Hiatus

I'm going to take a brief hiatus on my words due to vacation. I guess that's as good of an excuse as any. If I get the urge, I might write something. But right now, recooperating is necessary.

Anticipation

That's a big word for the simple act of worrying. I've always pretty much been a worry wart. I over think things and play things out in my mind a bazillion times. Many times when an event actually gets here, it's almost like a déjà vu moment because I've thought about it so much. Or the other thing that I do is include it in my dreams. That always stinks because I sleep lousy those nights.

I have to remember that this word carries a positive energy, too. Looking forward to things is joyful. There is always an element of surprise in finding out if things go smoothly or rocky. And in trying to remain positive, I do my best to focus on the happy endings.

But the Mom in me tends to gravitate to the worst case scenarios in order to be prepared. Ellen Degeneres said her Mom always told her if you expect the worst, you'll most always be pleasantly surprised with the real outcome over the one you imagined. I don't always think like that, but I do always think of that concept when I'm about to embark on unknown territory.

As our beach trip nears, I'd be lying if I said my stomach wasn't churning a few times per minute. I've been hearing horror stories from other parents that were down there this week for senior week. I've resorted to praying and trying to live in denial. The good news is is that I'm packed. That's a good thing to focus!!

My mind is flashing back to our after prom night here. I didn't get a whole lot of sleep that night. And I spent more than a few cycles worrying. So of course I'm thinking I'm in for 7 days and nights of that same torture. I sure hope there is a pleasant surprise awaiting me at the end of that tunnel!!!

LOL

Hearing Tony laugh out loud is entertaining in and of itself. It almost reminds me of this cartoon cat's laugh from when I was a kid. I can't remember the cartoon, but every time I hear him, my mind goes there.

Tonight while watching tv, he kept telling me how funny this one commercial with Jeff Gordan was. I was always out of the room. But I finally was here one time. It is actually a video I saw quite a while back. Jeff pranked a car salesman and took him for a test drive. He scared the bejesus out of him.

I found the whole video and showed him. He laughed until he cried. He just now made the comment he laughed so hard he gave himself a headache. It's so good to hear his laughter, even if it does come from a dumb guy car commercial. It's music to my ears.

Quality Time

Today was Mom-Daughter day with Cass. After she kept me up until 2 last night, or more accurately this morning, I got a late start to the day. We lazed around until it was time to go to the oral surgeon appointment for her wisdom teeth. My brainiac is too smart and it's coming out in her teeth! They have to be removed at the end of July. I guess I'll get yet another opportunity to play nurse maid.

After the appointment, we did a little beach shopping and got pedicures. She only told me a couple of times I was getting on her nerves. It mostly had to do with changing the music station from the thumping rap crap she listens to sometimes. But for the most part, it was a pleasant enough day.

We ended the evening with yet another movie marathon. One of my favorite actors is Tom Hanks. I think I've passed my love of him onto her. She loves Forest Gump. Tonight was Castaway. It's just another reminder of how alike we are.

When I think of our similarities, it gives me comfort in knowing that even though she'll soon be off on her own adventures, she'll really never be far from me. It's the same with Jen. While the two of us have our differences, something will happen, and I'm reminded of our unending connection.

Quality time isn't just spent in the present, but also in our memories. I love days like this where I add to that memory bank. I plan to take out deposits for years to come.

Teenagers

Cassidi went to her Grandpa's for a few days. Then she stopped off at some friends from Tazewell and decided to spend the night. She got home late this evening, and I figured I wouldn't recognize her. She was actually more talkative than I've seen her in ages.

Tonight she wants to start a movie at 11:30. I told her we need to go to bed as she has a dental (wisdom teeth consultation) appointment tomorrow, and we want to get pedicures. She said we can go afterward and sleep until 11. She's going to be the death of me this summer I have a feeling.

We eat badly, stay up too late, and sleep in far too long. All of this is done in her dungeon basement bedroom. I try to hang, but I have a feeling I'll look a tad more haggard than her 18 year old self. I don't want to be a teenager again, just have the metabolism and energy they do. Maybe in my dreams.

Sunday

The day of rest. And I sure needed it today. I did my best to hold the couch down and even took a little nap. I don't mind giving myself permission to recooperate these days. We all need time to rejuvenate.

Next week is senior beach week. I was the crazy Mom that agreed to take six girls. I doubt I'll be getting much rest worrying about them. I may as well make this a week full of Sundays to prepare myself!!

Hiking

Today I was reminded yet again that "I ain't as young as I once was". We spent a lazy morning at home watching tennis. After that I got the bright idea to go for a hike. We drove over to Stone Mountain for our adventure. We didn't hit the trail head until 5:00 p.m. Tony was in charge of looking at the trail map to pick the route. He said we'd do the loop. I asked how long it was and he said it didn't say. That should have been clue number one!

I've been having some pain in my left, lower back. I do my best to ignore it, but the further we walked, the more that became impossible. Earlier on the trail, we heard a group of people say something about taking the more difficult route up the mountain. They were going in our direction. Clue number two!!

Fortunately, Tony hikes like a Grandma. He didn't mind stopping while I stretched and moaned and groaned as the trail steepened and countless sets of steps appeared. I kept searching for the top of the mountain, but it seemed it would never come. Finally, we got there and were rewarded with a beautiful view. Tony didn't want to leave, but I knew if we were going to get back before dark, we needed to get started.

Once we found the trail again, I immediately started wondering how much further. Climbing is hard on one set of muscles in my body, and the descent is hard on yet another. This getting old business is for the birds! I tried to stay positive and enjoy the views. But the end of the hike was always close by in the back of my mind.

We came to a fork in the trail, and I finally got the answer as to how long the loop was. I was too tired at that point to even read that part. I was just looking for the direction to follow. It wasn't until we went about a quarter of a mile further that Tony decided to tell me the loop was 4.3 miles. I about fell on the ground in a puddle! I knew we hadn't gone but about 2 miles at that point.

We had a discussion about perceptions and mind over matter. I said a few curse words, but finally set my mind to get to the car. Once I get focused, look out! I was on a mission.

Tony did manage to find a couple of diversions in the waterfall and the old home place that are along the trail. They were actually a nice break from thinking of my aching body and wishing for the end. We finally got to the crossroads on the trail where we heard the group make the comment about the harder route (2.5 hours later). I knew it was just a short distance to the car. Again, I nearly fell to the ground, but this time to kiss it!

Next time, I'll be sure to remember the lessons I learned today. NEVER let Tony pick the trail and LISTEN to the advice of the other hikers. Tomorrow the couch has my name all over it, and if I go getting any bright ideas, I'll be sure to hit the mute button!!