Back by Popular Demand

Okay, okay I hear you. Remember when I said I was an undisciplined sort? Well, this last month off from blogging proves it. I went on vacation, accepted a promotion (sold my soul to the devil) and it all went downhill from there. Now, I catch myself wanting to blog, but usually that is when I'm at work and since I'm trying to be "a good example" I must refrain. Then I get home, and well, if you saw my home, then you'd understand.

I've caught myself frequently daydreaming of the Bahamas and the life of luxury I left there. No servants came home with me, no constant buffet of food (that I didn't prepare), no swimming pool with a pineapple umbrella drink waiting for me. No alone time with my hubby.

Now we're back to the usual. The usual strewn laundry from one teenager's bedroom to the other. The usual strewn dishes from kitchen to T.V. to basement to the depths of Prince Lawn Gnome's lair. Back to the usual ringing cell phone, barking dogs, stress of homeschool and work. Is it too soon to take another vacation?

Yes, I miss the teal water. I miss the perfect breeze from the beach. I miss gazing at the stars from the ship's deck. I miss having a romantic dinner with my hubby every night. I miss the peace. I miss the quiet. Now, I know why the lady that's been on 81 cruises has returned so many times. It's Post Vacation Stress Disorder!

Rest and Reflection

Today my bible study was on rest. How to run a good race with appropriate physical and spiritual rest throughout the journey. It was enlightening. So many times when I think I'm resting, I'm really just being lazy. Or even if I'm truly resting, I'm feeling guilty for doing so.

This particular topic is calling out to me like an ambulance with a big red shining light on top. We need to rest. As a family, as a couple, as individuals we have been running a race to tend to the urgent. Our time is spent running from one activity or project to another. Funny how the projects never end. There is never a day when every one's needs are met and all are content.

I think all these reasons are why my hubby is soooo happy that he and I are taking a vacation to celebrate our anniversary. Yes, the Oceangypsymom is returning to the ocean! We are taking our first cruise. Now, I'm excited, but before I can officially relax, there are a lot of details to attend to. My hubby on the other hand, is excited now. Everyday, he counts down the time till departure. Everyday, he finds another element of the trip to check into. I don't think I realized how fast he has been running his race until now. I think all this excitement is a direct result over having run a particularly long and energy-draining time. He's in the home stretch and rest is just around the corner. Oh, Lord, I pray there is not a hurricane!

Back to the Grindstone

Back from vacation and I'm exhausted. I need a vacation from my vacation. The fireworks tent was a great success and I'm very thankful that it is all said and done for another year. I thought I'd never get the gunpowder residue off me. Braveheart is unfortunately sporting a souvenir from the season. She has a burn on her arm from an artillery shell that fell over. She IS brave indeed. She has never even shed a tear! (For all Grandma's reading this entry... she is fine, really. We are taking good care of her.)

My stepdad, came up for the week to help with the tent. He was great and is running circles around me. Now that he's had his heart attack and new stints put in, he is so full of energy I can hardly believe it. He never stopped for a minute. On top of helping at the tent, he made five or six batches of homemade ice cream, fixed my dryer, did all the laundry (think mountainous), cleaned out the furnace filter, took out the trash, ran errands, etc... I may start referring to him as the Energizer Bunny.

My mom joined us after all the fireworks fun (she's no dummy). To her credit, she did not drive me crazy with advice or guilt over Braveheart's arm. Instead, she accompanied us to the doctor's office where we were held hostage in the waiting room for 45 minutes watching Michael Jackson's funeral. I have never seen a more glorified and celebrated pedophile in my life. Sorry MJ fans, but it's a sad day in America when we gloss over the truth and concentrate only on the image and the music; proof that we really are going to hell in a hand basket.

Now, I'm back to the grindstone. Back to work, back to trying to figure out all the home school stuff, back to running kids all over the place and did I mention that I need a vacation from my vacation?

Longing for the Ocean...

Just looking at the picture I choose to post of the ocean makes me miss it. I miss looking out onto the water. I love the water. I thank God for water. It soothes me.

I need to be soothed. My nerves feel raw and exposed (stress). I need solitude and maybe a good nap. I think that this concept is one that I find hardest to explain to those around me. I NEED alone time. It's not that I don't love or like you. No, I'm not mad at you. Yes, I am ignoring your phone calls, but don't take it personally. I just need time. I need personal space without someone needing or wanting anything from me. I need to unwind the whirlwind in my brain. Life is always so busy that I can't hear my own thoughts.

This week I'm taking a blogging vacation, and hopefully, will enjoy some peace and quiet. Yes, mom, now I know what all the hub-bub was over "peace and quiet."

In the meantime, if you check in and I haven't posted... just take a minute to enjoy the ocean view (pic) and take a deep breath. I'll be back... I promise.