I smell smoke...

Coming home from work is one of those make or break moments.  Get it wrong and the night can become an intolerable mess.  Get it right and things can still be a mess, but at least there is no yelling.

  There is no greater conflict going on today than the global phenomenon of the tired worker returning to the stressed home maker.  You may read about Afghanistan in the paper but do not be fooled; the greater war is right under our noses.  If you want to something about world peace it needs to start here.

My own homecomings are somewhat hit and miss, and I concede that any failing is largely on my part.  Still, I am learning perseverance!  I guess it becomes a little like the Israeli/Palestinian conflict where we continually argue  over the same bit of land, and when we tire of that we just destroy each other until the next ceasefire.
Today greeted me with challenges I had not previously encountered.  I got home and listened eagerly to Renae recount the trials and tribulations of the day, praising and admonishing each child in turn.  I then said "Renae, thats sound very interesting but why is the wok on fire?"

Renae had left the wok on the stove with oil in it and the ensuing inferno was enthralling our four small children.  Never fear! Our well drilled team had the fire under control in short order, and we all laughed heartily about it later over a peaceful dinner table.  Yes thats what happened.  Mmm, I don't think so Max.
I won't bore you with incredibly embarrassing details but lets just say the lino in front of the fridge will never be the same and Renae will probably display some sort of post traumatic stress symptoms when the wok comes out again.

So men, when you come home from work don't forget to do your bit for world peace and listen to the wife, but be sure to cast an eye over the kitchen first.