WOO HOO! Hubby is out of town for 5 days!!!

@mentalward (14691)
United States
September 28, 2009 12:59pm CST
My husband is on his way to Chicago (from Virginia) to a seminar and workshop for his job. He'll be there all week long!!! Yippee!!! I'll sleep better because he snores something fierce. He also wakes me up every morning because he leaves for work generally around 4:00 a.m. or earlier. I'll have less to do because he won't be here all week leaving messes wherever he goes. He's notorious for never throwing trash away in the kitchen. I won't have to cook as much because it's just for me. I can watch whatever I want on TV. I can go out shopping or whatever and not have to account for my whereabouts. Woo hoo!!! Has your spouse ever gone away for awhile and made a HUGE difference in your life? I'd like to hear that I'm not the only one who is this excited that he's not here. If so, what did you do with all your "free" time? I'd love to hear your stories. Please, do tell!!!
7 people like this
35 responses
@krajibg (11923)
• Guwahati, India
28 Sep 09
Hi there, So your hubby is out and you are in. That sound nice as far after reading your account. But I am a bit puzzled. Is he that cumbersome that you cherish his absence? Well there is no inside story here and only presumption could be made that something is amiss in your relation or you are just kidding. Whatsoever have nice time.
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
28 Sep 09
When he and I first met, he told me that "family" was a big issue with him. He said he loves his family. He acted much differently then than he does now with my family. He changed once we got married. Yes, we are made of different metals but I make the most of it. I am not terribly unhappy when he is here, I'm just enjoying my alone time. And, no, I have tried to convince him that he is capable of doing some things around the house but he seems determined not to do them. I have been able to compromise and clean up after myself. My things are all in their places while his are scattered everywhere. When he cannot find something that he wants, he has only himself to blame. I do not worry about that anymore. If he really can't stand it, he'll learn to start being a little neater like he was before we were married. He is not incapable of it. As I am disabled, I am not physically able to do everything around the house. Since he obviously does not care, I just take care of my own things. But, I am enjoying the quiet at night without his snoring and only cooking for myself for awhile. I'm getting the house cleaned without him constantly making more messes. He is enjoying his trip because he loves his work. We're both happy.
@krajibg (11923)
• Guwahati, India
29 Sep 09
Hi Marti, First of all i did not mean to counsel you through my response as thea ( amusingly I guess ) put that way. I was taken aback at the very first glance on the post as to how come one feels the taste of freedom when his/her SO gets out of the house. Now I feel I was mislead and to some extent was correct too. After all it depicted a problem for you in the humorous way though. Well he possesses a good many positive traits as well. Say when he fails to locate anything of his he does not blame any one but takes it on his own which is otherwise in many men including me. lol. That he changed a lot after your marriage can be accepted as normal unless it becomes an issue. Now he is careless and who knows he does all these staff knowingly and would bring himself to the man you would love to see.
@bdugas (3578)
• United States
1 Oct 09
My hubby leaves every July for 3+ months back home in Louisiana, we was relocated by Hurricane Katrina, and he is 1000 miles from home, so he goes and visits family, and hunts and fishes. I can't wait for him to get out the door, hope that doesn't sound mean, he was injured on the job the first year we was married, and has not been able to work since then. He can not even drive, has to take the bus. And it is like you said, time for me, time to eat what I want, and even was the dishes when I want. Sleep as little or as much as I want, go shop and not have a time limit as to how long or how many stores I can visit. And as for the TV, thank god no SIFI channel. So you are not alone, it gives us both time to get away and do what we like, I count the days till it is time for him to go again, especially after being locked up with him all winter
1 person likes this
@ravinskye (8237)
• United States
28 Sep 09
My husband has been going to chicago airport every other week since june. His company got hired to do a repair job that another company in our area screwed up. The first week he went we were excited. He was excited because he's never gotten to go anywhere like that before and I was excited because I thought it would be an adventure to be apart. In the 8 years we've been married the only night we spend apart is the night before deer season because he stays down at his great aunts to hunt. Then they asked him to go another week. Now, it has been 4 months and I hate it. I don't sleep as well with him gone. I am a single mom every other week to our 3 kids and I'm lonely. I can watch what I want and shop when I want when he's here so I guess that is why I miss him so much.
1 person likes this
@crys7881 (249)
• United States
28 Sep 09
Okay first of all I have to say that I am totally jealous!!! lol I would be just as excited as you sound if I were in your position!! I think free time is something we all need every now and them!! Not that you don't love your husband but having that freedom for a few days is really nice, just having to worry about yourself and not picking up after him and everything! Have a great week!!!
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
28 Sep 09
Yes, exactly! I think it's more that I feel like his maid when he's here and only having to pick up after myself will be a very nice change! I hope he has many more business trips in his future. He is supposed to be going to Canada this winter and I had thought about going with him but, after more thought, I think I'll stay here. When he can go to Canada in the SUMMER, I'll go with him. This time, I'll just enjoy his being away. Yes, I'll probably be happy to see him after this trip... or not. LOL I just wish I could train him to be less of a slob like he was when we were dating. I plan to do whatever, whenever, wherever!
@savak03 (6684)
• United States
28 Sep 09
Don't do like I always did and waste all your free time sleeping or watching TV. Get out and enjoy your brief respite. We all need a little fun now and then.
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
28 Sep 09
Very true, savak! I'm going out tomorrow for the day. Today the weather is strange; first rain, now strong winds and later, thunderstorms. So, tomorrow I'll be out seeing what trouble I can get into. I may even drive into Baltimore (where I'm from) and see some friends. I can't stay long because of my dogs but I it's only a 2 hour drive there and I think the dogs can handle things while I'm gone. (They're Maltese, very sensitive to heat, cold, sun, etc. so they use training pads instead of going outside so no messes in the house except for the pads I'll have to change when I get back.) Yep, I'm going out and doing things I wouldn't normally do. I plan on taking full advantage of my free time.
1 person likes this
@savak03 (6684)
• United States
28 Sep 09
Good for you!
28 Sep 09
LOL!!!! This is so funny. Yes, i sometimes like being alone, if hubby goes on a course. less mess..lol..and cooking, and watch what i want on Tv, and NO snoring! Delighful! I think sometimes, just a bit of free time, feels good, i know what you mean. This made me laugh! LOL!
1 person likes this
28 Sep 09
You enjoy it! I am sure you will, the sleep will be a blessing, NO snoring, what a joy! ;)) Btw, i copy my replies, then if the page goes, you can just paste it, its less stressful than having to re type it all, especially if it is a long one...makes you wanna scream! LOL.. Enjoy your chill time! ;) ( i want the smileys!) lol
@AmbiePam (84651)
• United States
28 Sep 09
I hope you have a good time!
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
28 Sep 09
Thanks, Pam. I intend to. I've spent the morning just cleaning around here. The weather is weird, first rain, now strong winds with thunderstorms predicted for later this afternoon. So, I'm staying in today. Tomorrow, though, I'm going out. I'm going window shopping. I'm going to have lunch in a restaurant. I might peruse the second-hand shops. I'll come back when I feel like it. The rest of the week, who knows? I know I won't spend the rest of the week here at home, that's for sure. I may just stay up extra late listening to music. The world is mine!
2 people like this
@AmbiePam (84651)
• United States
28 Sep 09
Go crazy!
@ahgong (10064)
• Singapore
17 Nov 09
Hmm... is it really that stifling when your husband is in the house?
@ahgong (10064)
• Singapore
19 Nov 09
ha ha ha ha ha... strangely, I can relate to what you just said!
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
17 Nov 09
Not always but it can be extremely frustrating. He's pretty much a pig, never cleaning up after himself and it can be very irritating. Also, he's always interrupting me when I'm trying to get something done, like cleaning the kitchen, being here in myLot, whatever I'm doing. Basically, he's a very lazy man around the house and tries to get me to stop doing things because it makes him feel bad that he's so lazy. If I stopped every time he wanted me to, necessary things would never get done! It's just nice to have a break every now and then. Being able to do anything I want, any time I want, without having to explain every little thing is very nice. I honestly don't think I'd like living alone full-time because I am a people person and my husband and I do have a lot of the same interests so it's nice to have him here... occasionally.
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
10 Oct 09
I can imagine hubby's back and on your nerves again.... Sorry I'm late Marti but I'm sure you understand! Yes, mine has been gone a couple of times for a year both times when he was in the Army and many other times for weeks at a time to a month and more. It was nice for a few days but then I got to missing him something terrible and wish he'd return but knowing he wasn't, I'd find something to get into such as cross stitching or reading a good book or something that NEEDS doing....
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
29 Sep 09
OMG,you sound just like me when I was married! No farts, belches, and snoring all night!! The kids and I could eat what WE liked, not cater to him. No picking up clothes scattered throughout the house, no scum in the sink and tub. I tell you, even though it broke my heart when he filed for divorce, I was relieved. I'm so glad to be alone now. The kids and I loved the times he was out of town--and it was a lot! The last two years of our marriage it was mostly to be with the tramp that was his high school girlfriend way back when. Hey, she's welcome to him and she has her share of heartaches since they married. Kids and I used to watch movies and eat popcorn when he was gone. They never went to their rooms except to sleep. It was great. Don't know why I stayed 19 years! Enjoy, dear.
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
29 Sep 09
Ah, poop. I mean 'videotape' not 'videotype'. Stupid keys, always jumping around!
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
29 Sep 09
LOL! Poor doggies!
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
28 Sep 09
Hi Marti, these are all the reasons why I don't want to marry or live with someone, you do realise they don't actually snore until you live together, they don't snore when there's two separate houses, and you only spend the night sone of the time, they are crafty like that. And I could not live with a snorer again. Also with separate places they won't make a mess in yours, just as you woundn't in theirs, plus they get to deal with the massive amount of towels you can wallow in at theirs. I like living alone except for when something needs killing around the place, I get to suit myself all of the time. My man is perfectly capable of running his own place, but how long if I moved in before he was incapable and started snoring?
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
28 Sep 09
That's VERY true, thea! I'd love to know how they lose certain knowledge as soon as the vows are taken. Unfortunately, my husband is a snorer from way back. His nieces gave him a mug for Christmas before I met him. It says "World's Loudest Snorer" on it. So, yeah, he's had this problem awhile. He did promise me he'd have it taken care of and got as far as seeing a doctor about it (he also has sleep apnea) but, when they wanted to do a sleep study on him, he conveniently had too much work. Uh huh. Sure. But, I know that he used to cook for himself. Oh, he ate a lot of frozen meals before we met, but he knows how to cook. He just "forgot" once we were married. And what's up with his inability to throw trash away? He'll open something and microwave or bake it, and leave the carton or baggie, whatever the food was wrapped in, on the stovetop or counter. The trash can is only 2 feet away from the stove!!! Unbelievable. I've spoken to him about this countless times to no avail. I think I'll have to do what I thought of doing: putting all his trash on his side of the bed so he'll HAVE to deal with it. Moron! But, I am married so I'll make the most of his being away.
1 person likes this
@krajibg (11923)
• Guwahati, India
28 Sep 09
[/b] these are all the reasons why I don't want to marry or live with someone[b]..This says you are not married and My man is perfectly capable of running his own place, this again says you are married. I am confused.. Whatsoever the case once we are married all are not set to be each other's liking and hence there lies the question of adjustment. We have lived life with a lot of adjustments and compromise and I feel these are the parts of our lives and they make life worth living unless things are at the extreme. What say?
1 person likes this
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
28 Sep 09
What say indeed Krajib beyond the fact that you've clearly strayed into an amusing little discourse and seem not to have the slightest notion of what we speak, nor do I need,last time I looked, a lecture on compromise. Maybe there's some teenagers over in the 'dear aunty agony advice' interest who would like to listen to you. Us adults tend to know our own minds.
@Tantrums (945)
• Philippines
28 Sep 09
My wife has this out of town business trips too! And it usually takes 2-3 days, and these are the days I'm feeling unmarried again!
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
28 Sep 09
I only wish my husband had more of these trips! Actually, he's supposed to go to Canada sometime this winter for another seminar but I want to go with him for that one. I've never been to Canada and I've made many friends here in myLot from Canada so maybe we could meet. Of course, my body probably won't like Canada in the winter... it gets SO COLD up there!
1 person likes this
@shia88 (4571)
• Malaysia
29 Sep 09
Hi Mentalward, It seems you are going for your freedom day for the next 5 days. So enjoy yourself !! So far, my husband never out of town. We are always together and I love him being at home with me and my son.we can play with our son together,watch tv together and of course, have a meal together. Your husband wakeup so early?? what job is he doing?? I can understand your feeling, guy is more messy than girl in certain way. SOmetimes,My husband do anyhow throw things or not doing things in proper way.Then I will nag him and remind him not to repeat again next time. What to do?? We stay together,have to give and take.
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
29 Sep 09
Hi shia. My husband is a systems design engineer. He designs computer programs for HVAC (Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning) systems. He likes to go in to work early to avoid traffic which gets extremely heavy when most people go in to work. He works near Washington, D.C. and that always has very heavy traffic. I have enjoyed my first whole day with him away. I was cleaning the kitchen at 1:00 in the morning! LOL I usually have more energy late at night and he's always asleep then so I have to be careful to not wake him. For this week, I can make as much noise as I want!
@malamar (779)
• Canada
29 Sep 09
Hey mentalward, have a wonderful "vacation". Yes, time alone can be an adventure no matter how much we love our partner, kids or job. It doesn't matter what you are taking a break from, the result is the same. The freedom leaves you both giddy and refreshed at the same time. I call these little respites my "mental health break" and I try to schedule one into my life at least once a month. I don't get a whole week at a time, but even 2 or 3 days can be refreshing. Don't schedule anything, just go as the spirit moves you. Have your kids over for an extra long visit, or do something you wouldn't normally do. Stay up late watching tv, sleep late every morning, eat at really weird hours, you know - do whatever turns your crank. Hope you have a terrific week. Let us know if you do any wild and crazy things -
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
29 Sep 09
That's exactly what I'm doing, malamar, doing whatever I want, whenever I want. I'm enjoying it immensely! It is most definitely a "mental health break" and long overdue, I must say. He's typically a homebody and is always here when he's not at work. I mean... always! If we need something from the hardware store, he wants me to go with him. If he needs something from the pharmacy or grocery store, he sends me. I feel like his own personal slave most of the time. My time alone is sooooooooooo nice!!! He and I eat very different foods. I eat pretty healthy. He eats a lot of junk or fatty/spicy stuff. It's hard to cook for two people who have such vastly different tastes. I've already enjoyed an entire half a cantalope! Yummmmm!!! That was my dinner. I had a late-night snack last night of chicken and veggies. Yeah, I know the snack should have been dinner and the dinner should have been a snack but, heck, I'm all by myself with no one to tell me I'm doing it wrong. My kids are coming over tomorrow and I know it will be especially good knowing that my husband won't be coming home from work with the attitude he gets whenever my sons visit me. He's freakishly private. I'm surprised he even wanted to get married. Yep, it's going to be a very good visit. I've been able to clean the way I like to clean... uninterrupted and at the time I want to do it which is usually late at night. I'm a night person and get extra energy at night but that's when he's sleeping so I have to tiptoe or do it when he's at work. I like doing housework when I'm in the mood to do it, not when I'm forced to do it, and I like doing it at night. My first day without him has been absolutely wonderful!!! I'm wondering where I can send him next month.
@KrauseHome (36449)
• United States
24 Oct 09
Well, my husband has never been away from me for one night, but we have had different days off from work there for a while, or occassionally he has had to do things and been gone all day while I am at home. Sometimes the Break away is a much needed thing so I can do things I need to do, but at the same time I am glad when he comes home as well.
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
28 Sep 09
Hey mw! I do know how you feel! It's just the thought that you don't have to cook or to answer to someone else or just to worry about someone else that is the greatest feeling! I have been living with my bf now for almost 2 years! He goes to work around 9:45am and gets home at around 9:45pm! It is just nice that he is gone all day and eats his meals at his job so I don't have to worry about cooking 5 days a week! And once in awhile when he used to stay at his cousin's for a night it was a nice restful feeling because when he is home he also snores, gets annoyed that I watch tv late, let the cats sleep in the bed! So I know how nice it feels to be alone! I have lived alone for most of my life except for a few years on and off! So enjoy your time without your hubby! I know you will be celebrating!
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
29 Sep 09
Hi Opal. You are so lucky! Man! My husband typically goes in to work very early in the morning, like around 3:00 or 4:00 a.m., then gets off early and comes home around 2:00 p.m. or so. So, I have him most of the day, at least most of the part where I'm awake. He's definitely not an easy person to live with and I always get so much more done around here when he's gone. It's funny, but I have had a problem with bruxism (clenching or grinding the teeth together) for years now but it has completely gone away since he's been gone.
@mermaidivy (15395)
• United States
29 Sep 09
Wa, you sound so delightedly happy that your husband is going for business trip! :-p I remember my partner went for a business trip to DC last month, I was so upset because I was not be able to see him for couple days and I needed to be alone home all by myself... I was not happy AT ALL! I like to have his company, I don't like him to have business trip at all... All I did was computer, TV, eat, ply with the dog, sleepp... pretty much about it so it was very boring to be home all by myself couple days straight...
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
29 Sep 09
Hi ivy. It sounds like you have a wonderful relationship! I'm happy for you. I've been able to do things around the house that were constantly being interrupted by him before. When I clean, I don't like interruptions. My husband just loves interrupting. He doesn't care what I'm doing. Also, I slept so GOOD last night without him!!! No snoring, no farting, no bouncing the bed rolling over; ahhhhhh, it was nice! I am so enjoying this! It's also a time when I can think clearer. I'm alone with my thoughts and, without interruptions, I'm able to clean, dust and generally organize what's inside my cranium.
@Archie0 (5636)
29 Sep 09
[i]OMG!! mentalward, i dint knew we get so much happiness when husbands are out and when they are at home they are so much stupid, i am not yet married but now i think mine will be the same case after i get. Well i hope you really really have a great time.Do come here to share your everyday joy we all will be waiting to hear that. Have a nice time sweetie[/i]
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
29 Sep 09
Thank you, Archie! I have thoroughly enjoyed my first whole day without him. I cleaned my kitchen at 1:00 in the morning. LOL I have more energy at night but that is when he is asleep so I have to be quiet. I can make as much noise as I want for this entire week. Woo hoo! I can put on some music and have a blast!
@IMEzekieL (498)
29 Sep 09
Upon reading the title, I thought you're an unfaithful wife who jumped for joy because your hubby will be out of town. But anyway, do what you want now that you the free time to do so. But don't neglect your responsibilities.
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
29 Sep 09
Hello, Ezekiel. Actually, I'm being more responsible than normal without him here. He is forever interrupting me when I'm trying to clean and I've been able to do some really good cleaning so far with him away. I enjoy cleaning. I've also gone out without having to explain myself or worry about the time. As for being unfaithful, I'd never do that. Even in the worst relationship I've ever been in, I was never unfaithful. I don't believe in that. If a relationship is not working and nothing can save it, it should end before starting another relationship. That's how I feel, anyway. It is just so nice to be able to do anything I want, whenever I want. I cleaned my kitchen at 1:00 this morning! Normally, I'd worry about waking him up. My stress level has dropped to almost non-existant.
• United States
29 Sep 09
Wowwwwwwwwwww sounds like a hubby vacation! I would give anything for a week long break! What job does your husband do to get sent away for a week? Wish my husband job would do that LOL. Enjoy every minute of him being gone. Make it your own little vacation plan to do somethings that you wouldnt get to do when he is home. By time he comes back your gonna feel like a whole new person. Take nice long bubble baths without being interupted by the pounding of the door....whats takin you so long in there! Go out and enjoy a nice cup of coffee or tea with friends without having to answer just how long it will take you. Grab the tv remote and flip channels till your hearts content without him whinnin for the remote. You are so lucky! Enjoy your vacation!
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
29 Sep 09
A hubby vacation. Yep, that's exactly what it is. Finally! It's been so long since I've had a vacation! He is a systems design engineer. He designs computer programs for HVAC systems. He's away learning about new HVAC hardware so he has a better idea of how to create the programs, so he can visualize how his programs will work. He's IMing me right now, bragging about what good scores he's gotten on his quizzes today. I went out today and just totally enjoyed myself. Mostly window shopping, but getting ideas for Christmas along the way. The weather is great so I've been able to totally enjoy that without worrying about checking in with him or looking at the time. Ah, geez, now he's complaining about a headache and backache. I just can't get away from it! I'm free of his snoring and farting and all I have to do is log off the computer to end his complaining. He seems to forget that life is not all about him. It's really nice not to have to remind him of that constantly.