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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To the Toes

I understand this is not a big deal for most, but it's kind of a big deal to me.....

In my 38 years I have NEVER touched my toes, until now!
I am hooked on yoga, I LOVE everything about it. I was reading some bios of yoga teachers recently and most say yoga came to them when they most needed it. I likely needed it the most when I was going through my divorce, but being the solo full time parent with little help from my Ex and on a tight budget it wasn't in the cards.
Last year when I signed up for the Costa Rica retreat I was actually at a great place in my life, but this was something I hadn't tried. It intrigued me to actually see if I could get better. The feeling has been similiar to when I signed up for the Ironman 70.3 without ever competing in an open water event, much less ever swimming a mile and a half. You step WAY out of your comfort level, with zero guarantees of succeeding, but then miraculously you do, and anything seems possible.
This is what starting a regular yoga practice was like for me. I have cycled, ran and lifted for years. Flexibly and balance have never been a part of my life. However, in order to enjoy the retreat I needed to immerse myself in it between October and February. Here now in May I can touch my toes. I've noticed other changes in the way I am able to open up in poses. My balance is actually decent. My body is different than it's ever been, and I love it. I used to do cardio 6 days a week and lift 1-2. I like being toned, however when my arms toned up my chest was almost nonexistent. I don't go to the gym now. I run on the trails, hike and cycle (outside is crucial for me), and do yoga 2-4 times a week. I'm fit, but curvier. The things my body is capable of now I know I am stronger, AND I actually have a chest, probably for the first time in 38 years (ok, that's not totally true, but close)!

Plus the calm it brings, is a but like the best natural high ever!

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The Approach

I'll be 39 this fall. The last year of my thirties.I've been thinking about this decade. Of course what comes to mind first and foremost is how grateful I am to experience it. Several friends have died, one a 31 year old mom of two. So anything less than gratitude for aging would be disrespect to those that didn't get the opportunity.
I'm trying to sum up the decade of my thirties, from where I sit now I would say the happiest, however six years ago would've been anything but. YET, some of the most amazing experiences of my life arose from that. I also got to see how wonderful and caring real friends are. My love for those authentic souls around only intensified. I found the love of my life, and got to experience a relationship that brings love, kindness and the perfect calm. I am secure in myself. I have had travel experiences I n the last few years that have changed my life for the better.  One child has graduated from High School and onto college, the other gets 5 years of being an "only"ish child at home!
I guess it would be the decade of growth....for the better.
Now, my plan is to write a list of the 40 things I wanted to do, experience or accomplish by the time I was 40.....

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Longer Days

Aside from allergies, I love this time of year. Our days ar longer, my heart feels content. It's amazing what a little extra light in the days does for the soul, but to be able to squeeze in the quiet late afternoon/early evening walks, I love it.

 

I stepped backed and watched this, and couldn't help but think there is no other place I'd rather be. I am so happy I get to raise her. I'm happy I now have a partner in it.

As she gets older and busier, I want to suck up as many of these moments I can. Having one child graduated, I'm very aware my role as a parent has changed. There will never be a baby stage again, preschool, elementary, and now we are about the close the door on middle school and enter High School. It's bittersweet, to think that's over is sad, yet to be here witnessing them grow and become their own person is truly a gift.

 

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