A new END

Since we moved here things have been crazy. It's been like a constant stage of adjusting. Adjusting to culture. Adjusting to new shopping situation. Adjusting to a new diet. Adjusting to being a student while being a parent. Adjusting to life here. It's had it's ups and downs. Stan and I discussed on our date how we have been struggling. Many reasons as to why have to do with time management. How do we fit it all in? All shopping and 'tasks' take twice as long as we are used to. It's virtually impossible to study with a almost two and three and a half year old running around. Class time is doubled when you add in travel time. So what has been neglected most? Our marriage. It became obvious on our date as we were talking about it all. So what to do, what to do?

We have decided our day needs an 'End'. We were going strong until 11-11:30 (or later) and then crashing, only to get up and start over. Some very wise friends, with four years under their belts, gave us some great advice. End the day, spend time together and then get to bed. We are more effective when we are well rested and have healthy relationships. So the new plan looks like this...

7:30-8:00 Boys in bed (that part isn't new)
8:00-9:00 Stan and I finish up study time or household stuff
9:00-10:00 End the day and Stan and I have down time together (this could include watching TV, reading, talking--whatever, as long as we do it together and we aren't doing any kind of 'work'--obviously exceptions will have to be made some times)
10:00 Bed time.

Seems simple but I can't tell you how many nights I've been up until 12 or 12:30 studying, finishing laundry, cleaning the kitchen, etc. and sometimes simultaneously. It's just not healthy. There are more changes to come during our day but this will be our first step. Once we feel well rested I can't imagine how well the day will go. After a week I'll let you know how the new 'End' goes.