One step forward…

Four weeks ago, I bought a baker's rack for the kitchen.  I had wanted one since we moved here and had a spot in the kitchen perfect for one.  The proposed space even has an electrical outlet, which would be perfect since I planned on keeping the breadmaker on the rack (and, perhaps, actually using it at some point).

I had originally thought about trying to find one on Craig's List, but everything on there was pricey or not what I needed.  Then I found a very sleek and perfect-for-the-spot baker's rack at The Container Store.  It was on sale, it was dissassembled and would meet our needs perfectly.  I bought it, loaded up the car, brought it inside, put the wooden shelf under the couch and stored the rest of the shelving by the bench in the front hallway.  I figured it would just be a few nights before I had the time to tackle the project.

I had forgotten, however, that while it is not difficult to put together, it is noisy and could wake a wee one from a sound sleep…and we really, really, really don't want that right now.  So, there went naptime and nighttime, and my mornings (while he was at school) were filled with volunteering and trying to get in a bit of exercise (and the occasional nap).  Oh, and I also lacked the motivation to pick everything up and drag it upstairs, find the rubber mallet, find the directions and assemble it.

Finally, as I was sweeping that empty corner in the kitchen, I realized the time was now.  Nicholas was awake (but playing happily), it was a rainy afternoon, and I really, really, really wanted to get going with the breadmaker (and tired of shelves in my foyer).  I got out the mallet and Nicholas and I proceeded to "build the house" as he later told Kelsey.

So, now we have a "house" (baker's rack) in the kitchen and the foyer actually resembles a proper entrance to our house rather than a storage unit.  However, for every step forward, such as a tiny bit of organization, we seem to have two steps back…and I am at my wits' end trying to resolve this particular issue.

Nicholas seemed to be having the easiest "terrible twos" possible…until about two months ago.  In fact, even today, by all appearances (to teachers, school mates and friends) he is happy, basically mild-mannered and just enjoying life.  Sure, there might be the occasional pushing issue, but nothing that has been considered anything out of the ordinary…except at home.

In an instant, he turns from a happy, sweet, loving child to a raging and upset child..pulling my hair, throwing my glasses, hitting, punching, pinching…and then back to normal as though I flipped a switch.  There is no pattern as to when this happens, he isn't necessarily upset about anything, doesn't always happen at the beginning or the end of an activity…but it happens.  It has gotten to the point where I loathe taking him anywhere unless I have one of the girls with me.  I try to run as many errands as possible and even had Cait babysit him tonight so I could buy Kelsey shoes she has needed for weeks.

I have tried everything and nothing works.  Well, one thing works…separating the two of us so I can recover from my hair being pulled or having things thrown at me.   It is the only thing that has helped thus far, but obviously we have a hard time doing it anywhere but at home.  It is the only time he gets that I am actually in pain/not enjoying this not-so-fun game of his.

Now, for all I know, this is perfectly normal.  However, having only had girls up until now I don't know if this is a "boy" thing, a "I'm mad because Daddy went away" thing (personally, I'm going with this option) or a combination of the two.  The other confusing part is that he never seems upset (even when I am visibly upset) and just seems to enjoy it….and then within an instant, he is a happy, loving boy again.   

My big worry?  Peter comes home in fewer than 4 weeks.  While we are thrilled, of course, what will happen?   And, even worse, what will happen when he leaves…and then repeats the scenario two more times?  

I am toying with several ideas, but not sure what to pursue.  I am hoping, perhaps, that someone out there may have a few words of wisdom…as I am just really tapped out on this one.   He's such an awesome Little Guy, but clearly upset right now and I just want to figure out how to help him.    

Dear Unassuming,

yet chic (and expensive) wireless Mac Keyboard,

I must admit, I have worried about you from Day One.  Your slender build and the toy-like quality of the wireless mouse sent shivers up my spine…oh, what a wayward toddler might do with you!  From a toss into the toilet to simply being lost in the Lego bin…the possibilities were endless.

Then…nothing.  Regardless of your plaything-like appearance, no one mistook you for a mere toy. I worried occasionally about a drop of coffee here or a wandering crumb there, but never in my wildest dreams conjured up today's event:   the little hands knocking over the tiniest glass of juice that became an ocean-sized puddle on the desk.  You were but a tiny island floating in a lake of spirulina, wheat grass and jerusalem artichoke blend….and a very sad one at that.

We freaked out, cleaned you up as quickly as possible and set you out to dry….and you rallied.  You are here tonight as proof that nothing, not even a boatload of mucky, oozy, green antioxidants can bring you down.   And considering the day I had, thank you…I needed that.

Sincerely, 

Your loving owner who is currently installing a giant bubble around you

P.S. As it turns out you are not that $$$$, but let's still hope we don't have to replace you….

Evening Calm

As of last night, I had finally come to terms with the idea that not all Saturdays need to be perfect and mud pies can save the day.  A little advice from friends, a (handwritten!) card from a certain someone in a land far, far away and the idea that tomorrow must be better encouraged me to realize that all was not lost. Then something better and completely unexpected happened:  I ran into my babysitter's mother.  

The next thing I knew, I went from contemplating dinner out with the kids (against my better judgement) while Cait was in CCD (she has a 1.5 hour long class on Sundays) to having a free evening to myself.  I ended up at a local cafe with a book, a glass of wine, soup (tomato-bacon…yum), a field greens salad with goat cheese, shallots & bacon vinaigrette and a pot of tea.  An hour and a half later, I was so relaxed that one might have thought I  had some sort of spa hour.  I managed to read several chapters of my novel, eat dinner slowly and thoughtfully, update my calendar, read a bit more and…just bask in the joy of occasional solitude.

In fact, just knowing I had the time coming to myself set my day in a whole different direction. Errand running was productive…almost fun (and that's saying a LOT with the Sunday traffic here) and I didn't fret about the chores that didn't get finished.  Nicholas and I had a great walk/run and playground time and the day seemed too short…but in a good way.   Even though we were a bit crunched for time in getting to CCD, I wasn't stressed because I knew I had that little pocket of time truly reserved for myself.   

And now? I'm heading into the week with a new sort of calm…and thinking a regular cafe night even with just a book for a companion,  might be just what I need…who knew?

Travel Orders

Yes, one of us finally has them for the first of his three R&Rs. Now, really, you knew I was not referring to the rest of us, as that would imply we know where we are going next year and we most assuredly do not have a clue (or a handshake, as we in the FS like to call it).  So, yes, in 4 weeks, 3 days, 6 hours and 19 minutes a certain someone's plane will land at Dulles…IF all goes well.  He's not exactly flying Delta the entire way home, so we are really just hoping to see him that week.

Now it may look like we are counting down, but up until today, I really had not realized just how much time had passed.  It has now been over 9 weeks since Pete left, though I was certain we were only on week 6.  I have been seriously against doing any sort of countdown type scenario in this household.  I know it works for some, but to me it would just be another reminder that he's not here.  It can be a positive tool, I suppose, but I felt it would give the message that we can't live without him and give us a very visual reminder of how much time he had spent away from us. 

Then again, I didn't even remember to think about creating any sort of count-down calendar until he was already gone for more than a week.  And given how busy we are, even on the weekends, I really don't need another chore…though sadly, that busy-ness has given me a major mommy meltdown two weekends in a row.

I understood last Saturday…Cait had an early morning choir event (second Saturday in a row) and we all really could have used more sleep.   Her event lasted most of the day and while we had no trouble filling that time, I ended up stressing those little things and by 5 p.m. was ready for anything but another evening at home by myself.   I noticed every (complete) family out there and watched dad after dad carry kids around on shoulders, play soccer outside, hang at the park, or just watch the kids so mom could…think.  I think the day culminated in a rant of an email to a certain person who did his best to talk me out of my sad state without using the term "I know".  Somehow it worked and by Sunday morning I was a far more level-headed and normal person.  I also knew enough to cut out an extra activity and give myself a bit of a break.  

Fast forward one week and we are back at Major Mommy Meltdown.  The weekends are not supposed to be stressful, but I feel like we need to get so much done…errands, fun time, decent meals, chores and just a good bit of rest.  Theoretically there is time for everything, but then you throw in the extra things you forgot about..and it's back to square one of too much to do in too little time.

I can't even bear to re-hash the day as parts were so awful (translation:  Nicholas did not so much love the latest fall festival), but then other parts were great…especially the mud pie the kids made with the banana topping.  I was having such a lousy day, but when we finally arrived home after our not-so-fun afternoon out, the kinks were suddenly worked out.   The kids who previously seemed so out of sorts were suddenly happy to sit and make mud pies together and have a whopping good time at that.  

And me? I had a little Facebook therapy (it works, thanks FB friends, you came through again today 🙂 and watched the kids get filthy.  It may be the answer every time, but I'll take what I can get for the next 5 weeks or so….

*note the "junior officer" sticker…it's apparently far less scary to wear a sticker to try on a peace-y uniform…though a "junior agent" sticker would be a little more appropriate (hmmm….)

{this moment}

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

idea courtesy of Soulemama 

This year, I thought I would try to have one tear (and one tear only)

to mark today's event…and that would be that. Sadly, I didn't even make it until this morning and buckets of tears would be more like it.   I'm now hoping that I will be busy enough today that I won't have the chance to dwell on the fact…

that it would have been my mother's 66th birthday. The age seems so young by today's standards and yet she did not even make it to 62.  I know I've written about it here and then again there.  I thought this year might pass without the need for a mention, but being back in the area and not having her three hours away has been odd at best.  Then there is the fact that I am looking forward to my cousin's wedding, not just to see family and celebrate his marriage, but to finally have a long overdue visit to the cemetery.  

We didn't have a chance to stop by this summer and my aunt graciously took care of the fall decor. Who doesn't enjoy mums and pumpkins in the autumn?  I just wish they were on Mom's front stoop…and that she put them there…not on her gravestone that is in place many years too soon.

Miss you…love you…Happy Birthday, Mom.

Why we moved…

again…

It seems to be a common question lately.  I almost feel like I should print up cards with bullet points, as I usually forget at least one of the reasons and inevitably have the "DOH!  I should have said that" moment 5 seconds after finishing said conversation.  The topic at hand?  Why we moved from California to Virginia only for the father and husband in the family to depart nearly immediately for an unaccompanied overseas post.  

I continue to be asked this question again and again, and honestly, I don't mind.  However, I often feel like I have to justify our move somehow, so here we go with a few reasons:

• I enjoy torturing my children by ripping them out of schools they like and moving them every 2-3 years for the fun of it.

• I thrive on stress and the unexpected.  You want both?  Move 3,000 plus miles, don't get completely unpacked, then send your only help and your beloved overseas for a year by himself…stress and unexpected happenings aplenty!

• The U.S.P.S. was finally getting most of our mail to our correct U.S. address.  Time for a little shake-up!

• I stopped getting all of those new homeowner discount coupons and really needed a few (just kidding, signing up to get off those lists).

• I finally learned how to drive around most of the East Bay without my GPS and without getting lost….time to up the learning curve (yes, I know we've lived in VA before, but things do change).

• I really enjoy being the new person every 2-3 years and trying to start all over again, especially just for 12 months or so. 

Really?  Well, no, of course not.  The above items are exaggerations, of course, but what I feel like saying sometimes.  Naturally, there are a few more realistic reasons though I am still not sure they will satisfy everyone's curiosity:

• I get organized by moving.  As lame as it sounds and despite my tortoise-like slowness in unpacking, I am becoming far more organized just by virtue of this move.  I am realizing what we need, what we don't and rapidly clearing out the clutter.  I realized that if we stayed in CA for another year, it would be another year of me ignoring everything that was neatly stored on the shelves in our garage.

• Who doesn't want to spend a year getting to know this cutie (Baby Nate, of course)?  As much as we miss our CA friends terribly (yes, we really do :-(, we wanted the chance to reconnect with those in this area.  Nicholas and Baby Nate have quickly become good buddies and we are so not missing Baby Nate's first birthday party (it's only been in the works for, well, years!).  

• Not that we have not lived far away from family before (and we are still not exactly next door), but we wanted to be a little bit closer.  The only way to visit from CA would be to fly and that would either not happen or we would spend a fortune on airfare, car rentals and hotels (thus negating the anticipated savings from this UT).  We can drive to visit family at Thanksgiving, we are actually going to be able to attend my cousin's wedding in November and while we may have to fly at Christmas (should opt to travel), it won't be an all day affair. Given our hope is to be overseas for quite some time after this year, we feel we should get in as many family visits as we can now.

• Unlike the military, those of us in the Foreign Service do not get to automatically keep our state residency.  This was a HUGE blow when we moved to CA.  Not only were our taxes much higher (and home ownership pretty much out of reach), but we lost thousands of dollars in tax deductions.   All three kids have pre-paid tuitions plans with VPEP and losing our VA residency for two years meant far fewer deductions.  Oh, and not to mention the license fiasco…if we were allowed to keep our residency in VA, the DL issue would not have existed.

• We were not thrilled with our housing in CA.  While it appeared great in the beginning, when reality set in, it was not fun.  We were not interested in socking another nearly 3K/month into a house we didn't own, much less didn't want to live in for yet another year.  While our current home may not be our dream home, the upkeep is far easier and we feel as though our money is actually going towards something…oh, and when something doesn't work, I can call a repairman and have it fixed…sometimes even the next day (and to my specifications)! Changes, painting and upgrades…all up to me, and so glad to have that, even if only for a year…especially during a time when I have little control over anything else.

• And, last, but not least, the chance to go to events, meet other FS folks and know that they know exactly what we are going through.  From fall festivals where we randomly bump into FS friends  to organizational luncheons,   Stitch & B*tch  (at some point I will stitch…) and events such as the FSYF picnic yesterday.  We didn't see quite as many people as we had hoped, but ended up running into more friends from Iceland (having not seen them since we left Reyk) and other folks we had not seen in years. 

And there we have it…my pathetic, but true, reasons for moving.  As far as photos go, with the LG being extremely active at yesterday's event, I was lucky to snap this one photo of Kelsey just after she had her face painted.  So glad she has dark hair, as hoping no one else will notice the streak of black along her hairline  that I completely missed last night.  And with that, I must get going, as lunch with yet another FS friend is on tap for today!  

{this moment}

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. 

idea courtesy of Soulemama – window seat doll house courtesy of Kelsey

Trump Card

I pulled it out yesterday.  Twice, in fact.  I don't like doing it, but I had reached my limit and realized that I simply had no more patience for what should be a simple task.   More to the point, my entire situation and inability to get anything resolved was due to Peter's unaccompanied tour, plain and simple.  So, I did it. 

I wrote a long, cordial letter that explained the entire chain of events from start to not-quite-finished.  And I used my least favorite four letter word…twice.  I don't know if the word was truly the trump card, but I do know that after nearly 4 weeks of misery and worrying, I have the stamp of approval from the DMV and will receive a new, very official-looking Virginia driver's license in the mail within the next two weeks.  What, pray tell, happened?

Four weeks ago tomorrow, Nicholas, Kelsey and I headed to the zoo to meet another FS family for a playdate.  It was a gorgeous day, if not a bit hot, and in anticipation of free parking for a year, I joined FONZ the morning of our trip.  I was warned to have my license handy, as well as my receipt, in order to get the parking fees waived that day.  In hindsight, they could have written, "Have them ready when you LEAVE the parking lot."  Who knows what it was (likely  sleep deprivation), but I had everything ready to go when I entered the parking lot, figuring I would get a special pass or ticket.

Instead the parking lot attendant just handed me a ticket and I rapidly withdrew the receipt and my license…or so I thought.  I put the receipt in the console, headed to a parking space and reached in to grab my license…and found nothing.  We were a few minutes behind, but still relatively timely given the traffic, so I figured I would take a minute to find my license and then we would get going.  Surely it had just fallen on the floor.

Twenty minutes later I had scoured the car three times and there was not so much as a hint of that little card that meant so much.  I was freaking out and now we were quite late.  I realized if we didn't get going, the day would be that much more of a loss, so we packed up our stuff, got out of the car and headed out of the lot and into the zoo.  I stopped to check with the attendant in the hopes that the license had simply fallen on the ground.  Perhaps it was safely sitting in her drawer at that moment….nope, no such luck.

We had a great morning and afternoon regardless of the license situation.  I had forgotten just how big the zoo had grown (not exactly the same as the uber-kid friendly Oakland zoo) and just getting around was much more of a hike than I rememberd (well, the memories came back once we were trekking up the hillier portions).  I got a good bit of exercise, though, the kids loved it (especially the indoor areas) and despite not having as much time with friends, we still felt like we saw enough to make the trip more than worth it.  However, the license issue still niggled at me the entire time.  I realized if nothing else that it was a sign I needed to get to the DMV ASAP. 

After we returned home, I loooked online at their site and gathered very piece of information I thought I could need.  I employed a local sitter, set off for the Tysons office and didn't make it further than the front desk.

I explained the situation and was immediately told that unless I found my CA driver's license (HA!) or obtained a copy of my driving record, I would not only have to retake the test, but essentially have to start all over again.  You know, as though I had never had a license IN MY LIFE.  The woman refused to listen to me when I tried to tell her that I had a VA license in the past and simply said, "You will have to start all over again and that will include having a learner's permit for a month IF you pass the test."  Yes, the idea of a learner's permit at my age scared the bejeezus out of me.  Who the heck was supposed to be my co-pilot, Caitlin?   Without mentioning my current situation, I simply said thank you and went home to scour the CA DMV site to see if it might be of any help.

Almost immediately, I found the option to purchase one's driving record.  I could print out an on-line copy or mail in the form for a certified copy.  I decided to go for the easiest option first, and then hit a wall:  in order to access said copy, I needed my DL number, date of issue and date of expiration.  I combed through two computers worth of documents and couldn't find a scanned copy of my license anywhere, though I know we had scanned them at some point.  Finally I searched my email for attachments and found a note from our lender with regard to need our DL information for the closing documents.  I wrote to my lender (who is also our very nice neighbor), explained the situation and within two hours he emailed me the information….everything I needed to gain access to MY information.

I printed out the non-certified driving record from CA, filled out the application for a driver's license in VA and went back to the DMV the next morning.  After two hours of waiting, I was able to see a clerk.  All was going well from the vision test to the picture-taking.  No questions about my driving record or anything else for that matter.  I could see my license being printed out as she grasped my credit card and swiped it through the machine.  Then it happened….

"Oops!"

What?  Oops?  There was nothing wrong with the credit card, how could there be an oops?  The driver's license within my grasp suddenly sprouted wings and flew off before I could say a word.   The clerk then mentioned that the "oops" happened because the system suddenly noted that I was still a licensed driver in VA.  I explained how I had taken the (God awful, extremely difficult, never want to take again) test in CA and turned in my VA license at the time…two years ago.  

She remarked that she understood, but that the CA DMV had a habit of forgetting to turn licenses over to the issuing state…as they had in my case.  She went on to mention that it should only take one quick phone call to DMV in Richmond and we could likely get it squared away.  She dialed the number only to learn that they had closed 20 minutes earlier.  I would have to come back the following week with a new application.  The good news?  The phone call to DMV would likely resolve everything and I would be on my way with a new license once the phone call was wrapped up.

The following Tuesday, I went back to the DMV and spent two more hours waiting (extremely patiently, I might add), assuming I would do nothing more than re-submit my application and walk out a few minutes later with a VA license….oh, was the joke on me.  I was so confident that because I was a licensed VA driver that the CA license would no longer be an issue and/or that the clear statement of my driving record (with proof of receipt) from the DMV site would suffice.  Again, I was wrong.  The clerk assisting me called DMV in Richmond who insisted I would need a "certified copy" of my driving record.  Since I doubt they had magically received my CA license within those few days, I was befuddled as to what had happened or why the fact that I was still a valid driver (according to their own system) in VA suddenly didn't matter.

Whatever.  I was tired, I was stressed and I was sick of the issue.  I very nicely thanked them, headed home, printed out the certified copy business and mailed it off with a check.  Foolishly, I figured it would show up in a week or two, I would go back to DMV and it would all be resolved…again, not so much.  After two weeks and two days of agonizing waiting, I tried to call the CA DMV (are you laughing yet?).  I realized it was likely futile, and hung up after 10 minutes of trying to get an actual human on the line. 

I decided  I would simply try again.  I printed out the document again, filled it out…again, enclosed another check and took it to the post office.  I sent it off by Priority Mail and by yesterday had heard?  Absolutely nothing.  No checks had been cashed and nothing even remotely official from the CA DMV had been placed in our mail box.   I was at my wits' end and simply couldn't take the stress of the situation any more.  I decided it was time to pull out the big guns, so to speak, and plucked the name of an FS DMV contact from an email I had received a while back.

The name was of someone who was purportedly able to help those of us in the Foreign Service, should we have issues with DMV, particularly with regard to driver's licenses.  I realized that when I added it all up, I would not be in this situation if not for Peter's current assignment.  I opened the email, composed a thoughtful and cordial letter explaining the situation and clicked send.  I hoped for the best, expected the worst and…

16 hours later I was leaving the Tysons  DMV with an official driving permit in hand.   The license is a super-duper fancy-schmancy piece of i.d. now, designed much like the CA licenses.  It takes time to make it 'just right' and I have about a two week wait before it shows up in my mailbox.

The entire process (once I reached the front desk) took maybe 15 minutes.  Given the circumstances, I bypassed the regular 'waiting in the chairs' bit.  I still needed all of my other documentation, but the CA/old VA license issue was no longer a problem.  Quite honestly, I don't know what happened regarding that, I just know that I only needed to prove who I was (passport and expired "Overseas Only" military i.d. were perfect), that I had a SSN (a 2001 Social Security statement sufficed) and that I was indeed a resident of Virginia (water bill).  A flurry of typing, picture-taking and credit-card swiping later and I was on my way.

I have profusely thanked the two people who assisted me with this endeavour and can only hope they truly understand how grateful I am.  However, I should add, lest it look as though I was trying to curry favor or use our unfortunate situation (Peter's tour of duty) to our advantage, please remember:

• Peter's not in a happy, cheery place right now…there's a very good reason he's receiving danger and hardship pay.
• I have three kids to care for, a house to deal with and many other things going on…and I am doing it 110% on my own…and that would not be the case if not for the current assignment
• I did everything, and I mean everything by the book.  I didn't try to slip anything by anyone (the clerk hadn't indicated a non-certified copy of my record wouldn't work) and I had almost every piece of documentation possible at each visit.
• I didn't write to the contact the minute I couldn't get things resolved.  I did everything I could to get this completed on my own.  However, after this long, I simply couldn't justify not trying another way to get this issue out of the way. 
• I was nice as nice could be. I  never raised my voice or remotely looked like I might go postal while at the DMV.  While internally I was raging (primarily due to the craziness of the situation), I knew that if I lost it at the counter, it would only make things more difficult (in fact, I watched a woman go postal on my second visit…it was horrid to have to witness, and it got her absolutely nowhere).  Oh, and in my letter, I simply asked for words of wisdom…I had no idea the issue would actually be resolved or so quickly.

And now?  A huge sigh of relief on my part…and a few long overdue photos from our fun zoo day.  I might also I add that I hope no one ever has to go through the above situation…but if you do, know that there is hope and most definitely a likely solution.  Thank you, thank you, kind DMV contact, you rock!

Pop, kathunk..kathunk

is not what one wants to hear when one is driving home from picking up the LG at Montessori, planning out the afternoon (which most definitely will involve driving) and (most importantly) said person has just finished up a 3 hour trip to the mechanic (and, ahem, tire place).  Sadly, it is exactly what I heard (and felt) as I drove home from Montessori yesterday and realized quickly I would likely (if I was lucky) spend most of my afternoon where I spent most of my morning.

Well, to be fair, I didn't spend my entire morning at the mechanic.  In fact, I lucked out as our new (and now much beloved) auto repair shop is located within steps of the W & OD trail, something I have been wanting to explore for a while.  I dropped off the car for its routine maintenance and tire check and started off towards the center of town, planning on catching the trail on the way back.  

My plan was then slightly derailed when I learned that my new favorite coffee shop was closed on Mondays.  Since I desperately needed some sort of refreshment, I backtracked to a Starbucks in the middle of town.  After inhaling a bit too much cigarillo smoke from a neighboring table while trying to sip my mocha, I realized I needed to get walking towards the trail or I would miss it entirely.   

A few minutes later, I found an entrance a few minutes later on Pennsylvania Avenue (Falls Church, not DC) and headed off.  Having already walked nearly 2 miles, this was really more of a get to knowthe trail/envy those who live in houses backing up to the trail.  While it was not quite as wide as some that we enjoyed in CA, it was more than enough for a brisk walk.  An added bonus?  The trail designers added exercise equipment along the sides of the trail.  Built from metal tubing and wood beams, one can work on their push-ups, chin-ups or just get in a good bit of stretching.  I'll admit I couldn't resist a few chin-ups (I am sure my arms will not thank me in the morning) though I certainly waited until the coast was clear on the trail.

While there were a number of cyclists and walkers, not so many that one could not say, make a phone call while walking.  I hate being that annoying person gabbing away on my cell whilst I am supposed to be exercising, but there was an important phone call to make:  to my new sister-in-law.  Peter's brother, John, was married  yesterday in a quiet, romantic backyard ceremony at his parents' home in Massachusetts.  He and his new wife, Kim, had dated for years and celebrated their nuptials a gorgeous, cozy ceremony.  I know, next question…why weren't we there?

As sad as it sounds, I am simply still overwhelmed.  While it may seem like an easy decision to just hop in the car, when one has 3 children, with 3 different schedules and no other parent (or relatives within hundreds of miles) around, it is a whole different ballgame.  I looked at scenario after scenario, but nothing worked in the way that I needed (or without a huge amount of work for several friends).   After many emails, phone conversations and Facebook messages with my now sister-in-law, I had to sadly decline.  Not that we did not want to be there, but it simply wasn't in the cards.

Who was there?  Peter, in a manner of speaking.  He Skyped in just prior to the ceremony  and was able to not only 'see' the ceremony, but attend the reception.  His uncle enjoyed the responsibility of carting the laptop (or "the head" as he was called) around so Peter could chat with his family. While it wasn't quite the same as being there, I think it had to have been pretty darn close. 

The quiet time gave me the time to chat, congratulate the newlyweds and simply catch up on the events of the weekend.  While it isn't the same as being physically present, we have heard that a number of photos were taken, as well as possibly a video..and the kids and I are quite anxious to view them all.  Now, as for the car?

To make a long story a bit shorter, I ran over a nasty bolt of some sort.  It inserted itself quite nicely in my tire, though was not seen by anyone until the car was back up on the lift.  The best part?  Whether it was just generosity on their part, the fact that I had just been in that morning (and a tire check was part of the visit) or that I was in the midst of scheduling works for the front brakes for later in the week, the mechanics waved any fees.  We spent a good hour in the waiting room (with snacks, drink, coloring books, and crayons aplenty) and didn't pay a dime when we left.  Can we say customer for life?  Or, in our case, until we move to our next location…and, no, we haven't heard a thing about the bid list.

Car matters aside, the best part of the day was hearing about the wedding…if only the stars had aligned for all of us to be present.  Wishing you many, many years of happiness, Kim and John!