My Cup...Day 30

Halfway through this year's posts!

My cup...as usual in the evening, is full of wine...can't help it!  Working on a paper for a class, but distracted remembering a great night last night was, we who usually go up to bed at 8:30 or 9 and lay and talk sat on the newly refurbished deck until 10 just talking, listening to music, enjoying the ambiance...and a constantly running over cup of wine...a good start to the week!

Day 29- "Hope for Adventure"

Already packing and preparing for next weekend's family trip to the beach for the week!  Lists made and sorted by store and aisle (it works for me...).  Hoping for a week of laughing and adventure, no health problems, and that all 6 kids are able to be there every night.  That in itself would be an adventure for us. Peace.

"Old School"- Day 28

Normally I would be all over the idea of "old school," perhaps ruminating about the days when we had phone number lists taped inside the cabinet (was telling my son that the other day), when OP was all the rage in summer wear, or we all wanted a long sleeved t shirt from surf shops in OC or FL. But...instead I am thinking how freaking beautiful Dickinson College is! We went there today on a bike trip as part of my "historical registry" class I am taking for my teaching recertification.  One of the buildings was on the list and has a fascinating history. One of the things I dislike about the USA is how relatively new everything is, 200 or so yrs. old. I can't wait to someday visit Ireland or Scotland or somewhere with truly old buildings. This college had some beautiful old buildings...it is definitely and "old school."  In the college search I have found there to be beauty in these schools, but the problem is keeping them updated with things like wi-fi and a/c.  One thing I loved about UNCC was that the college was built to grow, vs. some of these older and more historic colleges having growing pains. It will be interesting to see how they all come through, as updating to the amenities today's students expect is expensive. Kids aren't as all about names of the school as they once were.  I am glad the class has forced me to go off our normal riding path, he enjoyed it too - sticker shock on the school's price tag when we got home and looked!  Not an option for our kiddos!

"On the Line"- Day 27

Been on the line about how aggressive to be with a job opportunity.  I think the interview went well, but I know I won't get it, and realize I am ok with it, because I have an ethical problem with the way parts of the program operate (in the most simple form, I want to teach students, not appease parents).  I am on the line as to just email the principal and say thanks but withdraw my name, or wait and see then tell her, or just shut up.  I kind of called them out on it in the interview and they looked a bit surprised and one got defensive.  I stopped before I said, "Let me be clear...you need a good teacher, I already have a good teaching job...so good luck...".  & if the long shot happens and it gets offered I will be vocal to the principal about this (I don't think she disagreed with me) before I would ever say yes.  Probably didn't help that the day before my ILT just rocked it and I was still on a high...just keeping options open!

Day 26- "Cleanse"

Nothing here but a cute anecdote...my 15 year old's bff came over today after workouts because no one could pick him up. The two of them spent the day playing xbox and watching the World Cup USA game.  When he left I looked at the couch and said, "What is that?" It was a rust colored thing, I thought he must have left clothing. My son said, "Oh, that is his towel.  He took a shower after workouts. I gave him a new bar of soap so he wouldn't have to use soap any of us had used." That kid is about the sweetest one I know...especially when he said we could finish the soap because he knew it wouldn't bother us...

"Come Together"- Day 25

So excited for the way our road trip is coming together.  I have to admit I do not know how people arranged travel back in the day...when you had to call everywhere, order brochures, show up and take chances, couldn't use Trip Advisor and other review sites! Checking flight prices and rental car prices vs. driving and your time; comparing hotels and prioritizing attractions...keeping a list in One Note and transferring to Word to email... At the same time, I think it causes me to obsess too much because I look up each little thing and cross compare sites and options!  But...it is all coming together, just one more round to plan!

Day 24- "Know Joy"

I am in the process of planning our first road trip together. Five years and we have been to many fun places, but never an extended we will be in the car for 24 hours total together kind of trip. We struggled with what to do for our time, which we are fortunate to have. The kids can stay with their other parents and are old enough to come here if needed. I had multiple versions of this trip worked out, at some points flying into this airport or that, but just couldn't get it all nailed how I wanted it.  I didn't think he would want to road trip, but he is into it.  Six nights...first stop is a winery in the Finger Lakes of NY, with an overnight in a small lake town.  Day two will take us to Oswego and a small museum and a military fort (obsessed with them, no clue why, but I think it is the fact they built what they did with such limited resources), and on to Sackets Harbor, NY.  We are staying there mostly because of some microbrews :). Then, 2 nights in Ottawa, back down for the Boldt Island cruise out of Canada, with an overnight on the St. Lawrence River, then back over the Thousand Islands Bridge for the Singer Island tour.  I might have him on castle boat tour overload, but he told me to just plan it so...from there I don't have the last night/journey home 100% nailed...have an idea but need to decide if it is the best idea.  We are so blessed to get the opportunity, and I have made sure we are never more than 2 hours from an airport that could get him back quickly if needed (confident it will be ok).  I am so in love with Montreal that this was hard to plan, and was the biggest quandary...I feel like how can I be an hour from it and not go?  But there isn't enough time to do that and other things, and we have been there twice, and I have always wanted to go through the Thousand Islands area.  Hopefully the weather will be nice and the road trip will be fun (last year Quebec City was uber cold for July and of course we weren't prepared...hello Wal Mart!)...and he will be ok with my plans!

Day 23 - "Clarity" (and one month until he and I go away and two months until she leaves for college!)

You learn with time and experience...unfortunately few of us are born with it, and sometimes we still struggle with it, but it will be at the heart of it...

Reflect- Day 22

Really hoping that it doesn't take someone losing their life before
Everyone she hangs out with gets it that life isn't a big party, you can't stay up all night, and 18 isn't 
Freedom for you to do what you want, when you want
Leaving no time for family or rest or reflection
Everything you enjoy, such as freedom, a car, a license, is a privilege that
Can and will be taken away based on choices you make, and I will never apologize for
Taking control for the safety of herself and others, that goes for any of our kids

I miss the child I had a few months ago...

"Do What You Do" (Day 20) and "Essence of Summer" (Day 21)

Combined, because I am late, because I was enjoying some of what I feel is the best of summer- time...staining my deck, stringing lights around it, and building a new bench for it. I took a plan that I found on Pinterest and tweaked it with a little help from my father. Doing what I like to do- creating. I hit a few bumps but I only get better at this stuff when I hit bumps.  I am actually now pondering if I could make and sell 3-4 foot benches (mine was 9!) and donate profits to our LLS Light the Night Walk team, with the idea being, "Bench Cancer..."; each one would be unique, slightly primitive being as I am no pro, and useful indoors or out.  I would get to do something that keeps me busy in a positive way, something that allows me to be creative, and something that allows me to learn.  I could even do a UHS Hawks limited edition and donate it to the booster club online auction...hmmmm.

Here is mine...

Day 19- "Bright"

I hope I am bright enough at this point in my life...

Day 18- Twisted

Paw Paw Tunnel...totally cool engineering marvel that got around the major twistedness of a portion of the C&O Canal. Primitive & spectacular.

                                                 

Day 17- Past|Present

Went totally different with the hair - something different for the summer...the first pic was Saturday/ the other 3 are the re-do...

                             

Day 16- "Fortitude"

He will go about the night and morning and have no idea what I am thinking, and that I am wondering what he is thinking when he is there, does he have any clue what is possibly in my head because of him. A long time ago to one person is like yesterday to others at times... Yeah, appropriate word of the day in this prompt...

for·ti·tude

ˈfôrtəˌto͞od/

noun

1. courage in pain or adversity.

   "she endured her illness with great fortitude"

   synonyms:

   courage, bravery, endurance, resilience, mettle, moral fiber, strength of mind, strength of character, strong-mindedness, backbone, spirit, grit,true grit, doughtiness, steadfastness

"Relations"- Day 15

I am keeping it simple with a "Happy Father's Day" to both my dad and to the stepfather of my children, and a "Happy 50th " to my guy too!  Love you both!

"A List"- Day 14

I am thinking this prompt is meant to spark people on your "A list," but being a teacher with time to do a few things since I have 6 days off before I head back for a few days, I am more about "a list" of things to do...finish scrubbing the deck so I can stain/seal it for the first time in way too many years (and pondering whether I can replace some boards on my own, which I think I can...); painting door and window trim out front- first time in 13.5 years; and scraping rust/painting front stairwell rails for the first time probably ever (I won't count the time I took some leftover spray paint from a project and sprayed over rust stains, and got some on the house, which is still there); and, weeding what used to be a garden ten years ago...still never got around to planting grass so every year it is an enormous weed jungle.  Determined to get to the dump and Goodwill too.  I'd say I am cleaning out whatever is under these couches (old frames and whatnot) but that isn't going to happen...possibility of finally moving the shelf from the bedroom to the basement, but that is one of those jobs that to do it you have to do like three other jobs with it so alas, that probably isn't going to happen either! Number one job- some time with my kids!  Have a date with her to do some college shopping, don't wanna wait til everyone else is doing it (unfortunately by then I am pretty much back at work) and want her to get excited and maybe it will inspire her to behave all summer (I can wish)!  I would love a night on the deck with a fire in the chimnea but alas, this is Maryland, where we go from 40 degrees to 85 degrees and no nights in between for such things, unless you want to roast yourself!

Day 13- "Seven"

Well...it is what time I set my alarm for, knowing the kids don't have to wake up and I don't have to drive anyone to school, but of course I woke on my own at 5:15...so I will turn that into I got relish in the peacefulness of my home (my home is usually peaceful so really I just got up and wasted time here and on Pinterest, etc.).  It is also the size of my family, excluding myself, that I am planning the beach trip for...three more weeks!  & alas, after my "last day" Monday it is how many weekdays until I will be back at work, planning ahead for next year!  Oh, and I just noticed, it is how many hours until this year's kiddos roll out and our teachers close out another great year!

Day 12- "Tight Knit"

“There is no such thing as a "broken family." Family is family, and is not determined by marriage certificates, divorce papers, and adoption documents. Families are made in the heart. The only time family becomes null is when those ties in the heart are cut. If you cut those ties, those people are not your family. If you make those ties, those people are your family. And if you hate those ties, those people will still be your family because whatever you hate will always be with you.” 

― C. JoyBell C.

I don't know who this person is but I saw this and couldn't say it better.  To see our party come together with my family from here and NC, her father's family from here, her stepmother's family from Baltimore, and "his" parents from PA, including step siblings, step aunts/uncles/cousins/grandparents/ and a great grandparent...it was incredible to see the support these kids have.  We are blessed their step families welcomed them like they were their own, and I am fortunate my parents have done the same for my step children.  We are so far from broken...

"Dappled Light"- Day 10

One of my son's photos from the photography class he took, he didn't want to take the class but had to take an arts class. I told him this would be the best for him out of the choices, just knowing how he is.  In the beginning it was like pulling teeth to get him to have an ounce of creativity and put in the effort.  By the end he loved the class, finished projects ahead of time, and actually enjoyed researching a photographer, he picked a war photographer. This was the first ones he looked at and was really excited about, they were working on darkness with lights in different places.  Now he willingly grabs my camera that was a bit imposing before and he knows just what to do, so there was some confidence building too!  

"Collection"- Day 11

One of the great things about motorcycle riding with him is not always knowing where we will end up, especially in the earlier days when he was first discovering a different side of riding since he had a passenger. When it is just him it is all about the sport and speed.  With me he slows some, but he is more likely to stop at places he never would if I weren't along, places he never noticed.  We stumbled upon this one day and it just made me laugh so hard because who makes an elephant museum outside of Gettysburg?  Here you are in the midst of Civil War central and then - boom!- elephant museum! It even has an interesting history.  Wouldn't you love to just have such a collection that you could open up a curious little museum and shop and just live your life???  Most people who, like me, grew up within an hour of it have never heard of it!

Sweet Breezes- Day 9

...something about the way my niece's hair is blowing ever so slightly here...

"Soul Full" ~ Day 8

Hope to add pictures later, but without a doubt a day my soul is full...her graduation/18th birthday party.  I have never had to prepare for so many people and I hope I have enough and did it right.  Doing it at a venue other than home when you are doing it yourself is a bit stressful to say the least.  The great part is family is her from North Carolina, and she has family from both sides and both step parents, which is a first and it is nice to see that after all of the turmoil of ten years ago she is where she is and surrounded by these people.  Most of her friends will be there, and while one special one cannot be I am hopeful she will not have time to think about it.  I love my girl like crazy and want it to be perfect for her.  I am also glad my son is simpler and I might be able to get away with a come, have some cookies and a drink, then leave kind of graduation party.  My car looks like it is puking party right now!  I am grateful for the help I will have to set up...I don't know why I fret as I do given I have made a to scale map of the entire venue with set up labeled, diagrams for the food, etc. etc. etc...it is going to be a long but beautiful day (thank goodness it isn't raining since it is in a park!)!

Power- Day 7

Why is it that teenagers have to test every boundary before they realize THEY have the power to control their destiny?  I know it is called growing up and few teens learn from their friends' mistakes.  It can still be heart wrenching to watch, even when it isn't your child.  I just hope our kids see the power they hold in their own lives and take advantage of it, I sometimes think I love them all too much (and to think someone once asked me how I could love someone else's kids, she obviously never fell in love with their father and all that he is, which includes them).  It could be a long a summer...

This Good Dirt- Day 6

Dirt...entertaining children for centuries!

"Escape"- Day 5

vacation time close

a beach escape with the kids

then escape for two

Bethany area with the kids is set (you wouldn't believe how hard it is to find a place to sleep 6 kids in their own beds, with a pool, and a pool table, as we need something for our boy to do when he has had enough sun)!  It is such a good time, as the kids didn't grow up in the same home.

As for time for two...I am inevitably being drawn back to Montreal...

"Unveil"- Day 4

Underneath what everyone sees lies a
Never ending mind full of thoughts, dreams, failures, successes, regrets.
Very private, sometimes unsure, sometimes afraid of what
Everyone would think if they knew your truths.
In my lifetime there will be many more to come, I can only hope to
Live and love wholly regardless of what I unveil to those around me.

                    xoxoxoxoxox peace, love, happiness to all xoxoxoxoxox

"Summer's Bounty"- Day 3

A link today to someone else's fabulous recipe for lasagna with fresh tomatoes vs. sauce, it is incredible and worth the time!  Can't wait for tomato season, though now that I think about it I would be it would work well with some good ripe Camparis that you can get year round around here!

Totally Fresh Tomato Lasagna recipe

"Everyone Should..."- Day 2, Month 6

I know the prompt says "everyone," but if women live like this it will affect everyone in the end. Amazingly I learned so many of these from my parents; I can use a drill and rock some stilettos!

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... by Maya Angelou

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE …
enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE …
something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE …
a youth she’s content to leave behind….

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE …
a past juicy enough that she’s looking forward to retelling it in her old age….

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE …
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE …
one friend who always makes her laugh… and one who lets her cry…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE …
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE …
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal that will
make her guests feel honored…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE …
a feeling of control over her destiny…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
how to fall in love without losing herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
how to quit a job, break up with a lover and confront a friend without ruining the friendship…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
when to try harder… and WHEN TO WALK AWAY…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
that she can’t change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
that her childhood may not have been perfect…but it’s over…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
what she would and wouldn’t do for love or more…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW….
how to live alone… even if she doesn’t like it…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..
whom she can trust, whom she can’t, and why she shouldn’t take it personally…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
where to go…be it to her best friend’s kitchen table or a charming Inn in the woods
when her soul needs soothing…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
What she can and can’t accomplish in a day, a month…and a year…

"Cusp"- Day1, Month 6, Still here (though some days slowly but surely...)

To me this is so representative of the "light at the end of the tunnel" of childhood, on the cusp of new adventures and adulthood.  Two will be heading to Towson and one bravely into the US Navy.  Three girls so smart, beautiful, and ready! xoxoxo