Everything in Moderation

Kyle was at a conference in Vienna, Austria from last Tuesday until last Friday evening. We spent Saturday together and then I went with him to the train station to say goodbye on Sunday afternoon as he headed to London until this Wednesday. In the last year he has rarely had to travel, but as he is getting more familiar with a wider variety of European topics, he is traveling more.

Now I will admit that last week I kind of enjoyed having some time to myself. Obviously I love being with Kyle, but because I don't work there is kind of an odd balance in our marriage -- one that I put totally on myself. Yes, Kyle is fine to have peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for dinner, but if I have been home all day, why shouldn't I cook a nice meal? And if I have had time to take a nap, couldn't I also have time to do a few loads of laundry and pick up the house? Again, Kyle never thinks this, I just have a guilt ridden Catholic conscience that is always whispering to me.

So all last week while Kyle was gone I watched girlie movies in my pajamas, left clothes all over the house, ate cheese and crackers for dinner (while standing up at the kitchen counter), talked on the phone for hours, stayed out late drinking wine with my bookclub friends (and didn't call to let Kyle know I'd be home late), and took up the whole bed and didn't worry about stealing the sheets.

I thought that this week would be the exact same. But I must admit, that I think four days is the longest I really want to be without Kyle. Today I had lunch and coffee with friends and tomorrow I have two coffee get togethers and a dinner with 12 other girls, so I am still filling my time quite well. But I miss having Kyle to talk to about my day. And I miss not having someone to cook for who enjoys my food (and always tells me how good it is). And I miss not having Kyle explain some sporting event that is on TV to me. And I miss having someone to fall asleep next to.

So these two weeks have been a good reminder to me that everything needs to be in moderation. It is good for Kyle and I to be together, but it is also nice to have some time apart (just as long as it is not too much time.)