Girls Weekend

Since we met way back in the Pleistocene era, Bruce's hockey coaching has always taken him all over the place. Back in the day before dog/marriage/kids, I used to go with him all the time. I have been treated to some of the finer Best Westerns all over the greater New England and Midwest areas. Hell, I even got a trip to Austria out of it. Nowadays, I don't go so much. Getting someone to watch the animals is a pain and have you ever tried to sleep in a hotel room with one bed and two kids? Plus, watching all the hockey moms gives me a very real glimpse of my near future. Once, when he was coaching teenagers and I was barely just out of being one myself, I was asked by a parent from an opposing team, "Which one is yours?" She was a little confused when I said, "The tall bald one who won't stop yelling." It used to seem like such a far away thing, me as a fleece-clad, slightly chunky woman whose only accessories involve hockey sticks and my kid's jersey number. That's... not for me. I'd like to keep my head buried in the ice just a bit longer, thanks.

But then Bruce told me about the games he had scheduled at the Wisconsin Dells (The Waterpark Capital of the World! tm) and I knew Calder would be all over it. Me? Not so much. Waterparks mean bathing suits. I would rather go stand in my backyard nakesd in the six inches of snow than wear a bathing suit in public right now. Although by Wisconsin standard, I may yet be considered skinny. And yes, that is me putting someone else down in order to make myself feel better. Wisconsin can go cry into its cheese brats if it is seriously offended.

Because I didn't want to go, Bruce offered to do me a real solid and suggested he take both kids so I could have some alone time. That sounded really, REALLY appealing, but I know three days of Wen being away from my boobs would devastate my supply. Plus, I hate pumping so much that would pretty much ruin my fun solo times. So we compromised and split the kids. Bruce took Calder for some waterslide adventures and I kept Wren here with me for uh, running errands and watching football. Of course all week before they left, every time Calder misbehaved Bruce would threaten him with leaving him at home with me. Uh, who exactly would that be punishing?

After dropping the boys off at the rental car place (OK, I rent a car I get a maroon Grand Marquis. Bruce rents a car he gets a pumpkin orange Dodge Charger. WHAT THE HELL?) Wren fell asleep immediately leaving me with my first taste of sweet, sweet alone time. How did I use it? I swept the floors and picked up Calder's room. Later I wasted all potentially productive nap times by dragging Wren out for some errands with my bestie. Ooooh, going to CVS and the grocery store. I really know how to live. *sobs over how my life used to be.* I did put the baby to sleep waaaay early using the magic of warm bathwater and a thermostat cranked way up to have my own little football party with wings and beer. Sure I could have invited people over but who am I kidding, no one would come. Of course today I paid for that early bedtime when she woke up at 4 frickin' 45. It's a good thing I only got through three of my fancy beers and fell asleep during halftime. That's livin'. L-I-V-I-N.

Today I am setting my sights much higher. During her naps I am going to sew. Maybe I will bake. I have already blogged *checks off list item*. Perhaps I will even take some photos of Wren that do not involve her eating.