The Things I Learn- Number 2

Of course while I'm potty training her, she wants to wear a tutu. And pants. -_- Small victories, however, are worth celebrating with 1/4 pieces of Starbursts. We're making progress.... I still never thought I'd potty train someone else's kid.

The Things I Learn- Number 1

Random things I never really realized....

There is such thing as a Starburst run. Yes, it involves cravings, exhausted parents and sending the nanny (me) to the store. Shoes on, cash in hand, I made the two mile drive to the store just for two bags of Starbursts.

It was worth it. That is all, folks.

Routine

The Tennessee routine is setting in. Today has been wonderful so far. The morning was filled with playing with Elsa, potty trailing and picture taking.

The afternoons around here are beyond quiet. With the little munchkin sleeping and no one else in the house, it is completely silent. I worked out, showered and still had 2+ hours of free time before she woke up. For me, that means I get to recharge my batteries. It means art, reading, writing and listening to music. It means chatting, looking up new places to go and thinking. 

The late afternoon and evening will be filled with dishes, tidying up and games. It is a slow paced day, but I'm cherishing these slow moments because one day, I will want them back. 

2,385 Miles

That is how far I traveled today. It didn't feel like I traveled that far. The direct flight felt short and between watching the clouds and amazing views of the states. After staying up until 1:30am last night, I was running on very little sleep, which was awesome - I slept for around two hours of the flight, another reason the trip felt short.

Samuel, Lisa and Elsa met me at baggage claim and as soon as Elsa saw me, she ran up and hugged me tight. She hasn't stopped talking since. We did Trader Joe's shopping and didn't get home until dinner time.

And that was my day. Samuel and Lisa are super warm and it feels comfortable around them. But even so, I feel incredibly homesick this go around, so prayers would be greatly appreciated as I make this transition.

Sunday

Sundays are usually relaxing. Yesterday was far from relaxing, but I somehow came out of it feeling happy and fully of energy...

Between waking up and Church, I went and had a business meeting for Civil Air Patrol and toured the "kitchen" I will be spending the weekend in once a month. It was a sad excuse for a kitchen, I'm not sure I've seen a kitchen in worse condition and that's saying a lot. I barely had enough time to do the entire tour and get to Church on time - okay, I was a couple minutes late and ended up changing my shirt and shoes and fixing my hair at stoplights on my way.

I hung out at my friend's house for the next few hours before Joyful Dancing started. I took about three minutes to learn the very, very basic step of what was being taught before two of my closest friends and I ditched to walk around the woods nearby.

Volleyball was already in full swing by the time we got there after the dance. I caught one game before it was too dark to play. I really just wanted to say goodbye to people since I won't see them again for at least another two months...

My friends and I weren't ready to call it a day quite yet, so (after many brainless moments of trying to find a place to go) we went to Target, bought drinks and candy and talked in the parking lot. We stacked corn candy up to look like corn, at Espresso M&Ms (which are amazing!) and talked pretty late. It was fun. I'm lucky to have such cool people in my life!

Weekend Work And Weekend Play

My weekend had 14+ hours of Civil Air Patrol classes in two days, which I was stressed out about, so I am relieved that it is over. It was another goal for this year that I got done! Squadron Leadership School was a good learning experience and really threw me out of my comfort zone.

My Squadron Leadership School class. 

After the class was done, I felt immediate relief. What made my day was that a couple of my friends came over that night for Fish Tacos, Italian sodas and brownies while watching The Kid. We ended up visiting long after the movie was done. I am so blessed to have friends who come over spontaneously and hang out until the wee, early morning hours.

Days Like This

I'm sitting in my bedroom with my watercolor, cup of tea and journal. Rain is splashing away on the trailer roof and outside is gloomy with thunder and lightening. It makes me happy. I love thunderstorms. Contrary to the grey outside, I have a bright sunflowers as a result of a spontaneous Farmer's Market visit yesterday.  I'm at peace - content with life.