For the last four weeks ODD’s rotation has kept him away from home for dinner every few nights. The ten weeks before that kept him from dinner five days a week. Sometimes, since I’m the only one really caring about what I’m eating (Peanut would happily subsist on PB and honey sandwiches if I let her), I’m tempted to just scrounge for whatever sounds good at the moment. Lately, though, I’ve taken advantage of the fact that ODD’s gone and make something for dinner that I love but don’t often make because ODD hates it.
The last month or so I’ve had all sorts of good stuff.
Artichokes, Chicken Curry, Fresh Salsa, Pesto, and Potstickers just to name a few.
The other perk to ODD being gone overnight during this rotation is on the nights he’s on call I can revert to my night owl ways and stay up late without feeling guilty that ODD’s asleep in bed without me. It’s amazing how much I can accomplish between 10 pm and 3 or 4 am. Usually I’m able to get my house clean then actually enjoy it for a while since the kids are asleep instead of making messes. Then I can watch movies or TV while working on things on the computer that I have a hard time getting done while the kids are awake. Now if only Wingnut didn’t sleep in my sewing room I’d be able to get a lot of sewing projects accomplished as well. I guess I can’t have it all.
These fifteen weeks we’re almost finished with are supposed to be the worst of ODD’s residency as far as schedules go. We knew they were coming and honestly I don’t think they’ve been that bad, probably because I was prepared for them and know this time won’t last forever. It’s also been easier than last year when ODD was gone for three months on rotations in other states while I was pregnant and barfing my guts out while trying to keep Peanut alive. Even though being away from ODD isn’t the ideal situation I’m happy I’ve been able to find ways to enjoy the time I have to myself.
You have an awesome attitude. But how late do your kids sleep for the 3 am bedtime not to cripple you in the morning? You are so lucky you can make it work!
Over all I really lucked out in the sleep department with my kids. They are good about sleeping in. Even if Peanut wakes up early she’ll climb in bed with me and just play or read books until I’m conscious again. Currently Wingnut wakes up at 6 or 7 to eat then goes back to sleep until 9 or 10. It’s a happy thing for me.
Ah yes…alone time. It can be quite refreshing sometimes…that’s awesome you’ve found ways to spend it to your advantage. Go you!
I love it when J goes out of town. I get to keep my own schedule and do my own thing. It’s great. He doesn’t travel all that often so it’s a real treat when he does
If my kids weren’t up at 7 AM full of energy and requests, I would stay up later. As it is, they are early riser, morning people and I would not be able to function on 3-4 hours of sleep. I wish they slept in!
I really need to try artichokes soon. My girls love veggies and I hear they’re super yummy and kids like eating them. We’ve also been enjoying your salsa recipe, so thanks for passing that on. And I may have to bug you for your chicken curry recipe too. Actually, I’d just like to download a copy of your brain so I can refer to it whenever I need something you would know about. ;o)
Alone time is nice. I miss having that. But in a few more months, I’ll have a little of that back so maybe I’ll be a better mommy.
Oh my! I just kinda really love it when The Manchild goes out of town for 4 days at a time. I stay up late pooing around on the internet or shampooing my stairs or painting trim or making cards… whatevs! And then I die all the next day when required to function.
We eat out, ’cause it’s way cheaper to eat out when we don’t have to buy “steak n potatoes”, especially when we eat at a “kids eat free” restaurant. Therefore… no dishes!
And then he comes home and we have lots to talk about and the kids get a gift. And all are happy!
Life is nicely differently funly when the hubs is away. He is in Florida this week, so rock on!
Angie
Yay! Love your new digs!