Stealing Time Together

Nap Time:  I've always been a fan of naps.  But now, they are actually a way for us to spend time together.  Sort of sad, but sort of not.  Putting our son down for his own nap means sneaking in to the bedroom to snuggle up and get some contact time before he heads off to work again.

Sick Days:  Yep, I'm using 'em.  Well, one half day.  So far.  Just to head out of town to do lunch and a little shopping together.

Nights out with non-cop friends:  It's important, really...to keep his head in the real world and to keep our lives as normal as possible.  Dinner, a comedy show, drinks...anything really - whatever it takes to get out.  Now-a-days it's usually in the middle of the week, though.  Which means an early night for me so I can get to work on time the next morning.

Nights out with cop friends:  Also important.  It's a good way for him to get stuff off his chest and to confirm or deny stuff.  He can get and give advice, talk shop with a willing and knowledgeable audience.  And I can keep my ties with the women (and men) who will be there for me when s*%t hits the fan.  There are no wives that can understand my complaints and concerns as well as other cop wives.  They can also give advice when necessary.

Working out:  We hit the Y together as often as possible.  Running next to each other is a good way to get caught up and to stay in shape.  I don't run as fast as him, so running on side-by-side treadmills is excellent.  Even if we don't talk, it's nice to be in the same room - and it's important for him to workout (hard to manage with his current odd hours).

Walking the dogs:  Another way to stay in shape and have a family outing.  Our poor dogs have really taken a hit by "the man's" new schedule.  I sleep all night, so the dogs have no choice.  I get up and leave, passing the baton to my husband, who then sleeps all day...once again, the dogs have no choice.  So, as many days as is possible, we walk the dogs together when I get home from work.  It gets him up and moving after his "morning" coffee, and it allows me to wind down from my day.  I think it's time to break down and put the $$ into building a fence this summer so the dogs can run free all day.

Texting:  I never liked it...and I don't really like it now, either.  But...I have to admit, it is nice to see a note from the man on occasion throughout my day and night.  Just a little way to stay in touch when we see little of each other.

Hangin' with the guys

It's an important part of any job, really...getting to know your colleagues and interacting with them, sometimes socially.  It makes working with them easier.  Yes, complications can arise when you work with your friends...but I genuinely believe that it is better that your co-workers be your friends than your enemies...or simply indifferent co-inhabitants of the same workspace.

In life and death careers, it's even more important that employees be friends (or at least friendly), as these people are the ones who should have your back when the *&$# hits the fan.

So, even though my nose is just a hair out of place, I totally understand why "the man" is out enjoying the company of his new dept. folk.  Of course, it meant that I didn't get to see him today...at all.  It's a small price to pay for fitting in, though.

Police work is a career laden with egos.  Guys (and gals) who have been on the force forever and think they know everything (and they might).  Young hot shots who become too competitive and think they're better than everyone else.  And those who are always nervous about being passed over for a promotion or overlooked as they stand in the shadow of another.

In hierarchical jobs, find your place is important.  Knowing where you stand, who has your back, who doesn't, who you can trust, and who you can't...these things are almost as important as the job itself.

So, yes, kicking back a few beers and taking in some entertainment with the guys is pretty important work.

Even if it means giving up one of the few nights I have with "the man."

Boo.  But, I'll get over it.  On Friday...when I hit happy hour with my co-workers and "the man" gets to pick up the kid and enjoy some quality parent/child time.