We are back from Korea. It was a very valuable learning experience for us all. We are now living in Arizona. Owen and I have decided to do some roll reversal and I will be the full-time student/ wage earner and he will be the full-time stay at home parent. This was a decision that came directly from our experience in Korea.As you might guess from the above picture, I am in training to become a chef. Today is the end of my first week of classes and I will say that each day as I return from school, I feel as if the stars have aligned and I have found the huge missing piece in my life.
That sounds dramatic I know, but for the past 8 years I've tried to take what I thought was the most righteous path for a woman and force that idea into my gaping hole with disastrous results. I love being a mother, but when you are a mother through adoption things tend to be quite different for you. You can pretend to be like all of the other mothers at play group, but aside from the fact that you also have a child to hold and care for, you are quite a different breed of woman. I won't go on about this but I'm sure that most of you know a lady like me and can empathise.
Anyway, flash forward to right now. Dylan loves that his mommy is training to be a chef and loves to be my "chef's assistant" in the kitchen at home. I let him wear some of my gear and I think that I will get him his own hat and apron with his name on it just to make his honorary position more official.
Owen has been nothing but accommodating and supportive and has graciously put his own career on hold until I am finished with school and my externship. As for me, I won't lie, although the training is riggerous and the classes are challanging, I absolutely love every minute of class and the hours of study that follows.
We are currently getting things together for Dylan to enter 2nd grade. He's a bit nervous but we are certain that he will do just fine. Owen is adjusting pretty well as well and we will se how he likes house work, cooking and dealing with the PTA and all things elementary in the following weeks. I plan to take over my rightful place as head homemaker once I'm done with school but I am so grateful that he is willing to allow me to focus fully on my studies right now.
We have become a non-traditional family but I think that the long-term results will be positive.
P.S. If you are interested, I am still working on photography but for the time being at a more "serious hobby" level instead of a career course. Owen has also developed a love for photography and it has become a hobby we share as we go out in the wilderness.
ReplyDeleteThere is NOTHING wrong with nontraditional when it feels right for your family. Good luck to you! I know you rock the kitchen! :)
ReplyDeleteBecky, I really hope that everything keeps going well. You guys have been down a really rough road and you deserve the best. I'm glad that you have internet again and I look forward to hearing from you guys in the future.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're back, and that you are happy. :) I have no doubt that, based on how you feel about school, you're on the right track and will be a marvelous chef!
ReplyDeleteBecky,
ReplyDeleteI think what your doing is great. I have several other family members who are doing the same thing. There are times when it is necessary -and even makes the whole family happier!