By Myself

Tab was on a photo assignment in New Brunswick yesterday, so I was on my own with the boys most of the day. He left around 8 in the morning and was not home until 8 in the evening.

Yesterday was a long, long day for me as well. I had planned to get some work done on my two current Press assignments. Hah! Between supervising the boys' activities and refereeing in their arguments, I just could not concentrate on work. I ended up getting nothing done all day except for a few routine household chores. Consequently, it felt like a wasted Saturday.

Part of the problem was that we were stuck inside all day. It has warmed up slightly now, but up until today the weather here has been horribly cold. Nose-nipping, bone-chilling, toe-freezing cold. I didn't even attempt to take the boys out for a walk because I knew the litany of complaints would start before we'd even gone half way down our block. Tab was using our only car so I couldn't even take them to a mall or an indoor playground.

Lack of exercise and cabin fever produced more than the usual number of fights between the boys. I did buy a precious hour and a half of near peace while we all watched the video version of The Indian in the Cupboard, which I had rented. Afterward, I asked Daniel which version he liked better, the book or the movie. Ever the diplomat, Daniel answered, "I liked them both, in different ways."

To make up for my long day yesterday, Tab took the boys out this afternoon to run errands. Then they are going to a playground. The house is blessedly quiet with just me and three sleepy cats. I'm reveling in it.

Much as I love my family, I crave solitude sometimes. I have never minded being alone; in fact, I enjoy having some time to myself. Time alone is something I don't get very often these days, so I am appreciative of these few hours today.

I have two jobs I need to finish for the Press, but first I'm going to take a few minutes to lie on the couch and read my book, something I rarely get a chance to do. I've decided to indulge myself today. After yesterday, I feel as though I deserve it.

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