The Work and School Thing

So, I've decided that perhaps blogging about water in the soap is not the best topic if I want people to actually read this. I mean, really.
We originally intended for this blog to be one where we updated consistently about the wonderful and exciting things happening in our life. Maybe we don't do as many exciting things as we thought when we started this blog. I notice, for example, that whenever Ben talks to some of his family who doesn't live here, and they ask how things are going for us, he always says something like, "Oh, you know. Just doing the work and school thing."

That pretty much sums it up. The work and school thing. Maybe there are some work and school things that might be of note. That other people might want to know about.

For example, right now, Ben is about to embark on his fourth hour of studying for midterms/working on a huge project. That leaves me moping around. I've already practiced piano, watched The King and I on AMC, read the latest issue of Runners World and NEA Magazine, taken my Sunday nap, and talked on the phone to my friend.

I need a hobby. It always gets to this point somewhere mid-semester for me, when I begin to pout about my solitary evenings and watch mind-numbing television on the couch. Being the spouse of a person in school full-time is no picnic. Why don't I just do my own things? There are tons of productive, interesting things I could be doing, I'm sure.

Like finishing the last two kitchen chairs that need to be painted. Or going to the library and checking out a few books I've been meaning to read. Giving myself a manicure and pedicure, starting a new load of laundry, cleaning out the guest room closet. "Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera," to borrow a line from the movie I watched today.

Part of it is that I'm a little lazy. I don't like to do projects after dark. Unless I've started one in the daylight, which I clearly haven't today. Part of it is that what I'd really rather do, is spend time with Ben. I'd be happy to clean out a closet with him. Or paint chairs, or do laundry. It's kind of like living with someone who has work schedule that is totally wacky, or is out of town. Or who is a hermit. Except that he is there - just unavailable for conversation or activity.

Now I'm complaining. That's not going to induce anyone to carry on reading any more than my last "water in the soap" post. So I'll do what I know will help me to feel better.

Here are ten things I am grateful for about my current situation:

1. Ben cares about school and wants to do well at the things he does. This translates into everything he does, including mowing the lawn, cleaning the stove top, and communicating with me.

2. It's a cool night in October, and I am comfortably wrapped in a blanket on my couch.

3. We are healthy and happy with each other.

4. We both have jobs and are able to live within our means quite comfortably.

5. We have no debt other than house and school loans. Oh wait, and one car, which is soon to be paid off.

6. I have gently started running again, on flat surfaces only, walking up the hills, and it feels great. I did four miles on Friday morning, finishing with no pain, only a slight blister on my arch.

7. I have a week off for Fall Break this week, and have a few projects in mind. Plus the luxury of being able to exercise in the mornings instead of after work. Glorious!

8. We have a new mower (finally) and I was able to mow the lawn yesterday so that Ben could get in a few hours of study time without me bugging him.

9. Our cars work, and so do the appliances in our house. Knock on wood. Loudly.

10. We have everything we need and want to live a safe, healthy, comfortable life.

I am grateful for those things and a lot more. So, the work and school thing isn't bad. It's good, it could be a lot worse, and I need to remember that.

Any ideas for new hobbies I could reasonably start would be appreciated. Basket weaving perhaps...