I do think he's secretly relieved to be going back, but that won't stop him from blaming me when he comes home exhausted and cranky. I will work - I can't avoid it as I won't be asking him for money for things like clothes and things I need for myself - he'll just be bearing the brunt of "family" expenses. I honestly think he's going to feel a sense of purpose as a provider (unless he goes the other way and starts resenting that I'm not contributing as much!).
My parents are going to be staying in one of the other apartments in the house, which is ideal - they're two floors away but not in our apartment. My mom is coming for three weeks and my dad will probably stay a week. They are young and fun to be around - lots of laughing and joking - so S. is usually in good spirits around them. He's really enjoyed the last two Christmases in Ga., and has agreed for us to go down again this year, which is really so very important to me. But I will definitely watch for signs of parent fatigue and try to keep some time for ourselves.
I do want to work, and will need, as you say, to keep my name in the hopper, though by all accounts my clients are going to be hovering like vultures until I say the word, when they'll pounce back on me and try to usurp all my time. I had one client send me a proposal to start taking work back in November, after I'd said January at the earliest. So I don't think there will be a problem getting work, just keeping it manageable! Two of my major projects are still going to be in progress through the spring.
I am scrambling to get my projects in order and memos written to people who are taking over in my stead... I had originally said today was my last day, but a nasty cold kept me under for about five days and now I have to work through the weekend into Monday and probably Tuesday. Then my mom gets here, and no more! The upside is, I've already made more money than I did last year, and I didn't start working until late February (after the fated Chile trip), and I'm stopping in mid-October. The downside is, I've done nothing but work since late February.
Anyway, folks, time for a nap! I am sorely sleep deprived.
