Juggling Life

In Which It's Been a Long, Long Time . . .

The last time I've written about me is April 30. That is a darn long time ago and a lot has happened since then. Facebook is so ubiquitous in my life, I assume everyone knows everything, but realistically no full stories are told on FB--it's pretty much just the highlight reel, right?

So many of you have been with me for so long--7 years--you've seen my life transform in some drastic ways. One of those major transitions has been career-wise. For the past 18 months, I taught pharmacy technicians and running the externship program (a vocational internship) for a  campus of a well-known chain of vocational schools (I started as a adjunct three years ago). My department was overseen by the Allied Health Program Director (the umbrella for the pharmacy tech, medical assistant and medical billing & coding programs). Since the M.A. portion is far and away the largest program, and has a separate accreditation which requires someone with an M.A. credentials, the program director (PD) has always come from that background. 

My former boss was a reluctant and interim administrator and, in the interests of making the position easier to fill and do, I was asked a couple of months ago to take over the role of PD for Pharm Tech and MBC, and the MA program would stand alone. I said yes and I really enjoyed the job for three weeks--which is the length of time I had it before they powers-that-be came back to me and shared an idea for bringing everything back under the Allied Health umbrella, having me run it, and having my former boss be my assistant. 

I didn't respond immediately as the position meant leaving the classroom, but after thinking hard and negotiating salary (women: men don't take the opening offer and neither should you), I knew yes was the right answer. I'm not even going to humblebrag this one: I got promoted twice in one month 'cause I rock my job. Women need to start owning their awesome like men do and I've decided to lead by example.

I LOVE everything about my new job. 

I get to counsel students and since I've always had a soft spot for the underdog, getting to meet and hopefully  help lots of underdogs is amazing. Some I will be able to save and some I won't, but what a cool thing to spend your time trying to do! 

I get to lead a team of 12 and so far everyone seems happy with how they are being led. 

I get to bring my ideas and the ideas of others to fruition.

I get to put my master's degree in Instructional Leadership to great use by learning the language of data analysis and doing things like evaluating year-over-year trends and then drilling down for answers as to why.

I get to develop talent. 

I took this position two weeks before an internal audit and I worked six days a week, 12 hours a day to dig out from a considerable mess, but I did it and was part of a very impressive result campus-wide. I got to establish myself as a person that expects results, not excuses, and that was helpful.

Several people have remarked that my eyes sparkle when I talk about this new position and that can never be a bad thing. 

What else? Let's do this up-to-date thing:

• Helping plan, as part of the social media committee, #MarchAgainstED
• Still working on the Jenny situation--frantically, on occassion. She was just in the hospital for a week getting an endocronological workup. Next step getting sorted still.
• I am writing a lot about eating disorders (links at bottom of the post)
• Danger Boy and Social Butterfly are just about ready to go back to school. Time flies. DB will be a senior and SB hopes to study at University of New South Wales in the spring.
• My nephew, Travis, is living with us. This falls under the never say never category. He's gotten older and wiser (he is 8 days younger than DB) and is ready for some Jenn-style tough love to set him on his way. It's a good thing and I'm really happy we are in this place.
• Grownup Girl and Grownup Guy took a memorable Alaskan cruise and are now ready to focus on starting a family. Can't. Wait!
• So looking forward to a trip this coming weekend to see MVP and Mandy and her parents and attend this concert at Red Rocks Ampitheatre in Colorado. The concert was a birthday gift and we're going on our 27th wedding anniversary weekend. How cool is that?

 

 

Ten Things Parents Wish Educators Knew About Eating Disorders (This has been very well received and has been shared internationally and incorporated into at least one schools teacher training curriculum. I'm over the moon about it).

A five-part series for the Dr. Greene site (I am glad I saw his TED talk--cool info I'm sharing with my kiddos about waiting to cut the umbilical cord. Also, DB is impressed with me for being affiliated with someone who did a TED talk).

This post, a rebuttal to a New York Times piece is one I am proud of as I got positive feedback from two writers whose opinions I respect based on their own amazing talents as writers--Mary Petrie and Jocelyn Philaja. 

 

 

 

 

 

In Which 50 is Fabulous Beyond Belief

I really, really was content with a quiet birthday celebration for my fiftieth. Lots of time with friends the day before my birthday, texts and phone calls from my kids, and a delicious dinner in a stunning setting with Mr. Fix-it had me feeling very blessed.

Nothing to complain about here. It was going to be a selfie, but a dog-walking teen kindly offered to take the picture; kids today!

I would have stayed at the beach a little longer, but Mr. Fix-it was chilly (in retrospect, possibly a smidge suspicious). 

It turns out that Grownup Girl--with help from The Pinup Girl who is a party thrower extraordinaire--and Social Butterfly were behind all of this (with a generous budget from Mr. Fix-it) and they rocked it completely. MVP and Mandy flew in from Chicago Thursday night, SB and her friends got up early Friday to drive home and they all chipped in on party prep and the transformation of the house once we were out to dinner. Danger Boy couldn't make it--the East Coast makes a turnaround trip like this a bit of a nightmare; he made up for it by texting me photos of himself and his date at a dance--so I did get to see both my handsome sons looking spiffy. 

  

This video shows my shock and joy when I hit the light and saw 40 or so friends leap up from behind the bar, yelling "SURPRISE!" I believe the phrase "Oh, my god!" was on loop for about five minutes. I don't need a photo to remember in striking detail their faces looking at my face and them looking thrilled at my happiness. Seeing MVP and Mandy and Social Butterfly and her roommates and SB's good friend Nicole from UCSB was like icing upon icing on my birthday cake. 

I am a Girl Scout at heart:

Make new friends and keep the old, one is silver and the other's gold. A circle is round, it has no end, that's how long I want to be your friend.

(That photo on the bottom right? We are having "orgasms'--you hollow out a chocolate covered strawberry, fill it with amaretto and add whipped cream. You'll understand why we had multiples!)

The Pinup Girl and her fiance bought a program that they will use at their wedding and set up a photo booth on a laptop; what you can do with creativity, PVC pipe, spray paint and fabric is stunning. The invitation will give you an idea of what went into this party. They had a dress and jewelry for me! The Mod, Mod world theme was incredibly fun. 

Mandy took setup photos. Is this not fab? In the kitchen are Grownup Guys parents, in from Chicago.

 

I always love my house, but I really love it full of people. To be able to have a houseful of guests with beds and bathrooms enough to go around makes me very happy.

It wouldn't be a mod, mod world without a mod, mod bar--featuring all your favorite Mad Men drinks! This is Pinup Girl's fiance and he mixes a strong and tasty drink!

Some things seem like a good idea at the time--I blame this on the fact that a dare was involved. Maybe I am just a college kid at heart :)

The Pinup Girl, Grownup Girl and Julie:

Partners-in-crime for so many years and now they are reunited in San Diego and busy launching their lives. It's so much fun to watch!

I definitely partied like a rock star and went strong until about 1 a.m. The next day was brunch with Grownup Girl and Guy and his parents, an extended time doing nothing but watch from the couch as The Pinup Girl and her man and Mr. Fix-it put the house back together and then a burst of energy in which I got some of the laundry done and cleaned my bedroom and bathroom. All the young people spent the day at the beach-a wise choice since it was stunning weather--and then MVP made a pasta feast for us all and we ate and talked and laughed and ate leftover cake (it is deadly delicious). 

Sunday was largely spent saying goodbyes, writing thank you cards and doing the happiest laundry ever--the sheets and towels generated by houseguests.

My house is full of flowers and memories.

I really don't have the words to express what an amazing gift this was, but I think this text from a friend--the one that shot the video-- says it well.

I FELT adored and I also feel so proud that I had a part in forming these incredible adults who are my children. I am honored and blessed to have amazing, warm, fun, interesting friends who were made happy by making me happy. And this guy . . .

I am sure glad I trusted my 16-year old self to know what she was doing when she told me--upon first meeting him (at the mall, natch)--that he would be the man I married. It's working out. What a life--I am loving every minute of it. My birthday wish is this kind of joy and contentment for everyone.

 

Finally Fifty

This is 50. Well, actually 49, but I think I will look much the same tomorrow. I don't believe in editing age out of photos, but maybe one day I will change my mind. I hope not.

Damn, I have been talking about this for a long time. Definitely had a lowkey midlife crisis for a few months--but it's ridiculous to continue to squander valuable and limited brain real estate on something you can't change. So better to just work on things you can change. That's what I will continue to do.

I have always admired Sandra Day O'Connor for having an outstanding career after raising her family; I hope I continue to have the kind of energy that takes. Being an activist suits me and I am going to work my hardest to "re-brand" eating disorders as serious illnesses that deserve society's support. The funding inequalities are astonishing; I think greater public EDucation will help change this. We're not getting our piece of the pie. That needs to change.

My juggle now is to find my voice. I can't be quite as unfiltered as is my style, but part of what makes me effective is to say things others might not. I really appreciate all the support I am getting and am hoping to partner with some cool new people on the Twitter front. Stay tuned.

I highly recommend a day filled with all your favorites the day before a big birthday. Had a relaxing and wonderful sleepover with my good friend, Michele; I made a nice pasta, salad and bread for dinner last night and she and Mr. Fix-it and I watched American Hustle. I stayed up until 11 p..m. on a school night! This morning we had mimosas while watching Blue Jasmine (LOVED IT), then massages at a day spa to which I will definitely return--pampering without snootiness. Skype call with my PITAs and then book group with my water polo moms. Coworker lunch date and lans for a nice dinner out with Mr. Fix-it tomorrow night.

It's a good life; I enjoy living it. I hope I get to do it for a lotta more years.

P.S. If you know anyone that wants to put me on the TV or radio, I really enjoy doing it; I feel like I am connecting with people and getting the message out. I can't embed the tape of my radio interview, but here's the link. Boy, I am meeting really nice, ethical people--it's restoring my faith in humanity. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seeking Recruits for the Menopausal Hen Twitter Army

Life: She is naught but crazy at times.

The Yahoo article led to a TV Interview (hoping for more to come, I am doing a radio show for a station in North Carolina on Tuesday). I am certainly making contacts with some phenomenal journalists who care about telling a story ethically and that is nothing but good. I am hoping that #NEDAW next year will give me a chance to EDucate more people and spread awareness.

San Diego, California News Station - KFMB Channel 8 - cbs8.com 

A hilarious offshoot of all of this was that an insult in a comment on the Yahoo page (can't unsee some of it, though it's since been deleted. I am fairly sure that if what you got from that story is that my daughter and I are both "bang-able," you've been in your parent's basement for too long) has led to my Twitter Army having a name . . .

Introducing: THE MENOPAUSAL HENS TWITTER ARMY (Activism-ing on a Twitter feed near you)!

(I am still tweeting from @jugglingjenn, but I had to change my Twitter handle to Menopausal Hen Jenn 'cause that just has too fun a ring to it to pass up. If you're going to turn 50 anyway, why not embrace it fully?!)

Stay tuned for more craziness!

 

Thanks so much to reader and FB friend, Amy, for this. You know how sometimes you REALLY wish someone lived next door because you would get on together like a house on fire? That's how I feel about her!

Also, the Menopausal Hen Twitter Army takes those men brave enough to Warrior with us--and the first man to sign on the dotted line is the same dad I first met on a plane to Dallas (we were both en route to the F.E.A.S.T. Conference) when he recognized me from my FB profile pic and then graciously let me hitch a ride to the hotel in his rental car. Again, life is deliciously full of kismet and craziness sometimes!

In Which I Shamelessly Use My Impending 50th Birthday to Beg for Something

As you may know, I am in countdown mode to my 50th birthday. T-8 days to be precise. I was pretty angsty about the whole thing for about nine months and then I just sort of realized that it was happening regardless (God willing and the creek don't rise) and the internal whinging was not going to make a damn bit of difference so I ought to just move on. And I did. 

But . . .

50 IS a big birthday and it would be a shame to let it pass without some sort of bloggy celebration; after all I've been doing this since I was but a young woman of 42. (Good. Grief.) 

(Insert smooth transition that is just not happening for me writing-wise right now.)

A pretty amazing thing happened today; this piece was published on Yahoo. If you remember, the beginning of all of this was just last week, so it's been quite a whirlwind. The thing I'm most pleased about is all the new recruits to my long-dreamed of Twitter Army of Eating Disorder Awareness Advocates and Activists. People are beginning to believe!

What does this have to do with my birthday?

This journalist, Beth Greenfield, did a fantastic job with the piece; she asked insightful questions and her story reflects what we talked about--that's not always a given. I would love for her editor to see that a story like this--one that raises awareness and highlights advocacy--can generate traffic. 

To that end . . .

For my birthday, I would like all of you--regular commenters, intermittent readers and lurkers alike--to leave a comment on the Yahoo piece. If you would like to put icing on that birthday cake of mine, you could also retweet me--@jugglingjenn--as I am looking to take this story even further; national coverage would be a dream come true.

To get the message out that eating disorders are deadly diseases with a strong neurobiological component and deserve the evidence-based treatment and insurance coverage that is a given for other medical conditions is what I REALLY want for my birthday. 

Will you help a sister out? 

P.S. YES, you do have to have a Yahoo account to comment. It takes less than 30 seconds to sign up. I love you!

 

 

 

Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink . . .

I am posting my words all over the place, just not here. 

It's hard out there for a pimp eating disorder activist. Who knew there was so much misinformation out there that I would have to launch a one-woman crusade to personally read and comment on every article linked to every tweet hashtagged #NEDAW (National Eating Disorder Awareness Week)?

The thing that makes it really hard (and slightly less fun) is that I am told that snark is not the most effective method of opening minds. I am having to use wording like "While your intent is good . . . I am concerned with . . ."  rather than phrases that roll more trippingly off my tongue like "Have you actually read a scientific journal published since 1983, fer f**k's sake?!"

It takes energy and restraint, people!

Even with all the tilting at windmills I do, I now have enough free time to exercise every day, cook an ocassional meal for hubs, watch cool stuff on Netflix (House of Cards. Oh. My.) and get to the movies--I actually saw three in the five days before the Academy Awards and ended up seeing all the best picture nominees. Loved them all, but it would have gone to Wolf of Wall Street if it was my choice.

I am relishing catching up with all the friends that were mostly sidelined from my life during The Road to Rosewood mania.

Last Wednesday night, I started back up with my weekly visit to hang and have dinner with my friend, Michele--a former student--and her totes adorbs kidlets.

I have a bil ol' smile on my face for many reasons, not the least because when we set off on a late afternoon hike, the kids didn't for one minute doubt that I was going to the top--and not on any roundabout way either, but straight up after them.

True story: This was formed by a volcano and is pretty much right in Michele's back yard.

When you are 49 years and 345 days old, that's a big compliment. So much so that I'll post that picture even if it does make thoughts of Botox dance in my head. Not really. Maybe a little. (Actually, I think seeing Kim Novak on Oscar night sealed the deal on sticking with the natural aging process--give or take a few facial peels).

Danger Boy turns 21 on Monday. As Mr. Fix-it says, "What the hell?!" and "No way!"

Dr. Who--okay, I am finally in. After Buzzfeed told me I was the strong female heroine River Song, I had to see what that was all about; apparently I am not just starting a series, but embarking on a lifestyle.

Daylight Savings Time starts tomorrow . . . I am thrilled. I will gladly give you that hour of sleep for the chance to walk around the lake after work and still have time to eat dinner on the patio.

Random . . . every now and again it has its appeal; what random things have you been doing?

 

 

Time Warp Tuesday: The Holidays? Already?

Middle-aged couple in the midst of holy-crap-the-holidays-are-here cleaning.

Posting this photo is a biggie for me. No makeup, no sunglasses, no cap. Just me and hubs in the middle of a much-needed marathon cleaning session. I never edit to remove wrinkles, etc., but then again I don't often deliberately display myself not at my . . . I was going to say best, but what I really mean is prettiest.

Not that I'm going to start posting no-makeup selfies all the time, but this seemed like a personal growth thing to do.

Kids and grandkids--this is what 50ish looks like without plastic surgery or Botox or hair transplants. It's what people who (praise the universe) have more important things to spend money on than trying to hold on to the look of youth (except for the hair color, I totally think that's an important thing to spend money on. I know. I contradict myself.) look like.

The busyness is sometimes dizzying right now, but it is many good things. I will report in greater detail later, but one of them has something to do with a story that may be the book that I've thought I might have in me . . .

                                                 Jenny and the PITA Moms:
a story of love, friendship, perseverance, hope and (just the right amount of) craziness


This is a story that has a beginning and end, and even a title, but the middle is waiting to be written.

I know it’s unusual to begin with the end, even more so when the end hasn’t actually happened, but this journey is so unlikely already that I think that’s how I must start; with a vision of where we will go, of a dream that drove reality. Even so, this end is not the finale—this is one of those tales that will continue after the last page has been turned and maybe even after the principal players have left this Earth. 

It is October in Clearwater Beach, Florida and we look out over an ocean that started at the shoreline a crystalline aqua then deepened to a blue so like that of the sky that the horizon line is almost imperceptible. The Florida breeze, famous for its silky warmth, tousles our hair and adds to the sense of wonder and magic palpable to even passers-by. The iPod playlist invites dancing and so we do—to Abba’s Super Trooper, to Sara Bareilles’ Brave and to Katy Perry’s Roar; a coterie of middle-aged women and the girl who brought us together-on this night of answered prayers we dance ourselves dizzy; we are sated with joy.

 

Be sure to visit Brightside Susan  and Spokalulu for more traditional Time Warp Tuesday posts. 

 

 

Time Warp Tuesday: The Rest of the Story no Matter how Long it Takes

It's been just about a week since I posted our harrowing journey to get to Fort Collins. Now, the details are fading so fast I just need to get them down. 

Friday: Slept, hung out and did some work (Mandy and I were both working remotely and MVP couldn't get to work due to the flooding). Then we went to Mandy's parents because Mandy's warm and wonderful mother had prepared a birthday dinner for Mr. Fix-it--two of his very favorite foods--lasagna and pineapple upside down cake. Of course there was beer. Mandy's father and uncle recently returned from a trip to Alaska, which Uncle Grant blogged and I read faithfully. To say that Grant and I got on like a house on fire would be an understatement. Everybody had a fantastic time. It's really a big family lovefest--it's like we've been friends for years. 

Any day you're drinking a beer while looking at this view is a good day. 

Saturday we got a leisurely start and walked the two blocks in to downtown under gorgeous skies and perfect temperatures and browsed the myriad gift shops with the coolest tchotchkes in the history of tchothchkes. They have not one but two olive oil and vinegar shops (I just used my wild mushroom and sage olive oil in a risotto and O.M.G.). We had lovely and inexpensive cocktails at a rooftop bar. There was about 15 minutes of light, intermittent rain, but we didn't even have to move inside. I cannot tell you how relaxing it was. 

 

Whimsical art abounds. J'adore. 

Then it was back to the kids' place for cocktails and a photo op before heading back downtown for dinner. And shots. And to a martini bar.

Our kind of people. Also j'adore.

Sunday we woke up really well-rested because I had discovered the secret to sleeping on an air mattress (and this was a really good one [also, the kids offered us their beds and saying yes to that is something an old person would do, and we're not old]) is pushing the inflate button for 15 seconds every three hours while half-asleep. MVP, who has inherited the ability to make a damn fine breakfast (or any meal really) from his mother, fed us and we set off to a movie. 

I almost died from the sheer amount of character the movie theatre had. There were couches. There was coffee in real cups and bus bins for you to leave them in. Instead of canned pre-movie-preview filler there were adorable ads that looked like the fifties someecards--one of which exhorted not to cause the owners kids to starve by bringing in outside food. Between that and their reasonable prices, why would you (asked the woman who has a purse that doubles as a concession stand 'cause highway robbery)?

 

Duct tape on canvas at the burger place where we had dinner.

 

I had made up my mind in the morning to not worry about whether or not we got back to San Diego that night. It was raining and there was definitely a possibility they would close the I-25 again and we wouldn't be able to get to Denver. I practiced a DBT skill called "radical acceptance"--a major accomplishment for a catastrophizing, control-freaky, adult-child-of-alcoholics like myself. 

 

Me not worrying. Also, my peeps. And Rosie the dog who sat like that all on her own.

 

Get back we did--but late. So Monday I was stupid tired. The kind of tired where you see a red light and barely process what it is you're seeing in time to stop. But I've bounced back nicely and just in time because this past weekend was packed and this Friday it's off to Flagstaff for parents weekend at NAU.

You know all that stuff you're going to have time to do when you're an empty-nester? You won't. But that's okay.

 

Facing Down Fifty: Mother-of-the-Bride

It is always enjoyable (if you have an ounce of vanity, which I certainly do) to receive compliments about the way you look. That's especially true when one is standing on the precipice of a very-milestone birthday. Thanks to the magic of the internet, I got to hear lovely things from many people about my mother-of-the-bride look. As one can imagine, I did put some effort into my look for that day. I thought I would deconstruct the process and some of the products involved--I know I love a good beauty/fashion tip myself.

 

My stepsis, Teeny and I, shortly before the service.

The biggest decision for wedding attire is always the dress. This is not the dress I originally planned to wear, but I realized I wanted something that was going to be attractive and not matronly, but also not too young for me (and it had to fit which was an issue with dress #1). Luckily, I have a mother-in-law who is a wiz as a seamstress.

Wrap dresses are a curvy girl's best friend, so that was what I wanted. I know there are those that consider cleavage a little desperate in women of a certain age, but I realized a couple of years ago that my legs and my bust are my best assets figure-wise and when I dress up I choose to highlight them. Social Butterfly and I picked out a pattern and this great jersey fabric in moss-green that has an-almost lacy look (though the texture is actually from slits in the lined fabric). We sent the pattern, fabric and a dress that flattered me for fitting to Minnesota and eagerly awaited the results.

My MIL quickly decided the dress that would result from the pattern I chose was NOT the dress I wanted. I trust her fashion judgement and so when she volunteered to make a pattern from the dress I sent, I was thrilled. When I got the dress back, it fit well except it was too short--I realized too late the dress I sent for sizing was one I wore with tights and boots, so was shorter than I would feel comfortable in bare-legged. Luckily, she was able to create a ruffle and add it to the hem and the result was (I think) most excellent. I had the final tailoring done by the seamstress I normally use for alterations--and learned something I should have figured out a long time ago--I need to have the shoulders taken up on most dresses.

I added a brooch at the waistline,jewelry (bolder than I ever would have chosen when I was younger; delicate doesn't really work for me any longer) and some nude peep-toe pumps in a heel just low enough that I knew I wouldn't trip. 

I felt both pretty and comfortable in the dress--which may have been the reason I danced almost non-stop for about four hours! You can't ask for more than that.

I said in the opening that I love a good beauty tip and I am very grateful that when Colleen (of the now- defunct blog Yellow Dogs and Blue Skies) raved about Giorgio Armani Designer Lift foundation, I schlepped down to Neiman-Marcus and got a sample to try. Colleen was right that this foundation is amazing for middle-aged skin. It's pricey, but I am still on my first bottle and it's been 5 months--I use a good foundation brush and that makes a big difference.

My baby-fine, wisp-thin hair has always been the bane of my existence looks-wise, but I have recently found a product that has transformed my 'do. That product is texturing powder. After blow-drying my hair (and I'll be honest, before I blow-dry I use Thermasilk heat treatment, light Morrocan Argon oil, Garnier voluminizing mousse and Tigi root boost--it sounds more complicated than it is), I sprinkle Ulta Style and Finish on the roots at the top and crown of my head, give it a rub and then use the curling iron. For the first time in my life, my hair doesn't go flat within a couple of hours. I styled my hair about seven hours before the above photo was taken. 

Something I've done for a long time is to use Sally Hansen airbrush legs when I want a polished look because I am totally unwilling to wear hose. Not even for a funeral or a wedding. I decided a few years ago that life's just too short. I use it on my arms and decolletage as well--it evens out my skin tone nicely.

I did try one thing that I won't be bothering with again and that is lash extensions. I got a Groupon, so it was relatively inexpensive, but even as a bargain it wasn't for me. I wasn't aware that you can't wear mascara on them, so what I ended up with is eyelashes that looked I was wearing mascara even when I wasn't. That's not what I wanted--what I wanted was super-thick, lush looking eyelashes. Clearly, from my hair routine, putting on mascara is not so burdensome that I would pay not to have to do it for the same result. Plus, you have to be super careful about how you wash your face and about rubbing your eyes and I just don't have the time or energy to think that much about my eyelashes.

I truly enjoy the transformative ritual of applying make-up and doing my hair, so the search for just the right look was fun. I certainly enjoyed the festivities more knowing that I looked as good as possible. Also, I have reached the age where I am fully aware that, looks-wise, I need to appreciate what I have now--because though it's not what it used to be, it's "better" than it's going to be.

My wedding look was not cheap, but then again feeling fantastic for a big life event like this is priceless. I definitely consider it money (and time) well-spent.

 

 

Sepia-Tinted Memories

I want to write about the family trip we just took; however, the return to real-life is bearing down like a out-of-control train--which wouldn't be so bad if I wasn't tied to the tracks. What do you mean, not everyone's first day back from a two-week absence includes the cleaning and readying of two rooms for long-term houseguests on top of the usual scaling on Mount Laundry? I. Am. Exhausted.

The only way this is getting done is that my husband is such a go-getter that my only choice is get up and clean or look like a schlub. Next week at work? Covering another class three of the days. Oy. All the parts of my job that only I can do are also waiting for me. If I run at 100mph beginning at 7:45 a.m. Monday morning, I stand a chance of getting what I need to do done.

So, the stories and photos will come, as time permits. 

The gist cannot wait though . . . 

Every single moment exceeded my expectations by a factor of at least three. True story.

The people, the places, the experiences, the feelings--all amazing. 

If I had to sum it all up in one word, this is the one that comes closest . . .

content

The blessinng and the opportunity to share with your children the lives they've built and the people they've built their lives with--and to find it all to be so good and healthy and hopeful--it makes one content.

That contentment is made up of moments of magic and I have much photographic evidence of said moments, but until I can share the stories and pictures, I will be content with simply telling you it was wonderful. 

Psyche--I can't push post without one photo.

 

In the women's locker room/bridal lounge--post-photo shoot/pre-wedding cheese and cracker and fruit and adult beverage picnic.