Today was my first day completely alone. As in no one was home. As in just me, myself and I. As in I didn’t have to do anything for anyone at any time. In fact, I didn’t have to do anything!
So, what do you think I did?
Wait. Before you answer, let’s look at the situation. I have been a stay at home mom for over a decade. I have been working for the “little man” for years. I have been to playgroups, gyms, outings to the mall and the host of many playdates. I have been at the mercy of little people and their schedules and demands. There is always someone in the house with me. Always. Anything I had to do for myself had to be squeezed in around their demands for my time. Errands that had to be run always found me with a companion.
Not today. Today I was gloriously alone! The possibilities are limitless!
Now, let’s take an informal poll. What do you think I did? Go on! Shout it out! You’re among friends here.
Sex! No, silly. Clint went back to work. It is much more fun with a partner.
Shopping! No. Sadly, Clint just went back to work so I am not yet at a place where I am free to roam the malls. At least not alone. Not yet.
Writing? Well, I really should have been writing. I do have deadlines to meet, revisions to make and editing to do. But, no, I did not write. Not at all. Not a word. (Don’t tell, though.)
Okay, I see you over there laughing because you know the answer and you’re surprised no one has come up with it yet. Go on. Shout it out!
SLEEP!
Damn right! I slept. I slept the glorious sleep of the near dead. I slept a sleep deeper than I have in years. There was no one to listen out for. No one that was going to scream in my ear after 30 minutes. No one was there to poke me in the arm asking if I am sleeping. No one was going to pry my eyes open to see if I was awake yet. I slept.
And the gods, they were smiling down on me. How do I know this? Because today it was a dreary dark and rainy day, complete with rolling thunder and moderate winds. Just enough wind that you could hear the rain hitting the window. Just enough thunder to let it gently lull you to sleep rather than startle you.
Ten minutes after dropping off Gabriella, I eagerly lept into my big bed and snuggled deep down under my comforter. I laid my head on my fluffed up pillow and sighed. Of course, it was a bit hard to go to sleep immediately because I couldn’t stop giggling at the sheer joy this moment brought me.
I was alone.
And I slept.
And all was right in the world.
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