Then and Now

Then...
Growing up an only child was lonely at times. Especially since I lived on the Northwest side of Chicago and went to school in the South side of Chicago. I had friends in my neighborhood, but through the years they moved away. It was hard to make new friends in the area because I didn't go to the nearby schools and there weren't that many kids on my block.

Don't get me wrong, I had plenty of friends from school and extracurricular activities (piano classes, dance classes, music classes, Filipino organizations, etc.) but they didn't live close by. In the summertime I would get super excited when friends would sleep over (I was never allowed to sleep over anyone's house) because that meant we could play for two days. It was fun.

My aunt, may she rest in peace, used to play with me. As I got older, it just wasn't the same as playing with other kids. So I used my imagination a lot (since we didn't have computers and video games back then... I didn't have Atari) and had fun with my Barbies, other toys/games, and I can't remember what else . I would just close my bedroom door and found ways to fill my day. Often, very often indeed, it was just me, myself and I.

Now...
I'm on leave from work and find myself, for the most part, home alone (until the hubby comes home from work). My friends are all at work, or at home taking care of their kids. Every now and then friends come to visit me (since I'm not supposed to drive), which is usually on the weekends, and that's always fun. Hee hee - kinda reminds me of my childhood summers.

I fill my days with tasks, small chores, and just about anything to keep busy (there's always something to do). I'm not allowed to lift anything heavy, nor do anything strenuous, and am absolutely not allowed to exercise. I'm rarely bored, and if I ever am, I remind myself that this "me" time that I have right now is precious. I will never have this calm, quiet and alone time ever again.

In just a few short months the hubby and I will be bringing a baby into this world. We look forward to this with great joy and Lord knows we've waiting a long time for this! The 11 years of marriage that the hubby and I had, of just us, will be changing soon... and we wouldn't want it any other way.

I'm thankful for what I had "then" and am eagerly waiting for what's to come "now"...