Summer

It feels VERY good to be settled in our new home, because of that we've been able to fully enjoy our summer. There's been little time for blogging because I continue to work through the summer, with a week off each month to travel. Workouts happen before work, and play happens when I'm off. Our rest days we've been able to devote almost 40 hours to the animal shelter this summer, and that feels so good. Needless to I sleep well too!

Earlier this year, I moved up to "blue" dogs at the shelter. They are the bigger dogs, and need a little more working with. As a "green" dog (little dogs) volunteer we didn't have much of a chance to get too attached to any particular dog (that's a good thing at the shelter), because they get homes rather fast. Blue dogs on the other hand, we sometimes have that one special one we bond with (many we love), that we just know will make the perfect pet for someone with a little time devoted to them.

Our shelter is an amazing place. It's roomy, clean and the staff and volunteers care. However some dogs simply get stuck, for a while. They become our project dogs, dogs we work with regularly, take out to get exposed, and generally just love.

This experience for both my daughter and I has been amazing. We look forward to many more years with the shelter.

Here's a few of our favorites.

 

 

This is Babylon, she and I put a lot of miles running and hiking together. I adored her, she was recently adopted and I hope she has finally landed in her forever home!

 

This guys outcome wasn't so good. He's the ones you remember and become more determined to work and train the dogs and give them as much love as you can in that short time...

 

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Time.

It doesn't slow down. At least while you are raising kids. My daughter is the very reason I haven't blogged much lately. I love to blog, for myself. It's my way of remembering. It was the most valuable tool for me after my divorce. So many people I knew through work hurt and worried for me, they wanted to ask questions, but couldn't, and if they had I couldn't answer. The blog allows me to express what is going on, without having to retell it over and over. During that time it was therapeutic, now it serves as a record of our lives. In the day and age of digital photography we take lots of pictures and print little. I like most have great intentions of one day sitting around with my external hard drive and making photo books of the years..... One day right!?

Right now my daughter keeps me busy. I have a lot of teacher friends, that sigh a huge relief when it's summer and they finally have time. It's a little different for us working moms. Summer means less time and more detailed planning, as to not lose any more valuable time. There's are very real struggle of balance in the summer. As my daughter has gotten older the guilt is less and it's easier to not feel as bad about being at work while she is home. However, it doesn't mean I want her sitting around doing nothing all day everyday. So we have decided three of the weekdays after I get off we head outside. She gets a couple off days and those are the days I can run before work and swim at noon. We've agreed to one long hike a week, one paddle board (which we're finding we venture out several evenings a week now we love it so much), and one bike ride. The ride has only happened once with a lot of enticing of lunch midway. She keeps "opting" for shorter hikes to Lake Clara or Saddlerock instead. That's ok with me as long as we're out. Consequently I'm exhausted! It's ok, because I'm well aware our time is limited. I've lost friends to cancer that were parents, and currently another friend whose daughter is Lo's age is in the final stages of a brain tumor. I remind myself this when I'm feeling tired. When I got divorced not only was I hurt by my Ex, but I was so angry that I now lost time with my kids. Everyother weekend and one night a week didn't seem like a big deal to most, but it crushed me. That first summer we set out hiking, spending hours away from everyone else and technology, just us and the wilderness. I was desperate for this removal from society and all I couldn't control. With my ex we had done the "standard" Wenatchee hikes, and ventured to Colchuck once when the kids were little, but this wasn't a part of our lives. I was excited to make it part of the kids and mine. I studied up on our local wildlife (black bears, Bobcats, coyotes, snakes and Cougars), and their behavior as to what to expect if they encounter humans (needless to say I don't want to see a cougar). I wrote down trail instructions (because I didn't have a smart phone until very recently), and we set out to mark off all the hikes in the Enchantments and Cascades. We've done an excellent job of it. Now I'm not nervous and find myself heading to these places of sanctuary any chance we get, for breakfast, lunch or just a little reading at the lake.

My poor dog can't make the treks anymore and it breaks my heart. However I want him around a little longer so he gets little walks and dips in the canal instead. After volunteering with the Humane Society the last two years, they trust us enough and essentially let Lo and I borrow a dog for these adventures. It's been awesome. So in snap shots this is how summer is going.

On our way to Lake Valhalla early June

Babylon is one of the best dogs, I adore her!

LOTS of this

 

A little of this

 

 

More of this

 

Living, Loving and Laughing

 

 

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NOLA

This post feels long overdue, but it's summer and majority of my awake time is spent outside having fun!

Ok New Orleans with a 14 and 19 year old. Very glad we went. As always the kids and I have so much fun with the experience of traveling together. That being said, I'm not sure I would go back to vacation. If a conference or class brought me back, for sure, but to vacation again probably not. However, I do feel like everyone should see it at least once. It is unlike ANY U.S. City.
Now the details. We went mid June a Tuesday-Saturday. It was CHEAP. It was HOT and HUMID. So humid Lo's glasses would fog up anytime we'd step outside. I've been a lot of hot and humid places before but this one takes the cake for the most humid experience. This however does not bother us, if it does I wouldn't recommend going in the summer. What was harder for me was how cold the air conditioning inside anywhere was, I quickly learned to pack a sweater.
We opted to stay in the French Quarter, it proved to be very easy to walk or take the street car anywhere we wanted to go. I absolutely loved our hotel http://www.hotellemarais.com/ the staff was amazing, it was a cute boutique hotel, with a decent breakfast every morning, and clean for such an old building. If you want to be in the heart of things this is definitely it. The location is on Conti Street right between Bourbon and Royal (by the end we made sure we were walking back on Royal instead of Bourbon). They say things are always going on in the French Quarter, and this is true, however I noticed it really ramp up on Friday and was kind of glad we were flying out Saturday.
Food, well it's great! A few of the note worthies were the Bourbon House, Red Fish, and the Royal House. The last is in a really old building, which is part of the charm, great staff but does have a bit of a musty smell to it (a lot of place do because of the age plus humidity). Of course Beignets from Cafe Du Monde. I believe they were $3 of a plate (plenty for the three of us to share), and truly offered a nice little break from walking in the heat. We'd get a plate, share it and they give you water, we quickly guzzled down. We did get them to go one day, but they weren't as good. My son got a muffuletta from the Central Grocery and said it was awesome. I don't eat meat, and do not like olives. This thing was filled with both.
Tours we did the Grayline walking ghost tour. It had pretty good reviews, I think we just didn't get a good guide. There was some good history, but not very good ghost stories..... I'd do another one again with a different company.
We did a airboat gator tour with Grayline as well. Depending on what you are looking for this could be good. Gators, we saw a lot. A little scenery in the bayou was also pretty cool. I had a hard time with a few things. I quickly realized this was NOT the most natural setting, the alligators clearly know what the boats mean and swim right too it, and are fed Marshmallows. I don't know, because I am not a gator expert but this does not seem like a good thing. Then at one point our boat driver pulls out a baby alligator and passed it around, this also was all cute and great until my curiosity got the better of me and I asked (after noticing other boats had baby alligators too), why they have them. They are farmed. Again I had a sick feeling like I should leave it alone, but I couldn't, and truly was hoping this was some sort releasing back into the wild program. It's not, the guide informed me when they are three feet long most get killed to make the souvenirs in the store (was really wishing he would've even said for food). Needless to say at this point my $70 pp tour didn't feel like such a good thing to be supporting.
The World War II museum was excellent! We spent around 4 hours in there. Watching the 4-D movie shortly after arriving added to how wonderful it was. This is a must if you love history and are there. We were going to take the street car that day, but it was actually faster to walk...maybe a mile. I felt safe enough, and it was pretty easy to get to.
We did take the street car to the Layfette Cemetery. If you are there walking through a cemetery is a must. The oldest one right in the French quarter is locked and can only be toured with a tour. Going out to the Layfette Cemetery is worth it to see the garden district (beautiful homes). There's also a restaurant that was recommended to us across the street the Commanders Palace, just check the times. We missed it because they close for a few hours mid afternoon.
We covered the entire French quarter by foot, this was awesome. I LOVED the old buildings and architecture of the time. Plus they are restoring many to their original charm.
The downside to New Orleans. Poverty. Unlike anywhere I have ever been. It was destitution. I'm fairly certain this is why crime is rampant there. The explotation of child, was horrifying. The streets smell of urine and vomit. You get used to this and I was warned ahead of time, but by the end of our trip it was hard to stomach anymore. They do hose the streets off every morning, this was the nicest time for walking around.
There you have it, the good the bad and the ugly!

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Gators, Ghost and a Few Unmentionables

My children and I are here in the Big Easy. About a month ago I was seriously wanting a vacation with both kids. Don't get me wrong, I've had an exceptional year of traveling (New York, Iceland, Costa Rica, Maui and Bend x2), it does seem like a lot but all trips with the exception of Costa Rica were 4-5 day getaways, with one of my loved ones.

Traveling all together anymore is near impossible. During the school year my kids breaks don't match up (except Thanksgiving). Christmas my son is out early, my daughter later, and I have to split that time with their Dad. Spring break one has one week the other the next. My son is taking a summer class at the college this year. We had a 10 day window between my daughters last day of school and the start of summer quarter for my son.

We tossed around NYC (because we love it), but I needed a really budget friendly trip, so we decided New Orleans! It's clearly non peak here now with the 90 degree temps and 80% humidity, we have never been here and at $412 per person for air and room with breakfast it was a winner! Let me just say it's an experience and I'll write more on that later.

I am loving and savoring this time with them. I love traveling with them. They are easy, chill, go with flow and fun! Even at 5 years apart they have each other's backs, always. I love watching the interactions with them. Selfishly I like having them to myself, away from all distractions to. They are awesome humans. There's something to be said for going somewhere you've never been, it's fresh and unknown in all our eyes, and we get to figure it out together!

We've certainly had our fair share of beignets!

 

Luke tried the famous muffuletta from Central Grocery, he have it thumbs up

 

 

 

 

 

 

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She IS Special

I've always known my daughter is a special girl. Back when she was 8 years old and my world was collapsing, she was mature and helpful beyond her years. I remember the night her dad moved out. I was so sad and deflated, she grabbed her pillow, eye shades and alarm clock and moved into my room (for the next few years). It was one of those moments that breaks your heart, but also fills it with gratitude.

That's just one small example of the kind caring things she does. On top of that she works hard. I am so impressed with her study skills and dedication to always do her best. Last Friday she "graduated" from middle school, and onto high school next year. She received awards in academics, an award for her service with United Ways youth engaged program for her 76 hours of volunteer work last year, one for being in ASB all three years, and the Lions Club award (only given out to one person per school) for Leadership. This last one I found myself overcome with emotion. Most of us know how wonderful our children are, and don't expect recognition, but in that moment I was so happy for her. All her hard work, positive attitude, and just being a really good human was recognized in front of her peers, their families and her family. She will change the world for the better.

 

 

 

 

 

 

As a reward she had her first big party (boys and girls) at our house. Twenty some really great kids for hours having water ballon fights, slip and slide, jumping on the trampoline and playing ping pong!

 

 

 

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Mountain Air

I have an insatiable need to breath in the mountain air. I crave it, and always want more. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness trails are free of snow, clear and relatively mosquito free. Bonus, they are close enough to home to drop my daughter off at school, hike/run them and be home to pick her up!

Friday I did the jaunt up to Colchuck Lake, right now I find it to be so beautiful. Snow is still on the glacier, plus all the waterfalls are flowing. It's crazy what the difference will be here soon.

(Tip: it seems this hike has really grown the last few years in popularity. If you want a prime spot and some solitude at the lake go on a weekday, early)

 

Today I went to Eightmile lake, with late start for my daughters school on Mondays this one fit the limited time. It was such a gorgeous day, I just wanted more time to sit and zone off looking at the lake. Next time.

 

Did I mention there's no cell service? My daughter knows in the event of an emergency to call Rick and he will get to me, otherwise everything else can wait.

 

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Half an Empty Nest

It been almost a year since my son graduated from High School, and 9 months since he started college here in town and moved in with his Dad. I get asked a lot how I'm doing with that. Surprisingly well! The truth is it's been an easy transition. Most of his friends left town for college, I still see or talk to my son daily, I just don't have to clean up after him anymore. My son was ready to be with his Dad, and approaching 40 this year, I think his Dad is ready to help parent again (or parent a 19 year old as much as you can parent them).
For those that have been single parents, you may be able to relate. I've been parenting my kids on my own since they were 13 and 8, with the exception of everyother weekend. My kids became my entire focus. I was stressed financially and exhausted physically. I was obsessed with making the days count, and them not feeling as though they were missing out on anything. My son is an amazing kid, and possibly the most laid back kid ever. By his senior year he was asserting his independence, but I still had certain expectations of him for helping around the house. To his credit he had spent the last 5 years in a house with just women, and he was awesome.

I feel it's good for he and his dad to spend some time together. There were a lot of important years missed. Ultimately his Dad and I are on the same page, just our approaches are very different. I think ahead, and plan, he stresses in the moment when things arise, but gets it done.
In my new house my son has his own bedroom and bathroom in the downstairs. He is welcome to return and live with us at anytime, and he knows that. However living with me there are rules and expectations. I am still raising a 14 year old daughter, in a family environment with Rick. She's responsible for helping out around the house and despite age he would be too. Right now he likes his freedom and lack of rules. I understand, and it's all good.
He's doing well in school and working, I'm proud of him, and love him immensely. That's what's important.

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