Three years ago, I was a was single, driven career girl, with an even grasp on the corporate ladder and a swing in my step. I had a new car, a new town home condominium that was spotless with everything had its place. I shopped at Saks, had “mani-pedis “with my gal pals and relished sushi lunches with fabulous friends. I worked out five times a week for two hours and was getting back into good shape and good health. Dates included lingering conversations over meals and movies — as well as the occasional candy and flowers. Give me just a minute to say, “Ahhh.”
Fast forward to today! To start with, I am now married to a great guy. On Friday, our little boy will be two years old. TWO! One…Two! Wow, they grow so fast. Today, I work mostly from home running my consulting business. My husband quit his job 18 months ago to stay at home with our son and pursue ministry work. So, here we are together… with our ball-obsessed dog, Maggie. Snug as bugs in a rug. Life is very different in this new place. Very good, and very different.
As I have chatted and tweeted, laughed and cried with my other, now married gal pals — especially the ones with children — we have come to an agreement over the nature of a few, key changes in our lives. My dear friend, Ann, encouraged me to share some of our thoughts with you here.
The new sexy: Hubby doing dishes, laundry and then vacuuming
The new “moo-moo” Yoga pants and a hoodie
The new workout: Picking up toys
The new mop: Calling the dog to lick up mess from floor
The new clean: Dishes out of the sink, everything else stuffed in a closet
The new gourmet: Anywhere kids eat free
The new sushi: Peanut Butter and Jelly cut into triangles
The new sleeping in: 8 am = Heaven!
The new Ann Klein: “Finale Clearance” (say this with French accent)
The new splurge: Expensive shampoo and conditioner
The new mani-pedi: Taking a hot, uninterrupted shower
The new good hair day: CLEAN
The new favorite outfit: Anything that FITS
The new dress up: Wearing a bra
The new date night: Staying awake through the END of the movie
The new foreplay: Kicking off the yoga pants
The new gal bonding: Half -completed thoughts uttered in between shouts of “NO, <insert child’s name> No biting!”
The new teething ring: The dog’s ball (builds immunity)
The new promotion: Transitioning from Pampers to Pullups
The new fabulous: Absorbing each new beautiful word my son says
The new sunset: The peace that comes after bedtime
The new romance: Knowing my husband loves me — even in my yoga pants
In short, life is good. It’s not always easy. It’s often hard work. I’ve learned to let go of control and my own “standards” and desire for order. But in doing so, things have developed a curious order of their own. I have been released into a life I’d only dreamed of. It’s a life indescribable… and one I call, “The New Happy.” Memories of the old life aside, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
