I forgot to add that I put some newer pictures up. Typical me I have no idea where they actually are on the site, but I am sure you computer geeks can figure it out :)

Let's see... what is going on around here?

Since the womens gym that I was using closed down and I am no longer at the airport, A and I joined 24hr Fitness again. We have actually been doing a good job of going, for which I am pleased (we had better - dang thing costs an arm and a leg!). I love the spin classes there. They are so much more challenging than they were at the other gym. I leave soaked, so I guess that's a good thing? In addition, we are all now in Taekwondo. It has been fun and challenging as well. I took it for a few months pre marriage and loved it, it was just too expensive to continue. Now we are all in it and determined to continue and succeed. It is a good team building activity as well :)

The kids are doing great. Huge, mostly helpful and enjoying their summer break. It is hard to believe that they are mine sometimes. They are tall, opinionated (OK, that's not hard to believe) full of energy and just all so different. They start back on the 6th, so we are enjoying EVERY minute before they go back.

I have been working mostly from home again which has worked out well, especially during the summer months with everyone home. I did get a job offer from Southwest but am unsure at this time if I will take it for it was a full time offer and I can't imagine the household going off well with me gone that often. I am continuing through the process, though, because it could also be entirely possible that it would work. Again, free flight benes for all of us, generous flights for friends and family, etc. I am praying for an answer either way. I know what I want for the family - I want to travel, see family, show the kids the world. But more than anything I want a family that is intact and together.  *sigh* If it were just me it would be a no brainer, but there are so many others involved!

Andy's work is slow, which is good and bad. He comes home around 4:15, we do our family stuff and then if I have to go into the office to mix I do so (usually 3 nights per week). I think the kids are doing well with having both of us at home again together, which is great. We are just having a really relaxed summer. The older boys have been really mellow (which is great because Eric is so not!)

Hmmmm, what else? We both joined facebook and have reconnected with friends from high school. I have stayed in contact with my closest girlfriends from that time frame (yes, I am blessed) but there were some friends here and there that we just lost over time. It has been great catching up and having a window into the lives that they lead now. Of course, this has brought back memories from high school (both good and bad) and it has been interesting the last few weeks. Mostly memories of my parents, choices they made, how I will "try" and be different with my kids. I think that is what we all say, though, right? I know my parents did. Don't get me wrong - overall they were great (otherwise, well, how could H and I be so fabulous? ;) but there were some aspects that had lasting effects on who I am now. That all seems to have come to the surface over the last few weeks (yes, I know - lucky me).

I feel like I am at a good place now. In retrospect I know that my life has gone exactly the way that God wanted it to. Choices that I made were done to lead me where I am now. This is one of those moments that I would love to have them here to hash this out with, talk about, debate. I would love to sit down now as an adult and ask questions of that time. I have it figured out from my perspective, but I lack that adult perspective that would help me avoid the same mistakes with my children.

Delaney just said goodbye to me as she headed upstairs behind Andy. What a Daddy's girl! Even when she was just an infant he would pick her up and she would snuggle in, even if it was his leather jacket. She doesn't care. He comes through the door at night and she yells "Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!" and laughs all the way, running to him. I wonder, was I ever like that? I know as an adult I am so much more reserved (in most areas). Was there anything, anyone that I ran to with that much conviction? I have so many reservations about who I am, what I have done in my life, how I reflect in others. I just wonder if I had that reckless abandonment as a child and lost it, or if I was always this way. I am starting to share my opinion more freely, tell people what I think and share what goes on inside more often instead of being so to myself with my emotions, but it isn't always easy. It has proven to be a positive move with the good doctor, but not so much when it comes to my other relationships. (where is the shrugging shoulder emoticon)?

I guess that is it for now. I need to be better about blogging. I was so good two years ago about coming and telling everyone (mostly myself) exactly what I thought, felt and experienced. Now, I am just blah about it. Sorry!

Tomorrow I will come and post pics so that you all can see. I KNOW I have been bad about that :)

 

OK, so it is clear now that I have no idea how to use this system. I tried adding music to my blog, and well, it didn't go well.

Things are good. I did get laid off from United after all (booooo) but have applied for Southwest (with several hundred others :). We used our benefits as much as we could while I was there - the kids flew alone, we went to the OC as a family and also headed to SF for the day. I don't have any regrets - just wish I could have stayed longer. Who knows - maybe the gas prices will drop and they will call me back someday! I am still working for the good doctor anyway, but he doesnt offer free flights like they did!!

The kids are good. We are on summer break until the first week of August. Then they go back and start a traditional calendar for the first time - they have always been on a track schedule until now.

Not much else to report. I finally did a facebook page after much "encouragement" from my friends.

The rest of today has more work in store, a half hearted attempt to clean my house (I am in the why bother mode), swimming with the kids, the gym with Andy later and then sitting on the porch with my yummy, new found beer (yes - me beer!). I found an import Belgian brand that is infused with raspberries. It doesn't taste like beer at all. In fact, it is just like a Martinelli's for adults - and I don't have to share!