- While not every day was rainbows and unicorns on vacation (kids arguing and being bratty, etc) I do think it was what all of us needed. I know I was stressed and Ash too; he even said he’d been feeling the most stressed at work he may have ever felt but upon close inspection, there really was no reason to. He just puts a lot of pressure on himself. But so, yes, going away and seeing nine other states was exactly what we needed. I know that on Friday afternoon, the kids willingly went outside and swam together. It’s as if all the forced together time mended any of their issues.
- It’s funny; even before we spent an evening watching old Royal Rumbles (WWE), I had a dream about Roman Reigns. I haven’t thought about or read anything about him in a couple years, though he was one of my favorites. The first dream, he was recovering from some injury and begging me to stay by him so he wasn’t all alone in this one recovery room. Then last night, I dreamt he had to have some of his Samoan tribal tattoos removed because people found them offensive. I don’t know why the brain conjures up what it does! I guess he took a break from wrestling to focus on family. I literally had no idea because I stopped watching.
- Now that vacation is over, I can’t help but realize how little time we have left before school! OK OK, four weeks, but still. The younger two are at camp now – Isaac doing his second volunteer session – then Koda has one more week. There’s one week in between camp and school. Dakota’s birthday is the Saturday after camp ends then that week in between is for school supply shopping and orientation – one middle and one high. Isaac needs shoes and they probably all need clothes. I told Koda she could get new running shoes when she makes the cross country team. I did the same for each boy! That season starts real soon too – the second week of school are tryouts. Oh, and she and I need to start doing sprints together to get her back on track. Normally that’s on Ash but he’s biking right now, not running.
- I feel like I can’t just NOT say anything about the Trump assassination attempt. I realize many people don’t like him but to say things like you wish the shooter had hit him is just…reprehensible. Look, I dislike Biden… A LOT. But I certainly don’t wish him killed. He’s feeble enough as it is. I just hate that our society has devolved like this. It’s really a sad state. I hope we can fix it in due time but I don’t know the answers.
- Since I am back to regular life, I am trying to wake up each day and start with a prayer and thanks. I find it really helps to ground me. I still feel uncertain about the upcoming stuff like leaving this job – which is now inevitably close – and transitioning back to teaching. Although I could still hear from any one of these jobs for which I have interviewed, at least for sure I have teaching. I finalized some stuff for Gateway College yesterday and reached out to TSC; in the meantime, anything could come to fruition! It’s a weird in-between time, for sure.
- I left work yesterday feeling stressed; swirling thoughts about how much my paychecks will actually be from teaching, an email coming in about our brew club competition in two weeks wherein our second judge bailed out, just as our first did, and just a general unease. I am used to leaving around 3:30 but Isaac’s volunteer position at the camp shift is 8-5 this session. So even though I left early to pick up my car, I was slammed from that minute until I got them home: get car, make Ash’s salad, get gas, get kids, make own salad, make dinner for kids and then I got to sit in my chair. But not for too long because Ash and I took a nearly 4 mile walk. But by then, I was feeling settled. We came up with a potential plan to find another bjcp judge, I spoke with a woman from the one college, and once I ate a good meal, I was better. Plus, the weather was good. OK, maybe not good but it wasn’t as hot, and there was even a cool breeze, which is a miracle for mid July in North Florida!
- OK, I’m off to get caught up on things and I will be working on my Wednesday and Thursday posts. Here’s a random meme that spoke to me:
incognitusscriptor.com 
I agree with your meme!!
I think it’s good to go someplace else (in your case, lots of someplace elses!) to reset. Staycations don’t do much for me.
I’m with you on the assassination attempt. It reminded me of when Hilary collapsed at that event, and people we’re making jokes. I’m no fan of Hilary, but that wasn’t good.
Right. We all know who we support policy-wise but I still believe in being kosher to people. It’s sad we’re so angry all the time and bloodthirsty, even.
Nothing like a vacation to get refocused. It’s really good for kids, I think, because it reminds them how really big America and the world is.
I agree with it’s edifying to start the day with prayer, thankfulness and telling God that we love Him. (see Matthew 22:37) I’ve been doing that now too. My whole attitude is much sweeter. 💙
That´s funny about your WWE dream. My oldest daughter wanted to be a WWE wrestler for the longest time- like as a teenager. She couldn´t apply until she was 18; she was making preparations to do that and then the pandemic happened and her priorities changed and she decided she didn´t want to pursue it. Agree with what you said about Biden and beginning each day with a prayer and a thankful attitude!
Nice! I wanted to be a writer for WWE but then I’d have to move to Connecticut. I’d rather just watch, I guess.
I agree with your thoughts about Biden. I pray I’m never a person who wishes someone dead. I saw your question about our lily pad (water carpet). I think ours is called a lily pad but will check the brand when I’m down on the dock tomorrow. It’s held up well, I think this is the 3rd summer and it gets a workout! We all need a break and a change of scenery…so glad you were able to have that this summer. As cliche as it sounds time truly does fly and having a family vacation makes memories you will treasure when your kids are making their own way in the world.
I have heard of that lilly pad brand; I just wanted to hear someone say it was worth it! One of these days I’m biting the bullet on that one.