Shifting Shifts

My best advice to a new police wife?  Be flexible.  That doesn't mean taking yoga classes (though that might not be a bad idea to fill your time)...it means be ready for the schedule, and subsequently your plan, to change without notice.

The Man works in a small department...but I would imaging this happens everywhere.  They have a monthly schedule, but as people put in for vacation days, sick leave, etc., it changes.  Again, and again, and again.

Our January calendar has changed 3 times so far.  I'm to the point where I have thrown my hands in the air and proclaimed, "I'll just assume you are always working...and when you're home, it'll just be like a surprise bonus!"

He assures me that it will even out once he is on a regular shift (currently he is still on FTO, and therefore at the mercy of everyone else on the schedule).

I do remember a seasoned cop wife telling me that being flexible about an officer's schedule is paramount to one's sanity and well-being.  She also said, just make your plans, and go through with them, even if you are on your own.  Don't wait for him - he may never show up.

Sigh.