A friend of mine who is still living in China posted a status on her facebook page about her crazy trip to the Yellow Mountains. I asked her to “tell me more” and she then told a story of an extra long train ride, treacherous hikes in the mountains and more of a “typical” China vacation. Despite being able to almost feel the uncomfortable nature of the trip, it made me long for life back in China. Okay long probably isn’t the right word, I don’t long for China, but I miss a few things about it. Besides some great friends we made there, the number one thing I miss about our life in China is the predictability of the unpredictable.
Both Andy and I thrived on the fact that when we woke up in the morning, we had no idea and really very little control about what was going to happen that day. It was splendid. As you can imagine and if you so desire can read about in numerous older blog postings (October 2006 – May 2008), we would plan on ordering dinner in one evening but by noon had plans to be taking a visiting HP manager shopping at the fake market and dining at Yi Café. Or we would think we were going one place and would arrive three hours late due to bad Friday afternoon traffic, etc. etc. I could go on and on, but my point is that we never got into a strong routine and the unplanned nature of our lives there would unfold in front of us rather than being planned months in advance.
These statements make me realize I am not a huge fan of routine. Maybe this is why I hate the morning routine of showering, drying my hair, make up, etc. The only part of the morning routine I like is picking out my clothes and jewelry for the day as it is probably the closest thing I have to a creative outlet on most days. Hmmm, maybe I need a hobby. I am not a big hobby fan though unless you count traveling or exercise like running and biking as a hobby. The night time routine is even more painful for me as there is absolutely nothing creative or fun about brushing, flossing, putting stretch mark removal cream on my stomach and washing my face. Okay, now it is well established that I don’t like routines.
Being home with the kiddo has many elements of a routine but it is just unpredictable enough that I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I never know when she is going to poop on me or need my reassurance for something that is troubling her or when I am going to have to produce my teet to nourish our growing girl. I say these things in jest but I honestly look forward to her changes every day. Her first purposeful smile, the new and changing coos, her noticing things for the first time. It is a hoot!
Having kids will definitely bring some needed unpredictability back into our lives….probably not to the extent that we had in China, but perhaps as much. On our first date night awhile back, Andy and I came up with a plan to take a year off of work to travel the world in the next ten or so years. At this point, it is only blue sky dreaming, but I really want us to make it happen. Hold us to it! If you still read this blog in eight years and we have made no progress towards this goal, please post a comment and tell us to get our butts in gear. Until then, we will do our best to keep life as unpredictable (and fantastic) as possible.
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