It’s been quite a day around here. I woke up this morning and did my usual visualization/motivation activity. That just means I lie in bed with my eyes closed picturing what I want to get accomplished during the day and telling myself with all the gusto of a cheerleader, “Okay, you’re going to get 3 loads of laundry done, write for 2 hours, and pay the bills today. PAY THOSE BILLS!” It’s hokey, I know, but it seems to work for me.

An hour later, I was almost done with the writing had to finish (see, it works) and had a great chat with my sister. That’s when the great bear…er, husband, decided to get out of bed. Apparently it was two hours later than he wanted to get up, and he was rather transparent about how that made him feel. Let’s just say my usual, “I love you” was replaced with a short, “Please don’t raise your voice to me first thing in the morning.”

That’s not exactly my favorite way to start the day. It didn’t get any better.

We had to go buy a tarp to replace the one that was split by a storm the other night. I was driving. I personally believe all marriage vows for women should include the phrase, “I promise to never drive the car while you are in the passenger seat having a bad day.” My dear husband likes to sit in the passenger seat alternately checking the speedometer and whispering expletives just loud enough for me to hear but quiet enough for him to pretend he said nothing. After 15 minutes of this, a few reminders that the light is GREEN!, and a stern reprimand for going 50 in a 30 (“It’s a 4-point ticket!!!!), I was ready to slap him.

Oh, yes, my hand was burning. My nails left scars on the steering wheel.

Maybe it was the shade of burgundy in my face or clenching my jaw so tightly I couldn’t speak, but he got the point that I was done. He cracked some jokes. He opened the door for me. He asked some questions about my day. And my life in general. By the time we made our final stop, I was on limited speaking terms. Of course, I got a little revenge by making him stand by as I tried on shoes and asked his opinion of each one. And I don’t care that he said he never looks at my shoes. He’s the first one to point out when he thinks I’ve paired something that doesn’t match.

It’s still a little icy around here tonight. I really don’t care since I’m not ovulating or anything like that.

I think I might skip the whole visualization thing tomorrow.