Daily Happenings, Family

Dean Day!

The real estate market is moving so quickly. I’ve spent the week going from one house to another, meeting this buyer here, that buyer there, then rushing to write offers to meet the deadlines. Inventory is so low that homes are getting multiple offers and being placed under contract in hours, if we are lucky it can take a couple days.

Since it has been a bit since I have taken an entire day off I have declared today as “Dean Day”. We need a day together to do fun things, and without me doing work. Early this morning went for a great walk and enjoyed talking and wandering along Lake Hickory. Then we had brunch at home, and he is now taking a little nap. I thought I’d write a blog post about the underlying struggle I’m having. This being “Dean Day” I thought I’d be a big shot and said I would turn off my ringer, not check my email, and not even send a text message. What was I thinking? I feel like I want to check my work email, but I won’t… maybe. I feel like I want to check my text messages, but I won’t… maybe just a peek. No. It is so difficult to leave my phone alone. Am I addicted? Do I suffer from FOMO?

I am going to be tough and not touch my phone. I will not check my texts or emails, and I’m going to keep my ringer turned off. Let’s see how this goes today, well at least for the next few hours. Yes, that could be the answer! I won’t go electronic cold turkey, I’ll ease into it. You know, taper off a bit. So, after dinner and dishes I’ll peek? Good grief.

Have any of you figured out how to put your phone away and not think about it for an entire day? If so, please share.

Family, Holidays

That Holiday Spirit

This year it will be a Christmas for two, Dean & I. Before Thanksgiving we decided we wouldn’t put up the big holiday tree. It is a lot of work, and we weren’t feeling the Christmas spirit. Then one evening, shortly after Thanksgiving, we were talking and I mentioned I miss having a tree and feel like it would make my heart so happy. He agreed with a nod, and we moved on to other topics.

The next morning I got up and went to work, and when I got home that evening our front door area was decorated. There was a new wreath, new holiday mat, lots of lights, garland, and glittery things. I was wowed! I unlocked the door, amazed at all the holiday fun, and was greeted by the sweetest 5′ tree. Next to it were the holiday bins filled with my favorite ornaments, and more glittery things. He had also gotten a smaller star and tree skirt for our little tree.

I was so surprised and touched that this man spent his day doing all of this just to see me smile and to make my heart happy. We spent the evening decorating the tree, listening to Christmas music, and enjoying the spirit of the season.

Each night our little tree, patio and entry are lit up, and so too is my heart. Dean really has given me what I needed this holiday season. We will miss family & friends, but our Christmas for two is beyond wonderful in so many ways.

Family, Holidays

He’s More Than a Veteran to Me

I’m the wife of a retired United States Marine. During his twenty-one years I had my fair share of tearful goodbyes mixed in with missed holidays, birthdays and anniversaries. I also had many sleepless nights, and days being glued to the news, and the worry that he was OK. I also got to experience those wonderful homecomings, and the relief of knowing he was finally home.

I have such a deep love and respect for Dean, and my sense of pride I feel for him is difficult to put into words. He gave so much bravely, unselfishly and honorably. He is so much more than a Veteran to me, he’s my guy.

Today is Veteran’s Day – and to him and all those who served and are serving – Thank You.