Note to self: What not to do upon returning home from vacation

Note to self: Upon returning home after a week away, after giving Hubby an it's-so-great-to-see-you hug, it is not the wisest nor the kindest move to almost immediately point out all of the things Hubby did not do while you were away. Sure, you hoped you would come home to a sparkling clean house, and you are thoroughly exhausted from wrangling two little boys solo all week, it but this is just not the way to say "I missed you." No, no, not at all.

Hubby may then be inclined to point out all of the things he did do, besides going to work:

• Mow the lawn
• Fertilize the lawn
• Weed
• Do the laundry
• Buy groceries
• Carpet-fresh the basement so it doesn't reek of stinky dogs (it does smell good now)

Yes, the plant you inherited from your great-grandmother is on the brink of death because it never got watered. And yes the cleaning supplies left on the bathroom sink (hint, hint) are still there. But you will feel like a big ol' jerk and wish you had kept your mouth shut instead of ruining a perfectly lovely homecoming.

You'll remember a recent "lesson" to yourself: Given your tendency to get perfectionistic and nit-pick when stressed, if you find yourself wanting to point out something Hubby hasn't done or didn't do perfectly, it is probably best to wait 24 hours before bringing it up. Because, after 24 hours, you'll have relaxed, put things in perspective, and most likely won't care anymore. You may even realize you are being unrealistic, not to mention unappreciative of the million things your kind and considerate husband does do. And you'll be really glad you didn't say anything. If it does still matter the next day, you can go right on and bring it up in a thoughtful (i.e., non-reactive) way.

Someone remind me to read this post next time I go on vacation.