Great weekend with the family,a lot of pure quality family time which was definitely needed.  We have so much going on and so many decisions that are on the cusp of being made that getting lost in our boys is a welcomed oasis. 

I was able to sneak away for a few hours to split some wood at the house.  I’m not really sure why I find it so therapeutic to sling a 12 lb sledge-hammer but for some odd reason I love it. The exercise as well as sweat is great and the results are rewarding, however it’s the quiet time that affords me the luxury to actually think about everything. 

This past weekend was no different, it was an absolutely beautiful day and I had been at it for a little while when I started thinking about our current position with the house which shortly led me to reflect on the last 14 months and all that we’ve been through as well as experienced.  For 2 people who share the mindset that you create your own road and it’s solely up to you to do so, we’ve been taught through experience during these last several months that there are times in life when you’re thrown a  Sandy Koufax curveball.  We can’t change what has happened, but we can learn from it and then decide whether to move on or step back up to the plate.  Personally I feel that we’ve handled everything remarkably well but at times that just isn’t enough for me. 

You see up until now I’ve had a fairly successful track record of fixing things and I thrive on it.  It doesn’t matter if it’s a broken toy, a gate, an old wheel barrow… I fix it.  Of course this mindset might have slipped into our relationship at times but I tend to think that’s pretty much the norm for guys and I’m hopeful that I’ve gotten better on the listening and validating front.  Not sure if this “fix it mindset” is derived more from nature or nurture but it’s there.  Hurry up and make things right, get it back together or on track – fix it.

I was taught years ago that the key to hitting a curveball is patience.  Of course determination and focus is imperative but patience is the key.  You have to wait, wait until the ball starts to break before you swing.  Patience is not one of my strengths.

Also, I came across a short but great article recently on remodeling – definitely worth the 2 minute investment: 3 Ways to Keep Your Cool During a Remodel.