The Day I Quit Being the Good Wife

One of the ladies at the gym watches The Good Wife and keeps insisting that I would probably love it, too.

"I dunno."

You see, besides feeling as if I couldn't possibly relate to anything using the words "good" and "wife" in the same sentence ("big" and "dork," probably) I also have commitment issues with television. 

"What time is it on?"

By the time I get home from work, eat and get the kids settled for the night (i.e. get them to at least admit that, you know, it IS bedtime) it's too late.

"Did you watch, last night?"

[slaps forehead]

"D'oh, I forgot it was on."

Actually, I was probably too busy inspecting the inside of my eyelids and/or fighting Doofus-Dawg for the couch.

"I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but…"

This week, however, I learned that work won't be as much of an issue, anymore.  In fact,  my schedule is about to lighten up, considerably, from 6 months ago.

"…the owner has decided to close up shop, at the end of the month."

Everyone in my family has made sacrifices (trust me, they will ALL tell you, I'm sure) and, well, it will be nice NOT to have to worry about feeling guilty, sort of.

"I'm really, really, sorry."

Long story, short (you're welcome) yeah, sure, the money helped (stupid braces, dumb car insurance, silly college fund) but, my working and being away from my house, 4 days, every week, was putting a real strain on my house.

"If only I had known, ahead of time."

So, in a way, losing this job is really [gulp] a good thing.

"I certainly wouldn't have offered you the hours!"

Having to call the ladies I recently hired (like, just 2 or 3 weeks ago) and tell them that, you know, they are now, un-hired…not so much.

"I'm really, really, sorry."

In fact, way too much.

"It's not your fault."

I am (or, was) the manager (and I use the term very, very loosely) I sorta knew his business wasn't doing very well.  Still, I had such GREAT plans and worked really, really hard to keep his customers and employees happy.

"I feel like SUCH an a**hole…"

Man, un-hiring people really, really, does suck.  By Tuesday night, I was SO done.  I poured myself a glass of wine (i.e. turned the tap on the box) kicked the dog off the couch (sorry, Doofie) and just stared at the television.

"I like you…I didn't start off liking you."

Aaaand, then the part of the The Good Wife came on (see above clip) which made me think of an earlier conversation I had, with a longtime employee, who took pleasure in pointing out the stuff…I did wrong.

"One of the machines is in the wrong place."

Didn't matter if I re-arranged the ENTIRE gym (which, you're supposed to, once a month) without anyone's help and that she could have corrected it (her own self) right? 

"You're not the a**hole, here, in fact, we ALL know you worked your a** off, Liz."

Look, I'm not comparing myself to The Good Wife — that character is a lawyer and I am, well, you know — however, working lots of hours, being away from her kids and having to work EXTRA hard, feeling as if she has to prove herself, to EVERYONE, because she's a mom.

[bites lower lip]

Yeah, I felt her pain – still do – sort of.

"Shouldn't HE be making these calls?"

My poor husband, Garth [not his real name] what a good guy he is, really.

"Why are YOU apologizing?"

I mean, I already quit trying to be the best wife, or the perfect mother, years ago and he's seems to be okay with it.

"Because, I am a good manager…DAMMIT!"

Or, at least, I was — now, at least I can keep on pretending to be a good blogger/writer/whatever, right?

[sound of crickets chirping]

Sorry, I just can't seem to quit YOU…Internets…so, I guess you better start getting used to, you know, being stuck with me.

You're welcome!

Liz@thisfullhouse signature

© 2010 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.

Comments

49 responses to “The Day I Quit Being the Good Wife”

  1. weaselmomma Avatar

    In the words of Huey Lewis, I’m happy to be stuck with you.
    Sorry about the job. Life is suckage sometimes.

  2. weaselmomma Avatar

    In the words of Huey Lewis, I’m happy to be stuck with you.
    Sorry about the job. Life is suckage sometimes.

  3. weaselmomma Avatar

    In the words of Huey Lewis, I’m happy to be stuck with you.
    Sorry about the job. Life is suckage sometimes.

  4. weaselmomma Avatar

    In the words of Huey Lewis, I’m happy to be stuck with you.
    Sorry about the job. Life is suckage sometimes.

  5. weaselmomma Avatar

    In the words of Huey Lewis, I’m happy to be stuck with you.
    Sorry about the job. Life is suckage sometimes.

  6. weaselmomma Avatar

    In the words of Huey Lewis, I’m happy to be stuck with you.
    Sorry about the job. Life is suckage sometimes.

  7. weaselmomma Avatar

    In the words of Huey Lewis, I’m happy to be stuck with you.
    Sorry about the job. Life is suckage sometimes.

  8. Donna Avatar

    Oh Liz – It’s hard to lose a job, even when it’s kind of a good thing. I admire you for even taking that gig in the first place – I only have the ONE child, and the thought of working outside the home after all these years is really frightening, because of how disruptive it would be (well, that’s just one reason it’s frightening).

  9. Donna Avatar

    Oh Liz – It’s hard to lose a job, even when it’s kind of a good thing. I admire you for even taking that gig in the first place – I only have the ONE child, and the thought of working outside the home after all these years is really frightening, because of how disruptive it would be (well, that’s just one reason it’s frightening).

  10. Donna Avatar

    Oh Liz – It’s hard to lose a job, even when it’s kind of a good thing. I admire you for even taking that gig in the first place – I only have the ONE child, and the thought of working outside the home after all these years is really frightening, because of how disruptive it would be (well, that’s just one reason it’s frightening).

  11. Donna Avatar

    Oh Liz – It’s hard to lose a job, even when it’s kind of a good thing. I admire you for even taking that gig in the first place – I only have the ONE child, and the thought of working outside the home after all these years is really frightening, because of how disruptive it would be (well, that’s just one reason it’s frightening).

  12. Donna Avatar

    Oh Liz – It’s hard to lose a job, even when it’s kind of a good thing. I admire you for even taking that gig in the first place – I only have the ONE child, and the thought of working outside the home after all these years is really frightening, because of how disruptive it would be (well, that’s just one reason it’s frightening).

  13. Donna Avatar

    Oh Liz – It’s hard to lose a job, even when it’s kind of a good thing. I admire you for even taking that gig in the first place – I only have the ONE child, and the thought of working outside the home after all these years is really frightening, because of how disruptive it would be (well, that’s just one reason it’s frightening).

  14. Donna Avatar

    Oh Liz – It’s hard to lose a job, even when it’s kind of a good thing. I admire you for even taking that gig in the first place – I only have the ONE child, and the thought of working outside the home after all these years is really frightening, because of how disruptive it would be (well, that’s just one reason it’s frightening).

  15. Jenn Avatar

    I am so sorry that business when under taking your job with it! Trust me when I say that your family has breathed a sigh of relief to have you back. Even if the money flow stops for now, it will come back to you. It will. You’re too hard of a worker and you have connections you may not even realize right now, my friend.
    Me? I am glad you are going to be back on the Interwebs again. Me too. Let’s go for Interweb Domination. I know a few people we can recruit! 😉
    You, my friend, are amazing. I hope you know that, Joisey!

  16. Jenn Avatar

    I am so sorry that business when under taking your job with it! Trust me when I say that your family has breathed a sigh of relief to have you back. Even if the money flow stops for now, it will come back to you. It will. You’re too hard of a worker and you have connections you may not even realize right now, my friend.
    Me? I am glad you are going to be back on the Interwebs again. Me too. Let’s go for Interweb Domination. I know a few people we can recruit! 😉
    You, my friend, are amazing. I hope you know that, Joisey!

  17. Jenn Avatar

    I am so sorry that business when under taking your job with it! Trust me when I say that your family has breathed a sigh of relief to have you back. Even if the money flow stops for now, it will come back to you. It will. You’re too hard of a worker and you have connections you may not even realize right now, my friend.
    Me? I am glad you are going to be back on the Interwebs again. Me too. Let’s go for Interweb Domination. I know a few people we can recruit! 😉
    You, my friend, are amazing. I hope you know that, Joisey!

  18. Jenn Avatar

    I am so sorry that business when under taking your job with it! Trust me when I say that your family has breathed a sigh of relief to have you back. Even if the money flow stops for now, it will come back to you. It will. You’re too hard of a worker and you have connections you may not even realize right now, my friend.
    Me? I am glad you are going to be back on the Interwebs again. Me too. Let’s go for Interweb Domination. I know a few people we can recruit! 😉
    You, my friend, are amazing. I hope you know that, Joisey!

  19. Jenn Avatar

    I am so sorry that business when under taking your job with it! Trust me when I say that your family has breathed a sigh of relief to have you back. Even if the money flow stops for now, it will come back to you. It will. You’re too hard of a worker and you have connections you may not even realize right now, my friend.
    Me? I am glad you are going to be back on the Interwebs again. Me too. Let’s go for Interweb Domination. I know a few people we can recruit! 😉
    You, my friend, are amazing. I hope you know that, Joisey!

  20. Jenn Avatar

    I am so sorry that business when under taking your job with it! Trust me when I say that your family has breathed a sigh of relief to have you back. Even if the money flow stops for now, it will come back to you. It will. You’re too hard of a worker and you have connections you may not even realize right now, my friend.
    Me? I am glad you are going to be back on the Interwebs again. Me too. Let’s go for Interweb Domination. I know a few people we can recruit! 😉
    You, my friend, are amazing. I hope you know that, Joisey!

  21. Jenn Avatar

    I am so sorry that business when under taking your job with it! Trust me when I say that your family has breathed a sigh of relief to have you back. Even if the money flow stops for now, it will come back to you. It will. You’re too hard of a worker and you have connections you may not even realize right now, my friend.
    Me? I am glad you are going to be back on the Interwebs again. Me too. Let’s go for Interweb Domination. I know a few people we can recruit! 😉
    You, my friend, are amazing. I hope you know that, Joisey!

  22. SurprisedMom Avatar

    I’m sorry the business and your job went under. I’m sure your family is thrilled you’ll be home again full time. (Except for being a reporter, and even that sucked at times, I really didn’t like my jobs and wish I could be home again full time.) I hope you’ve stopped apologizing for something that wasn’t your fault. Perfect wife, mother, employee, manager… we can’t be a perfect anything. The wine sounds good, even if it did come from a box. I could use a large glass myself right now. I’m glad I’ll be reading more of you!

  23. SurprisedMom Avatar

    I’m sorry the business and your job went under. I’m sure your family is thrilled you’ll be home again full time. (Except for being a reporter, and even that sucked at times, I really didn’t like my jobs and wish I could be home again full time.) I hope you’ve stopped apologizing for something that wasn’t your fault. Perfect wife, mother, employee, manager… we can’t be a perfect anything. The wine sounds good, even if it did come from a box. I could use a large glass myself right now. I’m glad I’ll be reading more of you!

  24. SurprisedMom Avatar

    I’m sorry the business and your job went under. I’m sure your family is thrilled you’ll be home again full time. (Except for being a reporter, and even that sucked at times, I really didn’t like my jobs and wish I could be home again full time.) I hope you’ve stopped apologizing for something that wasn’t your fault. Perfect wife, mother, employee, manager… we can’t be a perfect anything. The wine sounds good, even if it did come from a box. I could use a large glass myself right now. I’m glad I’ll be reading more of you!

  25. SurprisedMom Avatar

    I’m sorry the business and your job went under. I’m sure your family is thrilled you’ll be home again full time. (Except for being a reporter, and even that sucked at times, I really didn’t like my jobs and wish I could be home again full time.) I hope you’ve stopped apologizing for something that wasn’t your fault. Perfect wife, mother, employee, manager… we can’t be a perfect anything. The wine sounds good, even if it did come from a box. I could use a large glass myself right now. I’m glad I’ll be reading more of you!

  26. SurprisedMom Avatar

    I’m sorry the business and your job went under. I’m sure your family is thrilled you’ll be home again full time. (Except for being a reporter, and even that sucked at times, I really didn’t like my jobs and wish I could be home again full time.) I hope you’ve stopped apologizing for something that wasn’t your fault. Perfect wife, mother, employee, manager… we can’t be a perfect anything. The wine sounds good, even if it did come from a box. I could use a large glass myself right now. I’m glad I’ll be reading more of you!

  27. SurprisedMom Avatar

    I’m sorry the business and your job went under. I’m sure your family is thrilled you’ll be home again full time. (Except for being a reporter, and even that sucked at times, I really didn’t like my jobs and wish I could be home again full time.) I hope you’ve stopped apologizing for something that wasn’t your fault. Perfect wife, mother, employee, manager… we can’t be a perfect anything. The wine sounds good, even if it did come from a box. I could use a large glass myself right now. I’m glad I’ll be reading more of you!

  28. SurprisedMom Avatar

    I’m sorry the business and your job went under. I’m sure your family is thrilled you’ll be home again full time. (Except for being a reporter, and even that sucked at times, I really didn’t like my jobs and wish I could be home again full time.) I hope you’ve stopped apologizing for something that wasn’t your fault. Perfect wife, mother, employee, manager… we can’t be a perfect anything. The wine sounds good, even if it did come from a box. I could use a large glass myself right now. I’m glad I’ll be reading more of you!

  29. Headless Mom Avatar

    Being stuck with you? No. I come here willingly!
    So sorry about the gym. But like Jenn said, Internet Domination is much more fun. And leaves much more time for housecleaning, you know, if you’re so inclined. (I’m not.)
    Hugs!

  30. Headless Mom Avatar

    Being stuck with you? No. I come here willingly!
    So sorry about the gym. But like Jenn said, Internet Domination is much more fun. And leaves much more time for housecleaning, you know, if you’re so inclined. (I’m not.)
    Hugs!

  31. Headless Mom Avatar

    Being stuck with you? No. I come here willingly!
    So sorry about the gym. But like Jenn said, Internet Domination is much more fun. And leaves much more time for housecleaning, you know, if you’re so inclined. (I’m not.)
    Hugs!

  32. Headless Mom Avatar

    Being stuck with you? No. I come here willingly!
    So sorry about the gym. But like Jenn said, Internet Domination is much more fun. And leaves much more time for housecleaning, you know, if you’re so inclined. (I’m not.)
    Hugs!

  33. Headless Mom Avatar

    Being stuck with you? No. I come here willingly!
    So sorry about the gym. But like Jenn said, Internet Domination is much more fun. And leaves much more time for housecleaning, you know, if you’re so inclined. (I’m not.)
    Hugs!

  34. Headless Mom Avatar

    Being stuck with you? No. I come here willingly!
    So sorry about the gym. But like Jenn said, Internet Domination is much more fun. And leaves much more time for housecleaning, you know, if you’re so inclined. (I’m not.)
    Hugs!

  35. Headless Mom Avatar

    Being stuck with you? No. I come here willingly!
    So sorry about the gym. But like Jenn said, Internet Domination is much more fun. And leaves much more time for housecleaning, you know, if you’re so inclined. (I’m not.)
    Hugs!

  36. Melisa Wells Avatar

    I wish you would stop saying you’re the a-hole. The a-hole is your soon-to-be-former boss. I have no doubt that you have been an awesome manager at the club, because you throw yourself into everything you do and you have high standards.
    Well, all except for that occasional laundry pile. But I digress…
    I’m just a call away should you ever need another pep talk, and who knows: I may have some GREAT stories about a certain wacko that would make you laugh your butt off.
    Hope you’re enjoying your weekend, Joizey! xoxo

  37. Melisa Wells Avatar

    I wish you would stop saying you’re the a-hole. The a-hole is your soon-to-be-former boss. I have no doubt that you have been an awesome manager at the club, because you throw yourself into everything you do and you have high standards.
    Well, all except for that occasional laundry pile. But I digress…
    I’m just a call away should you ever need another pep talk, and who knows: I may have some GREAT stories about a certain wacko that would make you laugh your butt off.
    Hope you’re enjoying your weekend, Joizey! xoxo

  38. Melisa Wells Avatar

    I wish you would stop saying you’re the a-hole. The a-hole is your soon-to-be-former boss. I have no doubt that you have been an awesome manager at the club, because you throw yourself into everything you do and you have high standards.
    Well, all except for that occasional laundry pile. But I digress…
    I’m just a call away should you ever need another pep talk, and who knows: I may have some GREAT stories about a certain wacko that would make you laugh your butt off.
    Hope you’re enjoying your weekend, Joizey! xoxo

  39. Melisa Wells Avatar

    I wish you would stop saying you’re the a-hole. The a-hole is your soon-to-be-former boss. I have no doubt that you have been an awesome manager at the club, because you throw yourself into everything you do and you have high standards.
    Well, all except for that occasional laundry pile. But I digress…
    I’m just a call away should you ever need another pep talk, and who knows: I may have some GREAT stories about a certain wacko that would make you laugh your butt off.
    Hope you’re enjoying your weekend, Joizey! xoxo

  40. Melisa Wells Avatar

    I wish you would stop saying you’re the a-hole. The a-hole is your soon-to-be-former boss. I have no doubt that you have been an awesome manager at the club, because you throw yourself into everything you do and you have high standards.
    Well, all except for that occasional laundry pile. But I digress…
    I’m just a call away should you ever need another pep talk, and who knows: I may have some GREAT stories about a certain wacko that would make you laugh your butt off.
    Hope you’re enjoying your weekend, Joizey! xoxo

  41. Melisa Wells Avatar

    I wish you would stop saying you’re the a-hole. The a-hole is your soon-to-be-former boss. I have no doubt that you have been an awesome manager at the club, because you throw yourself into everything you do and you have high standards.
    Well, all except for that occasional laundry pile. But I digress…
    I’m just a call away should you ever need another pep talk, and who knows: I may have some GREAT stories about a certain wacko that would make you laugh your butt off.
    Hope you’re enjoying your weekend, Joizey! xoxo

  42. Melisa Wells Avatar

    I wish you would stop saying you’re the a-hole. The a-hole is your soon-to-be-former boss. I have no doubt that you have been an awesome manager at the club, because you throw yourself into everything you do and you have high standards.
    Well, all except for that occasional laundry pile. But I digress…
    I’m just a call away should you ever need another pep talk, and who knows: I may have some GREAT stories about a certain wacko that would make you laugh your butt off.
    Hope you’re enjoying your weekend, Joizey! xoxo

  43. Hula Doula Avatar

    So sorry to hear about your job. Not a good situation. I am sure you were a great manager. It has nothing to do with you but unfortunately the times are tough.
    This past year I started working away from home and it has been a challenge for my family as well as for myself. The business is expanding and the owner (my mother) is retiring and leaving it to my sister and myself. I don’t know that I want that responsibility with my children getting older. I know that’s weird but I’ve been home for the last 11 years.
    I think your family may be secretly excited to have you back. I know mine would be.
    It could be a blessing or a curse. Guess how you look at it.

  44. Hula Doula Avatar

    So sorry to hear about your job. Not a good situation. I am sure you were a great manager. It has nothing to do with you but unfortunately the times are tough.
    This past year I started working away from home and it has been a challenge for my family as well as for myself. The business is expanding and the owner (my mother) is retiring and leaving it to my sister and myself. I don’t know that I want that responsibility with my children getting older. I know that’s weird but I’ve been home for the last 11 years.
    I think your family may be secretly excited to have you back. I know mine would be.
    It could be a blessing or a curse. Guess how you look at it.

  45. Hula Doula Avatar

    So sorry to hear about your job. Not a good situation. I am sure you were a great manager. It has nothing to do with you but unfortunately the times are tough.
    This past year I started working away from home and it has been a challenge for my family as well as for myself. The business is expanding and the owner (my mother) is retiring and leaving it to my sister and myself. I don’t know that I want that responsibility with my children getting older. I know that’s weird but I’ve been home for the last 11 years.
    I think your family may be secretly excited to have you back. I know mine would be.
    It could be a blessing or a curse. Guess how you look at it.

  46. Hula Doula Avatar

    So sorry to hear about your job. Not a good situation. I am sure you were a great manager. It has nothing to do with you but unfortunately the times are tough.
    This past year I started working away from home and it has been a challenge for my family as well as for myself. The business is expanding and the owner (my mother) is retiring and leaving it to my sister and myself. I don’t know that I want that responsibility with my children getting older. I know that’s weird but I’ve been home for the last 11 years.
    I think your family may be secretly excited to have you back. I know mine would be.
    It could be a blessing or a curse. Guess how you look at it.

  47. Hula Doula Avatar

    So sorry to hear about your job. Not a good situation. I am sure you were a great manager. It has nothing to do with you but unfortunately the times are tough.
    This past year I started working away from home and it has been a challenge for my family as well as for myself. The business is expanding and the owner (my mother) is retiring and leaving it to my sister and myself. I don’t know that I want that responsibility with my children getting older. I know that’s weird but I’ve been home for the last 11 years.
    I think your family may be secretly excited to have you back. I know mine would be.
    It could be a blessing or a curse. Guess how you look at it.

  48. Hula Doula Avatar

    So sorry to hear about your job. Not a good situation. I am sure you were a great manager. It has nothing to do with you but unfortunately the times are tough.
    This past year I started working away from home and it has been a challenge for my family as well as for myself. The business is expanding and the owner (my mother) is retiring and leaving it to my sister and myself. I don’t know that I want that responsibility with my children getting older. I know that’s weird but I’ve been home for the last 11 years.
    I think your family may be secretly excited to have you back. I know mine would be.
    It could be a blessing or a curse. Guess how you look at it.

  49. Hula Doula Avatar

    So sorry to hear about your job. Not a good situation. I am sure you were a great manager. It has nothing to do with you but unfortunately the times are tough.
    This past year I started working away from home and it has been a challenge for my family as well as for myself. The business is expanding and the owner (my mother) is retiring and leaving it to my sister and myself. I don’t know that I want that responsibility with my children getting older. I know that’s weird but I’ve been home for the last 11 years.
    I think your family may be secretly excited to have you back. I know mine would be.
    It could be a blessing or a curse. Guess how you look at it.