One Of *Those* Days 

What I miss most about being married is the ability to just hand the reins over to another adult when you hit a rough patch. Whether it’s illness, work deadlines, or just a severe case of the “I can’t take it anymore’s” - well, when you’re the only one on duty, there’s nothing left to do but grit your teeth, suck it up, and deal.

Yes, I’m having one of Those Days. The one where the pounding headache sets in at noon, and the kids can’t stop arguing about everything once you’re finally all back home. And when they’re not arguing, they’re reminding you of all the things you’ve forgotten - from the t-shirt the teen needs for gym to the forms you should have filled out weeks ago.

Let’s not forget the “I neeeeed’s” the younger one delights in. I just got hit up to spend “only 24.99!” for some quick gem contraption that’ll put fake sparkly things in her hair. And the teen wants me to troubleshoot his internet connection - NOW.

On days like these, I figure that total and complete retreat is perhaps the best strategy I can deploy. It’s too cold and rainy (not to mention dark) for a walk. Tackling the kitchen? Um, no. Finding those papers? I’ve been up since 6 am, spent 4 straight hours on a client teleconference, and have no more starch left.

So I’m calling it a day - using what I’m calling my ‘ostrich strategy.’ I’m crawling into bed with a book and a glass of wine. At seven in the evening.

Since there’s no other parent to hand the reins off to, I’ve decided to just let go for a night.

I’ll come back out to make sure the younger child gets to bed in a timely manner, but other than that - I’m done for the day.