Friday, May 27, 2011

The Company You Keep

Having spent the last 3 months living completely on my own has actually not been a bad thing.  People were shocked before he left when I said I had helped plan out the fact that he was deploying at all.  People have been shocked since that I've had one afternoon of sadness when he'd been gone a week or two, but it was over in less than half an hour.  I talk to my husband nearly every day.  And more importantly, being alone does not have to equal lonliness.

It helps that I enjoy my own company.  I'm rarely bored, because there is always a book to read or something to tidy up.  I make a point to meet with friends for meals and coffee.  And I'm busy with classes, bocce league, and grocery shopping (which seems to be a constant thing lately for grapes!).

But I also have found I have no problem going to lunch by myself.  Or sitting at a cafe and reading or knitting.  I don't find the silence heavy.  The weather has been glorious, not too warm, not too breezy.  And one lunch out I spent it eating... and writing a somewhat risque note to my husband on my new Crane letter paper.  It felt deliciously fun to be doing so while sitting in a cafe full of "ladies who lunch."

Tonight, I plan to spend the evening sitting at an outdoor cafe enjoying a simple ham and cheese sandwich and some iced tea.  I've finished Jane Eyre and am in the middle of The Picture of Dorian Gray, so that and my scarf should keep me busy.  But I refuse to act as a recluse when the weather is beautiful.  Life is too short to not learn to enjoy your own company.  After all, it's the company you always keep.

7 comments:

  1. It is good that you can feel confident and comfortable with yourself so you can be contented alone. Of course I know you miss your honey and would prefer him home but you are becoming comfortable in your own skin while he is away--that is a wonderful benefit. xxBliss

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  2. I really admire the way you are living this! This post was a nice reminder to get out and enjoy the warm weather.

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  3. OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are pregnant!!!!!!!!! I am so happy for you! And I wish I was there as I would love to cook for you!! Enjoy this special time on your own as you will never be alone again. OMG!!! I am THRILLED. Huge hugs!!xoxoxoxoxo

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  4. Way to adjust and get the most out of life, Kalee! I personally love to be by myself. Had to chuckle at La Belette Rouge's comment re once the children start coming, you'll never be alone again! (At least not much and/or not for a looong time.) Hope you are keeping cool in the heat! Bess

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  5. I think it very healthy in relationship when both parties feel they can spend - and enjoy - time alone. When I'm a complete person and you're a complete person, we can draw strength and inspiration and joy from each other rather than be "needy" of each other.

    I've always enjoyed going to movies by myself, as well as having coffee by myself. I have a picture of you looking very chic in a restaurant, writing saucy notes to your husband on beautiful stationery. Great image. Think I'll copy that.

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  6. Such a beautifully written post Kalee. I love spending time by myself, it helps me recharge. If I haven't had enough of it I get a bit grumpy I'm afraid. I'm not nearly as brave as you eating out though. I always feel self-conscious! I love travelling by myself though, whether it's driving or flying it all feels like a bit of an adventure and that I'm the star of my own movie.

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  7. I think you'd love this video. How to be alone.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7X7sZzSXYs

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