Sieze the day

Yesterday, I took Jake and Emma to my sister's house and DROPPED THEM OFF there for the next two days. This is the first time they have slept at somebody else's house without me. I had to call Amy on my way home to ask her why I felt like crying because I missed them so much. She gave me some sage advice. She said "oh that will pass as soon as you get busy. Go have some fun!" Best. Advice. Ever. This is the first time in four years I have had an entire day to myself. I don't know what to do. Now, I have had two other occasions to go overnight somewhere without the kids, but I was with friends for one and with Mike for another. I had fun, but I still had to think about what others wanted to do. I'm looking at hours ahead of me where I can do anything I want to do.

George Michael's song "Freedom" keeps reverberating through my brain. Last night Mike and I went to Home Depot and roamed the aisles forever looking at things without anyone telling us they wanted to "GET DOWN NOW!" or "I WANT TO RIDE THE TRACTORS!" or "SHE'S HITTING ME!" It was blissful. Then we went to Target and didn't have to buy popcorn and slushies as a bribe to keep people quiet while we shopped. Wonderful!

Also, last night I ate a meal without having to get up fifty five times to cut up peaches, put more ice in a cup, refill ketchup or ranch dressing supplies, clean up a spill or threaten to spank a bottom if someone didn't sit down already and eat. Ya'll. My food tasted delicious. It was warm and it was fresh from the first bite until the last one. Also, I stopped when I was full instead of continuing to stress eat after everyone else had left the table to calm my nerves.

After dinner Mike and I started painting the living room. Isn't that what any two people in love with some free time on their hands would do?

Today, the possibilities are endless. I was going to sleep in, but I woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed at 5:45am. This proves that you can lead a little mama to water but you can't make her internal alarm clock drink of it. I'm thinking I will start the day off by taking the overweight dog on a walk all by ourselves. I will watch Good Morning America. I will use the gift card my sweet friend gave me for a mani/pedi. I will stop at Starbucks for a highly caloric beverage and maybe even read a book while I'm there. I may go out to lunch. I will walk the aisles of Hobby Lobby for as long as I feel the desire to do so. I will play the piano. I will call a friend on the phone and have a conversation. Today is all about me and I don't feel guilty about it at all.