Husbands

J. is on a business trip - he returns tonight (Thank you, God). I miss him always - but especially when:

1) The pool filter goes squirrely and I have to figure out what to do to make the horrific grinding noise stop. I can never remember how to shut the blooming thing off (since you're not supposed to shut it off, ever). And then I have to call Kevin the pool guy and do the 'dumb (bottle) blond' routine and ask for his help in figuring out what is wrong with it and make it work again. Which he did - thanks, Blue Lagoon Pool & Spa service. You're the greatest.

2) The dead bird that was MIA under the wheel well of my van is now oh so obvious every time I go out to the car - it makes me shudder to see his legs and wings spread-eagled under the bumper. And I'm not going to even consider attempting to extract it myself - that's J.'s "job". That and all body fluids related to kids, which thankfully, there have been none of (yet).

3) H. brings home his less than sterling report card and it's me (again) being Mommy Dearest and attempting to impress upon him that the note re: needs to focus more in class is related to something other than just sitting there quietly and doing his work. Duh. We need some 'stern Dad' intervention for this one.

4) I've been working on taxes a bit and there's no one there to react to my frequent gasps or the 'oh my Gosh's' frequently leaving my mouth. My expressions always freak J. out - and I miss his reactions from the desk behind me as I wind my way through Turbo Tax.

5) J. does the dishes a lot and I realize I don't thank him nearly enough nor do I appreciate it as much as I should. J. also cooks a lot - we've had frozen pizza and Taco Bell the past couple nights - which the boys are thrilled with. But if J. were home, there'd be better eats around - and fewer dishes in the sink.

6) When it's cold and I can't get warmed up for HOURS 'cuz there's no one there to help warm up the bed. And it's been FREEZING this week (not Ohio freezing, K. - but cold for here).

7) I dreamed all night how horrible I felt - sore throat, headache, achy. And I woke up to realize that it wasn't a dream - I DO feel horrible and yucky. And there's no one to bring me hot tea or a blanket or help switch the DVD's for Buffy The Vampire Slayer 'cuz J's not home. (I'm spoiled - I admit it). He's the best 'caregiver' on the planet.

8) 'Cuz when your hubby's away, you realize even more how much you love him - and miss him. I can't wait for him to be home!