Breaking the rules

When it comes to rules I think there are generally two types of people.  Those who stick with the rules and those who like to break them.  Of course, like anything there is a scale on how rule oriented your are, but we all tend to sit on one side of this scale.

I know that I am most definitely one who plays by the rules.  Frustratingly so.  I am sure that a psychologist could provide me with plenty of reasons to explain why am like this.  I guess it is no surprise that I became an accountant, choosing a profession that is rule based.  However, the internal chatter in my mind when I do feel like I am breaking a rule is horrible.  I am not talking get sent to jail rules, I mean simple rules like being late to an event or missing paying a bill on time.  In my mind this is a reflection on my lack of discipline and something I tend to beat myself up about.

To increase my frustration, my husband tends to sit on the other side of the rule spectrum.  He really does not like to conform and typically does not give a damn about what people think as a result.  Of course, this creates conflict between us, which neither of us can quite understand from the other person’s point of view.  Quite possibly this is what attracted us to each other in the first place.  Perhaps secretly I need someone to give me permission to break the rules, and my husband needs someone to help keep him in line.

This week I happened to break a few of my rules and so far the earth is still turning.  Thursday was ANZAC day and it also happened to be one of our friend’s 50th birthday.  He was arriving from an overseas trip and a surprise party had been organised for 7.30 am when he returned from the airport. 

The conflict started when I was up at 5.30am preparing food for the surprise party and my husband was snuggled in bed catching up on his sleep.  We knew it was a surprise party and we knew we could not be late, yet getting him to have a shower and be ready took a lot of effort and a lot of screaming at each other.  I am sure he really did not care whether we were there on time, yet all I could vision was us turning up at exactly the wrong moment and spoiling the surprise. 

Needless to say we got there on time and surprise went well.  And then it was my turn to break the rules, well my rules at least.  I had a glass of champagne at 7.30am (not post lunchtime).  I followed this with another glass, and then a couple of cocktails and then I pretty much lost count.  I was pretty tipsy and it was not even lunchtime yet.  I don’t think I have ever done that before.  My husband seemed to be mildly proud of me for letting my hair down, having fun and breaking my rules.

I am not condoning early morning drinking, and I can’t really see an occasion when I will do this again, but the moment was right.   I had a fun morning, I attended a lunchtime ANZAC memorial ceremony and then I went home and had a Nana nap to sleep it all off.  I did not turn my computer on all day.

As this weekend draws to a close I have enjoyed some “me” time.  My husband has been doing a training course in a country town, and I have had to keep myself occupied during the days.  This is a big change to our family dynamic, typically it is Rod who travels with me to a conference.  I have loved the freedom of not being at home, taking long walks, occupying my time in cafes and sitting in the park writing. 

I even broke another little rule and checked out of the hotel late.  Who knows, this may become a habit!! 

Enjoy your week.