New Beginnings

Typically a new beginning is indicative of something ending.  Today marks an ending for me - professionally speaking.  I am moving on from my current career and company after four years of employment.

My four years have brought more than just employment.  I created some very tight friendships.  Learned more than I ever thought possible.  Became involved in organizations that I had never heard of, but now, cannot imagine not being a part of them.  Leaned on my colleagues for personal support.  Provided support.  Had some interesting conversations - particularly those that were a part of a Monday morning production meeting.  Quickly learned that there is a reason (and a very good one) to have alcohol on the premises at work.  Teamed with a group of great minds to produce clever ideas.  Became a part of the solution.  Learned to speak "engineer."  Mastered international calling.  Interpreted international English.  Realized that clients are incredible educators.  Understood the value of paper trails - or in this day & age - email threads.   Helped perpetuate the idea that comedy is the tie that binds...and not to skimp on it, no matter the circumstance.  Appreciated the daily lesson of patience being a virtue, and it is not one of my strengths. 

I have gleaned much from this experience.  And, while it's a chapter that's closing, it has set the stage for another chapter to open.  I look fondly on my past four years and look to the future with great excitement. 

Cheers to my colleagues and friends!

Really?

Ashton on me "smashing" Aaron...
Aaron:  "Mommy smashed me...she made me Flat Stanley."
Ashton:  "More like FAT Stanley."
...the brutality in this house abounds...

Sidney on my tan...
Sidney:  "Mom, your arms are peeling.  It looks a lot like leprosy."
Me:  "Thanks, Sidney, but it's NOT leprosy!"
...this coming from the child who told me I was fat on the day I brought Ashton home from the hospital....

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Catchy Sayings

We just returned from a week long vacation in the magical place of Sanibel Island.  Sand, sun, warm air, island time and family made this trip a memorable one. 

One evening we went to dinner at a restaurant called Traders.  This restaurant is one of the more upscale places on the island and has a boutique attached to it.  Outside of the incredible meal, I had a fun shopping experience.  There were many eye catching pieces in this fine establishment.  Crystals.  Jewelry.  Scarves.  Island wares.  Hats. 

My hands landed on a hat.  A straw hat that was calling my name.  Typically I'm not one for wearing hats - unless they are baseball hats - so how and why I was so drawn to this one was beyond me.  I put it on and it just seemed like it was made for me.  It fit like a glove and I wasn't leaving the store without it.

As I was checking out, Sidney was trying to get me to buy her whatever was sitting on the counter.  Sorry about your luck, Sidney, but this shopping excursion is all about me.  (actually, it's rare that I buy much for myself that is considered to be "frivolous".)  The lady at the register asked me if I would like my hat in the bag or if I preferred to wear it out of the store.  "I think I'll wear it out...that's the whole reason I bought it, right?"  I plopped it on my head and stuffed my credit card in my purse.  When I looked up she looked at me and said, "You look great in that hat.  Wear it in good health."  Of course I said thank you and headed out the door.

That saying stuck with me, however.  "Wear it in good health."  Isn't that the truth?  Life is short...live it to the fullest.  Buy the hat and wear it...don't let it sit on a shelf.  We only go around once!

 

Whirlwind Week

I blinked and the week was gone.  At least it seems that way. 

Sidney and Ashton attend camp all summer.  Sidney's is in one place, Ashton's in another.  Certainly makes life interesting...and especially in the morning.  The kids are up bright and early every morning, although not especially bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.  They get this honest, from their Momma.  The saving grace to the long days is the relaxation in the evenings.  But, this week was different.  They had vacation Bible school every evening from 6:30-9:00.  The long days turned into long nights and the days were but a blur.  However, I don't think any one of us would have changed a thing.  They loved it!

Despite the fact that the second their heads hit the pillows they were instantly transported to dreamland, they thoroughly enjoyed every second of VBS. 

Friday was family night and we were able to see what the kids had done all week.  It also ended with a carnival that came with much anticipation to the kids.  The setting was a week in New York City.  The city scape lined the stage complete with a yellow cab.  The giant big screens that flank either side of the stage showed engaging graphics as if you were gliding through downtown.  Music boomed through the speakers.  Giant beach balls fell from the balcony on to the unsuspecting parents below (the kids were fully prepared for this).  T-shirts were launched from the stage.  Singing followed shortly thereafter.  What's great about kids is when they sing...they dance.  Kids lined the isles dancing and singing.

I think Aaron and I enjoyed it as much as the kids did.  This brought me back to my days at Bible school.  Although we didn't have near the amount of "special effects" that my kids have, I remembered the great fun that was had.  The lessons learned.  The friends I made. 

So, while we all had to deal with compressed schedules and late-night hangovers the next morning...it was all worth it in the end!

Sudden Loss

Tuesday night was a cluster of twists and turns that had an unexpected ending.  I lost my cat, Alexa.  After 14 years of constant companionship, it all ended in an abrupt whirlwind at the Animal Hospital ER at approximately 11:30pm.  There was no illness that preceded this sudden departure.  No real warning.  Sadness has ensued and it just seems strange without her.

I "acquired" Alexa through my friend, Jill, when Alexa was just a kitten.  She was found in the bushes, was alone and needed a home.  Funny thing, since I needed a cat.  She was this perfect little ball of fur.  Spunky and audacious in her own right.  Wonderfully independent.  Sufficiently stubborn.  Utterly playful.  Entirely fierce.  Completely lovable.  These traits characterized her through adulthood.

This little dynamo teetered between 4-5 pounds her entire adult life.  She wasn't that big, and arguably most of her weight was fur.  But, she was still a little scary to non-immediate family members who couldn't quite figure her out.  There were rules for handling Alexa...follow them or have a band-aid handy.  Her dainty frame should not be confused with her fiery personality.  Although, she was a real beauty!

Thinking through all of the milestones that Alexa and I have shared is a quite impressive list.  College graduation.  An engagement.  Six moves crossing city, county and state lines.  A wedding.  Two pregnancies.  Two babies.  Two rambunxious kids - and their crazy friends too.  Many parties.  A number of holiday gatherings.  A few deaths - some of which resulted in tear soaked fur as she would lie on my lap as I cried.  Our relationship has been a long-lasting one.

 

Sidney & Alexa

It's only been a few days, but I come home expecting to see her in all of her "usual" places.   Running through the yard and darting into the garage as I pull in from work.  Stalking some unsuspecting rodent in the "back forty" of our yard.  Clawing at the back window in the evening so she can come in and sit with me on the couch.  Hunkered down on a blanket taking a marathon snooze.  It's ironic that you can become so accustomed to a routine with a pet that when it's pulled away you somehow don't automatically adjust.  After all, it's just a pet, right?

Alexa was a member of this crazy family.  We'll miss her for a long time to come!

Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day is essentially the day that you honor and remember those who fought for our country and have passed on.  I have a few family members who have served - some of which have passed on, some who are still here.  All deserve honor and remembrance for their service.

The one nearest and dearest to my heart is Granddad.  I've mentioned previously that he fought in World War II, in the Navy.  He was buried in the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery as a result of his honorable service.  After having been to this sobering scene, I can tell you that it is indeed an honor to be laid to rest there.  It seemed appropriate that we take this day and honor Granddad.  But, we did not do it by laying flowers at his headstone.  We did it by going to his home away from home.  Piedmont.

My brother, Keith, has worked hard to maintain the cabin, property and boat while Granddad has been unable to tend to those duties in the past year.  He's done a fantastic job. We packed up the car for a day trip, and headed exactly 1 hour and 20 minutes South to a place that our family finds refuge. 

The day was full of promise.  The weather was absolutely beautiful.  The gas tank on the boat was full and the gang was all there (except for my sister-in-law, Tammy, who had to work).  These are the moments that you look back on and cherish for years to come.  I know that I still have very fond memories of being a child and spending time at Piedmont with my parents and grandparents.  ...the tradition carries on.

Four generations loaded on the pontoon that I rode as a child

I know that these are the moments that Granddad treasured.  Anticipated.  Embraced.  It seemed appropriate that we all came together in a place of happiness on a day that is set aside to honor our heroes.  And, in this case, Granddad.  He would have been so proud to see the kids reeling in fish and impatiently awaiting the next bite.  He would have enjoyed the laughter that we shared as a family.  Laughter that has been overshadowed by sorrow for some time.  This was absolutely the best way by which we could honor him. 

Keith and Ryan ready to push off

The kids found great joy in fishing, swimming, riding on the boat and eating junk food.  I found peace and solace in their happiness and knowing what that meant to Grandie - and certainly Granddad. 

3 Monkeys enjoying some splash time in Piedmont Lake

 

 

As a perfectionist in ongoing recovery, I realize that there is truly no such thing as perfection.  But, I must say, this came close!