Random thoughts on Tuesday

I've been pondering the concept of "getting used to things" lately. Do we truly ever "get used to" things? When surroundings or circumstances change, do we simply "get used to" it? When relationships end or what we know to be true is revealed as false, do we "get used to" it? I've decided that rather than saying we get used to things, I believe we simply accept the difference and determine to make it compatible with our life. There is so much outside of our control, but the way we approach change and our attitude toward different things can greatly impact the outcome. (Sometimes I really do sound like a social worker, huh?)
Here is a list of a few things I have refused to "get used to," but am trying to accept as different and approach them with a positive attitude.

1- Really big, ugly, persistent BUGS!!! Tracy, I remember stories about the bugs you dealt with in Florida. I apologize for not having a true understanding...until now. From the moment we set foot in our new house, I have learned that bugs are simply a part of living in the South. This is something I can NEVER "get used to." I'm not talking about those little ants we used to get back home...BIG nasty suckers that DO NOT DIE!!!! So I approach them positively, knowing our bug man is a phone call away and the possible presence of those nasty things in my house forces me to keep it very clean!

2- TRAFFIC! When we lived in Rochester, I had a 25 mile commute to work one-way through downtown. I complained about this a lot! There is always construction, bad weather or simply crazy drivers that tack on at least an extra 10 minutes to the 30 minute drive. Honestly, I did not know what traffic was until moving here. Being a huge tourist area, there are cars everywhere...all the time. They haven't done a very good job at learning how to move the traffic, so it just sits...and sits...and sits!!! I tend to get twinges of road rage in situations like this. I am trying to use that extra time as opportunities to call friends and family (no cell phone/driving laws here, so I'm safe!), sing loudly with Paige or count how many out of state license plates I see.

3-HORRIBLE WORK SCHEDULE!! We are so thankful that Mike found a job that allows us to have benefits, but it truly is not a long term solution for our family. 4 days in a row of work means 4 days in a row of only seeing Mike for dinner. I miss him most after the kids go to bed, but they miss him all day. I will never "get used to" going to bed by myself or being alone when I wake up at 3am, but it provides for the family at a time when we need it and knowing the medical coverage is there puts us both at ease.

So, I am trying to accept some of these new realities with a positive attitude. Some days are better than others. I think when we "get used to" too many things, we become complacent.