Ethan’s Journey

 Today was the day of “getting things done!” I got so much accomplished. I decided to “take one for the team” and tackle the massive amounts of poison ivy in the flower beds.  I suited up in my long pants, long sleeved shirt and rubber gloves. There was a lot of squatting and pulling that was happening. I was hot in the sun. Sweat was dripping from my brow into my eyes. Super attractive. I got mad at it! I was annoyed it was there. I started pulling out roots like a mad woman. Paul can attest that I am not nice when mad. When I was finished I told Ethan to stay outside. “Give me 5 minutes in the house before you come in.” I said “I am stripping nude in the basement and washing everything and will be running naked to the shower.” I did what I said. I took a cold shower due to how hot I was. I pulled out so much poison ivy. I was tracking the roots and pulling those out as well.  I picked up all the leaves and tossed them in the woods. I washed everything I touched with dis...

 I received my transition plan for work. It seems the transition will take place the week we are at the islands. Awe man! I was going to take a few days off but this is going to put a wrench in that. Boo! I was able to pick up my groceries tonight so that tomorrow I can get cracking at preparing meats for our trip AND do a little meal prep too! I also need to do yard work tomorrow so it should be a busy day. Avery sent me the cutest audio message. Ever since the kids have been young, when I see something that is pretty I point it out. “Look at the beautiful sunset. It is almost as beautiful as I am.” Years this has been going on.maybe even 20 years or more.  Avery used that line on Kendall’s mom. Kendall’s mom got them some marigold’s for their porch. Avery took a picture of them thriving. She attached the note “these flowers are almost as pretty as you are.” She said. Kendall’s mom thought that was great. It made her day. Avery shared the news with me…..flattery will get you ...

 I had the difficult conversation of saying NO and declining this position that was offered to me. Pushed on me? Pressured on me? Heavily suggested I need this in my life! I know I was disappointing my boss but I have to stay true to myself. I hate that feeling of disappointing her. She is wonderful and I love her. I was flattered she thought I could do a great job at it, but ultimately I had to stick with my gut. I felt awful afterward. I was proud of myself that I did it over the phone. It would have been easier as an email. I felt I owed her a phone call. I know she is in a tough spot. I told her I could help be an advisor or assist with small projects with the person they choose, but I didn’t want that responsibility of building what she wanted me to build. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my chest. Things I don’t like:  disappointing people  having difficult conversations with people people - the ones that I don’t know and are acting foolish! The rest of the ...

 I woke up this morning and Paul asked me if I remembered him waking me up because I was snoring. I did not remember as I slept so soundly and beautifully. He then shared my response to his accusations of snoring. “You snore!…… I am a lady. I don’t snore.” He found this comical. I told him this morning….even in my sleep I tell jokes. I was most certainly snoring. Another day and more pressure from leadership to accept this new position. I tried to approach it with an open mind but my gut is screaming “No-Way!” My gut is usually spot on. I went to the dentist and got my crown. My idea of a crown is something that sparkles and is so pretty!  Did you know this crown looks like it was made out of tooth material? Not sparkles. What a rip off. It should be called a tooth hat. That is what it is essentially. I told them that the appointment certainly was not what I expected. Dropped $1400.00 and nothing is shiny or made of diamonds. I thought I was leaving with a crown!  I then ...

​today it seemed on problem came after the next. They weren’t overly complex, but just never eased up. After 10 hours I finally shut my computer and quit for the evening.  The dogs got to go on a walk a few times today. I have been leaving Ferguson behind. He doesn’t want to run fast, he wants to mosey. He had several chances to mosey around the yard today-his favorite. We had a 3 person family meeting about the next two weeks as it will be quite busy.  The poison ivy rash is winning so far. I may need medical intervention to win. Either way….i am going to win this battle. I just need to call for back up.

I was approached by leadership today with an opportunity to do a different job. It would still sort of be recruiting but working with students. I was flattered they thought I could make the program successful, but I am very hesitant as I like my team and where I am currently am. I made a pros and cons list. I have to give some sort of answer by tomorrow. It was heavy on my mind. It dominated my afternoon thoughts. I had a running pros and cons list. Ugh! After work, I went to dinner with a friend. I gave her a cottage core birthday mug. It had flowers on it with surprises in the middle. She loved it. We laughed! We had margaritas with dinner. We chatted and caught up. It was a nice evening. When I got home, Ethan had fed the dogs without being asked. Wow!!! This is such progress. I went to bed early.

  The dogs crack me up. They do live a good morning snooze in the sunshine. I visited and had dinner with Mom and Gene this evening. They are having a blast at their new place. Avery came to visit on her way home from work as well. I was delighted my mom kept the little snowmen that I would hide for her to find around the house. Avery and I hid some. I like the thought of her smiling when she finds one. Silly game meant to bring joy. Avery got the tour of the new place.  Mom and Gene took us to dinner at one of the restaurants. Everyone is so nice there. Everyone says “hello”, the windows are bright and cheerful and we enjoyed visiting. We were laughing at Mema and were talking about how she should run people over with her scooter if they piss her off.  Avery talked through her thoughts on her next steps. She has options and a plan. We had large bowls of ice cream for dessert. Yum! Gene got 4 scoops of ice cream! He was so happy! When I got home Ethan had already fed the ...