Muy Bien

Lucy has decided she is done with baby food.

Every once in a while we can trick her into eating the cereal and some fruit, if we put her in her high chair without the tray and we don't eat or drink any 'normal' food around her. It's almost like she has a sixth sense for big people food. She knows what it is, where we keep it, and now she will accept nothing less than the real thing.

It's kind of a pain in the rear to have to chop everything into bite size portions. I'm spoiled by the older kids and their ability to eat it whole or cut it themselves. I have to chop everything for her, blueberries, bananas, raisins. Try cutting raisins into quarters...no fun.

Anyhoo...now that she is eating with us I have to make sure we always have a variety of fresh produce on hand. Finding a grocer where you can get good stuff at a great price is tricky, but I think I may have done it.

For weeks my parents have been going over to a small Supermercado in Waukegan and raving about the variety of produce and low prices. After driving past the huge yellow signs advertising unbelievable prices, they stopped in and have made it a weekly grocery destination.

So I checked it out.

The prices were incredible, the selection was massive. Here is some of what I got:

Apricots $1.5o a lb., $1.50 cantaloupe, nectarines $1.50 a lb., plums $.98 a lb., green peppers $1.50 a lb., red peppers $.89 a lb., $.50 pints of strawberries, $.99 pack of blueberries (which was twice the size of the one I bought last time at Jewel), kiwi 5 for $1, tomatoes $.60 a lb., limes 10 for $1, whole pineapple for $.99, (enormous) jalapeno peppers $.99 a lb, huge heads of romaine lettuce for $.99.

I got it all and then some for under $35. They had mountains of stuff, all of it looked wonderful. I was in veggie heaven.

But it all came with another sort of price to pay.

Being a supermercado it is not located in the 'upper scale' neighborhoods we usually shop in. I'm spoiled by the comfort of the northern 'burbs and the security of joining the flocks of privileged shoppers at the local Jewel. This new little gem is located in an area where the strip mall has been shut down, people use public transit out of necessity, and LINK cards are more common than Visa. I had to pay a refundable quarter to rent a cart and was cornered by a hungry homeless woman as I left the store. (Being an ex-social services worker, I gave her a banana and the name of a nearby food pantry. Old habits die hard.)

I know for some people that is enough of a reason to keep on driving, keep on paying the little bit more. But it's not a scary place, just different. The employees were just as helpful, the other shoppers just as courteous. That's more than I can say for some other very large, very cheap grocers I've been to in the past.

*Check out my post on Ky&Co for an easy way to freeze fruit for later*

Weekend Wrap Up

I feel like this is the best way to sum up our summer weekends. Life at our house is anything but lazy, here's the proof. Again.

Friday is softball day. Lucy & I went to watch Todd and his friends clobber the ball and run bases, Rex went to hang out at the park. A win-win situation for us.

Saturday we were up and out of the house before 8.


Nate had his first soccer game of the year, where he discovered a love for the goalie position. It certainly helps that he is one of the bigger kids and always put there. He also learned quickly that soccer is no 'easy' sport. He got in a whole lot of running before his weekend really had a chance to begin.

Before Nate's game was over Turbo had to rush Rex across town for his t-ball game. Now that we are a few games in the tee is removed and the kids are hitting an easy pitch from the coach. Rex did so well with this, making contact each time he was up.


With all of our 'activities' finished before 11 am we were free to enjoy the rest of the day. We played a little more baseball and soccer, worked in the garden, cleaned and started to set up our pool. Lots of work, but we are all looking forward to the rewards!

Sunday started off with a make up t-ball game. Rex did well again, hitting every pitch. The only problem he encountered the entire game was when he 'lost' his glove after returning from the running the bases. For whatever reason, our little slugger went into the opposing teams dugout where he began to freak out because he could not find his glove. He did not happen to notice the bench was full of kids in navy uniforms, rather than the light blue ones his team wears. We aren't sure who was worse, Rex for not noticing or the other kids and coaches for letting him keep looking?


Immediately after Rex's game we had to rush home and change into suitable clothing for our participation in the Waukegan Independence Day Parade.


Late Friday evening we learned the German cultural group we belong to with my grandfather would not be able to take part in the parade without our help. Since we are committed to the group, and Victor, we dropped our lazy Sunday plans to help them represent German Americans all over Lake County.

It was no small task, carrying a huge banner and passing out candy, but we gave it our all. Especially Rex, who was the talk of the town giving high fives to kids on the street while he led our group in his lederhosen.

Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough

Last night I teased my mom for becoming upset at the untimely death of Michael Jackson. She was in pure disbelief and a bit sad, and my response was 'well not like you were friends.'

I don't get upset over celebrity demise. I have no problem being a bit of a voyeur when I am in line at the grocer or flipping channels, but I really don't pay attention because I really don't care. (Case & point, I had to have my aunt tell me who Speidi was. Then I had to look them up. It is the one thing I apparently have in common with Al Roker.)

While I think becoming upset is ridiculous, I think we should take a moment to respect a performer who truly was a worldwide superstar. Though his later years were filled with horrid allegations and personal pain, the music he provided my generation was nothing short of amazing.

So today, as you drive to and from work, turn on one of the many radio stations that are playing his music.

Listen to ABC, Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough, Thriller, Billie Jean, Dirty Diana, Smooth Criminal. Trust me, there is something out there you love, maybe something you haven't heard in years, but you know every word, even know the moonwalk.

Today, look past the controversy and love the music again. Music that changed how we listened and how we danced. Music that opened doors for the performers we know now.

(I can't be rude and not mention the death of Farrah Fawcett too, after her long and difficult struggle with cancer. She carries her own weight in the generation before me, and is no doubt just as much a superstar to many many people.)

An E-mergency Post

Earlier today I posted about how crazy things are here. My day can almost always be described as hectic, and that's with a thick layer of sugar coating. I'm usually running around, unshowered, pulling my hair out, screaming, cleaning and cooking. It's what I do. A job if you will.

Anyhoo...today I summed up my life since Monday. I thought I'd be in the clear for at least the rest of the day.

Wrong.

I absolutely have to share just a 20 minute window into my life this morning.

11:00-ish I was scoping out some tourist spots in Washington DC for a camping trip we may be taking out there in August. Lisa was looking over the map, plotting the mileage. Harry was out in the yard mowing. Lucy sleeping, Nate & Rex watching some cartoons on the couch.

Rex picks up the phone. Presses some numbers. I asked who he was calling.

'I'm calling the house.'

'Don't do that, it's not going to work right because you are on the house phone.'

'Ok.' He hangs up.

Lisa walks in the room, 'Rex who did you just call?'

'911'

'WHAT?!?' (In stereo.)

'I thought you called the house?'

'I couldn't remember the number so I called 911 instead.'

Ring Ring. (Sheriff's department.) Knock Knock. (Refrigerator repairman.)

I explained to the cops my child is nuts, there is no danger.

Lisa takes the repair guy to the fridge, he laughs and says he called the cops too when he was a kid.

Outside this is what is happening to Harry. (Remember he is on the mower.)

Excuse me, sir? (AT&T is now here to fix our busted phone lines from a few weeks ago. They'll be shutting down our service for a while.)

Woof Woof. Bark Bark. Growl.

Hello! Sir! HELLO! Will they BITE? (A nice lady cop is here to see if Rex is in danger and make sure I am not a terrible parent and liar. Otis has her scared to take any step away from her squad car. Our dippy dog can be pretty intimidating.)

Harry has to explain that Otis is a doofus and will not hurt her, that Rex is a bit curious and often that leads to naughty, that he's sorry but things are just a bit crazy with the repair guy and 911 calling and AT&T and now her.

Fridge guy leaves after 10 minutes of work and a $200 bill.

She leaves, after confirming we are all nonthreatening, safe, crazy people.

He comes inside, and we relay the past 20 minutes full of shenanigans and laugh.

What else can we do?

What's New Pussy Cat?

This is what has happened since I posted last:

It has been HOT. Darn near too hot to do anything but sit in our air conditioned home and stare out the window at the beautiful summer while it melts away.

Our fridge broke. No, really, broke. As in not cold, not anywhere near cold. I found out because the glorious pint of Starbucks Java Chip ice cream I bought to help me cope with the heat was like soup Tuesday morning when I went to eat it (oh shush, it's coffee).

Lucy loves crawling too much. She is really fast now and has found that crawling to a table helps her stand up and reach things she never dreamed of. She has also found that it is fun to throw the things she finds, like remote controls and dvds and my perfectly arranged stacks of coupons.

The boys are home. They have so many stories to tell they can hardly control themselves. They look big, so big, after only 5 days away. And they are captivated by their moving sister. Rex thinks she is now the coolest thing in the world, I think because she is like a puppy that follows him around the house.

That's about it.

Well, there were other things, like I went to the farmers market and a softball game and the forest preserve and Turbo's work. And I did some sewing and a lot of laundry and some cleaning and I caught up on a few episodes of Late Night with Conan ('cause I love him and have been waiting for him to replace Jay for years, but he is past my bedtime so I have to DVR him and watch him the next day.) And I talked to my aunt and my grandpa and a few friends. And I planned a crap load of activities for next week (and month) with fam & friends, including our day on the 4th.

And my personal fave, I might go see TOM JONES in two weeks, which may make me one of the biggest dorks and youngest fans that walks through the gates, but I don't care. I can't wait to have a few glasses (bottles) of wine on the lawn at Ravinia, while I sing It's Not Unusual and try to talk other drunkish women into throwing their panties on stage.

You didn't really think I would throw my own did you?

I'm a lady.

Whoa whoa whoa I'm a lady.

And this lady keeps her undies.

Welcome Baby!

We're so happy to have another little girl join our growing family!


Paige Carolyn
was born Saturday June 20.

Mom & baby are doing well, and some photos we've seen show that her new daddy & grandparents are delighted she is here.

We're looking forward to meeting her soon!

Our Boring Staycation

My parents took the boys camping. They left Saturday for 5 days in Branson, MO.

5 wonderful days of just me, Turbo, & Lucy.

Don't get me wrong, I started to miss the boys before they even left the driveway. I have to resist the urge to call everyday and make sure they are well and having fun. It is horribly difficult to see them load up in the car and travel miles and miles without me there to see all of the sights and feel all of the excitement with them. I hate that part every time they leave.

However, I relish in the few days without them here just as much. A bit of 'free time' without someone constantly asking, needing, fighting. Not that Lucy doesn't, but it's a different kind of needing. She's a baby, kind of easy to entertain and manage, just barely mobile and still can't talk. Trust me, that makes the world of difference.

With the boys gone I have a bit less to do. I have extra time to clean, sew, and (heaven forbid) take a nap. I can start some of those projects I was talking about, take my time at the store picking out paints, work on some organizing I desperately need to do in one particularly mess-prone boys bedroom.

Turbo and I enjoy a few 'luxuries' with them gone too.

We went to the grocery store and bought stuff we usually forgo because the price tag for 6 people is way too high. We filled up our cart with all of the food we need for 5 days, including steaks, seafood, and beer for $50. (Compared to the $175 we usually spend, we were amazed. Then we decided we never should have had 3 kids. Damn them for being so cute and awesome.) We went to the drive in, put Lucy to bed before the first show and watched both movies (Up & Land of the Lost. See Up asap, wait for LotL on dvd) without ever having to get up and go to concessions, use the bathroom mid movie, or threaten to take anyone home.

We went out for coffee (sans donuts) and made huge omelette's for breakfast at home on Sunday without any restraints on what we put in them. We watched more movies, made spicy quesadillas for dinner, did laundry, went to bed early.

Today I'm going to clean & sew, go for a walk, buy some paint. Tonight we're making tuna steaks on the grill.

I don't know what' I'll do tomorrow, maybe watch movies and sleep on the couch with Lucy. Maybe we'll go for another walk. Or I could paint.

I'm sure you're thinking this is no way to spend our little 'staycation' without the big kids. That we are horribly boring people, in desperate need of something fun to do.

Well, you are wrong. Way wrong. We have so much to do when the kids are here. So many things to see, places to visit, day trips, practices, games, go, go, go, go ,go. All of the time, every day, rain or shine. We never stop.

For us, boring is better than a vacation.

Saying Goodbye

I underestimated Lucy.

She can CRAWL now.

In fact, she really likes to crawl.

So much she is doing it all of the time.

ALL of the time.

In light of her new found freedom, I'd like to take a moment to say goodbye to the few things I have enjoyed these last few weeks:

Goodbye quiet, content, sitting baby.

Goodbye stolen free time.

Goodbye Oprah.

Goodbye sanity.

I will miss you.

Scary Chicken

This is what Turbo made me for lunch on Sunday.

A grilled buffalo chicken sandwich.

It turned RED.

It looked HOT.

It was DELICIOUS.

Here's what he did: Marinated the chicken breast in Franks Hot Sauce for 30 minutes. Grilled the breasts until they almost done. Tossed them in Sweet Baby Rays Buffalo Wing Sauce. Baked them on each side for 5 minutes. Served them on a huge kaiser roll with ranch dressing, tomatoes, & lettuce. YUM!

Scooter

It's official...

Lucy is on the move.

Thankfully for us, she is only capable of going backwards.

Guess we'll have to wait and see how long it takes her to figure out the forward thing. (Personally, I think by the end of the month, max.)

It is fun to see her go, and quite a sight to see when
she gets herself stuck under the couch (or pack n play).

Things I Keep Forgetting

I am a busy gal. Being a busy gal I often multitask and balance a few things at one time. Like right now I am feeding Lucy, drinking coffee, making breakfast, doing dishes, folding laundry, and walking the dog.

Unfortunately, when I take on a lot I also forget a lot. Here are a few things I have been meaning to tell you for a while...

1. My SIL Alex and her soon-to-be hubby, Craig, have started this incredible letterpress business. They were frustrated with the high cost of these elegant invites after searching for something beautiful and affordable out in CA. Rather than give up, they bought a press and made their own. Even better, they are now making some lovely designs for other people. Take a peek at the collection on their website or browse ready to purchase goods on Etsy.

The Aerialist Press
The Aerialist Press @ Etsy

2. For all of you Lake Co. residents looking for something to listen to on your Monday commute, try tuning in to WRLR 98.3 Fm and listen to Forethought form the Fourth Dimension from 4-6 pm. It's a great eclectic radio show hosted by Turbo's cousin, Kevin. If you're not a commuter, click on the call letters above and listen from your desktop!

3. My good friend Abby was kind enough to add a few more things to my Summer Fun list. Being a teacher, she has the inside scoop on some stuff! Here are her recommendations:

Park District Kids Concerts: Lindenhurst: Wed. 6:30-8 @ various parks, Gurnee: Tue. 10:30 - 11:15 @ Viking Park, Round Lake: Fri. 11:00 @ various parks

Long Grove Strawberry Fest - June 26-28th - 10am -7pm

Grayslake: Central Park Performance Pavilion
June 30th @ 6pm: Magic Jungle Safari show
August 13th @ 6pm: Party time with Miss Irene & her furry friends (Elmo, Big Bird, & Clifford)

Yertle the Turtle & Other Stories

If the question is what have I been doing while I have not been blogging, let me fill you in. My absence, minus the little note about Ky & Co., has been literally full of E fam shenanigans. I mean, you didn't really think I was just blowing you off did you?

Here is a brief glimpse into our past weekend and an update on this week's current progress...

Saturday:

Rex had his first t-ball game. Our little guy scored lucky number 13 for his way-to-large jersey and, because ABC order is not an R's favorite means of organization, bats last. Not that this is bad, the last batter gets to run all of the bases, thus providing our little child with the idea that he is a t-ball superstar because he hits home runs.

That night we attended a BBQ with some great friends. Rex left the party with a clear idea of which of our friends daughters he'd like to eventually marry and a strong desire to have a mohawk. Nice.

Sunday:

We lazed around most of the day. We decided that Lucy most definitely says 'hi' and 'dada'. She also is trying very hard to clap and wave, feed herself and crawl. Oh, the curious little life of a 7 month old.

The highlight of this lazy Sunday, our power went out unexpectedly. Thinking we were amongst several neighbors with the same problem, we were certainly surprised to find out after 12 am Monday that our power and phone lines were damaged as a result of all of that road construction I've been complaining about around here. Awesome.

Monday:

Drama & more drama with the power company/phone company/village over fixing our problems. Seems no one is upset about the loss of technology but us.

We did however make a new friend in the process. A couple of large snapping turtles have found their way out of the swamp and have decided to hang out in our front yard. Rex decided to appropriately name one Yertle, since he has a strong desire to cross the road to see the rest of his kingdom. I spent way too much time trying to get him to stay in the yard rather than tempt fate crossing our busy street. Fun.

Tuesday:

More power outages as ComEd fixed our power. To ease the boredom, Rex and I did a few puzzles and art projects. When it was all over, he got that mohawk and I got to watch Australia (in several 30 minute intervals). Sweet.

Wednesday:

Nate's last day as a 6th grader. He'll bring home his report card in just over an hour and officially start summer for us. Finally.

Ky & Co.

For all of you that follow...

halfty crafty is now

Ky & Company.

The link is on the side & a new look is coming someday soon!

Cheap! Cheap! (or in some cases, Free!)

Wouldn't be me if I didn't offer some sweet advice on finding fun for less. Here are 10 things you can do in the Chicago area for free or next to nothing this summer.

1. Hang out on the Museum Campus: The major Chicago museums offer family fun for free from time to time over the year. Going on one of these days is well worth the trip, when free general admission means extra cash to spend on some of the additional features you may usually skip.
Shedd Aquarium Adler Planetarium Field Museum
Museum of Science & Industry
The Art Institute of Chicago Chicago Children's Museum

2. Go to the Zoo: The Lincoln Park Zoo is always free. Pack a lunch and picnic in the park, or grab a bite in their cafe. Either way, it's a great day in the city for less.
Lincoln Park Zoo

3. Catch a Flick: The big theaters around the burbs have started to show kids movies at a super low rate on early weekday mornings. Some are older, but you are also apt to find a newer title in some of the bigger movie complexes. Check out this link for details and theaters in your area:
2009 Free Movie List

4. Move to the Beat: Summerfest in Milwaukee is one of the biggest music festivals in the country. Even better, they offer free and discounted admission nearly every day. If Milwaukee is too far, you can always go to one of the free Chicago music festivals.
Summerfest Chicago Music Festivals

5. Visit a Town Fest: Nearly every little town out here in the burbs hosts it's own mini festival to celebrate the summer, most with a free parade to kick it off. Check you local government website for info or try this site for suburban happenings:
Suburban Fests & Fairs

6. Go to the County Fair: This is the first year for the Lake County Fair at it's new location. With all of the new amenities, it is sure to please all ages. To save a bit of cash they also offer wristbands for unlimited rides during the week.
2009 Lake County Fair

7. Try the Taste: The Taste of Chicago gets a bad rap for its long lines and pricey tickets, but it doesn't have to be that way. If you pre-buy your tickets at Dominick's and go for lunch during the week you will save money and enjoy the food without the crowds.
Taste of Chicago

8. Go Green: Farmers Markets are everywhere and you'd be surprised at what they offer. Aside from lovely local produce, you can purchase an array of items to eat, crafts, and even catch a street performer. The best part, it's always free to browse.
Suburban Farmers Markets

9. Take the Scenic Route: I can't say much for other counties, but I can tell you with some certainty that Lake County has some beautiful forest preserves. Each location offers a wide array of beautiful trails, fishing spots, and parks. Or, if you'd prefer some summer ed for your kiddos, take them out to the Discovery Museum. Their Prehistoric Lake County exhibit is on the top of our list this summer.
Lake County Forest Preserve Lake County Discovery Museum

10. Smell the Flowers: Admission to the Chicago Botanic Garden is always free, you only need to purchase parking. The lush gardens and beautiful trails are sure to please people of all ages. It is a gorgeous day trip and certainly worth seeing if you've never been before.
Chicago Botanic Garden

There is so much to do this summer & it does not need to cost a lot.

My fave is hitting Chicago and it's beautiful parks & fests, to wander around there is free and with public transit it doesn't have to cost a fortune in gas either. Try this site to create your own perfect Chicago afternoon: Explore Chicago

If you're up to spending the extra dough, try some of the other 'fests' in Milwaukee. I brag about Germanfest every year, but they offer more than just that on the Summerfest grounds. This site great guide to all Milwaukee festivals: OnMilwuakee

ENJOY!

( thanks to my SIL, Lisa, for inspiring this...she knows I love this stuff!)

Withdrawal

Today I had to make a difficult decision. Go forward with the Avon walk or respectfully withdraw my pledge to participate.

To walk would mean a commitment of the full fundraising amount of $1,800, a looming number I have struggled with since I began this venture. Setting foot on the pavement at the Avon camp means I am financially responsible for the difference between my current fundraising total and the $1,800 minimum. Though Turbo & I still have a donation to make, we cannot afford to donate the $1,200 discrepancy at this time.

I knew when I began this year it would be perhaps the most difficult time to attempt to raise such a large amount of donations. Our economy is struggling, for some that means loss of jobs and homes, for others it is feeling less secure than every before. I understand these obstacles and knew long ago that meeting my goals would be impacted by them.

At the same time, I believe in seizing an opportunity when it arises, giving to those who need it, and working as part of a community to make this world a better place. I felt that this was the time for me to give this walk a try. I did not know how it would end, but I knew that now is the time that organizations like this need support more than ever.

My contribution of nearly $700 is not enough for me to participate in the walk tomorrow. But perhaps it is enough to help a woman and her family pay for lodging while she seeks treatment, or provide a mammogram for someone who cannot afford it, maybe it will fund education programs in 1 school for 1 year, or buy a couple of wigs for chemo patients. Knowing that the money will go to those who need it is enough for me to feel proud of what I have done, not defeated by what I have not.

So, today I graciously withdrew from the walk. It was not my year, not my time. There could be 100 factors as to why, but none of them matter. I have done what I could and I am extremely proud of that.

I am eternally grateful for the support of everyone that did donate to this cause. You should feel just as proud to be a part of something that has potential to save the life of another being. It takes a special person to offer help with no rewards, and it is a privilege to know so many with this selfless quality.

Thank you.

reOrganization

Our lovely garage sale made a bit of extra space around here for a few minor adjustments. The really old stuff is out, the old stuff is just waiting for a nice new place in our home, the new stuff is patiently waiting at a handful of local shops for us to get in gear and purchase it already.

Not that we're going to go running out and refurnishing everything, but we are going to make some changes. I have a laundry list of projects I'd like to complete this summer. Things like painting the boys room, organizing my craft and sewing space, building a lego table for the kids, sewing curtains for Lucy. If we end up finishing all of this with time to spare, I also desperately want to build a new bed for me & Turbo. (Something I've wanted to try to do for years, just kinda scared about it. Since this is my year of 'why the hell not', figured now is the time.)

All this will do, hopefully, is change the fluidity of the house and our day to day existence. I want a space of my own that will foster creativity, not hinder it while I search through my stacks of paper and fabric. I want the boys to have a cool 'big kid' room with things they enjoy filling every nook and cranny of it. I want to transform Lucy's little green room into a girly haven she will eventually love.

Unfortunately, these projects require much more of my time than my spare change. Since the conception and birth of halfty crafty I have decided to take on things myself, rather than run to the nearest department store and purchase a similar object for twice the cost, half of the labor, and no personal connection. I don't necessarily want to be 'green', I just want to be knowledgeable, capable, and hard working enough to do some practical things for my family. I don't want to be the gal who relies on everyone else to get the job done. I want to do it. (Except change tires and oil...perhaps I am a sexist, but those are most definitely boys things and should remain that way. If the boys want to, I'll happily trade talks with the kids about birds & bees for the promise of never ever having to worry about car maintenance. I have a hard enough time getting gas in the darn thing once a week.)

My point in all of this rambling is that I may be a bit more absent these days. In attempt to do all of the things around the house, I may have to let some things slide a bit. I have jam packed my summer (already, I know) with ambitious projects, fulfilling a dream of starting a small craft business, and spare time well spent with family & friends (the fleshy kind, that force me to get up and out from my computer chair). With all of these things, I fear the blog may be what gets put aside on many days.

I just ask that you stick with me, as I spend my summer getting back to the every-few-days posting I began with and patiently wait for it to take its place front and center again next fall. Blogging tugs on my heartstrings like a little kid on your pant leg. I can ignore it for so long, but eventually I am forced to give it my undivided attention until both of us feel better.

Black Sheep

Every once in a while I think about how I got here. How I got to be the kind of person I am, with the perspective I have, and the strength that accompanies some very independent thinking.

I think about how, when you are young, you are continuously told to do the 'right' thing, to do what is 'expected', to make 'smart' decisions. You have to go to college, say no to drugs, associate only with 'good' people. I think about the pressure that comes with all of this. Pressure from every angle to do this, avoid that. I think about the inner conflict to listen to the advice, but find your own way. It is tremendously hard to do everything and please everyone and still remain true to yourself, to your dreams and desires, hopes and wishes.

I know that I did not follow the rules. I fought against the pressure. I said yes to some 'wrong' things, said no to some 'good'. I did things that certainly were not expected, made a handful of 'bad' decisions. I had a hard time following the 'right' path.

I am not rebellious, at least I don't think so. I just don't like to be told what to do. I don't understand what makes some things 'right' and others 'wrong'. I don't understand when or how some individual became the supreme authority on how a life should be led, or who decided what was an acceptable path to follow.

Obviously, there are things we should all avoid. Damaging things, hurtful things, unlawful things. But the other stuff?

Why is it so important that I follow the beaten path? When did it become so horrible to make your own? Why in the world is money so darn important? I understand you need some, but do you have to let it dominate your existence? Do you have to go to college? What ever happened to learning a trade and becoming successful at that? Who decided the only way to be happy is to fall in love, get married, and have a baby? If it doesn't work that way for you are you destine to a life of agony and solitude? Or what if it doesn't follow that order? Does that mean you and your children are damaged goods?

So many unanswerable questions because there is no way to justify why. Follow the path because it guarantees success and security? Not always. Make the money to be happy and comfortable? Says who? Go to college to get a good job? If you're lucky. Fall in love, marry, have kids? Seen the divorce statistics lately? That is my problem with the 'right' way. It's no more of a guarantee than anything else.

I didn't follow the path. Sure, I would do some things differently. I would have gotten a job while I aimlessly tried to figure out what to do when I grew up. I would have made sure I always put myself first. But that's it.

Otherwise, I don't regret any of it. Every pitfall, every decision, every success made me who I am now. I got the degree, got the job, got the guy, eventually. I even got enough money to happily make it from day to day.

But I also got experience, perspective, advice.

Along my way I met a man at an NA meeting while escorting a handful of wayward teens to his group. Though I sat outside the doors and missed every detail of their discussion, he thanked me for coming and mentoring these young people. He assured me that even though my work can be frustrating, it was people like me who made a real difference in lives of kids like them. He said sometimes you say some little thing to some unsuspecting person at the perfect time that has the ability to change their life forever. Immediately, his words impacted mine.

In the time since, I recall little conversations where this was just the case. My great-grandmother telling me about the depression and scarcity of luxuries. My grandparents talking about life and war in Europe. My aunt explaining to us young people that we can't expect to have everything our parents do with the profits from our first real job. Teen moms trying to do their best for their children. Victims of abuse trying to escape a vicious cycle. Words of wisdom from people who may not ever have considered themselves wise, people who may not ever have been given the time of day by anyone else.

The quality of your life is not determined by the path you follow, but your willingness to be open to the things that come your way. It's about opportunity and acceptance, hard work and resilience. Accepting your success, but also your mistakes as part of how you got to where you are.

I didn't follow the rules, didn't do what was expected, didn't make all the smart choices. But everything I have done is out there for everyone to see. There are no secrets, there is no shame, there are no regrets. It's all mine, I own every bit of it, and I accept it as how my life was meant to be.

Some people will follow the rules, they will follow the path, and they will be happy. Others will not. They'll be black sheep like me, but they'll be just as happy.

Weekend Wrap Up

We had one of those weekends where after it's over, you look back and wonder how in the world you made it through. We were so busy I hardly had time to sit down, much less shove in a meal or two.

Friday began our garage sale. Much to our surprise it went over incredibly well. I have not had one in years, and I know it has been a while for Lisa too. After we counted out our profits, we decided we would go ahead and plan another for later in the summer so my parents would have the time to go through a few more of their things. Really, the only thing better than the extra leg room around here is the extra dough in our pockets.

We only encountered one little problem all GS weekend. Road construction prevented us from putting up a sign in the yard and we had several complaints that people could not find the house easily. (I kinda figure the place with all the stuff in the yard was a dead giveaway, but I may be wrong.) To help, Turbo offered Nate a quarter an hour to walk with a sign at the edge of the driveway. He happily did and many people stopped by because of it. Someone even gave him a dollar tip and campaigned for a raise for him. I had to explain he was also receiving a commission on a few toys and was just as eager for customers as we were.

Saturday the garage sale continued, despite a bit of rain and a lot of road construction.

By late afternoon we were packed up and off to the grad party. The boys played, Lucy was passed around, we caught up with family and friends. As he so often does, Rex found a way to cement his status as our family lunatic. This time it was wrestling and he got a nice man sized shoe to the face. I'm sure his black and blue eye will go over well when he meets his kindergarten teachers next week. If anything it will give me practice explaining his fearlessness, something I will need to become good at.

We had loads of fun visiting and Turbo had loads of booze with my cousin's new hubby. All was fine and well until the Jager came out, then things in my family get pretty silly pretty fast. I don't even remember saying goodnight to the grad, but I doubt she'll remember anyway. College life is one thing, but celebrating your accomplishments after is another. Lets just say my cousin did her fair share of celebrating in very good company.

Sunday ended the sale and our tremendously long weekend.
Everyone kinda felt like this...