When my husband was gone for a month

If you are employed in any part of the school system (secondary, higher education, faculty, staff, etc), then anyone would know how stressful the month of August can be.  This month has not been any better than last year around this time; in fact, it may have become worse now that I am more knowledgeable about my job and can handle more difficult situations.  

This month, all in all, has been hard.  I always thought being apart from Z as a married couple would feel exactly the same as it was before when we were just dating, but it really wasn't.  I don't know if it's because I have lived with him for more than a year now and just got used to seeing him everyday, or it's the fact that he is my husband and I just set this subconscious expectation that he should be around.  It's the answer I will never know.  Lilly has been an excellent companion, even though we may occasionally have our moments with each during her bath or walks outside.  The furry dog greeting me the same crazy way every day, regardless of how stressful I have become during the day, made me smile and felt blessed about everything I had in my life.  

It was certainly hard not having Z around as a moral support, someone that I could easily vent to (sorry, hubby), and not being able to unwind with him.  Thus, Lilly became the dog that I vent to even if she didn't understand a thing I was saying - poor thing.  I was mainly frustrated with dealing with people that think they deserve special treatments despite their lack of action or attempt to follow the university policies.  I tried to put on a happy/smiley face at all times, but being an admissions counselor around this time time of the year can be exhausting.   

However, I have been really fortunate to have girlfriends that could keep me company and that I could spend my weekends with.  I spent quite some time with Freda and Jaimy on different occasions - sometimes a whole day on a weekend doing girly things or getting together at night for a happy hour.  It made me feel less lonely and stay socially connected.  I definitely feel like I am more settled down in Houston and have my own group of friends.  

The weekend before Z arrived, I had dinner with Lisa (aka Little Lisa) for Houston Restaurant Weeks and she spent the weekend with me.  She introduced me to a British TV show, Sherlock, which had become one of my favorites because I loved reading Sherlock Holmes novels.  It was just nice to have someone that I could talk to (other than admissions-related topics).  

Being the diva I am, I am certainly being over-dramatic about my life without Z.  Honestly, it really wasn't that bad.  And this month has been equally crazy for me as it has been for Z, so I didn't even realize that this month is almost coming to an end.  Plus, all I really cared at night was to sleep as early as I could.  But, the weekends without him, when I actually had time, felt somewhat empty with even Lilly being around.  

In the end, what I finally learned is to appreciate the independence and to have friends that care about you.  I may not have liked the idea of husband not being home for a whole month, but  I think one's happiness is not solely dependent on the presence of the significant other.  It made me appreciate Z's homecoming even more knowing his presence enhances my happiness.  I think Lilly loved seeing her dad again, too.