Summer has been busy!  I’ve been doing better living in the moment than recording it, which seems to be a bit of a problem for me as a writer.  I’m also adjusting to being with my children ALL day.  I didn’t think I had much time when they were in preschool for three hours, but now I realize how much time I actually had every week.

Since I wrote last, I’ve had some lovely experiences:

— multiple beach trips.  I LOVE living near the coast.

— A weekend getaway with three of my best girlfriends.

— Gil and I went to a super-fun concert with our friends Zip and Ani, who are in the process of moving.

— A weekend kayaking trip with Gil and the boys.

— Lots of impromtu casual summer gatherings with various friends.

— Water slides and lazy-river rides at the water park.

— Flip-flops, ponytails, bathing suits, no makeup — love it!  I am a casual, summer chic if there ever was one.

— lots of lazy days reading books and watching my kids play in the kiddie pool.

— swimming lessons and summer playdates with friends.

Just typing this, I feel like a lady of leisure.  Truthfully, this is the first summer since Piers and Wallace were born that I’ve started feeling like myself again.  Everyone is totally potty-trained, and trips to the pool are no longer stressful.  I’m soaking it all in.  My boys are still at the age where they are cuddly and childlike, but they’re not as high-maintenance as they were as toddlers.  Seriously, FUN TIMES!

Summer also brings some not-so-great things to remind me that I’m far from a lady of leisure:

— We’ve had a flea outbreak. DEAR GOD IN HEAVEN!!!

— The fridge died TWICE.  No worries – $1000 later, we’re good now — no vacation for us.

— Swimming makes my children hungrier than ever, therefore, I’m preparing more food than EVER, and I DO NOT like meal preparation.  Sucking it up and putting on the big girl britches…

— Gil seems to resent that he has to go to work while I get to “have fun” all day, so he’s cranky and we’re fighting more than ever.  It sucks.  Lots more on this later…

— The situation with my mom is still not great, though I’ve gained some insight and perspective in the process.  Stay tuned for a thorough update.

Overall, I’m enjoying life and doing my best to focus on how very much I have to be grateful for.  It makes a difference.  Yes, our refrigerator breaking was costly and inconvenient, but at least we had the money to pay for it.  I am updating my resume, and preparing to job hunt once the boys return to school.  It’s time.  I’m proud of myself for rolling up my sleeves and tackling this stay-home mom gig, and I’ve learned SO much.  I’m thankful that I’ve had this time with my children; many moms and dads do not have the luxury of staying home with their kids.  That said, I’ve learned a lot about myself in the process.  I am a person who needs to work — NOT that stay-home mothers don’t work.  Oh my lord, do they work, but truthfully, I’m a dreadful housekeeper, meal preparer, schedule enforcer.  Yes, I’ll have to still do some of that (okay, A LOT of that), but for my own sanity and self-esteem, not to mention that we’re broke, I’m ready to work outside the home again, even if it’s just part-time.

Lots of other things going on that I hope to share with you soon.

Peace