The final week is winding down.

Looking back on them, the past two and a half weeks have taught me a lot about life without Ann.

Firstly, I am used to her company and the very palpable presence of the munchkins. Before Alek returned, I was getting to the point of holding conversations with the pets late at night. Much as I value my personal space, still, said space needs to be constantly prodded and poked at with requests to play video games, go to the store, give opinions on which Pokemon would be a better choice, get random questions about the weirdest crap while I am at work… or it just is not appreciated.

Second… finding myself fretting about whether she was okay when the quake hit… and having her not even BE aware that there had been an earthquake, well. Yes, I love her, and I worry about her even if now and then we have our disagreements. And I miss her terribly.

Third. Leaving Alek and me unattended is just a bad idea. He’s too much of the little guy already, and it’s way too easy to give in to ice cream, new video games, movie and late bedtime requests when all I see when I look at him is myself thirty years ago.

Fourth. Staying up until four in the morning because I can, then having to drag my sorry arse to work the next morning is not as much fun as when I was in college. It’s also a lot more achey, annoying and headache-inducing, no matter how much fun the session of Conan the night before might have been.

Fifth. Beer and Burgers just do NOT cover all the necessary food groups, my previous beliefs non-withstanding. It’s a sad, sad day when you find yourself CRAVING a salad.

Sixth. Did I mention I miss Ann? She trained me too well, now, to come home and sit and tell someone about my day and do the whole ‘opening up’ thing that is just so contrary to my programming. I discovered in those first couple of weeks that the dog may be sweet and loving, but she sucks at listening. I never had to scream at Ann to stop chasing the cats or to stop sniffing herself while we talked. And do you have any idea how BIG a Cali-King bed can be for one person?

Seventh. Uhm. Something about two pounds of meat and vodka. Oh, and to not mix chocolate covered raisins and dark beer.

Eighth…. a lot of short tidbits, such as: the five second rule turns to two seconds when there is a dog around that is more than willing and able to ninja a burger that one sets down to prevent drink spillage. Cats disapprove of garlic soup. Doughnuts and Bacon do NOT go together. There is indeed such a thing as way too much sugar in a drink. Just because you can, does not mean you should… especially when it involves poprocks and cola. It’s okay to occasionally read a manual if no one is looking. You can ask for directions and your manhood license will not be revoked.

Did I mention I miss my Ann? Co’.