dropped to my knees in prayer, and knew peace. I miscarried there, as my son slept peacefully in his bedroom on a warm, bright sunny day the friday of mothers day weekend, I lost his sibling in the bathroom. 3 months later, I was pregnant again, and nine months later welcomed Madelynn home. Many friends and family came and went through that house. We never had much room, but everyone was always welcome. Whether for an hour, or a couple days, our home was their home. We have amazing friends. I miss them so much. I became sick there. Unable to get off the couch for nearly two weeks, and months of regaining my strength and focus, Spencer put his work and his masters program on hold to care for me and the family. In that house we grew, learned and loved as a family. We learned to BE a family in that home. And, in a decision that took an instant to make, we packed up that home and within two months, we moved. My heart is full. I don't believe I have an attachment to "things", more that I am very visual, and I associate many of my memories with places, smells, sounds, etc. So as I looked at the pictures of the empty rooms, I simply hoped that the person who had bought the house from us, would love it as much as we did.
I started my new job this past saturday. I am grateful that the relaxed atmosphere of Williamsburg is also apparent in its businesses. Not a slacking relaxation, but rather a different way of life then northern virginia. And I again, am grateful. I am a competent technician, well educated, and have a lot to offer. And I can back it up. But I also know, that I need to learn this new hospital before I offer ways to improve it. Everyone and every place has its own way of doing things, and every way can be correct, just different. I am grateful for my background. Hope Center taught me an extraordinary amount. But I am also listening, and learning and making mistakes with the best of them. that was a lesson that took years for me to learn in the work place. Listen. Learn. Be teachable. Repeat. Notice I said "learn in the workplace". I am not a good listener. I am stubborn and I have my own way of doing things. Poor Spencer. He sprouts grey hairs every day becasue of my antics. I love that man.
My health is stable with some "bandaids". I have become nearly completely reliant on a drug called Nuvigil. My neurologist gave it to me to combat the fatigue brought about by the lupus. Its a new drug, and very expensive, our insurance does not like to pay for it, but we've been blessed that they are willing to cover a few hundred dollars of it at a time. ($600 without insurance for a 30 day supply) It used to be as needed. It is now needed every day. I can tell when the fatigue is particularly bad, because the nuvigil doesn't work as well. Other days, it makes me feel like superwoman. Im running again, working out again, acting like myself again. I've lost weight - almost 10 pounds in 2.5 weeks.
Well....I have to stop here for a bit. My little girl is awake, and its almost time to take her to the doctors office. She has a nasty rash on her bottom :(
I feel like i've unloaded a bit. I dont like how long blogging takes, and that it can take time away from my kids. But I needed this and feel lighter almost. I'll finish up later tonight.
