SOL #5
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Today is Day 5 of the Slice of Life Challenge at the Two Writing Teachers blog. I am cross posting this for Holly Mueller’s Spiritual Thursday round up. There we are writing each week about another blogger’s one little word. This week is Libby’s word Adventure.
My OLW is Reach. Much like the word Adventure, it leads to something new, coming out of your comfort zone, and being open to what may lie ahead.
My husband and I are workaholics. It’s part of our DNA. Together we raised three daughters. This took up a lot of time, and so did our jobs. When we became empty nesters, I took on National Boards. The process was one of growth and reflection; however, it did nothing to build a stronger relationship with my husband.
In 2010, at his suggestion, I gave Jeff dancing lessons for Christmas. He wanted us to have something special together. Together we wanted to enjoy the Cajun/Creole culture more. After that first round of lessons, we signed on for group lessons. We’ve been going every Wednesday night since (except one period of time when I was recovering from an ankle injury.)Even though we’ve been dancing for 4 years now, we still learn something new every week.
We are more open to new musical adventures. We recently discovered some fun local music. On the first Sunday of every month, a Western swing band plays at the Feed-n-Seed. This band is made up of ten musicians, most of whom are in other bands. They are the best musicians around. They do this just for the love of it. No one is making any money. You can feel the love in the room.
We haven’t learned any swing moves, so we just dance the jitterbug and two-step. Energy is high. Everyone wears smiles. Reaching for adventure is taking a step away from the usual, embracing your partner, and two-stepping through life.
Reflections on the Teche 
I really like your OLW, and how you’ve connected it to your newest hobby with your husband. We are facing those years soon in our house, too. I think more stories of empty-nesting adventures need to be published; life can be vibrant post-childrearing!
I was thinking about the possibility of doing the National Boards. After reading this, maybe I won’t. 😉 I love that the two of you take dance lessons and enjoy live music! It’s so important to keep the adventure of marriage alive!
I didn’t mean to discourage National Boards. It’s intense but a good process for making you a better teacher and affirming what you know. Our state has a nice bonus, too.
That made me dance in my chair! Such fun, Margaret.
That’s fantastic Margaret. I love to dance and it’s too bad that we don’t make time for it. We have the time but probably not the where with all. Good for you. Better than couples’ therapy, right?
Love this. That is the best reach ever. And it made me want to come to the Feed-n-Seed. Or find one here. Thanks!
This sounds like so much fun, Margaret!
I think I need a new hobby to balance my working life. So glad that you and your husband found dancing and music to bring you more together!
How fun! It’s great that you and your husband find this time to be together. Friday nights have naturally become our date night. After a long week at work, we’re ready to relax together and have some fun.
What a great idea . . . to turn your passion into something that helps you to focus on your relationship! This is a true gift. I love seeing how you embrace life every moment.
Congrats on dancing with your husband. This is so romantic.