So the family is heading away for the weekend tomorrow night. Back to Hudson’s namesake just outside of Montreal. Hudson is a bucolic treasure on the shores of the lac des Deux Montagnes and where my wife grew up and where her mother still lives. It’s a visit to grandma’s house for the boys and a reconnect for Steph as many of her friends still live there, including two of her closest.
But seriously, what does this all mean? It means as of 6:00pm tomorrow night, me and my dog Alice will be spending three days at home alone.
The last time the kids were away was a week in August. They spent eight days with my sister and my mother as Steph and I were working. At first the freedom was nice, a breather, quality time alone with my wife (prwrrrr!). But by day three I was jonesing to see the boys, smell their hair, cuddle and wrestle and chill. This time I do not have Steph to hang out with so I will have to fill my time accordingly. It’s funny how initially attractive the thought of being alone is – the beer in my boxers while watching a sport event, or sleeping in and eating a fried egg sandwich in bed. But the truth is my dynamic is built around the imbroglio of child rearing and wife partnering. Take that away from me and I am bit lost, not knowing what to do with all this free time, I mean there is only so much hand lotion in the house.
Ok, this is a bit too woe is me. Yes I will enjoy the alone time and yes, I am playing golf on Saturday with three of my oldest friends. But usually, when this rare event happens, I try to plan my days and nights to take advantage of the freedom and maybe because my plans are falling through I am anticipating being bored which will elevate the missing of my boys and wife.
So, that being said, anyone want to go for a drink?
Do you take advantage of downtime? Do you get downtime?
Down + Time = DOES NOT COMPUTE
Not in my life, anyway. If I had some? Honest true time with nobody but me at home? I’d read, watch TV and then feel guilty and clean up the clutter!
I would go for a hike. But honestly, I’d spend most of the time organizing probably. Cleaning up. Stuff that gets pushed to the side in our busyness.
my husband is like you. He can’t imagine being away from our kids, hates traveling for work. Me? If I had a WHOLE weekend with NO kids OR husband?? Oh my…the books I would read. I could possibly devour three or four in one weekend with no one bugging me!
I remember being told- do what you could not easily do when they are all there- so GOLF is a good place to start. Defintely don’t play with LEGO or flashcards.
I think you will be okay. One day at a time.
I very seldom get to enjoy the sort of downtime you’re talking about. I’ve not been away from my family since a long-weekend last summer… and to be alone in my own house without my husband or children? That would be a DREAM COME TRUE!! (But, I’ll bet that’s true of LOTS of home-based parents.)
That said, the time both drags on, and evaporates before you know it – enjoy yourself!! (And don’t wipe any egg sandwich grease on the sheets.)
*snort*
you could always go to Fuzz again 🙂