The Absence of Guilt

I have been on an unplanned hiatus. I thought I would get right back into the swing of things as soon as I returned from vacation. Turns out life had other plans. 

I was raised a lackadaisical Catholic; and while church was never a regular occurrence for me, guilt certainly was. Even as a housewife I often feel guilty for not getting a household chore done, taking a nap with the dog or getting my homework done 3 days before it is due instead of 5.

Last week was a different story.

I found myself forgoing my daily vacuuming obsession, putting off my homework until the day before it was due (GASP!) and not writing a single sentence. What could have possibly kept me from all that keeps me sane?

As it turns out I like spending time with my husband; much more than gluing my butt to a sofa and cranking out an essay or painstakingly going over every piece of furniture in my house with a lint roller. Throw in some really good friends and you have the recipe for a guilt-free week of, dare I say, fun.

While the daunting tasks I forwent piled up inside my head I told myself I would not forsake quality of time for quantity of task. And I have to admit, it felt a little naughty to rebel against my own stringency.

I will also admit, however, that I find comfort in routine; so going back to the grind this week brings me great solace; but I will try and remind my slightly OCD side to lighten up just a wee bit. I may even put the lint roller back in the closet....at least until tomorrow.

Gimme a Break

Being a housewife should be a vacation, right? I get to do whatever I please on an everyday basis; so why would there be a need for a getaway?

Turns out housewives do need a break from the everyday. I am finding that out as I spend a week away from the house, “kids” and ‘ol ball and chain.

Do you know what happens when you don’t have to wake up to take care of the pets, make it to your 6:30AM yoga class and complete the 436 tasks you assigned for yourself?

You don’t wake up.

For four days I have enjoyed waking after the sun has already risen, not having to take the dog out or trying figure out what to cook for dinner with the three items left in the fridge. And it’s not like I am basking in the sun on some white sandy beach or exploring new and exotic lands; but you would be amazed what a few days in the country in the good old U-S-of-A will do to recharge your battery.

I realized how exhausted I was a couple of days ago when I could barely lift my head to hold a conversation. Physical and mental stress will follow you if you let them. I made a conscious decision to leave them at home - and my body is thanking me for it.

Turns out, however, four days was about all I needed because guess who was up before the sun rose this morning wondering what in the world I was going to do?

Now I look forward to getting back to my life with renewed vigor - my pre-dawn “me time”; the wet noses that excitedly greet me every morning; and my loving and supportive husband I promise I’ll take with me next time!