When we were young

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.