My head has nearly cleared itself of its cold and Shane has come home after five days away for work. He left while I was still in quite a state, so I wanted very much to welcome him back home in style. Look sugar, I washed my hair and even curled it, and after 10 days of no make up, look – it’s me again! He’d walk into a sparkling clean home and there would be something tasty in the slow cooker. It would all be very wonderful and perfect. I was excited to see him again because distance really did make the heart grow fonder.
But then there’s reality. This time, reality involved a clogged kitchen drain, elbow grease and a garbage disposal eruption. Me, covered in coffee grounds. It meant an earlier flight and getting home while I was out and being greeted by a plunger. It meant tools splayed out on the clean floors and counters and me running in from the wind and apologizing that this was how I welcomed by husband home from work.
Expectation vs reality. We can’t always win and sometimes we need to be okay with messy…Shane didn’t marry me for my housewife skills. Best to let go of expectations and enjoy each other and the time we have. Now let’s see how I do with serving a little breakfast in bed this morning…
Barb says
Mikaela, this made me laugh. I’m not married but when my boyfriend visits me here’s my routine, I’m going crazy cleaning, running to the store, trying to look my best, on the verge of tears sometimes and try to remain calm when he walks through the door. I’m learning to not worry and except if things aren’t going as planned. I’m learning to not take myself so seriously and just laugh. God bless you Mikaela. :) ps thank you for sharing.
Kim says
So true. I had a similar experience. We just moved into our new house last summer and I clogged the kitchen drain. My mom came down to help – all dressed up ready to go out the door – to help me fix it before my husband got home. She taught me a great trick. I covered one side with one of my daughter’s bowls with a suction cup on the bottom and stood in the sink – yes – stood IN the sink with one foot on top of the bowl, the other to help with balance so I could get good leverage to use the plunger on the other side of the drain. Worked like a charm!
ashlee says
love this post!
Julie says
I identified with this in every way. Welcome to marriage!! What a wonderful, messy thing it is. :)
Julie says
…I forgot to include that an emotional breakdown would also have occurred somewhere in there. Can’t leave that out, ha.