Frazzled

It has been quite a while since I last posted here. There are a couple of reasons for that. Once we moved in with Erin, Dan and the kids, time changed. Even though work and school left us with some empty hours(read no specific tasks pending) we still seemed to be constantly on the go. We went from pushing pills to picking up kids with lots in between.

Understand that in a retired person's world there is little chaos. What must be dealt with can always be put off till another day. The spontaneity of a last minute dinner invitation or lunch out with the girls is what comprises the rhythm of our life. In the world of two working parents with young children that rhythm is only a dream of "someday".

And so we throw ourselves wholeheartedly into the soup of life we knew thirty-some years ago. We have not forgotten the chaos of raising a family, but the way we approach things now is with a softer eye and a slower pace. Nothing is so critical that is worth fighting with a 4 year old over. The need to put your feet up at the end of the day is far surpassed by the need to snuggle and read a bazillion books before bed. The only legitimate complaint we have is that we just wear out too soon. I think the term frazzled is an apt description. Not much brainpower left over to write a blog, you understand.

Kelly is doing well; kind of in a holding pattern to allow time to perform it's magic. We have not been able to contribute much on that front this past week other than pick up Cowboy from doggie daycare and take him to the dog park (which is also a pretty neat kid park) to tire him out so his puppy enthusiasm is a little toned down when he gets home. We have conveniently dropped by, bringing lunch to Kelly a couple of days and, in so doing, have stolen a few moments of serenity as we so enjoy watching the lake from the deck. The kitty, who enjoyed the status of being an "only pet" while in Boston, now has to share the spotlight with the dog so we don't see much of her on our visits.

I have been putting in face time at Audiologic Solutions, Erin's office. Most of you know that I work for her practice, doing patient outreach from our home in Georgia. I usually put in a mere 12 hours a week. Not so while I am on site. I have put in a couple of 10 hour days, as well as some others of more normal length. It is good for me to actually be in the office to see how things run and contribute what I can. The rest of the staff is gracious about answering my constant questions and showing me where things are kept. The work isn't hard, but the stress of feeling like I have just been thrown into the ocean (I don't swim well) has contributed to my discombobulation. The satisfaction of stretching my mind and knowing my contribution is appreciated is rewarding though.

Tom and I have decided we need to get away for a little R & R, so we have decided to take a few days for ourselves. We thoroughly enjoy a good road trip, letting serendipity determine the way. We will generally head in the direction of Vermont because we find it very restful. There will be plenty of photo ops to satisfy Tom and small town quaintness to feed my inner soul. We won't make reservations, though, so we are free to follow the sun in whatever direction we choose. And if it rains on our parade we can always find a charming B&B to provide us with a cozy place to read or make art or just reflect on the past 6 weeks. I think a few days alone together will be heaven.

Next Saturday, May 16th, Kelly will be graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institure (RPI) with her MBA. Considering the obstacles she has had to face throughout the last 18 months, we will all be doing a major victory dance on her behalf when she walks across that stage. We are so proud of her, and are delighted to be here for the big event.

If things continue to go well, we will begin our trek back home to Georgia a day or 2 after graduation. I am not sure if we are anxious enough to get home that a power drive is in order, or if a meandering route taking several days to complete will be the best way to travel. Just knowing that we will be back soon is a soothing balm.

Tomorrow we will all celebrate Mother's Day by going out to brunch. I am so looking forward to all of us being together. It doesn't matter if the weather is cooperative or not!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you. I hope that you will be celebrating in whatever way is most meaningful to you. Remember......you are never done being a mother!