As I mentioned a few days ago, I was sick last week. I had strep throat and some kind of sinus trouble, and due to a wicked fever and powerful drugs, I found myself in bed for a few days. Fortunately, I have my new laptop and so I got caught up on writing and got to play with my new homeschool software (more about this later!).
Unfortunately, I have come to a sickening realization. My husband is a better wife than I am. Sad, but true. I ventured shakily from my bed Saturday morning at 11am, dreading to find the house and children in shambles.
I was wrong. The floors were sparkling clean, the kitchen counter completely cleared off and dishes done. Leftovers from the spaghetti dinner he’d made were neatly wrapped up in the fridge and fresh coffee was brewing.
This wasn’t some early Saturday morning trick. I had noticed the house being generally cleaner all week. Not only that, Eric took the girls to sports practices, made sure they were showered and dressed in decent clothes, had them clean their room, and set a timer on his phone to remind me when to take my antibiotics.
All this while working full time all week. Did I mention he also finished tiling our front bathroom? None of this stopped him from bringing me dinner in bed and going out to buy me ice cream when I said it sounded good. I know, now I’m just bragging.
So, Saturday, after looking around the house I barely recognized, I said, “You’re a better housekeeper than me.”
“Yes I am.” Eric smiled. “But you’re a better mommy and school teacher.” Well, crap. I almost wished he would have been the tiniest bit smug, so I could be annoyed.
It reminded me of the Andy Griffith episode where Aunt Bea leaves and Andy gets a neighbor to clean the house, and then has to mess it up again because Aunt Bea feels she’s not needed. Well, what did I want? To find the house in chaos with dirty kids running amok? Of course not. Would I have felt better if this was the case? Uh…kind of.
This isn’t the first time Eric has annoyed me with his efficiency. One time, when Soleil was about eight months old, I went on an all day field trip with Coco and Eric took the day off to stay home with the baby. Ah, just wait…I thought, rubbing my hands together in an evil fashion, he’ll see how hard it is!
Yet, while I spent the day following a group of second graders through the zoo–trying to conceal body parts that sprung a leak at every baby’s cry–Eric painted our hallway with a cheerful Soleil strapped on his back.
What a pain! Now I can hear hordes of women crying, well I wish my husband would help out like that! But do you really? Take my word for it, it’s a sad thing to wake up and realize your hubby is a better wife than you are!
But, yes, I admit. He’s pretty dang cool.
[A note: I asked Eric’s permission before sharing this. He thinks it’s hilarious.]
Rhonda says
Bruce is better too – probably no surprise to you. I just count my blessings and try to do my best.
turtlemomma says
Ha ha ha ha ha!! Thats stinking funny. I love it that he approved and thought the post was great.
You do have a gem there.
Joy
mamala says
Your story reminds me of one I read when I was but a wee lass:
This woman was sitting and chatting with friends over coffee, when she suddenly jumped to her feet, frantically struggling into her coat, “Oh no! Time just got away from me! Jack will be home soon and I have so much to do!”
“Are you kidding me?” her friend Francine stated dryly. “Jack gonna be mad if dinner’s not on the table, or the floor ain’t waxed?”
“I wish it were that simple–last year when Jack was laid off, I worked and he stayed home–I’m just trying to be as good a wife as he was.”
Pa dum pump.
I believe that a man who is truly secure in his masculinity can work circles around us if they want–and I am just fine with that.
angelamills says
Rhonda, Well, I am glad I’m not alone. I have decided to ask Eric for some of his logical insight into my schedule, since he can get so much more done than me!
And no, I’m not terribly surprised.
Joy, He is a gem!
Mom, So real men not only wear pink…they do dishes!
Brianna @ Heart(h) Management says
I love it! How great for you to have a man who loves you in this way!
kristenkj says
Oh wow…I’ve felt like this before. But not lately. Mostly, I am jealous of his energy level.
I’ll be honest…The Man seems thrilled to be home with the kids when he is. And he can get a lot done, with a smile on his face. But I wonder how he would be getting along after, say, 9 years of it…with another 16+ to go.
Maybe I’m fooling myself…maybe he is just way better than me…
Susi says
Can’t say for sure I haven’t had any stop working for me. I don’t know of any sapgloie issues or other associated health risks. I suppose you can keep using them until they stop doing their thing.