Tranquility

Scott was excited on the last Friday before his winter vacation, anticipating nearly two weeks of sleeping in and no work. Robby experienced the same excitement on Christmas morning when he discovered the treasures that Santa left him. This morning, it's my turn!

Although I've enjoyed having both boys home from school, I have to admit that I'm feeling a girlish excitement at the prospect of their vacation ending. Between the cruise,  Robby's Dengue Fever and the holidays, my comfortable and highly functional routine was shattered. As much as I love adventure and the unplanned road trip, I've come to realize that I need structure as well.

I am ready to put this bah-humbug season behind me. The tree has already been undecorated and thrown in the woods. The only traces of Christmas left in my house lie with the presents that were received and the half-roll of Santa paper towels on my kitchen counter. Putting everything away and reclaiming the living room felt wonderful!

This afternoon the house will be quiet for the first time in two weeks. I'm going to be able to curl up on the sofa, surround myself with my notebooks and work without being interrupted to play Lincoln Logs or to look at a replay on ESPN. I never thought I would be this excited about the prospect of solitude.

I know that both boys will be deflated and, well, just plain whiny this morning as they get dressed for another school day. I anticipate a lot of complaining as I shoo them both out of the door. I'm going to try to keep my enthusiasm in check until I drop Robby at school. It's a good thing that my legs are healed because I'm not sure I'll be able to control my urge to skip out of the building in celebration.  

My gleeful anticipation is unexpected. Just a few short months ago I was crying, lamenting Robby going to school full days and worrying about how to spend my time. I suppose that this change is called personal growth? In any case, who would have thought that a few hours of quiet would be this cherished!