Random Thoughts

Wow, I just realized I haven't posted anything in a really long time. Sorry! I guess that's because there is not much to report. Just chugging along at a summer pace. Kids are in camp and enjoying it. The older one is really happy - wow what a change from the beginning of the summer. Answer to his problem: surround him with kids his own age and lots of structured activities. Little one is having fun too. Since it's baseball season he is in heaven. He keeps diligent track of the race between the Red Socks and the Yankees for 1st place (Hopping the Yankees pull ahead of course) and the Soriano trading rumors. He's the only 6 year old I have ever known to wake up early in the morning and instead of turning the TV on to watch Spongebob Squarepants he watches ESPN. Sometimes he reminds me of a 35 year old.

My babysitter is quitting. Now I'm on the perpetual search for a new one. I use college students to watch my kids when I'm at work since we live very close to a university. It's great in one sense: they are usually fairly engaged, can help with home work, have lots of energy, etc. The problem is every time the semester ends I'm screwed. So, now that the summer is ending my current sitter is leaving for a 'real' job. She's a nice kid, but lacks any sort of kid 'instinct'. Like when ever my kids fought she would say they are 'dumb' or are 'dorks' (which they are) but she didn't realize that when you're 6 that can hurt.

I've gained about 5 pounds this summer. Why do I always gain weight over the summer? I think it's because it's so hot I can barely move. It always depressed me, so I try to diet and then quickly blow it, and then I'm cranky towards the rest of my family. You would think after repeating this cycle over and over again I would learn to try to do something different.

I went away for a night by myself. I left the kids with my husband and I went up to NY for a family event. Sister, let me tell you, it felt great! I slept like a baby, listened to MY music the whole way up and back, sang Aretha Franklin songs at the top of my lungs and called old friends from my cell phone. And I mean it when I say absence really does make the heart grow fonder. I really need to take a break from my family more often. It was also great because my husband did an excellent job of taking care of the kids. Not only did no one die while I was gone, but they had a fabulous time. My 6 year old learned how to swim! How did that happen? I'm gone one day and bam, they change. And my husband did it all. Well, it was a great relief and milestone for me - now I can leave my kids with their father every weekend if I want. Humm, I need to start planning my next getaway soon. Well, I'm off for another little jaunt out of town next week, so I might not be able to write for another little while, but school is starting in....2 weeks, 6 days and 6 hours. YES! I will be back on my regular posting schedule by then. Cheers!