Guest blogger mom-on-the-edge: It's been two months since my husband moved out.  I was devastated at first.  Here are five shocking reasons why getting separated doesn't completely suck.

1.    I don't have to pick up my husband's underwear off the floor anymore.  Or, bring his beer cans out for recycling.  Somehow, cleaning up after my son and myself is much less annoying.  

2.    No long weekends with the in-laws.  They happen to be very nice people.  Wonderful grandparents!  However, before the split, my husband and I were getting sucked into their lives.  His mom was relishing her role as if her son never left home.  We weren't establishing our own sense of family.  Now, for the past few weekends, we've taken our baby on some fun day trips.  Just the three of us.

3.    I have no patience for reading instructions.  No interest in putting things together.  But, now, I've successfully opened (even though it took a half hour!) and assembled a Mega Blocks Pirate Ship, a Sesame Street Giggle 'n Go Garage, a riding truck and a tricycle.  My son was ecstatic--and I got a nice sense of accomplishment.

4.    At the end of a long day, I get to sit on the long end of the L-shaped couch, put my feet up and watch whatever I want.  And, change the channel.  And then change it again if I want.

5.    And the last and most important reason--taking a break has brought my husband and I back to being civil.  I don't know what's in our future, but I do know this: We're trying.  And, without the much-needed space I don't think we would have gotten to this point.