Independence Day

While waiting to pick the kids up from soccer practice, a discussion was started the other day about traveling. Now during this discussion, there was a consensus among this particular group of women, that it must be great being a man, or more specifically a husband. To be confident in the fact that everything involved in the daily mechanics of life is taken care of for you. For instance, for most husbands, preparing for a trip means only picking out a few clothes and some essentials...done!

A woman (wife and mother), on the other hand needs to pack for herself and the children. Pack not only the essentials, but everything else in between that will help make the trip run smoothly: snacks, toys, books, iPods, DVDs, etc. Prior to the actual trip itself, the woman also handles the following: reserves the accommodations, stops the mail and newspaper delivery, does the laundry, charges the music/gaming devices, arranges for trash can removal, checks the fridge (for sneaky leftovers sure to become a gruesome science experiment within the week), pays the bills that will be due while away, arranges for pet care (note, this includes a vet appointment if the vaccinations are not up to date), cleans the house, notifies the alarm company, confirms reservations, gathers tickets/directions/maps, and reviews the packing list to ensure that all items are packed and accounted for. The latter which is of utmost importance because nothing can throw a wrench into the plan faster than "Sleepy Bear" being left behind.

Now what really makes this extraordinary is that most men complain, yes, actually complain about losing their independence once they are married! Really? Well in preparing for a trip, how I would love to just pick out a few clothes and some essentials...done! If this is considered losing one's independence then where do I sign up?