Comment from my last post…
“Hey, are you all sick still again? I hope it is a busy-good reason, not a busy-sick reason you haven’t been on!”…Tasha
First of all, thanks for asking about me. That’s awful nice. Second of all. Yes, Abby was sick last week with some sort of Roseola-ish ailment, followed by a nice finish this week that looked much like an unfinished ear infection – what the pulling on the ears, poor sleeping, fussiness and all. So I took Abby to our trusty pediatrician only to be told (within 2 minutes of the visit) that her ears looked crystal clear and the tugging was due to referred ear pain from her teething.
For this I paid $110, as we have not met our deductible for the year yet (though we our mighty close thanks to the January/February RSV awesomeness). For $110 dollars, I’m pretty sure I should’ve gotten a free mammogram or something. Or maybe something a slightly less weird like a free teeth whitening or a haircut.
Sheesh I need a haircut.
In an effort to save money or in one of my odd stand-off things that I randomly do (one year, pre-kids of course, Mark and I saw how long we could go without turning on our heat. It turned out badly for my toes, but that’s a whole different story)…anyway, I haven’t gotten a haircut since October. It’s getting pretty wicked, the hair situation.
But that’s not really what I meant to say here. What I meant to say is that even though Abby’s been sick, the real reason I deserved a freakin’ haircut AND a tooth whitening and massage and a glass of champagne at the doctor’s office for my $110 2-minute ear-check-up is because Mark has been out of town on a business trip for a million years now.
Well maybe not a million.
But close.
And I am on the very edge of sanity.
I was really worried that I would delve into this deep valley of depression with Mark being gone and Abby and Will’s birthday approaching this spring. But I was sorely mistaken. I am far, far too exhausted to be delving. Despite the fact that I am the kiddo’s primary caretaker…the very absence of escape is exhausting. I find it hard to fall into a real sleep, as if my brain continues to trot on the treadmill even as my body goes through the motions of nighttime.
I’ve watched the coverage of the protests and massacres in Tripoli until it turns my stomach at 3AM. I’ve watched the insides of my eyelids. Listened to the kids sleep. Last night, I practically ordered Alyssa Milano endorsed WEN haircare products until I came to my senses.
So, here’s my take-away from Mark’s recent trip (cue Doogie Howser, M.D. Casio keyboard music)…
- Single parents have it tough. I am in awe.
- Mark does more than I usually give him credit.
- Mark is definitely the fun one.
- I lose my sense of humor on business-trip day 3.
- I stop making the beds on day 2.
- I HATE walking the dog. We need a fence.
- I’m glad we get to be a family together usually.
- I’m glad Mark usually walks the dog at night.
- Mark owes me a day at the spa.
- Or at least a haircut.


7 comments
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February 27, 2011 at 12:02 am
melissa
I can relate! By day 3 I am ready for my husband to come home. He’s the one who will get down and play any game my daughter can think of while I do things like laundry, pay bills, make meals…But i also don’t have to travel for 10 hours and catch connecting flights and worry about driving a strange car in a strange city.
I hope Abby is feeling better soon and that you get a good nap. Or hair cut. Or massage. I haven’t managed a cut since September. Maybe someday
February 27, 2011 at 12:15 pm
Deborah
I feel your pain! My husband’s been gone on a long business trip, and I really miss having an adult around to talk to. When does Mark come home?
February 28, 2011 at 7:46 am
Tasha
LOL, I worry about you all! I can relate, DH works shift work and the last month he has been on the schedule that he works weekends, plus a lot of nights and overtime and it happened at the same time that my son stopped sleeping through the night!!! And did I mention we are selling the house and have to keep it really clean and leave at the drop of a hat? Momma is going for some major retail therapy with a girlfriend next weekend
Sorry to hear that it has been crazy-sick and not crazy-fun, but glad that it has kept you distracted somwhat!
February 28, 2011 at 4:25 pm
Queenie
I’ve had to go away on business trips, but I’ve never been the one at home, and I always think that my husband handles my absence far better than I would his!
I need a haircut, too. I’ve been so busy that I’ve sort of vaguely noticed it looks like crap, but didn’t give it much more thought. You just made me count, and I haven’t had it cut since JUNE!!! Is that possible?!
Hope everyone is healthy and you get a few minutes to yourself soon.
February 28, 2011 at 10:13 pm
Mrs. Gamgee
I’m going to be experiencing my first go at ‘single-for-a-few-days’ parenting in a couple weeks. Not looking forward to it.
And nothing good comes from watching infomercials… especially after midnight. Step away from the remote!
March 1, 2011 at 10:00 am
Cathy
Ick. Sorry about your rough go while hubby was away. Been there and it sucks! We also had RSV this month. Oh what fun that is. Babies sure do like breathing treatments (ha!). Spring can’t come soon enough!
Hope you get some time to pamper yourself!
~Cathy
March 1, 2011 at 6:29 pm
Alana-isms
Glad you have a terrific hubby! And though the time with him on his business trip is rough, I’m glad it served as a reminder of the positive attributes he has.
SO sorry to hear about the RSV and house of sick. Hope the kiddos are feeling 100% soon and that you’re able to get YOU time (and a haircut.)