I was commenting to someone just the other day that since J and I separated I've had more real "alone time" than I can remember since before my children were born. Two nights a week, when they're with their dad, I am free to do whatever I want. What's funny about that is that the older I get, the less that sounds like an invitation to PAR-TEEEEE!!! and more like an opportunity to throw a DVD in the player and fold laundry, read a book, or dink around on the computer.
The house is silent, mostly - but even then, I'm not alone. Never really.
Not even when I'm in the bathroom.
I haz help.
Waiting on me.
Waiting for me.
And because the bathroom is small...
The big one has to sit outside the door.
Everyone should be as loved as this.
Tonight the house will be full. My brother will be here, with his two small dogs Gizmo and Tosha. My ex will be here after he gets off work so he can help play Santa and so that our kids will have both their parents here for their Christmas (we're cool that way and I like how happy it makes the kids). The kids will be here pretending to sleep and listening for Santa Claus. And in the midst of all the chaos, I will be grateful for my crazy little family and all of the noise and thunder. Because in a few days?
It will seem very, very quiet here for a night or two.
But I still won't be alone.
May you all have a wonderful holiday, whatever you may be celebrating this December.