Refreshed and Exhausted

D and I just returned from a weekend away. We went to a marriage enrichment weekend that was recommended to us by our priest and his wife. Not that we’re “in need” of such a weekend, so to speak...we’re not contemplating divorce, or disliking one another, and we weren’t court ordered to go (but man, I swear some of the couples there looked as though they might’ve been!). But it was, all in all, a wonderful weekend for us. We got away - together - which was about 99% of the greatness of the weekend, and along the way we learned a lot and came to realize that even though we feel like our individual lives and our common life together are a little chaotic and disordered much of the time, we really do a lot of things right. Not to say that there isn’t room for improvement and change and thoughful reflection and communication, but I’ve come away from the experience with a newly found trust in the love my mate has for me. It’s a pretty wonderful thing.

It was a rather evangelical event, and D and I aren’t generally the types to go in for that. We found ourselves kind of taking away what we wanted from some of the sessions and didn’t “buy into” some of the ideas that were presented. Walking out of a women’s only session this morning, I was near convinced that I’m doing everyone in my home a disservice by working. That there’s something wrong with me because I need the balance of both career and home life. That’s a little harsh, I guess, even though in round-about terms I believe that’s what was being promoted. It did cause me to think critically about my current job, however, and how it may be impacting me, and in turn my family, in terms of my general attitude and complete exhaustion and the end of a day. It was kind of interesting.

In general, a good conference. Overall, a wonderful and truly valuable, memorable weekend with my very best friend. I’m refreshed, but so exhausted and emotionally drained that I can hardly see straight. Good thing my mom took it upon herself while she was watching the kids to make dinner for the crock pot. Everything, salad, meat, veg, even dessert are prepared and ready. Now it’s time for trick-or-treat. Photos to come!