All the Single Ladies

Through the end of the semester, Derrick and I will be living in two separate homes. It's a long distance from hubby to wife, so at this point our belongings are split between the houses and we plan visits around how much more "stuff" can be transferred to the new home. Next up: Derrick's tools. He will visit me and take them back - every toolbox, saw, bench, and yard tool. But I'll keep a hammer. To be honest, I'm not sad that I can't be there to help unload the tools into the new tool shed. I much prefer loading and unloading photos, mirrors, blankets, kitchenware, or clothes. Derrick might argue that I have yet to unload ANYthing, I typically let him handle the muscle work if he's around.

I was curious what the house would be like, what my schedule would be like without my other half. I think within 24 hours I was living like I had before I met Derrick. I couldn't tell you what that looks like really, but a few things are very very different. For one, I rarely cook. I LOVE to cook and read recipes and plan and shop, but cooking for one takes just a bit more effort and I often opt for cold or microwaveable meals. I've only been to the grocery once this month. I've made a lot of scrambled eggs for dinner. I eat more apples, popcorn, edemame, and "meal" bars than I would have ever guessed. String cheese is always good and almonds are easy. Surely I cooked more when I was single, I just don't remember?

I also stay up much, much later at night. Last night I was writing emails after midnight and I just forced myself to go to bed. I don't know what it is, I love sleep. It's probably my favorite thing. I had a theory that I felt safer this way - the longer I'm up, the less time I'm in an empty house alone and asleep, but who knows. Another sleep habit that has changed is how often I let my puppies in the bed. It's just so sweet to have them there I could cry. Daphne will put her head on my feet or curl up against my legs. Roz will ask for a belly rub and cuddle up to me spoon-style. Then I wake up in the night and Roz is curled up with her head on Derrick's pillow and in the morning they stretch and are so happy to be awake and alive that I get out of bed smiling. I can't say I "love" when they lick my mouth before I'm fully awake, but it's wonderful to have their company.

Other changes - my "piles" are a bit more evident. I have a picture pile, a "to read" pile, a school pile, etc. Derrick thinks I still leave to many things in piles, but he doesn't realize how much MORE I could do! It's how I think and organize, I love piles. That's why Mac came up with the "stacks" feature, right? You can "stack" icons all over your desktop because it's how some people think! Yes, I'm justifying my less orderly habits. Anyway, I also watch as much girly stuff on TV as possible. I don't watch as much TV, but if I can I like to have girly girly shows or rentals on and there's no one around to groan. SATC and Never Been Kissed are up next!

Thankfully Derrick's "single" routine hasn't returned to eating cold beans out of a can for dinner. My sister, his new roomie for now, is helping take care of things.
It's fun sometimes to eat, sleep, and entertain on my own, but I'm really looking forward to cooking and having a good laugh with my hubby again in our new home!