And I grew strong and I learned how to get along

I'm baaaa-aaaack to blogging.  It's been a nice summer off from both reading and writing blogs, but I've missed it and I am refreshed and ready to recommit.

It's been an fairly uneventful summer here at the Buergler Haus.  I hated it and loved it at the same time.  Just three short years ago Eric and I were so busy that in one calendar year we only had 5 weekends that were not filled with weddings, showers, babies, travel, holidays, or work.  And now, we have so many leisurely days, nights and weekends that I am almost bored.  At the end of the day, this summer taught me about being truly present to my family, and to be thankful for my many, many blessings.

This summer I learned that I am still battling depression and took action to manage it.  The last few weeks have been a thousand times better than the start of the summer.  I feel like "me" again, and an even better me.  I am more focused, more productive, and more in control.  I am looking forward to my follow up at the end of the month to see what the next step is.

Eric and I spent the last year and a half saving for a vacation.  We decided to go to Ireland because his alma mater was playing a football game there.  It was an incredible get away and even better to know that we saved and paid for the trip before we even left.  We even came home with left over money! (This will cover the cost of the photo book and jump start the next vacation fund!)  Don't worry, there will be an entire post on this very soon!

In the spring time Eric's company started lay offs.  We knew he'd be "safe" for a while, but that the company was such a disaster it was only a matter of time.  Fortunately he had the foresight to get his resume together and started putting out feelers for a new job. A few weeks ago his entire department was let go with the exception of him and five other guys.  They were given a contract through November with a short list of action items and the ability to work from home.  To many this might seem like a blow, but since we knew it was coming, have appropriate savings, etc, we weren't too worried.  In fact, it's been pretty awesome.  Eric has been able to keep up with the day-to-day around the house while I am putting in 40+ hours a week at work.  A bit of role reversal. We've had random fun outings like day hikes and afternoon walks.  He's had a couple of interviews with some positive feed back, so things will probably shift back to normal soon, but we've enjoyed the brief change in routine.

Speaking of routine...this Fall Evie is going to a sitter a few hours a day for a few days a week.  This will allow me to have regular office hours while Eric is working.  I haven't had a daily wake up time and routine since high school (gulp, twelve years ago).  It's totally new for me, and very refreshing.  I think this will help me be even more productive, plus being away from Evie for a few hours a day to do "adult" things (and get paid!) will help me be a better mom.

At the end of the month I will turn 30. It's my Golden Birthday.  I have a lot of thoughts about turning 30 and feeling old, and responsible, blah blah.  But as my friend Dennis told me, "You're living the dream.  Spouse, Home, Kid, Job"  So ya know what? I am not going to complain about turning 30, instead, be thankful for all that I have!

Cheers to the Fall.  Even though I cram 12 months of work into 4 this time of year, I have so much to be thankful for (including said insane job).  We had a bumpy spring and summer, but we grew strong and learned how to get along.

And I know that,

As long as I know how to love I know I'll stay alive; I've got all my life to live, I've got all my love to give and I'll survive, I will survive.  Hey Hey.