Maintenance Week

The last time the husband went on a trip, I declared it maintenance week. I had the air conditioning serviced and the carpet cleaned. I installed all the computer upgrades and had the water softener serviced. I sorted through papers and tried to file. I updated my iPod and loaded new songs.

I put super gooey creams on my hands and feet and went to bed with gloves and socks on, just to keep in the moisture. I put deep conditioner in my hair and slept in a shower cap.

I worked on projects and occasionally did some writing in the middle of the night. No one to check on me or scold me.

Unless you just got married last week, you probably don't look the same as the day you were married. I don't. But I also respect the fact that the husband probably doesn't want to crawl into bed with a woman wearing socks, gloves and a shower cap. I try to do my maintenance in private.

There's another trip coming up in a few weeks. I'm making my list.

Without A Net

I like knowing how to reach people. I can become a little obsessive.

When the oldies are here, I call my/our doctor at least twice a week. (He tolerates me.)

I don't have a lot of legal issues but I like knowing that I can walk next door and get my attorney's advice.

The husband is my sounding board and my touchstone. I need his opinion, even if I don't agree.

The husband is on a trip this week. I have no problem with that. But, he's going with my doctor and my attorney. Some business; some golf.

You know how the president and the vice president are not allowed to travel together? Heirs to the throne are not allowed to be on the same plane (although Princess Diana broke this rule.)

I don't think the husband, my attorney and my physician should leave me like this. The oldies will roll in and I'll be left without my support network.

But, I have faith. If disaster strikes, the girlfriends will save me.

The good news is I have ALL of their cell phone numbers.

Cross Check & Call Forward

When the flight attendants say, "Cross check and call forward." this is one of my favorite phrases. You're on a plane! You're going somewhere different! You're escaping!

In my previous job, I flew around the midwest quite a bit. I also had business trips across the country. Big jets, small planes ... it didn't matter. I had a job to do. While I still occasionally fly for business, I most often get on a plane for pleasure. I love it. Shut the door, do the routine and get this baby in the air.

I can get very depressed when I don't have an upcoming trip on my calendar.