A Good Place to Be

I think, finally, we’ve begun to ease into our new life out here. We’re finding a comfortable pattern and are adjusting to the changes. In the beginning, it was difficult. There was a definite strain on our relationship. Moving to a new city can be tough enough, but being in a foreign country on the other side of the world only added to our stress. There were so many little things, unexpected frustrations we couldn’t have planned for. And, of course, the aftermath of Mouse’s accident simply compounded everything. None of it was easy. There were days when we didn’t like each other and angry words were exchanged. The tiniest cracks in the foundation of our relationship were magnified ten-fold. I had doubts and wondered if this was our biggest mistake yet. I questioned whether or not our relationship could withstand the stress. But, as time has passed, the stress has eased and the tension faded. We are settling into a comfortable pace. We are enjoying life again.

For me, returning to work was a big factor. Even though I liked the idea of being on an extended holiday, I need the structure and mental challenge a job (especially nursing) demands. I thought I would be jealous that Mouse wasn’t working. It doesn’t bother me, though. Instead, I’m happy knowing he will be around when I’m off. We cook dinner and drink wine. We’re addicted to Master Chef. We’ve become thoroughly domestic, but we’re enjoying it. More importantly, we are genuinely enjoying each other’s company again. We laugh. We tease. We’re simply at ease with our life. After all the struggles of the past couple months, it’s so good to have found this place.