Alone

Last week I took the kids on a trip alone. Last month Jay took Jack to Arkansas for the day alone. We do a fair amount of things alone (or with just the kids) and I never really gave it any thought until someone thought Jay and I were fighting because we weren't together. The fact is, somewhere in the middle of a marriage filled with medical school, residency, and deployment, I realized that there were going to be times where if I wanted to do something, I was going to have to do it on my own or not do it at all. And even though I would usually rather have Jay with me, ninety-nine times out of a hundred it will go just fine even if he's not there. We just rack up the minutes on the phone.

All of that to lead into my little post about going out last night alone. All alone. Nary a child around. I even carried a regular purse without any wipes in it. Audrey Niffenegger was speaking at our local museum and no one wanted to go (or at least not anyone who lives in my area code), so I went by myself. I had a nice time, but I wish I hadn't gotten there so early for the drinks and mingling. That's not so exciting when you're not drinking or mingling. But I made the best of it and sat down on a bench and read until the auditorium opened. The talk was interesting, but reaffirmed my thought that if I had to be around artsy literary people for too long, I would probably assault someone.
I drove home listening to a CD Jay made for me at the volume of my choosing and even stopped by Taco Bell (Jack doesn't like Taco Bell and complains if we go there--smart kid) just because I could. It was nice. I picked up my cranky daughter and took her home to my husband (with whom I am not fighting) and even made it in time to kiss my son goodnight before he fell asleep. Who could ask for more?