I reserved the family room for my husband last weekend so he could watch the Daytona 500 in the comfort of his own home, on his own couch. Yes, you read it right – I reserved it. Reserving the family room is a bigger deal than it should be for the patriarch of the household.
Since my youngest daughter’s best friend moved in with us and my oldest daughter moved home, the three of them have taken over the family room. I’ve always said, “Teens are everywhere” and the phenomenon of our current situation proves my point.
Sure, my husband and I can still use the room whenever we please – at our own risk. Their stuff is spread out like land mines. To think we can just walk in, sit down, and watch TV whenever they aren’t in there is just crazy talk.
Not only are there laptops (personal and school) and game controllers surrounding the couch like a laager (circle of covered wagons) to keep their devices from wandering off, but the accessories for their hobbies fill the spaces in between; like ice cream in a full stomach. Paint bottles are precariously congregated on the sofa, felt tip pens are holding down drink coasters on tables and shelves, and paintings are propped on easels blocking entry to the seating area and a visual to the TV. I’m not sure how they are able to sit down themselves. Perhaps they are more aerobic and flexible than I realize.
In order to fully reserve the space, I must warn the squatters one day in advance that we are not only going to sit on the couch and use the television, but it will require they completely vacate the premises. All papers, dishes, brushes, socks, shoes, paints, and electronic devices would have to be gone and out of the way.
Saturday’s announcement sent them into a flurry of activity as they picked up their dirty dishes, folded all their lounging blankets, and retrieved their belongings. I felt like I was watching Mary Poppins as their stuff just magically put itself to right with a wave of a wand or a wiggle of a nose (How did she do that, anyway?). So Sundaymorning when we sat down to watch the race, there was little to indicate they had ever been there; aside from a forgotten, slightly spilled bottle of nail polish with a loose cap. It was fortunately on a tray so the offending culprit easily cleaned it up.
The two younger girls were in their room doing homework like they’d never occupy the family room for their projects. Our oldest was at work.
My husband and I looked at each other and reminisced, “Remember when we used to use this room every night and weekend?”
Even with the girls descending on us to help themselves to chicken nachos I only make on “game” days, we got a glimmer into our future. By this time next year at least one of them will be away at college. Whatever the other two decide to do, their schedules will probably not be conducive to lounging in the family room. Plus, they won’t be together as often. I think it’s a pack mentality that makes them seem as if they are one, living organism, spreading out and taking up so much space.
My sentiments at them leaving the nest soon give them a lot of leeway for their slovenly ways. However, I’m fine with the arrangement for now. Someday, my husband and I will again have the place permanently to ourselves.
Until then, we can just make reservations.
Gretchen Leigh is a stay-at-home mom who lives in Covington. You can read more of her writing and her daily blog on her website livingwithgleigh.com, on Facebook at “Living with Gleigh.”or follow her on Twitter @livewithgleigh. Her column is available every week at maplevalleyreporter.com under the Lifestyles section.
