City Living

It’s something about city living that I absolutely adore...

The billboard advertising last year’s movies, the yellow sign with bold black letters reading “CHECKS CASHED,” a beautifully sketched picture with the words, “Luxury Apartments Coming Fall 2009” sitting strategically between an abandoned building and the neighborhood’s staple #1 Chinese Food and Fried Chicken.

Double parked cars receiving honks that drivers don’t hear.

A group of three 20 year old men hanging out as young girls stroll pass hoping to be noticed while elderly women scurry by wanting to be ignored. A sweaty man carrying a tattered briefcase emerges from the underground and waits impatiently for the little walking figurine to cue him on.

Children being pulled by one arm while staring at a cluster of dirty blankets obviously hidden in front of a black-iron fence.

And then there are the intruders like me, absorbing it all and desperately wanting to relive my younger days. Wanting to understand why I love a smell that those who call it home don’t seem to even know exist.

Chicago was great.

A Break From the Routine

It took me over an hour to fall asleep last night. In general I am not a quick sleeper and I am often angered by how much I want to be sleep. Instead there I am replaying my entire day, tossing a pillow this way, turning one that way, throwing one over there and listening to the loud bear-like steady breathing that happens as soon as my husband’s head hits the pillow.

However last night was a little different. Instead of replaying my day I played out my tomorrow (today)….including writing this blog. You see I am leaving for a 2.5 day trip to visit a friend and I needed to have a plan to ensure I would get all the necessary things done to make life easier for my husband and the girls.

So today I planned to scurry around the house doing laundry, planning menus, writing schedules, laying out outfits and cleaning. Yes all of this because I am taking a 2.5 day trip.

See its not that I don’t think my husband can manage. It’s the complete opposite; I know he can “manage.” It’s just that, well…

I know the girls will get dressed---the pants might be too short and the shirt may not match…

I know they will all eat—maybe a hotdog, a soda, and chips…

I know they will sleep-maybe not the 12 hours they need…

I know the dishes will get done-maybe one at a time, on an as needed basis…

YIKES! My stomach is in a knot just thinking about what the days may look like without me. If you are thinking that the problem is not my husband, you are correct! It’s not his problem, I know he will take care of the girls. The problem is well…he won’t do it like I will…I hate to admit it but I realize the problem is with me.

So in a feat to get over this control factor, you may be happy to know that:

I did not plan out outfits; they probably wouldn’t get worn anyway

I did not cook 2.5 days worth of food; it would all still be here when I returned,

I did not make a schedule; they will watch 50 movies and stay up til at least 10 regardless

and no matter what the house will for sure be a mess when I return

BUT without a doubt I know the girls will absolutely love spending this quality, undefined free time with the man they adore…their daddy! Let’s just pray that mommy can enjoy her time away knowing all the rules will be broken!!