Mrs. Independence

I'm not one for solitude.  I tend to get enough solitude in my car, to and from work, listening to the radio with the windows down (weather permitting, of course) and the sunshine shining.  Its hard for me to just be by myself.  This has been my way since as long as I can remember.  My dad actually said that I require a Three Ring Circus to entertain me.  He would know as he often holds the prestigious position as ringmaster or as he likes to call it, the entertainment committee.  I've never lived alone, I went from home to dorm-room to apartment with two roomies to house with 4 roomies to townhouse with one roomie to townhouse with fiance and puppy to house with husband and doggie.  Through all of those changes, I've never lived in a house by myself.  I've been in those places by myself, but have never lived there by myself.  

The closest I come to living alone is  when Nick is traveling.  During these times, although few and far between,  I realize how much I've come to depend on him.  His time away serves as a reminder that I can get my #hit together, put on my big girl undies and deal with things myself. Not that four days really gives me all that much to deal with, but it makes me appreciate the nights that I get home to find the dog walked, dinner made and the conversation ready.  Most importantly, it makes me appreciate the other half of my life.  It also makes me realize how much that I lean on him as a partner and a best friend, sometimes TOO much.  His time away is a time for me to reel myself in and remember that I can do this by myself, even if I don't want to.  

Don't get me wrong though, when he gets home, I'm still going to talk his ear off and demand my souvenirs immediately (if not sooner) and while he's gone - I'm sleeping in the middle of the bed and having Cheerios for dinner.  I'm just saying that even though I  miss him terribly, I can't help but enjoy and appreciate a little bit of time with me, myself and I...and of course, my little dog too.