Prior to this past week, I looked at the calendar and said, “If I can just make it through this week, I’ll be good.” And I did!

So if you recall, last week was super busy, with my parents coming into town Monday for our graduation dinner for my son, then Tuesday was the ceremony. Wednesday, my parents left in the AM and in the evening, Ash and I had a brew club thing. Thursday was our one day to do nothing, which was really nice. Ell and his girlfriend came over and swam and then we mostly just hung around in the evening.

Friday, Ash and I left around 9:30 for Gainesville. Got there slightly before 12 (since we stopped to eat real quick, thinking they would not have lunch but of course they did). Judging began right around that time and if you are not familiar, essentially, homebrewers from all over enter their beer into competition and the club organizing it does judging with certified folks and they have stewards, who do all the pouring, etc. That is what we were doing. I served with two judges I had not met before, which was cool. I only sat for 2 flights (each one takes them about an hour to get through) but Ash did nearly 3; he defected from a mead flight to help out on sours, which is funny because he hates those. We finished around 5, then went next door for some beer and pizza. This club always gives a lot of perks to those who help. Below, photos of people judging, then a pic of members later on, chilling.

We left in the morning Saturday, since I had to get in a 20 miler and laundry. Elliot was working but the other kids were here, swimming and whatnot while I cleaned and stuff. We did watch a couple movies. Terminal Island was pretty bad but 976-Evil was a decent B movie, for what it was.

We got up pretty early Sunday because it was beach day! I’d go way more often if everyone wanted to but my family tends to not care for sand and all. But for years, we’ve been doing a family beach day with friends and it’s always a good time.

It was a really nice time and the only thing I wish had been different is my son not being there. He had to work and couldn’t really ask for it off, since he was originally scheduled for Tuesday (graduation) so once he worked that out, he didn’t think he could ask for another day. When we got home, around maybe 7, I took Dakota back up to a friend’s house. It’s one of the girls from our group and they really only see each other on this beach day. Ell was out with friends so aside from Isaac being here, it was a nice lowkey night.

This morning, I woke up not wanting to follow through on plans I’d tentatively made with our neighbors. When I texted her, luckily, she wasn’t up for them either. I just need a day where I am not beholden to someone or something! I am not one to bail on plans but I think it’s for the best. We had a movie slated for 6 but we just moved it to 2. I am grading papers (I dreamed I was doing it, which is really bad!) and then I have to wash biking junk and then actually bike. Two of my kids aren’t even home yet today so there’s that. I plan to get all this stuff done, make lunch, then hit that movie. Maybe tonight we’ll watch something as a family. The kids are on break now!