I've decided that D and I need to take a trip somewhere. Anywhere. The last few months I've noticed that we've been excessively short with one another. Luckily after ten years together we can have a somewhat-heated exchange and still stand to talk to each other. Gone are the days when one of us would storm off leaving the other rolling their eyes and saying "whatever". However reaching this level of comfort has lead to a bit of complacency. While there is still plenty of heat in our marriage I doubt either of us feel the smoldering desire of year one. (Yes, it was that intense). Last week we were watching the series Numbers. The show has a unique concept; math genius professor assists his FBI brother in solving crimes. That being said the show is wearing on my nerves. If you drink every time the professor uses the word algorithm, you'd be drunk by the second commercial break. Anyway, when the Chinese embassy spy was killed by a hit and run driver I commented that it was only a matter of time before they used the Theory of Relativity to find the killer. D actually paused the TV (I heart Tivo!) and tried to engage me in conversation about the merits of Einstein's theory. Now don't get me wrong, D is still hands-down one of the most interesting people I will ever have the pleasure of knowing. But dude. Seriously? You took a random thought to a lame plot twist and want to talk science with me at 9pm on a Friday night? A 24-year old Mint would have lovingly hung on every word with doe-eyes because it would have been cool to discover that my boyfriend was cute and brilliant. The Minty of 2006 was feigning interest while trying to remember if there was still ice-cream in the freezer.

Last night it was my turn to nerd out and try to explain one of the thousand reasons I love the new season of Battle Star Galactica. D could barely look up from his laptop to fake a "uh huh, cylons... Pegasus... insurgents".

Have we discovered everything there is to know about each other?

I refuse to believe that.

Tomorrow D is off on his annual holiday with his mom and sisters. For those unaware of the genesis of these trips it started about 4 years ago when the 4 of them had to travel to recover the personal possessions of his brother who passed away suddenly out of state. They vowed that they would continue to come together under better circumstances. I like that he gets time alone with them although he describes theses trips as estrogen-overload. For the second year in a row they are heading to New York. I told him he can be Miranda in their recreation of Sex and the City. (For the record he wasn't amused by the analogy although I giggled uncontrollably).

This leaves me to deal with 2 kids, a dog, a household and impending work deadlines by myself until next Tuesday. I know people do it all the time. I know there are single parents out there who handle it in stride and although I will make it through and we'll be fine, I fear I may lose more than a few brain cells in the process. The knowledge that D is a major part of my life is only going to be highlighted in his absence. I feel a migraine coming on.

The hilarious part of the trip (for me) is that D's mom and one of his sisters are CHEAP. I was going to say frugal but the term cheap is more appropriate. Because of their cheapness the 4 of them are sharing one hotel room, although this time it's a suite. On the last trip D had to share a bed with his mom for 2 nights. He called me one night to tell me that he missed us and I asked if his mother enjoyed spooning as much as I did. (The man clearly doesn't appreciate my humor).

Finally I was tagged by Bananarama

8 things about myself:

1. I startle easily. Even if it's something on TV, I jump. It's kinda embarrassing.

2. In general I hate cheese. I hate cream sauces or cheese on my sandwhich. Ironically my favorite sandwich is tomato mozzarella. (I'm an enigma wrapped in a conundrum).

3. As I've aged I notice that when I'm alone I talk to myself. Not conversations perse but I catch myself answering a question that I asked in my head.

4. I want a minivan. It's not some strange wish to fully sucumb in being a suburban soccer mom. I just want more space. I want to take long trips without having to turn around and yell "Everyone keep your hands to yourself!"

5. My nightly ritual incudes; brush teeth, wash face, pat dry, lotion face, lotion neck lotion hands/arms, chap stick, brush hair. I'm like a nocturnal version of Rain Man.

6. I cannot sleep (or even lay down) in a room if the closet door is open. I'm sure it's based in being afraid of nightime monsters when I was a kid.

I can't think of anything for 7 or 8.

I tag Jay, Em, Sines, Box, Mahima, Nutty, Sunrayz and Penny Lane.

Beautiful couple



Gorgeous room overlooking the water



Good food and friends


Live band



Happy ending/beginning.