Home Alone

I love being home alone on Saturdays.  It's like a vacation for me!  I have no one to answer to except for myself.  Well, may be the dog, but she's easy.  As long as she has food and water in her bowls and I let her out every couple of hours, she's good.  I  can do what I want, when I want, and how I want.  Want some examples?!?!?!? (Brb, Sophie wants out!)

1.  Bathroom:  I can go to the bathroom whenever I want. Crazy I know, but  five days a week my potty breaks are scheduled by prep periods and lunches!  After all you can't, or shouldn't, leave your classroom unattended because Mother Nature calls.  I could go between classes, but I don't like leaving my students with the opportunity to think of something! It doesn't take long for a 16 year old mind to come up with stunt!   So, Monday-Friday I pee at 9:52 and 12:52.  I'm not kidding!  So on Saturdays to have the luxury of pissing when I want is like having double cashews on your hot fudge sundae.

2.  Taking breaks: Nothing cheeses me off like having to clean house and do laundry.  I hate it.  If I could afford a cleaning lady and I knew Sophie would let her in, I'd have one.  Since I can't be sure of either, I do it myself.  I can go from 0-10 on the angry meter in about 10 seconds flat when I start cleaning house.  So, I learned many years ago a coping mechanism that helps immensely.  I make deals with myself.  I will determine what amount of work needs to be completed before I take a break.  During that break I do things  I like to do such as read, Facebook, blog, Twitter, sew, card, scrapbook, etc.  For example, I told myself I could start this post once the kitchen was cleaned.  So here I am blogging in a kitchen that has the dishes done, recycling outside, and floors swept.  I can now spend 15 minutes blogging before I go to the next chore.  In another 5 minutes, I will sweep the staircase.  Once that's done I'm going to sit down and read the next chapter in Janet Evanovich's book Notorious Nineteen.  Getting the picture?

3.  Bravo, E! and History Channel:  I can watch my shows without anyone flipping channels, rolling eyes, or sighing loudly because he doesn't like my choice of TV shows.  I'm sorry that I'm addicted to Housewives, Kardashians, Pawn Stars, Duck Dynasty, awards shows, etc.  So I can watch and/or listen to the shows while I'm cleaning house.  It gives me great pleasure to peep into other people's lives.  The best part is that it usually makes me feel good about my own life.  Timeout:  I have to go sweep the steps.  I'll be back!

4.  Electronics:  (Did you miss me?  I hope I didn't keep you waiting long.  But at least the bedroom is now cleaned!)  I love my electronics.  I willingly admit that I'm addicted.  It is commonplace to find me with my Mac in my lap, my iPhone in my hand and my Nook on the end table.  I tend to multitask.  I will read emails, blog, surf the net and Facebook while getting caught upon Words with Friends, Scramble and Dice with Buddies.  When my games are caught up, I'll read until I hear my phone ping informing me it's my turn! It drives Rick crazy.  He is constantly glaring at me, or rolling his eyes at me or sighing at me.  It drives him crazy.  So when I'm home alone, I can relax with a cup of Joe while indulging my addictions without any disapproving looks.

5.  Food:  On home alone Saturdays I can eat what I want and when I want!  This is the day I can indulge my culinary pleasures that Rick finds offensive...chinese, Chipotle,  Manhattan clam chowder, Weight Watcher frozen meals, and sushi.   Lunch is also another chance to take a break and do what I want to do.  So, WW mini pizzas, bloody mary and blogging!  Ugh...damn dog wants out again! Brb.

6. Girly stuff:  This is also the time to do girly stuff.  I can burn my smelly candles.  I can take an hour long shower.  I can call girlfriends and talk and laugh.  There is no one impatiently waiting for me to get off of the phone so that my loud, obnoxious voice will quit competing with the volume on the TV.  I can spend quality time with the above mentioned damn dog and cuddle .  She loves her belly rubbed and I love snuggling with her.  She takes away all of my cares and worries in the world.

Now before you all start bemoaning, "What about  poor Rick?  Don't you like to spend your Saturdays with him?"  Let me remind you that he has his home alone days as well.  It is usually on Wednesdays. It's his day without me.  He gets to do whatever he wants and whenever he wants.  He gets to watch MeTV all morning and afternoon in between naps.  He doesn't have someone (me) rolling their eyes, sighing heavily and  complaining about his activities.   Trust me, he savors each one of them.

So, there you have it.  My take on home alone days.  We all need them. Unfortunately, we don't always get as many as we want.  So, when we do have them, it's important to make the best of them!  Here's hoping you have a home alone day soon.

Make Every Day Count....
Denise