A Retreat...Sort of!

I am on a semi retreat of my own making. Not necessarily spiritual, although I won't discount the spiritual, should it occur. What I'm really thinking about is a few days to myself while Husband is away on business.

Daughter, in her inimitable fashion asked when we were together last, "What are you doing while Dad is away? You can come over here and stay with us." And before I could answer she laughed, holding one baby in her arms and the other draped over my knee, "Why would you want to come over here, when you could be in the quiet relaxation of your own home?"

I do have a lot to catch up on. Writing for one. And how nice to have the freedom to work right through dinner if I wish (or have a bowl of popcorn or chips, instead of dinner?). Or, how about I finish reading those two books I started? There is the dress I have yet to purchase for a wedding in two weeks. I have a couple of girlfriend lunches planned. But, mostly I would really appreciate time for some self-reflection and reorganization.

So, it has been four days and although I have had time to write and eat popcorn whenever I want, I find myself to be a creature of habit. I wake at 6:30 read the paper, walk, do the laundry and empty the dishwasher. I had to go grocery shopping (an errand I was hoping to avoid), mostly because I wanted to eat a giant bowl of pasta on the sofa and watch TV and I needed Parmesan cheese, which I forgot to buy in preparation. Yes, I thought about what I was going to eat before Husband pulled out of the driveway. It's my retreat, I can do whatever I want.

After I had written enough to feel satisfied I decided it was time to tackle the top shelves of my closet. For me, organization is as relaxing as it gets. Like making my bed first thing in the morning. If I have a bad day, at least the bedroom remains a tidy and welcoming sanctuary. Although I do have a habit, yes, even in my predilection for neatness, to save empty boxes from gifts and shoes for future use, which of course rarely happens as they pile up. My shelves were now over run and it was time to delete. It was going well until I forgot exactly what was up there. Daughter's baby shoes with a metal bar, (her left foot turned in and she had to wear special shoes with a bar for a few weeks as an infant), came crashing down on my face and I had to sit with one of Milo's Boo Boo Bunnies for a while. I have a lovely cut above my lip.

Finally, time for my date with pasta and some mindless TV watching. Which I probably would have enjoyed just a tad bit more if I hadn't decided to get all fancy and saute shallots and mushrooms. The saucepan was next to the pasta pot of boiling water when I mindlessly, (apparently), grabbed the handles, that were scorching hot, burned my hand and spilled half the pasta onto the stove top.

Relaxing is a lot harder than it looks. Maybe I should just order take-in until Husband comes home.