Alone Together

Monday, April 7, 2014

This past Friday RJ and I had a little get-away in Santa Barbara.
It was so refreshing and lovely.
Time together and that we sincerely needed.
And it wouldn't have happened without our awesome family. 
Thanks family! We love you!

Do you watch New Girl?
I love it.
Last Monday night I was catching up on a few episodes and I had to screen capture this moment it was making me laugh so hard:
To explain: Jessica (Zooey Deschanel) and her boyfriend Nick decided to "move-in" together (share a room as well as an apartment) so they could be together all the time. Soon after they both started to feel the itch of claustrophobia - the need for a little personal space. In this scene Jessica has checked herself into a hotel and is celebrating being alone. She's literally yelling, "I'M ALONE!!!!". Her euphoria is obvious. 
I watched simultaneously laughing and feeling jealous.

What stay at home mother doesn't relate to this?!

My kids love being around me.
They love me so much they join me in the kitchen, in the shower, in the laundry room, even in the bathroom....
I should be flattered, but sometimes Mama just wants some alone time!

A moment to read a book and eat a snack I don't have to share.

Lately, my alone time comes in small snatches - an hour while the boys rest, an hour or two in the evening, a Saturday hour while RJ takes the kids - and I am incredibly thankful for those small moments. However, I've been craving a serious stretch of quiet. At least a full day. I love my boys but I am with them constantly. Even vacation is continual togetherness since our trips are usually camp trips that include long days and shared sleep space.

And time alone is great but alone togetherness is RJ is even better. I can do all the same things as when I'm solo but I have my favorite person with me if I do feel like companionship.

At first it seemed impossible to carve out any "alone" time. A glance at the calendar showed RJ leaving for Asia for a week, Landon's birthday, Easter, Parker's birthday, etc. But I got creative...and asked for help. My sister and her husband took the kids. RJ's sister and hubby agreed to house swap with us (they have a rad loft-style apartment in Santa Barbara) and I secured late dinner reservations at a non-kid-friendly restaurant we've been wanting to try.

Our time was fabulous.
Quiet, restful, fun.
The perfect bit of "alone" time before a week without the hubby.


How was your weekend?
Have you ever house swapped with a friend/family member? 
It's my new favorite thing - saves you money and is way more comfortable than a hotel. 

4 comments:

Unknown said...

I love this! What a great idea... which of my friends live in cool places....?

I know exactly what you mean about wanting to be alone together! Isn't it great to be married to your best friend?!

Ryan and Camille said...

I like the idea of swapping with someone you know! that's easy! let us know if you ever want some time "in the country." : )

Ryan and Camille said...

I like the idea of swapping with someone you know! that's easy! let us know if you ever want some time "in the country." : )

Jessica G. said...

So fun! I have never swapped with someone, per say, but we have used people's houses before. But if you are ever up for coming to Modesto....hahahaha!

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