Every once in a while, I’ll get a Saturday night to myself. No husband, no kids – just me in the quiet confines of my comfy home. There are no cartoons or video games blaring in the background, no sibling fighting, no honey do lists – just some peace and quiet. This is all because my husband runs a monthly “Parents Night Out” program” at our JCC that the kids attend, too. That leaves me with a few special evenings alone during the year.
Last night was one of those nights. Instead of doing what I usually do on those nights, however, – go shopping, go out to dinner, watch a chick flick, veg out in front of the TV, read – I did something very unusual. I did homework. My mother’s reaction was, “wonders never cease.”
As I look back on all the schooling throughout my life, I can honestly say that I don’t think I have ever spent a Saturday night at home doing homework. Saturday nights are meant for fun, but perhaps the same is not true when you get older. My Saturday nights (date nights aside) are typically focused around my children. We try to find meaningful activities and create an atmosphere of family bonding. Saturday nights, truthfully, are no longer just for me.
So I guess sacrificing a Saturday night for homework really didn’t even make me bat an eye like it would have in the olden days. What a weird feeling.
The song that came to mind is Cat Stevens’ “Another Saturday Night.” It’s hard for me to post a song of his. Despite the fact that I love his music, he was placed on the US “no fly” list due to terrorist ties. Regardless, the song is lovely and is meaningful for this moment. So – here goes. Happy future Saturday nights to all of you no matter what significance they hold.
