I spent the weekend doing many things, hopefully I can remember it all:
Friday
Worked and ran a ton of errands with Corky, including a car wash and a trip to Costco. Worked more when we got home after picking up The Boys. Found out they did not go to swim practice on either day that they were with the ex, making me wonder if I should just pick them up and take them on his mornings. It is worth considering, as they are now acutely aware of not being the fastest swimmers, and expressing interest in improving their times.
Saturday
Second swim meet of the season and The Boys did well. The Oldest DQ'd Fly, but he probably swam faster. After that, we fought our way through traffic going to the county fair and dropped off The Youngest at a party with his friends. The Oldest and I fought back through traffic and picked up birthday presents for my dad and nephew. Had just enough time to shower, pick up Corky and then The Youngest before stopping at home to drop off cupcakes and pick up X-Box stuff and head to my folks' for a birthday dinner for three generations, My Dad, My Nephew and Me! All of our birthdays are during the same week, so we always do a combined dinner and celebration. We kept with the tradition of going around the table and saying what we love and appreciate about the birthday person. Because there are three of us, it is especially emotional. This year a few things struck me: My Sister voiced what I've been thinking for a while - that we are the only people with so many shared memories, and we know each other better than anyone else knows us. My Mom saying that I never cease to surprise her. My Nephew saying that he trusts me to always be there for him, and My Nephew (the other one), saying that he knows how hard it is to be a single mom, and he thinks I've done a great job raising The Boys into fine young men. Corky expressed her love of my kindness and broke down a bit. My Dad saying that I am envied by many for my qualities, including love, and honesty, and wishing he possessed some of those qualities. I love my family, as crazy as we might be at times, we do absolutely love one another.
Sunday
Slept way in after taking cough medicine, since my throat was killing me all of Saturday. Once I cleared all the mucus from my ENT, I found that my throat does not hurt any more (YAY!), and I felt well rested. I got dressed and whacked weeds in the front yard for three hours during the hottest part of the day, drank a ton of water, and got The Boys to help with the yard work and clean their rooms. I took a shower, and felt less like passing out from heat exhaustion. Got The Youngest to open the ibuprofen and drank more water. Corky came over and dinner was Casper dogs for the boys, and cole slaw. It was perfectly cool and light for the hellishly hot day. It didn't cool down until after 9pm.
It was also PRIDE weekend and the Parade in SF which I would have loved to have gone to, but The Boys are not quite old enough. The Oldest is, but The Youngest isn't I felt a little left out of it all, and ended up watching the parade on TV later.
More cough syrup, and it's time for my head to hit the pillow. I hope you all have a great week!
Monday, June 30, 2014
Monday, June 23, 2014
Monday Morning Weekend Wrap Up
More transitions for me. I've decided to let my hair grow out, and not dye it this summer. I have been dyeing my hair for 17 years. I had said repeatedly that I would continue to do so until my kids were out of elementary school, and now that milestone has transpired, I thought I'd see what my hair actually looks like. So far, there is quite a bit of grey (no surprise). Of course Corky says she will love me regardless of hair color, as long as I keep a longer style (which she finds sexy ;-)).
I have had a cold for over a week now, and pink eye developed before the weekend. On meds, and my eye is still pink. Found out that this is not the pink eye of my youth, that would clear up after 24 hours on eye drops, and cease to be contagious. No, THIS is the resistant new strain - today's pink eye that hangs on for the full 5 days of treatment, remaining contagious throughout. delightful. Switching towels and pillow covers everyday and doing more laundry in the middle of a drought. superb.
I was able to get in grocery shopping, laundry, and a swim meet this weekend. Also, FINALLY finished the wedding book and sent the draft for approval before publishing. Stayed on top of the swim team photos from the meet. This is another summer during which I am team photographer, which is cool. I'd take the pics anyway :-).
The Boys were with the ex all weekend, and Corky had to work. I finished knitting the first sock, which is too big, but was a learning experience. Now figuring out what pattern sock next. The constant knitting was boring me after a while. I also have orders in for more fingerless gloves for Corky, The Boys and one of their friends, and another beanie for Corky. I decided to knit socks for myself first though if I can decide what to do. I may knit something else on the list while making that decision. At some point, I suppose I'll tackle a sweater, but I'm not quite there yet.
My pink eye was mostly gone by Sunday night, along with the last symptoms of the cold - yay! Of course, I then had to test my renewed health with Corky, which made my throat sore (screaming and yelling while climaxing does that I guess). So early to bed with a healthy dose of robitussin and another drop of meds to the eye, and I can't wait to see what Monday brings.
I have had a cold for over a week now, and pink eye developed before the weekend. On meds, and my eye is still pink. Found out that this is not the pink eye of my youth, that would clear up after 24 hours on eye drops, and cease to be contagious. No, THIS is the resistant new strain - today's pink eye that hangs on for the full 5 days of treatment, remaining contagious throughout. delightful. Switching towels and pillow covers everyday and doing more laundry in the middle of a drought. superb.
I was able to get in grocery shopping, laundry, and a swim meet this weekend. Also, FINALLY finished the wedding book and sent the draft for approval before publishing. Stayed on top of the swim team photos from the meet. This is another summer during which I am team photographer, which is cool. I'd take the pics anyway :-).
The Boys were with the ex all weekend, and Corky had to work. I finished knitting the first sock, which is too big, but was a learning experience. Now figuring out what pattern sock next. The constant knitting was boring me after a while. I also have orders in for more fingerless gloves for Corky, The Boys and one of their friends, and another beanie for Corky. I decided to knit socks for myself first though if I can decide what to do. I may knit something else on the list while making that decision. At some point, I suppose I'll tackle a sweater, but I'm not quite there yet.
My pink eye was mostly gone by Sunday night, along with the last symptoms of the cold - yay! Of course, I then had to test my renewed health with Corky, which made my throat sore (screaming and yelling while climaxing does that I guess). So early to bed with a healthy dose of robitussin and another drop of meds to the eye, and I can't wait to see what Monday brings.
Friday, June 13, 2014
This is a difficult time for me
Transitions are tough for everyone, and this week marks a personal transition for me. As of this week, I will no longer have any children in elementary school. Today was the final day, which was spent at a local park, the kids playing and me reflecting upon the seven years I have spent at that school. Seven years of teaching art and cooking to Kindy through 5th graders. Seven years of changing the marquee out front. Seven years of being at the school almost every day, getting to know all of the teachers, staff and most of the kids. It has been a wonderful seven years, made better by the friends I met while there, and the experiences The Boys have had. Approximately 70 field trips as a driver of small children. Being the emergency contact for half a dozen kids, and knowing my friends trust me to care for their children when they are not able to do so. Seven years, during which I was both at my lowest point emotionally and psychologically, and now at my happiest. I am nothing if not resourceful, and have managed to not just survive, but thrive in the face of adversity.
And thus begins a new chapter for me - Off to the greater responsibilities of teenaged sons. Onward to acne and driver's liscenses, and first love and heartbreak. Through it all I will remain the steady force in The Boys lives. I am grateful for the time to grow into myself that these years have allowed, the friendships made and the sense of family I have in my city now. I know this is my space, this is who I am and where I belong. I am of this place. I have found a love, and cemented myself through the school community to here. I still have wanderlust, the desire to travel is high as school lets out for summer, but I know this is now where I come when I come home. I still miss parts of my past homes, but I move forward with the understanding that home is far more than a single building.
And thus begins a new chapter for me - Off to the greater responsibilities of teenaged sons. Onward to acne and driver's liscenses, and first love and heartbreak. Through it all I will remain the steady force in The Boys lives. I am grateful for the time to grow into myself that these years have allowed, the friendships made and the sense of family I have in my city now. I know this is my space, this is who I am and where I belong. I am of this place. I have found a love, and cemented myself through the school community to here. I still have wanderlust, the desire to travel is high as school lets out for summer, but I know this is now where I come when I come home. I still miss parts of my past homes, but I move forward with the understanding that home is far more than a single building.
Monday, June 9, 2014
Monday Morning Weekend Wrap Up - lots of lasts.
So this weekend is the final weekend before school ends, and there were some final things going on.
Thursday
Took a day off of work to go on The Youngest's final field trip of elementary school. We rode the ferry and went to the Exploratorium. It was a blast, but too big to get through in the time we had. Corky came with us, and we all had fun (with only 15 kids and 8 adults). That night was the middle school Spring concert, where The Oldest played 3 different instruments, and nearly took out half a dozen other students when he had to schlep the stand up bass halfway across the gym. He ran into one kid, knocked a music stand into a second, knocked a second stand into 3 choir people, and almost decked the new drum major with the head when he lifted it over the band on the way back. However, they sounded awesome. So glad The Boys are into music as much as they are and can't wait to see how The Youngest progresses next year.
Friday
Attended the thank-you lunch put on by the school district for volunteers, and was able to visit with a few people I hadn't in a while. We are usually in meetings, and not visiting, so this was a nice change. Afterward, I organized and handed out the art portfolios to the 4th and 5th graders I taught this year. That was the final volunteer shift at the elementary school where I have been teaching art for 7 years. Took a break to work some more, and headed to the high school to help decorate for the 8th grade dance occurring on Saturday.
Saturday
Slept in as long as the cat would allow, so 7:00. Sat in my pjs drinking coffee and writing my grocery list, when what should appear on my facebook feed but a photo from a friend who was hosting a garage sale in the morning. This photo got me up, dressed, teeth brushed and out the door in less than 10 minutes. The object of my desire was her cleaning out her yarn stash - two entire boxes. I filled a huge bag with a TON of really awesome yarns, that I am going to use to knit socks, hats, gloves, scarves, maybe a sweater... Got home, showered and tried to go to the store. Was interrupted by the ex bringing his gf's old trampoline over and setting it up for The Boys. Finally got to the first store, shopped, came home and unloaded the groceries, then headed to store #2. While there, got a call from mom saying she and dad were stopping by to drop off some lattice for my (non-existent) garden. rushed home, and folded laundry while waiting. Corky texted with an offer to go to Urban Ore. Got the folks out, and headed to Berkeley with Corky and her roommate. Found an end table for the house that needs to be refinished, so I have a project. Stopped for dinner, then home and chaperoning the 8th grade dance. Stayed to clean up and had a salad late night, when I did get home. Fell into bed well after midnight, and slept like the dead, not even moving once.
Sunday
Was awoken by the phone at 8:30. The Oldest was on the other end of the line, and this was the conversation (remember, I was asleep):
Him: Are you coming to the "thing" today?
Me: The thing? what thing?
Him: They are lining up right now!
Me: What? What is lining up? What thing?
Him: Swim team pictures!
Me: Oh shit! I guess if they are lining up now, then no.
Him: Oh, they are only lining up for individual photos, so there's still time.
Me: OK, I'll be there shortly.
I was there 24 minutes later, and it is a 20 minute drive. So, another morning out of the house sans shower. I got photos of the little kids I was missing, visited with a friend from High School with kids now on the team.Stayed for time trials of freestyle for The Boys - they did good, less than a second off their best times from last year! Did I mention that it was 100 degrees, and I hadn't showered? ew. Went to visit Corky at work at her lunch break so that we could spend some time together. Finished my grocery shopping and holed up in my too warm house while avoiding the sun surface like temperatures outdoors. Got the swim team pics uploaded, showered, and worked on the wedding book. Weirdly, also witnessed what I think was the puppy having a seizure. This has happened twice before, and it scares the crap out of him. Haven't ever seen the onset, so it's difficult to determine if it is a seizure, or waking from a nightmare, but I sat on the floor and held and pet him until he recovered and his heart rate slowed and he was able to get up and walk around. Corky came by after work and we hung around in the heat, trying to figure out what to eat for dinner that did not involve any sort of heat source. We settled on sandwiches, and the boys arrived early. Couldn't go to bed until it was cooler - 10 for us all.
Thursday
Took a day off of work to go on The Youngest's final field trip of elementary school. We rode the ferry and went to the Exploratorium. It was a blast, but too big to get through in the time we had. Corky came with us, and we all had fun (with only 15 kids and 8 adults). That night was the middle school Spring concert, where The Oldest played 3 different instruments, and nearly took out half a dozen other students when he had to schlep the stand up bass halfway across the gym. He ran into one kid, knocked a music stand into a second, knocked a second stand into 3 choir people, and almost decked the new drum major with the head when he lifted it over the band on the way back. However, they sounded awesome. So glad The Boys are into music as much as they are and can't wait to see how The Youngest progresses next year.
Friday
Attended the thank-you lunch put on by the school district for volunteers, and was able to visit with a few people I hadn't in a while. We are usually in meetings, and not visiting, so this was a nice change. Afterward, I organized and handed out the art portfolios to the 4th and 5th graders I taught this year. That was the final volunteer shift at the elementary school where I have been teaching art for 7 years. Took a break to work some more, and headed to the high school to help decorate for the 8th grade dance occurring on Saturday.
Saturday
Slept in as long as the cat would allow, so 7:00. Sat in my pjs drinking coffee and writing my grocery list, when what should appear on my facebook feed but a photo from a friend who was hosting a garage sale in the morning. This photo got me up, dressed, teeth brushed and out the door in less than 10 minutes. The object of my desire was her cleaning out her yarn stash - two entire boxes. I filled a huge bag with a TON of really awesome yarns, that I am going to use to knit socks, hats, gloves, scarves, maybe a sweater... Got home, showered and tried to go to the store. Was interrupted by the ex bringing his gf's old trampoline over and setting it up for The Boys. Finally got to the first store, shopped, came home and unloaded the groceries, then headed to store #2. While there, got a call from mom saying she and dad were stopping by to drop off some lattice for my (non-existent) garden. rushed home, and folded laundry while waiting. Corky texted with an offer to go to Urban Ore. Got the folks out, and headed to Berkeley with Corky and her roommate. Found an end table for the house that needs to be refinished, so I have a project. Stopped for dinner, then home and chaperoning the 8th grade dance. Stayed to clean up and had a salad late night, when I did get home. Fell into bed well after midnight, and slept like the dead, not even moving once.
Sunday
Was awoken by the phone at 8:30. The Oldest was on the other end of the line, and this was the conversation (remember, I was asleep):
Him: Are you coming to the "thing" today?
Me: The thing? what thing?
Him: They are lining up right now!
Me: What? What is lining up? What thing?
Him: Swim team pictures!
Me: Oh shit! I guess if they are lining up now, then no.
Him: Oh, they are only lining up for individual photos, so there's still time.
Me: OK, I'll be there shortly.
I was there 24 minutes later, and it is a 20 minute drive. So, another morning out of the house sans shower. I got photos of the little kids I was missing, visited with a friend from High School with kids now on the team.Stayed for time trials of freestyle for The Boys - they did good, less than a second off their best times from last year! Did I mention that it was 100 degrees, and I hadn't showered? ew. Went to visit Corky at work at her lunch break so that we could spend some time together. Finished my grocery shopping and holed up in my too warm house while avoiding the sun surface like temperatures outdoors. Got the swim team pics uploaded, showered, and worked on the wedding book. Weirdly, also witnessed what I think was the puppy having a seizure. This has happened twice before, and it scares the crap out of him. Haven't ever seen the onset, so it's difficult to determine if it is a seizure, or waking from a nightmare, but I sat on the floor and held and pet him until he recovered and his heart rate slowed and he was able to get up and walk around. Corky came by after work and we hung around in the heat, trying to figure out what to eat for dinner that did not involve any sort of heat source. We settled on sandwiches, and the boys arrived early. Couldn't go to bed until it was cooler - 10 for us all.
Monday, June 2, 2014
Monday Morning Weekend Wrap Up
A four day weekend for me, and I know Monday morning will come with groans and grousing.
Thursday
Out of the house early to the annual program camp out with The Youngest. It was bittersweet as it was the final camp out for me, and The Oldest chose to stay behind. Corky came too and she enjoyed it. This is the easiest camp out for me as the kids do everything. I miss the person who started the program - this is the first year she did not attend, and I know that next year there will be some whipping people into shape. She admonishes the parents who so much as lift a finger to help. There was a redwood hike or two and the kids put up camp - tents and sleeping arrangements, and made dinner. We had a campfire and s'mores and singing, and it was COLD overnight. I'd brought last year's air mattress, which was too small for Corky and I, so we placed it across for our heads, and it felt like sleeping on a staircase. Needless to say, very little sleep was had between the arrangement of air matress and cold, and then there was the giggling, and snoring and gaseous outbursts.
Friday
Up far too early in search of caffeine. Many cups of coffee later, functioning at near capacity, and we had breakfast, packed everything up and headed to the beach for a marsh hike and beach fun. It was foggy and chilly, but relaxing. Didn't sleep, but should have. Corky slept. Stopped at the goat farm and the bakery, and headed home. Picked up The Oldest, had dinner, showers and bed.
Saturday
Unpacked and laundry, and picked up the dogs while The Boys had a friend over. The Youngest played, but The Oldest had his head in his phone all day. Gave the dogs showers, which they desperately needed. Corky worked opening, and joined us for my Sister's birthday dinner, where there was laughter and tears. I love my Sister and I hope there are many more happy birthdays. Corky was able to spend the night.
Sunday
Slept in, and made french toast out of the cinnamon bread from the bakery (yummy). Picked up a new and correctly sized sleeping bag, along with new work shoes for Corky. Got The Oldest to finish his homework and The Boys went to a preview of a new movie. The liked it, and recommend I see it, when it comes out. I did some grocery shopping and read.
Also, found this song again, tearfully watched it, as I almost always do:
Thursday
Out of the house early to the annual program camp out with The Youngest. It was bittersweet as it was the final camp out for me, and The Oldest chose to stay behind. Corky came too and she enjoyed it. This is the easiest camp out for me as the kids do everything. I miss the person who started the program - this is the first year she did not attend, and I know that next year there will be some whipping people into shape. She admonishes the parents who so much as lift a finger to help. There was a redwood hike or two and the kids put up camp - tents and sleeping arrangements, and made dinner. We had a campfire and s'mores and singing, and it was COLD overnight. I'd brought last year's air mattress, which was too small for Corky and I, so we placed it across for our heads, and it felt like sleeping on a staircase. Needless to say, very little sleep was had between the arrangement of air matress and cold, and then there was the giggling, and snoring and gaseous outbursts.
Friday
Up far too early in search of caffeine. Many cups of coffee later, functioning at near capacity, and we had breakfast, packed everything up and headed to the beach for a marsh hike and beach fun. It was foggy and chilly, but relaxing. Didn't sleep, but should have. Corky slept. Stopped at the goat farm and the bakery, and headed home. Picked up The Oldest, had dinner, showers and bed.
Saturday
Unpacked and laundry, and picked up the dogs while The Boys had a friend over. The Youngest played, but The Oldest had his head in his phone all day. Gave the dogs showers, which they desperately needed. Corky worked opening, and joined us for my Sister's birthday dinner, where there was laughter and tears. I love my Sister and I hope there are many more happy birthdays. Corky was able to spend the night.
Sunday
Slept in, and made french toast out of the cinnamon bread from the bakery (yummy). Picked up a new and correctly sized sleeping bag, along with new work shoes for Corky. Got The Oldest to finish his homework and The Boys went to a preview of a new movie. The liked it, and recommend I see it, when it comes out. I did some grocery shopping and read.
Also, found this song again, tearfully watched it, as I almost always do:
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