My best friend is divorced with two kids. She shares 50/50 custody with her ex-husband. Most of the time, it pains me because the thought of only having my kids 50% of the time simply feels like not enough. But then there are days it sounds like a dream. My weekends are always kid-filled leaving little time for “me time” or even time to clean out the pantry. I have to admit there are weekends I envy my divorced bestie for having the opportunity every other weekend to do things kid free.
It got me thinking about the fact that I had never had a weekend to myself since becoming a mom almost eight years ago. My husband and I have gone away for two nights (yes, that is my max at this stage of mommy-hood) but to actually be entirely by myself, nope, never. My husband has had this luxury. But never me. Didn’t I deserve the same luxury? When I broached the topic with my husband, he adamantly agreed.
Thank you, God, for this man.
I didn’t even care where he took the kids. The fact that they would be gone after school Friday through mid-morning Sunday was all I needed to know.
I thought about all the amazing things I could do.
What I ended up doing may surprise you.
Friday
Let the party begin! Or in my case – I left work, and went straight to Target. Moms, you know, there are fewer things better than running errands alone. I sipped my Starbucks and strolled that cart around like I owned the joint. Never had I felt so free. I had no place to be and nobody to rush home to. I even tried on clothes in the dressing room instead of just “guessing” if it fit. I knew right then it was going to be an amazing weekend.
Knowing I would arrive home around dinner time, I promptly called my favorite Thai restaurant from the Target parking lot to ensure my order would be ready for me to pick up.
The rest of my evening consisted of sweat pants, tv, wine, thai food and chocolate. Really doesn’t get better than that.
Saturday
With no alarm set and no kids to come pounce on me, I wondered how long I would sleep in. I woke up excited to see the time and how long I had slept.
Unfortunately the answer was 6am.
So much for sleeping in. But hey, at least I could just lay there and do absolutely nothing.
Within the hour, I was already up and getting things done around the house. But there was something satisfying about being completely alone. Hours later, I resurfaced from chores like laundry, pantry organization, vacuuming, and dozens of other things.
In true workout addict form, I decided to partake in a hot yoga class. Calorie burn with a side of relaxation. The perfect combination for what I needed that day.
After a long shower (another win for that weekend), I thought I should reach out to my friends. To see what they were up to. Maybe I should even attempt to go out and have some fun.
But then I saw my sweatpants.
My sweatpants won.
Saturday closed out similar to Friday. I finished the bottle of wine. Ok, I probably opened another one. I don’t even recall what I watched or what I ate but I am certain it was all amazing.
Sunday started out with an early wake-up just as Saturday had. Knowing I only had a few hours of freedom left, I did what any mom would do.
I laid there. In silence.
I conjured my strength for a pedicure, then made my way back home to pack lunches for the next day. My vacation was over and reality would be home shortly.
When my kids came running through the door, I felt rejuvenated and so excited to see them. While I wouldn’t want that to be my reality every other weekend, it sure was nice to try it out.
Moms, what would you do or have you done on a weekend on your own? Were you a loner like me or did you live it up? We’d love to hear!
