Free time

It's official, Don is on an unpaid leave of absence, waiting to hear from the potential new client on their decision to hire JLL or not. After 12 1/2 years with JLL, this is the first time Don is taking time off while we are just at home, no vacation planned.

Don will be doing various business things - finishing his resume, keeping in touch about JLL opportunities in other cities, talking with head hunters for opportunities outside JLL, financial stuff in our world, etc. Truly, I am hoping he has some fun in this gift of free time. I hope he makes the time to go running, snow shoeing, hiking, work-out, or other things I know interest him outside of the world of work and kid life. Home repairs, yard stuff, anything that he wants to do that makes this time off more enjoyable.

It's a gamble, a waiting game, to sit back and be patient, given what is going on in the economy and most of our friends in the commercial real estate sector. We know so many Seattle real estate friends that are laid-off or have dates in April to be laid-off. Time will tell if Don really has to take that leap outside of his current employer and start fresh, somewhere new.

Until then, I have given myself the job of not checking-in with him too much. Yes, I am that wife that will ask, "Are you okay? Do you need anything? Can I make you something to eat?"! I'm a bit worried about Don. He's my husband, I love him, and I know that it is an immense responsibility to support a family of five. Throw in concerns about the economy and finding future employment, and it all feels serious and uncertain.

Those of you that really know me, know that I like to cook when I'm stressed or want to help someone. I'm sure there will be a flurry of recipes, cookies, and other kitchen creations floating around our house in the next couple of weeks. Don't be surprised if I invite you over for dinner or drop off a plate of cookies somewhere, everywhere :)

The good news in all of this, it is Lent. Lent is a time when I always find comfort and peace, as things seem to slow down in many ways for our family. Don and I have been talking about our Lenten commitments to do kind things for others, attend Mass during the week, getting our kids involved with various things, and truly just turning towards our faith. There is so much peace and solace in that for us. Lent, with the combination of my stress-induced cooking, it's going to be a great month!