I’m a big believer in trying to look on the bright side of things. So over the last few days I’ve noticed a few benefits of unemployment.
I don’t have to get out of bed quite as early. Up until last week I’d have to get my husband and both of my children out the door at a decent hour. Since we live in a one bathroom house, that’s a lot of jockeying for position in the bathroom every morning. Now that my husband doesn’t have to go to work in the morning, the bathroom can be split between me and the kids. Still not easy, but easier.
I don’t have to go to soccer practice in the rain. My husband loves taking the kids to soccer practice. I don’t mind, except for when it’s raining. Since my husband is home from work, he gets soccer duty, and he gets to deal with the bad weather. :)
My husband has the opportunity to coach my son’s soccer team. My husband has always wanted to coach a team, but he’s never had the opportunity, because practice started before he got off work. When he took the kids to soccer practice last Thursday, he found out the my son’s team needs a substitute coach this weekend. So my husband gladly stepped in. That opportunity has never come up when I’ve taken the kids to practice. If you’d ever seen me try to play soccer, you’d understand why nobody ever asks me to coach.
I don’t have to take both children to appointments. My daughter has an orthodontist appointment this afternoon. Will I be taking my son? Nope. My husband will be home to watch him. Maybe they’ll even get a chance to play with my son’s new football.
My husband was home to get me out of a tight spot yesterday. On Mondays the bus comes to get my son at 8:30 in the morning. I also have to leave around 8:30 to get my daughter to school. Until yesterday the bus had never been late, so I’d never had a problem. Yesterday, however, the bus still wasn’t there at 8:40. I needed to take my daughter to school, or she’d be late. Had my husband not been home, I would have been stuck waiting for my son’s bus, and my daughter would have been late to school. (Turns out there was some bad communication at the bus barn, and my son’s bus never did come. I ended up having to bring him to school, too).
My husband and I have a chance to spend some quality time together. When you don’t have a lot of money, babysitters are hard to come by. I think the last time my husband and I went on a date was on our anniversary in June. I’m thinking maybe we should take a walk together on Friday after the kids head to school. I don’t know the last time we took a walk alone together. It’s something we used to do before we had kids. I think we should re-start our tradition while we have a chance.
Yes, there are definitely benefits to unemployment.
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My dh used to work offshore. He’d been gone for a bunch of days in a row, then he’d come in and have a few days off. I was working fulltime then, so we didn’t get to do a lot of stuff together, but it was nice for him to be home during the week.
I called in sick a lot to be with him LOL
Great post! It just goes to show that you can find positives out of all situations.
I’m glad you can look at the positives Lynnae. I know its stressful, but I’m praying something wonderful comes up for Shannon soon…and in the meantime, that ya’ll are really able to enjoy each other :)
You are right to live live to the fullest in all situations.
Hi Lynnae, How was Sam’s birthday party? I bet it was a blast.
Sounds like something wonderful. Maybe hubby can get that home business started!
When my wife has doctor appointments, she takes our daughter (who is older) and I stay home with our son (who is younger). It sometimes frustrating for me because I’m trying to work, but I know she appreciates it a lot.
Walks are great. You should definitely start those up again. :-)
Thanks everyone! We are trying to make the best of things, and it’s been an encouraging week. I hope to update tomorrow.
@Hilda – the birthday party turned more into a playdate, but it was still fun. We have a small house, so we only invited 3 kids. One couldn’t come and another got sick. Oh well. Sam didn’t know the difference.
@boomeyers – We’re working on the business!
@Ryan – I’m sure your wife LOVES you for staying home with your son. I HATE taking the kids to my doctor’s appointments!
I am glad you can bring out the positives in you tough situation.