The kids are with the grandparents touring South Carolina and Florida, while my lovely bride hopped a plane to warmer climates two days ago. What is a not-so-young man to do besides eat pizza, watch late night television and sleep in until (gasp) 7:45 a.m.?

Needless to say, the column was a mere afterthought, especially since the Pens have been on a winning streak as of late.

Don't get me wrong. The thought of diet and exercise crept into my not-too-crowded schedule, but "The Simpsons" looked like it was going to be an excellent episode this week. Do you know what it's like to go an entire week without "Dora The Explorer" or "Blues Clues?" I didn't think so.

But, alas, not all is perfect in this land of temporary bachelorhood. The weather has not cooperated at all, causing me anxiety while doing my one fatherly chore: taking out the trash.

Shh. Don't tell anyone (wife and Al Gore), but I put a few soda cans in with the garbage since the recycle can was filled with snow. That's something that never happens while the family is around.

Additionally, the sub-arctic air eliminated my chances of playing any golf, although I did watch golf on Sunday, a luxury not enjoyed since my head had hair and I needed a belt to keep my pants up.

A business trip cramped my style, as did paying the bills. This resulted in missing the chance to shovel snow. But something important I did miss was recording "Deal or No Deal." I don't know how to work the darn recorder; that's my wife's job.

The Super Bowl was a bust since there weren't any kids around to cheer for Brett Favre (he's the only player they know) or cheer for the Steelers. (Again, it's the only team that matters.)

The other stinky part of bachelorhood is there was no one to go with me to Suzie Q's last weekend, which is a ritual enjoyed by the entire Ola family every Sunday, come rain or shine (or 3 below zero temperatures.)

It wasn't the same eating cold pizza at home by myself, and there was no waitress to take away my dirty dishes. Did you know they don't clean themselves?

Now, to top things off, I am flying down to meet the family and guess what? There is no one around to pack my clothes, do my laundry or keep me organized for the trip. That's my family's job, and to be honest, I am starting to miss them!

I have another secret. I watched an episode of "Sesame Street" last night just to feel like the kids were home, and then I read "Goodnight Gorilla" for the same reason. While there was no one around to hear, it did make me feel better knowing that tomorrow, I will finally have an audience.

One of my friends is having a bachelor party this weekend, and because I am no longer a bachelor, I am going to miss the party. The gist of the party is to make fun of the soon-to-be groom and remind him of all the things he is going to miss when he gets married.

He will miss out on late night snacking, watching anything he wants and probably even a couple of Steelers games.

But there is one thing he and I won't really miss, and that is being a bachelor much longer.