How to Survive Life in the Suburbs

Man Currency

in Everyday on

There are many different types of currency in a marriage.

When the Hubby wants ummm cuddle time.  I hold the power…yes I have the currency if you will.

When I want that stupid garage cleaned out, or to plan that trip we keep putting off to Paris, seems he is the one with the currency.  Yeah, talk Europe and he can talk me into just about anything.

This week Hubby is taking off on his annual “work” vacation.  Pft. (Golfing with his buddies, catching a couple of hockey games and a football game, enjoying the great weather, shopping?)  Usually these boys go to Florida in January, get some so so weather and golf every single day from dawn to dusk. I know what I’m missing.  Nothin.

This time….he has had the nerve to plan a fabulous trip to California!  Huh?  I want to go to California.  Insert whiny voice complete with puppy dog face.

Well fine, if I’m gettin all left behind with the kids who are catching colds, the carpools to early morning and late night practices, the homework crazy, the cat the dog and the freakin COLD…I’m going to get me something out of this! 

I’m cashing in some Man Currency.  You know, the “He is going on Vacation and I’m holding it over his head currency”.  Now this currency is only good for a short time!  Just a few short days before the trip when guilty feelings are at their peak  I must spend the moola before the dollar takes a downward turn.

Ladies, I don’t care how good a Hubby he is, how fabulous a wife you think you are, how deserving he might think he is of a vacation….before my man goes away, before ANY man goes away, this is your opportunity to work the guilt.  Time to make that man a Honey Do list.  Trust me.  It will make him feel all warm and fuzzy.  He gets the privilege of helping you out, alleviates his own guilt for leaving, and if it doesn’t?  So what…you get all that stuff done.  Like now. 

My wee list this week includes things like:

-Christmas Lights purchased and hung

-Wood brought in for the fireplace

-A list of grocery’s to stock up on…you know just in case one of the kids gets sick and we can’t get out. Good grief I worry too much.

-I really would like all the garbage dealt with

-that sink is running slowly

-Hmm Do you think the patio furniture should be put away?

-and then BAM Nail him for dates that he is available for our family winter vacation.  How can he say no to that as he heads off to the airport:)  Muhaha Evil Laugh.

When the Honey Do list is complete, you can both kick back with a glass of merlot.  Him smug that he has “paid” for his vacay, you happy in the knowledge that you are the one who really won.  Your Honey Do list is complete, the house will stay clean for a week, you will miss him but he will come back a happy chilled out man. 

Have a great vacation Honey!

Mwah

    • Comments

    6. This post would have been very useful a few months ago when I foolishly let my husband leave for a long weekend while I stayed at home with 2 crazy dogs and a 3 week old baby. Now I know better for next time!

    10. Excellent! I like the way you think, S! Now. Just add one more item to your list – since he’s you know, going to Cali? Just tell him to enjoy himself because you’ll be there next year too… solo. For BlogHer. With your friends! YES!

    11. hi! you’re right! that makes you even. hahaha!

      you know what i think? maybe you can buy something that you like, maybe a pair of shoes, bag, anything that reminds you that he was on vacation w/o his family.

      i’ll remember this, nice tip!
      have a good day!

    12. Good stradegy. I try to do a smaller version of that when mine hops on the computer. I’m Like “uuh did you not see the mess you just kicked out the way to get online?” If he does not respond we make the living room (where his computer is located) a place of misery until it becomes clear to him that he will not be able to enjoy his computer time until I am happy.