My husband doesn’t like when I air our dirty laundry online – he thinks I only write about the bad stuff and that I portray him as a horrible person, but honestly, the bad stuff makes for the most interesting reading. That’s why I’m taking to my blog with an issue I’ve mentioned to him several times but don’t feel an effort is being made to rectify. I’m hoping reader comments will persuade him to go the extra mile.

I came home from work last night and saw Mike for the first time in four days – he works 24 hour shifts and has been picking up overtime whenever it’s available, making our schedules pretty much completely opposite. I went to the laundry room to wash his uniforms for another 48 hour shift and when I came back he was in bed. Sleeping. At 5 o’clock.

I realize that he works crazy hours and that his sleeping patterns aren’t normal – but not making the effort to spend an hour with me when we haven’t seen each other in four days and won’t see each other for another three days is really hurtful. What makes it even more frustrating is that I grew up with my dad working shift work and he always made the effort to be with us, so I know it can be done. We don’t even have kids or a house – so does it just get worse from here?

I’m of the mindset that everyone works and everyone has obligations. You work, you fulfill your obligations, and then you rest. I don’t think working 24 hours entitles anyone to 24 hours of “me time” the following day, and apparently that makes me ungrateful. While I don’t want to classify quality time as an obligation because that infers something you do whether you want to or not – I do think it’s the same level of importance. It’s something that is necessary in order to maintain your relationship, which should be important enough to put sleep off for an hour or two.

So, am I being unreasonable? Is it asking too much to have dinner or take the dog on a walk together?

I’m sure I’ll be in big trouble as I patiently await all your replies, so make it snappy. Please.

EDIT: Can I just say that I’ve NEVER had as much blogging axiety as I’ve had these last few minutes after I pressed publish and before my husband reads this post.

Yesterday was Ollie’s 3rd birthday – and as you can see, he had a wild and crazy time!

To celebrate, I took Ollie for a long walk, gave him a bath, and wrestled him into his birthday hat by feeding him cheese until he was so full he couldn’t move.

Make sure to visit his blog, Hot Dog in the City!

I need a scapegoat. Is it Twitter? El Nino? My contempt for companies handing mommy bloggers opportunities on a silver platter just because they’ve squeezed one or two out of their Christmas? (I do feel like that’s a bit too strong of a statement – but I’m really irked that good bloggers are being passed up for mom bloggers – and I would write more on this, but I’m way too nonconfrontational.)

Something has to be to blame for the lack of creative juices flowing on this blog lately, because it’s certainly not the very real possibility that I’m just a bore.

I don’t think we’ve ventured into crazy-dog-owner territory yet, but we definitely spoil our dachshund, Ollie. He eats organic treats, has a small wardrobe of hooded sweatshirts, and sleeps in our bed every night. His basic needs are met ten times over where there are animals suffering every day.

The World Society for the Protection of Animals works with over 900 organizations in 150 countries to help stop the suffering of animals worldwide through fieldwork, education, and rehabilitation. The WSPA ensures that stray, injured, and mistreated animals receive the medical attention they deserve by providing mobile clinics stocked with supplies and medication to treat animals in rural areas.

By making a small donation of only $14 per month, you can become part of their Animal Rescue Team and help save dogs and other animals from unnecessary cruelty and hardship. Your money will fund emergency relief, rehabilitate animals, education children and communities, and support legislation to outlaw animal cruelty.

I’m actually Four Foods on Friday on Friday this week! No guarantees next week – I’ll be at Blogher!

1. TheSaladCaper’s question. Give me one weird food combination which has always been your comfort food.

I mix mashed potatoes, veggies, and gravy any time all three are on my plate together.

2. Name a food that begins with B.

I’m predicting the most popular answer is going to be…bacon! I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t love bacon.

3. Name a drink that begins with B.

Bloody Mary, of course.

4. Share a recipe for something that calls for broccoli.

I love broccoli and mix it into rice and pasta dishes all the time, but I don’t have a specific broccoli recipe – probably because my husband hates broccoli almost as much as he hates mushrooms. This broccoli casserole sounds good though!