Keeping it simple

A handful of my mom-friends have spouses that travel regularly for work.   There are a multitude of single parents out there who always take care of their kids on their own.  I have nothing but the utmost respect and awe for all of them, because on the rare occasions that my husband is out of town for a few days, it gets challenging around here.  One positive thing for me, though, about solo parenting for a brief amount of time is that I allow myself to shut off the angry gnome and the to-do list, pretty much because there is no choice.  So even though it might appear to be hectic, it actually kind of calms down for me mentally.  But during this last week while hubby was away, I began to consider the simple things in my life that would disappear if I had to parent on my own for longer than a few days.

• Clothes without wrinkles.  This requires getting laundry out of the dryer, folding, and hanging as soon as it is done.  That rarely happens even with help.
• Meals made with more than four ingredients.  I barely even wanted to bother with cooking fresh vegetables, which adds two minutes to the cooking routine.
• Sleeping more than 5-6 hours a night.  Again, I find that challenging as it is, and it would only get worse.
• Gardening, weeding, watering, pretty much anything that requires regularly tending to the nature outside of this house.  
• Watching tv that is not animated.
• Shopping for myself.  Internet all the way.  Maybe it fits, maybe it doesn't.
• Printing the pictures I take.  No chance.
• Keeping plants alive.  What's the problem, I just watered you last month?
• Feeling relaxed.  Ever.

To all of you who do this on a daily basis and do it so well, many, many kudos to you.  Hubby, I appreciate all that you contribute to this organization and would like you to consider signing another long-term contract. You don't need any vacation time, though, right?