Batching it.

Yesterday, my wife packed up the girls, and took off for a long weekend at my moms(The World's Greatest Nana).  I can not say enough prayers of thanks for the way my wife and my mom get along.  She won't be back until sometime Monday afternoon, which gives me 4 glorious nights, and TWO weekend days to myself. 

I think an occasional break is good for married couples, and families(just as important is the occasional dedicated 'date night' where you force yourself to get away from your kids).  My plans for that time period include eating unhealthy, sleeping in(more correctly, going to bed early), playing in a poker tournament or two at the local bowling alley casino, a trip the gun range, and maybe even a trip out for some karaoke Saturday night.

The funny part is, my wife was home she would not begrudge me doing any of those things(well, maybe the Dairy Queen for dinner last night).  It's just when my wife and kids are home, there are times I choose to stay home with them.  I'm sure a big part of that stems from the 8 years I worked in the Shipyard...when you work 800 hours of OT a year it's tough to think about wasting any of your free time on yourself.  Last year at Hanford, I only worked about 56 hours of OT...I'm surprised my wife hasn't chased me out of the house more often.

All of that being said, there is one big negative to my wife and kids not being here...coming home to an empty apartment after a bad day is pretty lame.  It is impossible to overestimate the healing effect of hugs and kisses from you wife, and the cheers of 'Daddy!' from your girls when they hear the door open.  Today was a bad day, and walking in the door to a meowing cat and some Sailor's Jerry's and Diet Coke isn't the same. 

Luckily, it's now the weekend...and when I come home after my next workday on Monday, there will be hugs and kisses waiting for me.