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On one hand...

We're ending day 6 of a 7-day family/friends tour of Missouri. There are alot of paradoxical elements to family visits.

On one hand it's great to visit and kind of relax, but on the other hand, we're ready to be home and in our own space.

On one hand it's nice to get away, spend time in the car together, and listen to some good books on CD, but on the other hand, after quite a bit of time, it'll be nice to not have a trip over 15 minutes for the next week or so. To recap...Weds: Our home to my parents'--5 1/2 hours. Thurs and Fri: No driving!! Saturday: My parents' to friends in Columbia-- 2 1/2 hours, then friends to M's parents' place--2 hours. Making a triangle in East Central Missouri...priceless. Tomorrow we'll go 35 minutes to Children's, whole day of visits, same trip back here, then 3 hours home.

On one hand it's nice to let the hosts do their thing, but on the other hand, we tend to like things our own way.

On one hand it's great that Braska will sleep well in a Pack N Play if it's quiet and dark, but on the other hand those conditions are not always easy to come by, sometimes downright impossible.

On one hand it's nice to catch up with family, but on the other hand, sometimes you wish you were still out of date and blissfully in the dark.

On one hand it's great to have lots of food around and goodies a'plenty, but on the other hand, I'm gonna have to put in some serious treadmill time to make up for that a'plenty.

On one hand it's nice to just have the four of us (me, M, Braska, and Belle) as a little family capsule moving around together visiting, away from some distractions, but on the other hand...ok, I got nothing on that one. I just plain like it. My husband would probably have something to add there, though.

On one hand we like the fun, games, goofiness, teasing, and playful spirit of lots of family, but on the other hand, we really like quiet.

On one hand we're very appreciative for our parents for contributing to who we are, but on the other hand, sometimes it's so very painful to watch them and see glimpses of ourselves in situations, conversations, and attitudes. On one hand that's no fun, but on the other hand, we always come home with new resolve not to repeat or carry on certain traits. It happens with both sides. Some things are funny as we elbow each other and smile, and some are just hard to watch. We talk about how we don't want that attitude, that "gene," or that social tick. And we ask, can we overcome? The cool thing is that we're succeeding in many ways. Hopefully, Braska will have a shorter list of things to overcome. All we can aim for is improvement.

On one hand we love to spend time with our families, but on the other hand we try hard not to make it alot of time. Everyone comes out better that way.

All in all, it's been a pretty good visit. Better than many. I call it a successful trip.

Comments

  1. All I can say is it's a good thing you have two hands, or everything would be "on the one hand..." :o)

    It was nice to have you all here. Wish we had played some cards! The time just went by too fast.

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  2. I think you summed up family visits perfectly! We always go into our trips with a sense of "yay, it'll be great to..." and come home with "so glad that's done!"

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  3. Ah, yes, the family visit. Pain and happiness and anger and joy all wrapped up tighter than a burrito. Although it doesn't taste quite the same.

    Great post.

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  4. Glad it went well - I can totally relate! I'm glad you had some good family time with the 4 of you! :)

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  5. All that getting away can make you appreciate being home, can't it?

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  6. Mom--I'm glad I have two hands too.

    Sunflower--I thought I'd be more glad to be home, but now I have to cook again.

    Tom--A VERY tight burrito, it is.

    Jennifer--Family of 4 :o)

    Shannon--True, I do thank goodness for my own bed!

    ReplyDelete

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