Funny enough, we completed this whole makeover but she has been sleeping over at friends' houses all summer (and was away at camp for 2 weeks), so it feels like she's barely been in there. I know that's not true, though we do feel a lot like the nest has been emptied lately! Not really in a sad way, just a fact of having older teens that have "better" things to do!
Alex found a job -- at a car wash, he isn't a fan, thanks. He's already told them when his last day will be, because oh darn, he has to go back to college (mid-August). I say it's good to have had a job like that, to know exactly why we go to college. But he has earned some nice cash, including a random $250 bonus in June, and some overtime for working yesterday on July 4th!
We went to Destin, as we always do. A very nice escape from the day to day (and we didn't see any sharks). Long days in my chair, in the shade, reading a book. I finished two while there: Romantic Comedy, by Curtis Sittenfeld, and Every Summer After, by Carley Fortune. Both were good, fictional beach reads. The first was somewhat annoying because it was about a "late-night sketch comedy show" and everyone knows there is only one of those, really, but the author couldn't use the correct names for things/characters. The plot was great, though. The second was a teen romance that Kate read first and then shared with me, and ohhh, I see why she liked it. ;) I remember reading my first romance novels, too, and am just happy she reads books sometimes. It was fun, easy - just what my brain wanted. I haven't been into the more challenging historical fiction that I typically look for, this year. I think that's meaningful in some way.
We came home a week ago and I admit I'm still having a difficult time adjusting emotionally (ha) to regular workdays. Boo, hiss. I was glad we had one holiday this week, during which I
-cleaned the kitchen counters and swept floors
-made breakfast and lunch
-helped (barely) paint the mailbox
-read my book
-watched a little Wimbledon and the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest (gross!)
-took a nap under the ceiling fan
-went out to dinner with some friends, and then got ice cream
-finished another season of The Great British Baking Show, with Shawn's help
That's a "W" holiday right there.
After digging into my craft supplies bin yesterday for a paintbrush, I'm inspired to get back into some kind of crafts. It feels like I don't have a creative outlet anymore. Even my day-job used to include some creativity in writing articles, but that's gone by the wayside in favor of admin, spreadsheets and meetings, ugh. So I need something. I did a little "mindfulness" coloring today but I'm not sure that's it. A trip to JoAnn or Michael's might be fun, but might also be overwhelming. Got any suggestions for an easy hobby??
