Lifestyle As A Fire Wife
Hi Darling!
It’s been a while! I hope you are well and if you are married to a firefighter, I hope you’re surviving fire season. Phil is at the Glass Fire as I write this post so it seemed like the perfect topic. This fire season has been CA’s BIGGEST which means our firefighters are BUSY! Although it’s only the beginning, it feels like it should be over by now! At this point, I am losing count of how many fires Phil has been to.
I am still new to this fire season stuff, but going through it with two babies has added so many new challenges. I want to share what I have found helpful while Phil is away. Also, I am here for all the fire wives out there, I would love to connect, and more than happy to help you in any way that I can. Please reach out even if you just need someone to talk to who can relate to what you are going through!
Survival Tips for Fire Wives:
1. Learn to be flexible.
I am very much Type A so this one did not come easy. When things do not go according to my plans it used to throw me off, but I’m working on rolling with it and reminding myself things can always be rescheduled! Rather than be upset, when Phil gets assigned to a fire, I check the calendar for the next two weeks and reschedule anything that requires the two of us and plan a few fun activities while he is gone.
2. Plan meals for the week!
This is a gamechanger when I am cooking every meal every day! Solo parenting is no joke and I promise this will help simplify your day a little bit. I plan our meals on Sunday and then grocery shop for the week. Instacart is my best friend these days and saves so much time!
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
It takes a village to raise kids and most people want to help!
4. Schedule a few activities for the week.
We have not planned as many activities as we would like, due to COVID, but we enjoy going to the neighborhood pool, grabbing coffee and sitting outside, picnics at the park, and walks.
5. Start a hobby.
As busy as I am being a mom, I enjoy having my own outlet with blogging, learning photography, and trying out new dinner recipes.
6. Don’t forget to take care of yourself!
In order to take care of others, you need to take care of yourself. Find simple ways to recharge and relax… enjoy a glass of wine once the kiddos are in bed, take a bubble bath, do a mask, read a book, start a new series on Netflix, workout, give yourself a manicure, etc.
7. Believe in yourself!
You will be surprised what you can accomplish on your own! But be sure you know who to call when there is an emergency and you can’t reach your husband. It always seems like problems or unplanned events pop-up when Phil is gone. I could go on and on about what has happened when Phil is away… our electricity went out, there was an earthquake, a bird flew into our family room, Evelyn got the stomach flu, someone hit my car, we were in the middle of moving, and the list goes on BUT we got through it!
8. Plan a fun date night or vacation.
This is one of our favorites because it gives both Phil and I something to look forward to when he gets home!
Your happiness is important. Find others that can help you navigate this lifestyle and know you are not alone! Praying for you and all of our firefighters.
xo,
Katrin
