a different kind of home.

WARNING: long, wordy post ahead...bear with me ;)

From June 2006 until June 2009, {cv} resided in the office building on the left. Though he paid rent on an apartment, his office was really the place he called home. Most know that offices are far from cozy, which makes the concept of calling it "home" pretty miserable. His cube was filled to the brim with papers, a football, and one small picture frame of us on the beach {which I gave to him after my one trip to his office when I saw his desk was barren otherwise}. 

Ironically, his new "home" in Providence looks somewhat similar to his old one. {See the jukebox-shaped building on the right?} He has called this office "home" for just under two years. I have only been invited up once--to share Thai take-out on a particularly long weekend stay in the office. In my opinion, it looks exactly the same as his former cube. Some days, I just want to come in there and slather it in a happy yellow, but it probably wouldn't go over so well--but I digress! 

The years of long distance only allowed me small glimpses into this life he led in the cubicle. His blackberry buzzing at 1:00am was my worst nightmare in those days. To his credit, {cv} would do a great job at trying to clear his plate {when he could!} when I would be in town. Sure, there were plenty of occasions where he was absent because of the hours logged in his cube, but I knew he would be there if he could be. It wasn't a choice he was making--it was a choice being made for him.

In an odd way, I am thankful I didn't bear witness {firsthand} to those years he logged at his "home" in North Carolina. I almost think of it as a blessing because our weekends together were an opportunity for him to {try to} step away from the desk which held him hostage seven days a week. Now that we're in the same place, I look back on those years and wonder how I survived without seeing him for a few weeks or months. The irony in that statement is that there are some days I just get a glimpse  of {cv} through shaded eyes when he crawls into bed after a 17-hour day.

I know the tone of this post isn't, how shall we say, complimentary of {cv}'s line of work. Just to be very clear, I love my husband dearly. I admire his drive, his brilliance, and his stick-to-itiveness. He is a problem-solver, an innovator, and, quite possibly, the hardest worker you'll ever meet. I'm forever grateful to call him my own because I know all of these qualities will translate elsewhere in our lives in the years to come. Whenever a baby {v} enters this world, I know that he will be an incredible father and will stop at nothing to provide the best for our family.

So, when {cv} works a long day {or 20}, I find myself thankful for those years we spent apart. At my core, I know the memories of those years help me get through the lonely days we are spending in Rhode Island. Our time here simply makes me look forward to the years when we can try to carve out a more "normal" schedule, because I know he will eventually earn his place further up the corporate ladder.  

There is a strange comfort in discovering the years of long distance were worthwhile. Those years apart certainly prepared us for this period in our lives and I will always be grateful for that. I will always have a love-hate relationship with his "home" at the office. I only recently made the decision to understand why he works so hard--and not to resent him for it. He does it for us--and our future clan of baby {v}'s.

How have your past experiences shaped your present ones? {loaded question--I know!}

What love-hate relationships do you have? 

For those of you who made it to this point in the post, thank you...I can honestly say that blogging has made me feel at home in a place where I know a sum total of maybe 5 people I could call to grab dinner. I count my blessings for each of you :) I'm here for you too! Remember: I have an open line, just for you. Have a great Wednesday--and thanks again for reading! xoxo {av}

P.S. I hope you're pulling together some fabulous Royal Wedding-themed Friday's Fancies! And if the Royal Wedding isn't your thing--don't worry: "normal" Friday's Fancies won't be denied! :)