Don't want to bore you all with my "oh life is a Blessing", "it's the little joys", happy mumbo jumbo. But you all know my philosophy by now. Life is too short for regrets. Be thankful. Each day is a Blessing. Surround yourself with positive people you love. DREAM.
This week has been a "normal" one so far. Monday - catching up with laundry on the line, freezing the last of the peaches, gardening, yard projects, etc. Tuesday- an amazing day with my crafting ladies at church. And in the end, a chance to spend quality one-on-one time with a dear friend. And this morning, some good gardening time after picking up the house.
It was in that one-on-one time Tuesday with my dear friend, that I was able to really talk about Ken's trip - and what it meant to me. Why it was hard for me. I have the most amazing love with my dear husband. We are truly partners in life. It was so hard to not be able to share every day with him while he was gone. Sharing the day's events. The little touches and tweeks as we pass in the house. Physically being able to look at him, talk with him, and touch him. I am so Blessed to have found him, to have every day with him. Three weeks without him really showed me how strong that bond is. And Tuesday I was able to put words to those feelings.
Today is shaping up to be another great normal day. Up early, house picked up, healthy breakfast for all, garbage and recycling out, and now it's time to head out to the gardens for awhile, to get some weeding in during the cool of the morning. Looking forward to working with the boy this afternoon - and then some time in the bedroom starting the decorating touches. Just a great, normal, beautiful day.
Every day is a Blessing from God, sometimes in disguise, but always there. God Bless!
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Global Warming? mmm
Well, it is July 28th, and last night temperatures reached under 50 degrees. Highs these last two days have been in the low 60s. We have donned sweatshirts and jeans. When it is normally in the 90s. So we are kind of in shock, to say the least.
So tonight - the house is cold, feeling almost like fall. I made a big pot of potato soup, and fresh biscuits, for dinner. That, and a cup of cocoa, and I feel all warm and snuggly under a blanket on the couch. We've nestled in for a night of tv, after a long weekend of traveling and visiting.
We'll take the cool break. Just hoping that summer comes back. This isn't the best weather for growing a garden!
So tonight - the house is cold, feeling almost like fall. I made a big pot of potato soup, and fresh biscuits, for dinner. That, and a cup of cocoa, and I feel all warm and snuggly under a blanket on the couch. We've nestled in for a night of tv, after a long weekend of traveling and visiting.
We'll take the cool break. Just hoping that summer comes back. This isn't the best weather for growing a garden!
Friday, July 26, 2013
Confessions of a woman redefined
In the last few weeks I have had a lot of time to think. I took several road trips - some solo. And those road trips took me to visits with people from various aspects of my life. My best friends from high school. A crazy group of some of my closest college buddies. My sister and nieces.
These last few years have brought so much change in my life. So when I get together with people, and we start to discuss our lives, what is going on, where we are at, I start to wonder what they think of where I'm at now. I see my life change from such a different viewpoint.
The pinnacle of these introspective visits came when talking with a dear friend from college, who is also at a crossroads. We discussed the fact that neither of us would have guessed that in our mid-forties, we'd be uncertain about the direction our lives were taking. We both have so many options. And we are both unsure of the direction we are supposed to go.
It's difficult being at a cross-roads. Especially for so long. When I left my job almost 2 years ago, abandoning the stress of type-A management life, I had no idea where I was headed. I did NOT think I would be headed into part-time work, staying home, and being a domestic. Because being a domestic - a stay-at-home mother and wife - had been my dream. The dream that was out of reach. The dream I'd stopped dreaming.
I cannot explain the joy I have in my current life. I cannot explain how it feels to garden, can, and provide for my family. To cook real food for them. To keep a beautiful yard, and a comfortable home. To have settled into our little town, walking to and from work as a part-time substitute teacher. Walking to the library, to the store.
In all of my life in management, I had told many people my only regret was not staying home with the kids. Of course they are now almost both grown, my youngest being 16. But I have realized that it's NOT too late. That the dream didn't have to die. That I can be that at home mom and wife NOW.
I do not take for granted the fact that I am able to do this now, in my 40s. After almost 20 years in industry, working long days. I am so Blessed to be able to do this. And I have to admit, I am not sorry. I do not regret where my life is at all.
There are some people who look down on me for not working full time. For leaving a "good" job in a tough economy. There are some who say I am taking things away from my family because of my lower income. That I am throwing away my education. I beg to differ. I have never been happier. I do more for my family now than I ever have. I am a better woman, wife, and mother. I play games with my kids; we have an active lifestyle.
It took me a long time to realize what makes me happy. And to realize that I deserve to be happy. And to be confident enough to DO what it takes to make me happy. I am so thankful to have gotten to this place. Of true balance. And happiness. I am so Blessed.
These last few years have brought so much change in my life. So when I get together with people, and we start to discuss our lives, what is going on, where we are at, I start to wonder what they think of where I'm at now. I see my life change from such a different viewpoint.
The pinnacle of these introspective visits came when talking with a dear friend from college, who is also at a crossroads. We discussed the fact that neither of us would have guessed that in our mid-forties, we'd be uncertain about the direction our lives were taking. We both have so many options. And we are both unsure of the direction we are supposed to go.
It's difficult being at a cross-roads. Especially for so long. When I left my job almost 2 years ago, abandoning the stress of type-A management life, I had no idea where I was headed. I did NOT think I would be headed into part-time work, staying home, and being a domestic. Because being a domestic - a stay-at-home mother and wife - had been my dream. The dream that was out of reach. The dream I'd stopped dreaming.
I cannot explain the joy I have in my current life. I cannot explain how it feels to garden, can, and provide for my family. To cook real food for them. To keep a beautiful yard, and a comfortable home. To have settled into our little town, walking to and from work as a part-time substitute teacher. Walking to the library, to the store.
In all of my life in management, I had told many people my only regret was not staying home with the kids. Of course they are now almost both grown, my youngest being 16. But I have realized that it's NOT too late. That the dream didn't have to die. That I can be that at home mom and wife NOW.
I do not take for granted the fact that I am able to do this now, in my 40s. After almost 20 years in industry, working long days. I am so Blessed to be able to do this. And I have to admit, I am not sorry. I do not regret where my life is at all.
There are some people who look down on me for not working full time. For leaving a "good" job in a tough economy. There are some who say I am taking things away from my family because of my lower income. That I am throwing away my education. I beg to differ. I have never been happier. I do more for my family now than I ever have. I am a better woman, wife, and mother. I play games with my kids; we have an active lifestyle.
It took me a long time to realize what makes me happy. And to realize that I deserve to be happy. And to be confident enough to DO what it takes to make me happy. I am so thankful to have gotten to this place. Of true balance. And happiness. I am so Blessed.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Getting life back to normal...
What a whirlwind these last 3 weeks have been. What began with hosting our annual 4th of July bash, has included:
Last night, when the guys made it home, it started to feel like normal again. We had the other family over too - so we were all here to welcome them back! We enjoyed hearing just a few of the stories... knowing there are many, many more to come.
Today was a WONDERFUL, back-to-normal day. Got up early, made the guys breakfast, and then ran to the store to work for a couple of hours. The guys picked me up at lunch, and we went to the lake to have a picnic - in the absolutely PERFECT weather we are currently having, sitting and relaxing. Ken started unpacking, and washing the bike. I did some weeding and watering. And now, dinner is baking. Meatloaf, garlic smashed potatoes, steamed veggies, and peach kuchen. A good, old-fashioned dinner for my traveling man. Something he hasn't had in awhile.
So while dinner is baking, we are sitting in the living room, I on my laptop, he watching NASCAR. It is SO good to be back to normal. I have always loved my life, but nothing like 3 weeks out of norm to make me realize just how much. I am so Blessed.
- for Ken - 3 weeks of on and off-road motorcycle travel down the continental divide - over 6000 miles! An amazing trip, they are home safe and sound!
- for William - a trip to Lifest (his first) as well as a quick trip to visit family in Eau Claire.
- for me - well, in addition to running the house hold while Ken was gone, I painted and redecorated the bedroom, traveled for a weekend visit with friends in Minneapolis, traveled for two days to visit college friends in Red Wing, and visited my family in Eau Claire.
Last night, when the guys made it home, it started to feel like normal again. We had the other family over too - so we were all here to welcome them back! We enjoyed hearing just a few of the stories... knowing there are many, many more to come.
Today was a WONDERFUL, back-to-normal day. Got up early, made the guys breakfast, and then ran to the store to work for a couple of hours. The guys picked me up at lunch, and we went to the lake to have a picnic - in the absolutely PERFECT weather we are currently having, sitting and relaxing. Ken started unpacking, and washing the bike. I did some weeding and watering. And now, dinner is baking. Meatloaf, garlic smashed potatoes, steamed veggies, and peach kuchen. A good, old-fashioned dinner for my traveling man. Something he hasn't had in awhile.
So while dinner is baking, we are sitting in the living room, I on my laptop, he watching NASCAR. It is SO good to be back to normal. I have always loved my life, but nothing like 3 weeks out of norm to make me realize just how much. I am so Blessed.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
And the vacation goes on! or.... OUT DAMN SPOT(S)!
Last night was the second time that Ken was unable to check in due to no service. Talk about LONG evenings. But he checked in this afternoon, and they are in Del Norte, CO, and still LOVING the trip. As much as I miss him, I am SO happy he has had this opportunity. It is truly a trip of a lifetime, something that he will talk about for the rest of his life. What an amazing gift!
On the home front - the painting of the bedroom is truly underway, the last coat of primer drying as we speak. The painting is a story in itself. But then, isn't most of my life?
I had most of the bedroom emptied a week ago. And then, the looming job of actually PAINTING was just too much. I found every excuse in the world. I had gardening to do. I had shopping to do. I had to clean the house. A friend needed me. All of this time, however, I was prepping. Bought the spackle. Bought the paint. Started taping.... all of this over a WEEK ago!
I had planned on painting the primer last night, but then got a call from a friend in need (SO thankful for that call!), so I headed out. By the time I got home, it was almost 10, and I wasn't about to start then. (Of course not!)
I decided last night, since all of the clocks were unplugged, to let myself sleep in today. The first day in MONTHS I've not set an alarm. And I slept until after 8 am! It was amazing. Totally refreshed, I really had no excuse to start painting.
We have a relatively small house. And only a single window air conditioning unit - in the living room -is used to cool the house. The bedroom, of course, is the furthest room away. Today we have a heat advisory - expected temps to reach upper nineties, with a heat index of over 100. Of course. So no opening the windows. All of this equates to one HOT room. I was literally sweating EVERYWHERE after getting the primer coat(s) done.
Yes, you read that right. COATS. As in multiple.
Let's go back to 1996. Only in our first home for 6 months, I decided the first room to decorate would be our bedroom. We were newly married, and of course had registered for (and received) our entire bedroom set - in burgundy magnolias with dark green accents.
DO NOT JUDGE ME.
It was 1996. I was in style. I swear.
So to match the BEAUTIFUL bedroom set, I thought burgundy sponge painting the bottom half of the wall would be amazing. And it was, in 1996.
Fast forward 17 years, and I hate that paint. Which is why when Ken decided to take a 3 week road trip, I decided that I had the perfect time to redo the bedroom. (Let's admit it - it was more than overdue after 17 years.)
Guess what? Burgundy is dark. REALLY dark. So of course, I couldn't get away with one coat of primer, I had to use two.
But I am victorious! The burgundy sponge painting is GONE. I have a clean slate for my new bedroom colors. And I cannot wait to get started. Four hours, and I'm in there adding chocolate and blue to make that burgundy sponge painting a distant memory.
On the home front - the painting of the bedroom is truly underway, the last coat of primer drying as we speak. The painting is a story in itself. But then, isn't most of my life?
I had most of the bedroom emptied a week ago. And then, the looming job of actually PAINTING was just too much. I found every excuse in the world. I had gardening to do. I had shopping to do. I had to clean the house. A friend needed me. All of this time, however, I was prepping. Bought the spackle. Bought the paint. Started taping.... all of this over a WEEK ago!
I had planned on painting the primer last night, but then got a call from a friend in need (SO thankful for that call!), so I headed out. By the time I got home, it was almost 10, and I wasn't about to start then. (Of course not!)
I decided last night, since all of the clocks were unplugged, to let myself sleep in today. The first day in MONTHS I've not set an alarm. And I slept until after 8 am! It was amazing. Totally refreshed, I really had no excuse to start painting.
We have a relatively small house. And only a single window air conditioning unit - in the living room -is used to cool the house. The bedroom, of course, is the furthest room away. Today we have a heat advisory - expected temps to reach upper nineties, with a heat index of over 100. Of course. So no opening the windows. All of this equates to one HOT room. I was literally sweating EVERYWHERE after getting the primer coat(s) done.
Yes, you read that right. COATS. As in multiple.
Let's go back to 1996. Only in our first home for 6 months, I decided the first room to decorate would be our bedroom. We were newly married, and of course had registered for (and received) our entire bedroom set - in burgundy magnolias with dark green accents.
DO NOT JUDGE ME.
It was 1996. I was in style. I swear.
So to match the BEAUTIFUL bedroom set, I thought burgundy sponge painting the bottom half of the wall would be amazing. And it was, in 1996.
Fast forward 17 years, and I hate that paint. Which is why when Ken decided to take a 3 week road trip, I decided that I had the perfect time to redo the bedroom. (Let's admit it - it was more than overdue after 17 years.)
Guess what? Burgundy is dark. REALLY dark. So of course, I couldn't get away with one coat of primer, I had to use two.
But I am victorious! The burgundy sponge painting is GONE. I have a clean slate for my new bedroom colors. And I cannot wait to get started. Four hours, and I'm in there adding chocolate and blue to make that burgundy sponge painting a distant memory.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Update from the road - a phone call!
Tonight as we were rushing out the door to meet my husband's family for dinner, he called. What a WONDERFUL surprise. We chatted forever, and it was just what I needed. To hear the stories, the excitement in his voice.
It sounds like they are having the trip of a lifetime. I can't count how many times he said that we have to go back. To show me. They are in Colorado right now, stayed last night in Steamboat Springs, waking up to the sunrise over the river.. absolutely beautiful.
It sounds like they are having the trip of a lifetime. I can't count how many times he said that we have to go back. To show me. They are in Colorado right now, stayed last night in Steamboat Springs, waking up to the sunrise over the river.. absolutely beautiful.
Today's ride was very much off-road, up and down steep inclines, crossing rivers. Loose, dusty gravel and a thunderstorm. I cannot even fathom. But they made it - through a tough day - and he said they took lots of pictures to share. I cannot wait to see the pictures, and hear all of the stories.. I love that he takes time to send me pictures like this...
So they will continue on tomorrow - finishing up Colorado and heading into New Mexico. And the stories and memories will continue to be made.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Update from the road...tire issues!
Wednesday's ride wasn't so smooth, with Ken getting a flat! New tires - put on before they hit the trail - in Kalispell, and already a flat. They patched it with hopes of the patch holding. His last text was a BEAUTIFUL sunset from their campsite... Montana - Big Sky Country for sure.
This morning the patch was not holding, so they had to make a side trip to Helena to get it fixed. After that they were able to ride from Lincoln to Bozeman. So not as many miles as hoped today, but these kind of issues are to be expected.
So the boys stopped early tonight - at a hotel - so they can do laundry, etc. Hopefully tomorrow's ride will be smoother. They are still loving the sights. Beautiful country.
On the home front? William is now gone, leaving me to try to find our friendly bat all by myself. I've done some "digging" around in the basement, trying to get him to come out, but nothing yet. It was a beautiful day, so I spent some time on the yard today. Will get back down in the store room after dinner. I asked William to grab a tennis racket and fishing net before he left. He grabbed the musky net... (Any of you know how big those are???) Too funny. May need to take some goofy pix.. there is definitely an entire blog in the future with this. Oh, the joys.
This morning the patch was not holding, so they had to make a side trip to Helena to get it fixed. After that they were able to ride from Lincoln to Bozeman. So not as many miles as hoped today, but these kind of issues are to be expected.
So the boys stopped early tonight - at a hotel - so they can do laundry, etc. Hopefully tomorrow's ride will be smoother. They are still loving the sights. Beautiful country.
On the home front? William is now gone, leaving me to try to find our friendly bat all by myself. I've done some "digging" around in the basement, trying to get him to come out, but nothing yet. It was a beautiful day, so I spent some time on the yard today. Will get back down in the store room after dinner. I asked William to grab a tennis racket and fishing net before he left. He grabbed the musky net... (Any of you know how big those are???) Too funny. May need to take some goofy pix.. there is definitely an entire blog in the future with this. Oh, the joys.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)