Long time gone.

It was a really, really long few days for me and the kids. The hubster was gone on his annual mini-vacation to Michigan to attend what I lovingly refer to as "Nerd-fest", and boy, did we miss him! The kids didn't like having him gone any more than I did, but this time it seemed different. They made their displeasure known in ways they didn't in years past. The boy child was mopey and whiny, and the girl was defiant and super-sensitive. Me? I just kept my head down and chugged through the week until he came back that Sunday. I didn't mind doing the laundry and cleaning the cat box out (yes, folks, my husband does 90% of the laundry) and taking the trash to the curb really wasn't that big of a deal it turns out. Its been raining for what seems like months, and it was too wet to mow the lawn, so I at least dodged that bullet. Our life, like everyone's lives, is busy. With him working 3rd shift, I get the kids ready in the morning, as Hubster gets home just in time to walk the boy to the school bus while I wrestle the girl from her bed and into something resembling an acceptable outfit. After she downs her semi-breakfast, Daddy takes her to preschool 3 days a week, and unless he has a meeting or the night off, he also picks her up and deposits her at the sitter's in the afternoon. That, of course, became my job as well while Daddy was gone. Then, when I'm done at work, I pick her up, then go fetch the boy from school, run a hundred or so errands, make dinner, help with homework, manage baths and bedtime... you know, the usual, and I don't think it's unfair to say that I take on the lion's share of the child-rearing. Let me preface this with an acknowledgment: I know there are gazillions of single-parent families, many of which are dear friends, but I have to say I don't know if I could do it. I suppose that if you have to do something, you find a way to make it happen, but with my husband gone, even for just a few days, I am always made aware of his enormous contribution to our home and our lives and am infinitely grateful for his safe return. That being said, he's home again now, and aside from the laundry he brings with him, he brings souvenirs for the kids, some small gifts for me and a much better outlook on life. Everyone needs a break from the old routine and this is just the thing for him. We've been doing stuff like this since before we were married. Don't get me wrong, we love to vacation together and have been all over the United States as a couple and a family, but sometimes, we just need some "alone time". This is where we are different. His alone time is spent in Michigan at a Pop-Culture Conference with other like-minded aficionados.(okay, okay, its a Sci-Fi Convention and let's just say, there is a BUNCH of nerds there. Its okay, he's secure in his nerdiness.)He gets to eat whatever he wants, wander around wherever he wants and go to movies that do not involve cartoon characters or happy endings. In the interest of saving money, he stays in a cheap-o motel that I wouldn't be caught dead in. For him, this is bliss. My alone time, however, is rarely ever truly alone. I like being with friends, and fortunately I have some really good ones. Soon, my friend Lee and I will be meeting a mutual friend in Cincinnati for a Keith Haring art exhibit and staying overnight in a lovely hotel with a pool and fine dining. Just as hanging out with TV stars of the 70's doesn't appeal to me much anymore, an art exhibit would bore my husband to death. If we want to go, its just better to go with someone else. This summer, my beloved pals and their families are going to "the lake" with us, and I can't wait--it doesn't cost much and just hanging out and letting all the kiddos run wild is such fun! Alone or otherwise, everybody needs to make time for something new, fresh and exciting. Something to look forward to, even if its just a sunny day in the backyard with friends. Believe me, the laundry will always be there.... it can wait.