5 Days to go

Well, the 6th day to go was so busy I didn't even have a moment to get on but I did see many of you in the evening for a "going away" party. It was a GREAT cover for the surprise birthday party for Eric. I thank all of you who made it possible. It was great to see everyone and the dual party was a success!

I finished the track clinic and visit in Seaside. Now to update the website for that! I think sometimes I put too much on my plate but it was nice to get away from home for a few more days and do something I love. Good news, my arms didn't hurt from throwing as much as I thought they were going to. The kids seemed to like the physio ball exercises I showed them at the end of day 2 and it was fun to watch them try some of them out. I remember feeling so silly and had to remind them that I made it look easy. Now, to remember to pack mind for Alaska!

Preperations for the party when I got home were in full swing and the next few hours were filled with moving and setting up all while ensuring that Eric didn't stop by Mom's. Meet me here, "Oh I got home a bit early and got what you were supposed to," "are you ready for summerfest?" It was fun to poke and prod him in the right directions and have it work. I'm not sure that I've ever really had something work like this and it's in huge part to everyone working together!

I got my free snow cone at Summerfest, saw the new "Monster" and walked with Jenn and Kathy. We came home and got ready to party.

Upon walking in, Eric was shocked to hear "Happy Birthday!" and he stood and you could see that his brain was working overtime trying to figure out what had just happened. That's when you know he was had. We had fun, a slip and slide was installed and the kids LOVED it! Word on the street is that some of the big kids took a turn too. (Ya, that's me on the left and my sister on the right) It was great to see everyone that showed up, catch up with a few people that I hadn't seen in awhile and feel the support and love from friends and family as we make a big life change here at home. Clementine Baseball was awesome! (though I doubt we'll ever get to play it again!)

I must have to say that it was a great day yesterday. A track clinic, a drive in my Jeep, Summerfest, and a wonderful party with friends and family that support us. Who would ask for more? Thank you all.

5 days and counting.....

The long (short) haul

We do things in life that are for the long term. We do things in life that are for the short term. How do we make something that is long term fit into a short term category? You don't. When you have to do, you just cram it all in and hope enough of it packs into that little container that what squeezes out wasn't the part you loved most.

My husband, a long haul. After seven years of no formal pictures, I insisted that we get some taken. We now have some that make me smile when I look at them and will keep me sane while I'm away. People ask how we are going to do it, living apart for a school year. I tell them I'll be home in 4.5 months and then again during the summer. I tell them to ask someone who's been in the military about how they handle being apart because I'm sure it's much the same manner. I just know people won't intentionally be shooting my direction. (well, I hope not anyhow....otherwise I have problems!) Anyhow, spending as much time with the hubby now as possible is like trying to cram a lifetime into a small amount of time that we have left.

Family. They are a long haul too. You can't get rid of them. Sometimes we want to when they embarrass us. We have all had those moments. You know you are all smiling right now thinking of something that crazy aunt or uncle, cousin or parent has done that made you want to crawl under a rock and hide did. However, we love them all the same. Right now, I'm cramming all I can in and drinking in what I can of my family. (except for this little bit of time writing. OPPS!) Big bonus right now, I get to cram in some Sweden Family time too as they happen to be here when I am here. YEAH!

Friends. Many friends can come and go from our lives. Some are there for specific points to get us through certain phases in life. The friends I am talking about are those that have been there for life. Getting to hug those friends one last time before I leave means the world. It's those friends who you can talk to them and their families for 10 minutes and that's all that's needed that I'm talking about. Nothing's awkward, not really too rushed but friendship is renewed in an instant thought it might have been several months or even a year since you saw them last. It's all that's needed so that both feel better and can continue to move along with life.

The short haul, trip home, a track clinic presentation for a respected coach, and a bit more packing. Oh, and maybe some geocaching!

13 days........