When the hubby is away...

My husband used to travel a lot for work. During that time, I got accustomed to staying by myself in our house when he was out of town. It never bothered me much, because I used to live by myself anyway. In fact, it was a little refreshing sometimes, because it meant that I could have some extra "me" time. ("Me" time is a necessity in my life.)

A while back, his job description shifted and put an end to the regular travel. That was good. It was time. And I'm not sure we would have had our son if the travel had continued. (That's one thing you just can't do over the phone.)

Since the travel schedule slowed, I gradually forgot what it was like for Jason to go away and leave me here alone. Jason returns today from a five-day mission/vision trip to Venezuela for our church. Here are a few of the things that haven't changed since the last time he traveled:

• Our animals (one dog, one cat) go buck wild when he's gone. Buck wild. I must not pay them enough attention.
• The animals feel the need to add to my to-do list each day. Each morning I've been presented with something different to clean up. Dog poop/pee on the rug by the back door. Cat pee on the chair. Animal puke in the dining room. Dog puke on the living room rug. 
• The dog forgets how to behave when I leave for a couple of hours. Basically, I find something that wasn't on the floor (and still shouldn't be on the floor) every time I return home. Napkins. Trash. Dirty diapers. Baby clothes. Kitchen stuff. 
• I sleep exceptionally well when I have our bed all to myself.
• To aid in maximum bed hogging enjoyment, I change the sheets when he leaves so that I can enjoy time with the covers just the way I like them. (I also shave my legs that first day that I'll be sleeping on new sheets. Hooray clean sheet night!)
• I fall asleep with the TV on. 
• The cat sleeps with me.
• I end up being really busy most of the time. Even when I try not to make plans, I end up with them. (This cuts into desired "me" time, but helps the time to pass quickly.)
• I eat cereal for dinner at least once.
• I miss him.