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Usually alone is okay for me, but for some reason, it really upset me this weekend. I sat and ate alone, cleaned the dishes alone, then put on my pajamas before 9:00 pm. I decided I’d take advantage of the alone-time and watch some trashy TV. However, couldn’t find anything good to watch, wasn’t interested in any of my DVD’s, and was tired of reading. I finally went to bed as I figured I’d catch up on sleep. I must say, I slept like a baby. I had the window cracked just enough to let the breeze in, so it was wonderful. However, the loneliness continued through Sunday. I didn’t put on any makeup Sunday- instead read the paper for an hour, then went to pick up my son from his friends house. He and I mowed the yard and then I sat in my room. What was wrong with me? I couldn’t believe I was having a pity party-that is just not like me. My son even asked me if I was okay. I told him “yes, I just want to be quiet today”. Sunday night, I was again in bed before 10:00 pm- something very unusual for anyone in my house. However, I awoke this morning with a burst of energy. I had to be at work at 6:30 am today for a special project, so I was out the door and arrived at work early. All day long I laughed and cut up with co-workers- I even ripped my favorite pants on a wire and laughed. When I picked my son up after school today he commented that he was glad to see me in a better mood. I thought about it for a minute and thought “oh yea, I had been in a bad mood- hadn’t I”. Then I realized, Its okay to be alone sometimes. Apparently I needed “alone” time over the weekend, and didn’t even realize it. Alone shouldn’t always be scary and quiet doesn’t always have to be “loud”, if you know what I mean. So, enjoy your YOU time- it doesn’t last.

The last few weeks have been hard. It like a bad addiction. I want to get my fix again, but just long enough to keep me going for a few more weeks. However, I know that will only prolong the inevitable. I know this is silly, but I keep thinking of him as a donut- I just need to say “no” to that donut and I’ll eventually get over the craving. Maybe a new healthy donut will come around soon, or maybe I’ll realize I never really liked donuts to begin with and I really like bagels.

I bet if most women admit it, their sex lives are pretty ho-hum if they’ve lived with someone for more than a couple years.

How do you bring back the passion that was there when you first met, when every day seemed as full of energy and excitement as a major city? What do you do when now it’s about as bland as the cookie cutter houses that fill every subdivision in America? And if you managed to keep that love alive, what are your secrets for success?

Two of the best ideas I’ve come across are to exercise regularly (I know I always feel GREAT afterwards, mentally and physically–it just gives you a whole new lease on life) and to make a concerted effort to cuddle–it’s such a simple thing but most couples forget to do it once you get caught up in the humdrum and familiarity of daily life.

Try them both and tell me what happens!

If you’re looking for a funny bridal shower or wedding gift, retype it in a fancy font and present it in a nice frame.

This morning when I was thinking to myself, “I just can’t take it anymore!” I came across this article on CNN. com. It turns out fighting is good for your relationship and actually helps us women live longer.

It made me laugh because a couple of the examples in the article are scenarios we live through day in and day out (especially the one about the laundry ending up in a pile on the bed and later stuffed into the closet). I feel better knowing I’m not alone.

While I’d rather not fight at all, taking that route can cut your life much shorter. So fight for your life, but as the article says, do it in a healthy manner (easier said that done when you’re in the heat of the moment)–no dirty looks, belittling remarks or silent treatments.

Long live the laundry piles–and us!

Well, she finally got around to planting the bulbs this fall, several huge sacks of them.

Now spring is just about here, and I can’t wait to see all the little green shoots and yellow flowers starting  to pop up everywhere in unexpected places. It will be a nice reminder (especially after a long, cold winter) year after year of both of her unusual and thoughtful gift, and the amazing things the world has brought us, and continues to bring us each spring.

Like most people I know, lately we’ve just been trying to get through all the chores and challenges of every day–working, paying bills, changing diapers, shopping for groceries, trying to keep the house clean and clutter-free, making dinner, making time for friends and family, etc.

So just now I did a quick google search for some inspiration and came up with a few tips for better relationships we can all try right away. Here are four to start with. Pick one or try them all over the next few days and let me know what happens.

1. Never assume.
2. Compliment more than you criticize.
3. For each time you vent about your husband/wife to your friends, tell three positive stories.
4. Remember it’s ok to do things differently (there’s more than one way to peel a potato or fold the laundry).

I’ve been trying to remind myself of that every day lately, especially since my husband and I have been like two ships that pass in the night. He works nights and the rest of the time is trying to renovate our carpenter’s nightmare of a fixer-upper all by himself, plus watch our 14-month-old daughter while I try to squeeze in working 20 hours a week from home.

Well anyway, every day I try to think of one little thing I can do to make his life easier or happier. Even if it’s as small as replacing the sliver of soap in the shower with a fresh bar so he doesn’t have to hop out mid-shower to go hunting for one, or putting his car keys in plain sight before he has to leave for work so he doesn’t waste 15 minutes in a panic looking for them. Now, am I romantic or what?

Hey, it’s a start! And I’m always looking for ideas–what are yours?

This past Valentines Day, my husband bought me 365 chocolates. (yum).  I am supposed to eat one at 6:00pm each day….just so I will think sweet thoughts of him before he gets home from work.  I know it sounds crazy but it actually works. Now it has only been 8 days but I feel like its Valentines day everyday!  Stay tuned to see how long this lasts. I hope it lasts until next Valentines Day…which means another 365 chocolates for me!