From Italia to Kornfield County

All week long, I was looking forward to a relaxing weekend around the house. I got it, but not in the way I expected.

Doing routine chores around the house Saturday morning, I wrenched my back. By leaning forward a little too far to put the car keys in the ignition while changing out a turn-signal on the car. So all weekend long, I spent most of my time on the couch, flat on my back.

Let's say I got caught up on watching all the television I need for quite some time. I watched so much Iron Chef, Alton Brown, Bobby Flay, and Giada De Laurentiis that there is nothing I cannot cook.

I watched so many Shakira videos that I can dance every Latino samba variation (that is, if I could stand up for more than three minutes at any one time).

I watched so many Hee Haw re-runs that I could win any pig calling contest I entered. But Melissa and I did crack ourselves up singing the classic line "You met another, and--pffft! you were gone!" to each other all day long.

More than anything, I learned quite a bit about myself. That as fiercely independent and stubborn as I am (especially when incapacitated), I can learn to cede control every once in a while.

I spent most of Saturday trying to do everything as normal. But taking five minutes to get off the couch, going to the kitchen, and returning with a snack should not take five minutes.

By Sunday morning, I had learned to ask Melissa for simple things - getting me some milk and Swiss cake rolls, getting me a blanket, and drawing me a hot bath. However, we both did get a little stir crazy and had to get out of the house Sunday afternoon. Even if it did take five minutes to get in the car.

Such a relaxing weekend, I hope I don't have another one like that for quite some time.