Weekends worth having...

For some time now I've been working weekends. Well, that was until I had my surgery and couldn't work at all again. I actually did 40 straight days of work without a day off earlier this year. It was worth it when I got the paychecks, I guess, but I was sure stressed and felt like my brain was mush.

I would, occasionally, take a day off on a weekend to go and play with my friends. I had lots of friends and I enjoyed the cookouts, dances, and social activities. I was enjoying life like I had never enjoyed life before and I remember thinking that life couldn't get much better!

Ah, but never underestimate the power of miracles. It got MUCH better!

Then, in April, I reconnected with an old friend. It was an interesting experience, discovering that we knew each other. Neither of us was really thinking that anything further than a good friend would come from it and I had already told him that I was not interested in getting involved ever again, but I would be happy to introduce him to my friends and get him involved with our crazy activities.

Never say never, as they say.

Suddenly, I found myself more and more involved in getting to know him better. I felt a peace I had never known. I was not self-conscious around him, but he could look at me and wink and I'd blush. I was happy and my friends could see it. I was really fighting against the idea that I was going to ever be involved with anyone again and I didn't even mention him for quite awhile.

Then I started to talk about the guy I was seeing.

Then I started to refer to him as my boyfriend.

Finally, I gave in.

I call him Bird. He is my life and my love and I am happier than I have ever been. I just can't get married. It's too painful and complicated. Some days I wish it wasn't that way, but I just can't get past the fear yet.

Now I have weekends that make me glad I have weekends. We do family activities. We spend time with his youngest two sons and my two boys and the house is full of crazy teenage antics and brotherly arguments.

I am at peace.

Over Labor Day we went to Evanston, Wyoming to see my family of choice after spending some time with my older children and family members. We overcame some obstacles with that, and had a mighty good time with my two boys and his granddaughter (who I also claim) in Wyoming. We went to the park and saw the bison after touring the visitor's center. We also went to the "rock shop" and looked at fossils.

Thomas has decided he wants to dig fossils and "split fish" some time. I'm not sure he has the self discipline, but he could surprise me!

This weekend, we took my two boys and went to Idaho to visit Bird's folks. They have a lovely place out in the middle of nowhere. My boys had fun getting to know their new grandparents and the surroundings there at the lake. They rode ATV's and we had campfire chat and lots of yummy food! It was so relaxing and enjoyable!

When it was time to come home, we didn't want to. NONE of us wanted to come back, including the teenagers!

We have a trip planned in a couple of weeks back to Wyoming and another trek to Idaho before the end of next month. We do chores together, we play together, we are a family - all of us!

Now I know why people look forward to the weekend, but I don't want to go back to work. I guess that's coming soon, though...