After ten long days, Joe will finally be on his way back home tomorrow. I am so unbelievably proud of him for pursuing this project and putting in all the long days of shooting and interviewing, driving late into the night and getting up at dawn, sleeping wherever he can and still making time to visit with old friends. He's a rock star.
It's been hard to be without him for this long, but in truth, as much as I hate to be apart from him, there are SOME things that I can really only fully enjoy when he is off on another adventure.
Here's my list of my favorite non-Joe activities.
1.) Watch the tragically-trashy or dramatically-delicious shows I love (that he can't resist making fun of me for).
Joe and I agree on several television shows that we both enjoy watching. But for every "Walking Dead", "Homeland", and "Better Call Saul" there is also a need for me to watch "RuPaul's Drag Race", "Downton Abbey", or "Real Housewives of Atlanta". And while he is away, I can happily indulge in these girly or junk programs without the judgemental eye-roll or unwelcome commentary.
2.) Do my nails.
I'm not sure if this is a guy-thing or a Joe-specific-thing, but Joe can't STAND the sound of an emory board being used. If I ever need to do my nails, I have to hide in the bathroom or wait till he is settled in another room before I bring out the dreaded device. But when he is gone from the house for an extended period of time, I like to think of it as a treat, rather than a chore. I bring out the lotions and pretty nail colors and make sure I have a snack and/or glass of wine at the ready so while my nails are drying, I can feel pampered.
3.) Eat terribly.
Joe is on this pretty strict diet, and I have been trying to be supportive by creating healthy meals and abstaining from junk food right along with him. But since he is gone, I am tossing the diet aside and allowing myself ice cream, fast food, pizza, and anything else sugary, salty, cheesy, or carb-y. The other day, I made a meal out of my leftover spaghetti and meatballs AND two slices of pizza. I know I'll regret it when he gets home because he'll be all sweet and want to cuddle and I'll feel bloated and puffy. But at least I will have satisfied those terrible cravings for a little while....at least until he ventures off again lol.
Still, as much as I treasure these little moments I carve out for myself, I would happily trade every episode of Downton Abbey and every Chik-Fil-A nugget to have him back home safely. (And because I know he'll be reading this- yes, Joe, I DO mean it :) )
What about you? What do you enjoy doing when your significant other is away?
