Good morning, bloggy people. Today has begun in a wonderful way; I slept well and was so comfortable in bed as it grew time to get up. And I felt no dread or worry; I got up in a natural state – not groggy or regretfully. Just…when it was time. There’s something magical about that.

Anyway, the weekend! I was exhausted on my drive home from work. I mean, almost falling asleep. I can usually rally, especially knowing work is over for the week. By the time I got home I did manage, but I put my head down on the island for a moment before some prep/cleaning for our friends. We had three people over for our fantasy Premier League draft. Kind of sad that Isaac couldn’t be there but…he had his first night of training for his new job. So that is a good thing anyway!

We ate pizza and chatted and I think I like my team. Our friends probably left by 9:30 or so and I am certain I sat in my chair and promptly fell asleep.

Saturday morning I did some cleanup and delegated some other tasks to kids. My sister had given my daughter a Sephora gift card for her birthday so we’d planned to go to the mall that morning. I remember when malls were open from 10-9 every day but Sunday. These days, ours is 11-7. Not surprising, since brick and mortar shopping (plus this economy) is declining. Funny part is how many people were there! We showed up just as Dillard’s was opening their shutters and then most stores inside were not yet open. And people were waiting to get in! As she shopped, that store at least, became very crowded. I don’t know why this shocks me but it does.

We went to Publix and I made guac, though, was very disappointed because I put a jalapeno and a serrano and it still wasn’t spicy. Oh well. We had leftover Mexican chicken and rice and then sat to watch movies. My oldest was in and out all weekend; his girlfriend moved into a dorm on campus so he was there a lot, helping set up and whatnot. My middle had his second day of training that night. Dakota had a friend over to swim. In the evening, I don’t know what it was but I was getting emotional for no reason. Perhaps no other reason than a woman in her late 40s anyway. I just got it in my head that I wanted people to cook for me. Or at least, not make me decide what to make, acquire ingredients, cook, and then clean. Because, come on. I was just not having it anymore.

Luckily I woke up Sunday in a better mood…at least for a little bit. Dakota and I ran about 1.3 miles then started on the back yard. She wasn’t happy I made her mow the side her brother typically does but he didn’t get home from work until almost midnight. I told her she could help out. I did some of it too, which made me feel productive. Started on laundry then we had this big confusing argument about – what else – what to eat. I wanted to go to the place Isaac just started working but he did not, nor did anyone else. My oldest offered to pay if: it was only me and Ash and he got to pick where. But all his choices sucked and I felt bad excluding the other kids.
In the end, Ash and I went where I wanted without the kids. Dakota made a sandwich, Elliot left and got himself something, and Isaac ate chips and salsa. And you know, everyone was happy.

Ash and I bowled and watched movies and it was a nice relaxing afternoon. My parents didn’t end up stopping by, which didn’t surprise me. After the vacation they were on, they just wanted to get home. I totally understand! But it worked out better, to be honest. I wanted nothing to do this weekend aside from cleaning and relaxing.

Later on, we did order Chinese but hey, it was the end of my weekend and sometimes you just gotta do what makes you happy.

This morning, I took Dakota to cross country tryouts and I was right; I would get here about 7:50. I told my assistant principal that 7:30 would be a no-go and he said it was fine. I do need to adjust my route though because the 20 minute difference means I cannot go in front of Florida High; too many kids getting dropped off. I did also have to sit through two particularly long lights and one went twice due to an emergency vehicle. Sometimes it’s just that way! I was feeling very nostalgic about the drive to the middle school. All three of my kids did cross country so I have taken them there A LOT. When Elliot was doing it, practices were after school. When Isaac did, he had two and two – morning and afternoon. Dakota’s have always been in the morning. I found myself reminiscing about the first years after I quit my full-time job and was working from home. I took someone to practice (I can’t recall who) and then I’d go home and get dressed and start on my run. The route I took meant sometimes, I’d encounter the team on their practice run too. I miss running but these days, I cannot seem to find time to do it. Was very glad I managed one this weekend. Perhaps as the school year settles down I can find a time to squeeze some smaller ones in.

Anyway, hope everyone had a nice weekend. I need to prep for class!