I don't know why it has been so hard to get myself to sit down and write here, but it has. It's not like anything terrible has happened and I'm down and out. To the contrary actually. Life has been incredibly good, happy, and full of things, people, and moments to be grateful for. I promised Kori a post tonight so here we go.
This summer flew by and here we are knocking at the door of October, fall, leaves turning, and cooler weather. I will say that summer 2008 was one of the best I can remember in a very long time and I enjoyed every minute of it. For the first time in a long time, I just let myself relax and enjoy living in the moment. Here's a quick rundown.
Kid 2 came home for a couple of weeks and we had a really great visit. My kids and a couple of their friends packed up and went camping on their own for a few days, and judging by the pictures and the stories, a good time was definitely had by all. I stayed out of the planning completely, but watching them do it was funny as hell. Kid 2 is a meticulous planner - lists, sublists, menu plans, extra batteries, cameras, clothes for any weather or occasion, etc, etc. Kid 1 just shook his head and said, "I've got my shorts, my ipod, and some beer. Let's go." It was a little disconcerting for Mom to realize that not only are her kids are old enough to go camping on their own, they are old enough to pack beer.
I also took them for a weekend away to the States - just the three of us, and we had a great time. Some shopping, too much eating, and a ton of laughs. I absolutely love the times when just the 3 of us are together. It reminds me that we are our own little family - complete and not missing anything- and also what truly great people they have turned out to be. I like hanging out with them and they seem to be okay with me too. Guess I still remain somewhat cool.
G. and I are still seeing each other and things are incredible. I've fallen hard for this man and amazingly enough, he tells me he has fallen for me as well. Being with him is so easy and comfortable. I never ever expected to feel these kind of feelings again, and while I hate to use the old cliche, he seems to have fallen into my life right when I stopped looking. While I am completely aware that we are still in the early stages, I'm pretty confident we are laying down a good base of communication, trust, appreciation, and respect. We spent a lot of time just hanging out together this summer - being outside, BBQ'ing, working in the yard and around the house, and just enjoying each other. It has been really wonderful.
We spent a month renovating my bathroom, which turned out to be the project from hell, but we had fun doing it. Everything is new - floor, fixtures, lights, tub surround, vanity,etc. Not something I ever could have tackled on my own, but it did prove G. has endless patience with me and can put up with my tears when I am exhausted and totally overwhelmed. He wants to put new hardwood floors in my livingroom and hallway, but I think I'm ready for a bit of a break from home renovations for a while.
I also took a deep breath and made some changes in my work life. With the support of everyone around me, I went from full time to part time until March 2009. I was battling back and forth in my head about it for a long time. I've been feeling a lot better, and the meds have helped me a lot, but I was so wound up and stressed out all the time. There have been huge changes at my office, and on top of it being a very stressful place to work in the first place, I was starting to worry about my ability to handle it all. It's only been a month and a half or so since I've switched to part time but I am beginning to see a change in myself. The cut in pay however is not so hot. I can't afford to do this forever, but for now I am telling myself that my health and sanity are worth a lot more than money. Not always so easy when I look at the bills, but I'm having faith that I did the right thing.
That's the major highlights of summer 2008. Definitely one to remember. I have been reading blogs but have not done a lot of commenting. My plan is to be here on a much more regular basis, as I find I have missed emptying my brain onto this blank page. And believe it or not, it seems some people have actually missed me. Wow! A big thank you and hugs to Kori for checking on me. This girl has her own very busy full life going on, and she took the time to check up on me and send encouraging thoughts. That means a lot, and I'm back tonight because of her. That's another thing to add to the memories of summer 2008 - new friends from the most unexpected places.
Life is good.
