Long week

<p>Okay, so I know a lot of people have it worse than me, but allow me to vent my first-world problem: My hubby works ten-hour days four days each week. We love this schedule as it allows us to enjoy the outdoors without dealing with the 17 million other Angelenos who also want to be outside on the weekends. Fridays are fantastic days to go to the beach, enjoy waterfalls in the mountains, and drive those curvy roads without anyone else around. Well, at least, not 17 million of them. But last Friday and the next two Fridays and probably Memorial Day, Robert and his team are writing a grant. It's due in two weeks, so it's crunch time. And I'm learning to deal with being home five days a week. I know, wah, wah, boo hoo, join the rest of the world ... But this throws off my whole schedule, and the Crazy does not like schedule changes. Plus my honey is tired at the end of a 50-hour work week, and then we have to start Sabbath still all fired up from the week with no time to mentally prepare for that lovely day of rest. We go to church tired and maybe still a little irritable because we haven't had our extra day to wind down. And then Sunday we have to rush around to finish taking care of things for the week to come, and then our lovely outdoor time is ruined by 17 million others who are also enjoying their outdoor time. </p>
<p>Case in point: Yesterday we planned a lovely, long drive to one of our favorite hiking spots in the Angeles National Forest. We rarely see people up that high, but the trail is gorgeous, all strewn with tall cedars and cool rock formations, and lots of squirrels for Pippin to chase. Yesterday, though, Highway 2 was closed for some as yet unknown reason, so we had to turn around and drive to the beach. It took us nearly two hours to get there, which was great for our sleeping beauty, but rather tiring for Robert. When we got to the beach, it was just full of surfers, tailgaters, sunbathers, dog walkers, stoners, tunnel-to-China diggers, sand castle builders, and of course lots of sand and water. We did have a beautiful time, though, and really, the beach at Leo Carillo seldom attracts the huge crowds you see at other beaches in Los Angeles County. Karlina loves playing chicken with the waves, Pippin loves searching for sticks in the soft sand, and we really just enjoyed hanging out. </p>
<p>However, today we still feel a little frantic since we didn't have Friday to deal with bills and mail. Poor Robert came home for lunch and had to eat in ten minutes because he spent the rest of the time on the phone trying to sort out some business. I don't quite feel rested, and I'm sure Robert is feeling a little unprepared for the week as well. </p>
<p>But here's the silver lining: I can take it a little easier this week and next knowing that I have five days instead of four to get all my work done. Which might mean a trip to the park, perhaps a library run, and some much-needed crochet time. </p>
<p>So, life looks a little different this week, but it's going to be just fine. We will survive and appreciate our three-day weekends even more from now on.