Two different lives at once.

It's almost like I live two different lives. I think all road musicians feel that way.

On the weekends you get to travel all over the country and see new and exciting things, play great music, meet all kinds of wonderful new people and get to live with a bit of reckless abandon. You don't have to worry about cooking or cleaning because you are living in hotels and a big bus. You are eating out every meal, or eating whatever catering happens to be at the venue. You have very little responsibility during the days... you can do anything. Walk around the town, go shopping, work-out, lay around in your hotel bed and watch tv..... the choices are endless really. Whatever floats your boat. At least until it's time for sound-check. Then you go to the venue, check your gear, do a sound-check, eat some dinner, get dressed for the show, do the show..... then you pack up your equipment, go scrub off your make-up, put on your pj's and get back on the bus to let it take you where-ever you may be going the next day. Sometimes, it takes you home.

That's when the other life you lead takes over. Suddenly your kids are screaming:
"Hi Mom!"
"What's for dinner??"
"How long are you staying home this time?"
"Did you get me anything?"
" I need you sign this paper for school!"
"You didn't pay me my allowance from last week!"
"The dog crapped in Dad's studio!"
Reality sets in. I am not a rock star. I am Mom.

My husband smiles weakly as he hugs me and says, "I'm glad you're home". I can tell he means it. I think it's much harder on men to multi-task. I don't know why, but i really believe God made men better at focusing in on one thing at a time and women are better multi-taskers.

Mike offers to order Chinese for dinner..... thank goodness. I still haven't un-packed. I need a shower. Django wants to go for a walk.... and I want to catch up on my shows that are backed up on TiVo......LOL I just want to "veg". Whoever made that term up anyway? "Veg"? Anyone? Anyone? ... not a clue.

As I was walking Django tonight, I truly felt blessed. The air was cool and crisp. I could smell wood burning in the air from my neighbor's fireplace. I love that smell!! I could see the pumpkins on our front porch and as I looked into my house from the street, I could see my kids and my husband through the windows. They were all smiling and laughing. I felt so at peace. I have so much love around me. So many amazing people are in my world. My family and friends here in Nashville..... and then my other "family" out on the road. The PL gang. That is truly one bunch of amazing people.

So I better go start some laundry so I have clothes to wear for the week. Tomorrow morning, it's back to car-pooling the kids to school..... meeting with the doctor about my Mom in the morning, reading my bible study chapters so I won't be behind when we meet Tues. morning, and attempting to clean off the stacks of papers on my desk. I have three days home. I have LOTS to do before that big ol bus leaves again on Thursday night.

Two different lives. I love them both.