Barbour Fly Fishing Rows Jacket (Visit the Lincoln Park Barbour Store at 2042 North Halsted Street or call 773-360-7926 to order), Leather Tarras Bag, Vision Slim Fit Jeans, and Braye Sweater (c/0) / GH Bass Kiltie Loafers (c/o) / Kate Spade Sunnies (Old, similar here) / Daniel Wellington Watch (c/o) / Miriam Merenfeld Monogrammed Necklace (c/o)
The best part of my day is around 5 p.m., when Noodle and I meet Mitch at the halfway point of his walk home from work. The neighborhood is its busiest at that time, and I love experiencing the hustle and bustle. Obviously, though, catching up with Mitch is even better. ;) Noodle goes crazy when she finally spots him, and it takes her a good five minutes to calm down. She’s usually so happy to see him that she cries! It’s the cutest.
As Mitch and I met through our teaching fellowship positions in the Bronx, this is our first year not being together 24 hours a day. We used to do everything together–get ready, commute, eat lunch, and even teach the whole seven grade. Our lives were completely intertwined in every possible way. I know it seems like a lot of “together time,” but we worked really well together, and kept each other going. Frankly, I think I would have quit my job three years earlier had it not been for Mitch.
This past September, when the situation totally changed, I was a bit apprehensive. Of course, nearly all couples go to different jobs and have different work lives, but we’d never done that before. Would things remain the same?
Fast forward seven months, and things are better than they’ve ever been. Not because we’re apart during the day, haha, but because our jobs are no longer the focus of our lives. Back in New York, it was incredibly difficult to leave work at work. We were almost always stressed, anxious and upset about something going on at school, and since we were coworkers and married, it was hard to not talk… and talk… and talk about it. I can’t tell you how many times we’d say to each other, “Okay! No talking about the Bronx today!” But it never worked. There was very little division between our personal and professional lives during the work week, and it was rough.
Now, though, everything is different. While it goes without saying that I miss my husband throughout the day, I think this year’s situation is much better. Yes, our jobs are far less stressful than our old ones were, but I also think not teaching together has helped to create a good separation between work and real life. Which is such a good thing. We certainly talk about work–usually on our afternoon walks–but we don’t talk about it all day long. We do more living. Work is important, but life is more important.
Whoops! I’m rambling again.
Anyway, this Barbour Fly Fishing Rows Jacket has been my go-to jacket over the past few weeks for our afternoon walks, as it’s lightweight yet warm for that lovely April wind we’ve been experiencing. And how adorable is the lining?! Sigh. I love a good lining, haha. Sizing tip: order one full size up. To order: visit the Lincoln Park Barbour Store at 2042 North Halsted Street or call 773-360-7926 if you’re nowhere close to Chicago. :)
Photos by Jess of The Golden Girl
Loving the honesty of your post Kelly! Seriously, so good to hear the flaws we all have. My boyfriend and I also sometimes struggle with this, but things have gotten better. Glad they have for y’all too! PS love the jacket and your sweet pup. Barbour is the best!
adoredbyalex.com
I’ve always wanted a Barbour jacket. If I ever move back to cold place, I’m getting one. Love the detail on yours.
Shae @ http://www.currenthabits.com
Oh my goodness, that lining is precious! So is the fact you meet Mitch halfway home – too sweet.
xo
Alex | Mrs. Mason Dixon
That LINING. You’re right – totally adorable. (Although Noodle is rivaling that adorableness with that picture of her in the window. I wonder what that dog thinks about sometimes!
Yay for a lovely spring!
Kelly
Ohio Stripes
Love the jacket and I’m in love with Noodle!!!!
I remember the stress you were under last year while still teaching in the Bronx. No one can fully understand how much a teacher brings home with them unless they are a teacher or live with one. Each day you and Mitch dealt with all the social, and personal issues the kids had going on at home. It had to be impossible to shut down just because you left the campus. Now, only Mitch has work through the those issues, but you understand. This situation is a win, win!!! I’m so happy your new city, life choices and the addition of Noodle had made changed your lives for the positive!
Kelly, your writing style is just so on point. Also I love that you meet Mitch on his way home from work. So adorable and perfect. Oh, and how can I forget Noodle?!?! She is such a perfect addition to your life!
Chelsea
Ginger Side of Life
My husband and I work together and I wouldn’t have it any other way, but we do talk about work all the time!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
Glad to hear your new situation is working out – it’s terrible to have to take your work home with you and have to consume your life. Work is a big part of it, but not all of it, and having balance is so crucial.
Chic on the Cheap