Wednesday, January 11, 2012

fresh start, new challenges ...

On Monday, J got a new job. OK, not really a new job as much as a different position with the same company. This new position, not unlike his old one, will require extensive traveling. We're used to this. Although, things had quieted down in the last two months of 2011, the girls and I have grown accustomed to not seeing J much during the week. Truth be told, even when he's not traveling, his schedule doesn't allow for much daddy-daughter time during the workweek.

This new position, however, will consist of mostly end of the week/weekend travel. He'll be working at expos, events, concerts and festivals. All things that rarely occur during the week. (In essence, my new gig with Tough Chik is just like J's job, just on a smaller scale and in a totally different industry.)

Initially, I had mixed emotions about what this new position meant for us. I'm not a fan of J's long hours and travel to begin with and more travel, on days that are not normal workdays for him didn't seem ideal. Plus, I already have a lot on my plate. I manage our household, our three daughters' schedules, year-round endurance training, a coaching business and I just added the responsibility of being East Coast Event Manager (a.k.a. Lt. Awesomesauce) for Tough Chik. All I could think was, "How am I going to do all that with less backup then I have now?"

Then as fast as that thought crossed my mind, it faded away. I realized that we will make it work, we always do. Life is about balance. You can have everything you want and need, you just have to find a way to make it work for you and your family. And once you know what is most important to you, the rest will fall into place.

Right now, J is giving up some of his time with us to provide for our family and to allow us to live the life of which we have become accustomed to. Hopefully, it won't be that way forever. But if it is, we will make it work. We are a team and we have to do what's best for all of us.

Of course, I will give up some things too. My training and my sanity are the most likely to suffer. And I am OK with that. Here's how I see it.
  • My kids are going to drive me crazy, regardless. What's a little more drama going to do to me? Probably not much. It might even make my workouts that much more rewarding.
  • I am fortunate to have both a bike trainer and a treadmill in my house. If nothing else, I will always be able to complete those aspects of my training. Sure, the hours might not be ideal. But, I'll get it done. Now if I could just get that indoor pool installed ...
  • J is really excited about this new position. I am crazy excited for him too. He always does everything in his power to help me accomplish all I set out to do. And I would never consider doing anything less for him.
  • J has a job. A really good one. Some people aren't as fortunate. None of us should take that for granted.
We can't fail if we work together. That's a fact. I have faith that we'll find our balance. We always do.

21 comments:

Kathy said...

great attitude! Congrats J on the new job!

Kurt @ Becoming An Ironman said...

I love your outlook!!

It's awesome that J is so excited about his new "job." And I have no doubt that you'll make it work and before you know it the new schedule will be the norm.

Amber said...

Yeay for exciting new opportunities and a positive outlook. My husband is a pilot and while we haven't added kiddos to the picture yet, I can sometimes get myself into a panic wondering if my marathon/triathlon career (or whatever it is) will get pushed aside in order to take care of a little person while my husband is away for 3-4 days at a time. I hope that I can have the same outlook that you do!

Running Ricig said...

You'll definitely make it work! Good luck and congratulations to your husband on his new job!

mom27g said...

great attitude to have!!! Good luck to your husband and you on your new endeavors :D

Unknown said...

T = awesomesauce wife. J is lucky.

Lisa said...

Well said! Change is hard. Sometimes more of the same is hard. It is all about finding the balance. Congrats to your hubby on his new job. Good luck to both of you!

Karen said...

At the risk of sounding cheesy, the fact that you had to go through so many more challenges to balance it all might make the achievement all the more sweet. Kids by themselves are a challenge. Training for an endurance event is a challenge. Put the two together and well, it might be too much for most people. If anyone can balance it all out, I am pretty sure you can! :)

Jill said...

So true! But you do need to start looking into that indoor pool. You could do a triathlon everyday! Great attitude to have. You two work so well together, you are lucky to have each other.

Meredith said...

I love your attitude! As for swimming, do you have a bathtub :)

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

Congrats on the Team Tough Chick!! Do they need a West Coast person??

I am sure you will figure it all out lady..

Tasha Malcolm said...

I like your attitude. Everything always works out for a reason. :-)

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

Congratulations to J on the new position!

As always, your attitude is
wonderful.

You can and will fit it all in. There is no doubt. I'll enjoy reading how you manage to juggle it all with your new routine.

Michelle said...

Add this to your resume of why you are a Tough Chik! Love it! We do what we do because we CAN and wouldn't have it any other way!
And now I'm going to go look at that awesome pink furry hooded jacket!

Marlene said...

You need to add 'juggler' to your list of credentials! Good luck - I know you'll make it work.

ajh said...

Good attitude. You will make it work.

Cat B. said...

Good news on the job...not so great for the extra stress. But you'll be fine: you're a mom. Mom's can do it all, don't you know?

Jason said...

Congrats to J.

And like your take on your beauty your take on life is great. I think a lot of people get caught up in this whole ideal of what life is supposed to be. Husband, Wife, Kids, picket fence....yada, yada, yada!

The ideal life is the one you lead. Karen and I can be ships in the night quite often. She never discourages me in my training and racing. All the while I get up at 3am everyday to train so that I can be home at night. We all sacrifice and we all lead our lives our way and for that we need to be grateful and not worry what others think about our family situations.

Just like Pink Hair your life is yours and you will live it to the fullest.

Christine said...

LOVE your positive attitude!!! Everything will work out :)

Corrina said...

"We can't fail if we work together." So so true! My husband and I talk about how we make a good team...it doesn't mean it's easy or that we get to do what we want a lot, but we work together for the sake of our family, ya know. Congrats on your husband's job and I hope it's a little better than you expect!

Anonymous said...

I needed to read this and glad I read it today and not 6 days ago when you posted. I think you know I live a similar lifestyle... hubs is gone... he comes home maybe 4 days a month. It's made planning and coordination really stressful, but you know what... 99% of the time, things still work out. And the kids drive me crazy regardless. ;-)