Like A Band Gypsies

Greetings Folks!

Over the past week, Jak and I have been on the road again, like a band of gypsies we rolled down the highway.  Seven days, 2700 miles (round trip) over 12 states.  Our journey of a thousand (plus) miles began with Jak giving me the stink eye and ended with poison ivy on my feet.  The good news is, everything in between went really well.

Since my childhood vacations always revolved around making this trip (in the reverse order), I didn't mind all the driving.  Though a co-pilot would've been nice for conversation and perhaps to do some of the driving so I could do some sightseeing, Jak and I managed just fine.  I stocked up at the library with books on CD and managed to get almost all the way through two.  Sometimes I get a bit distracted listening to books so getting through two is a big accomplishment for me.  Jak was a good passenger.  Only occasionally did he get a little antsy or restless.  He is an easy traveler as he will eat his meals and do his business pretty much anywhere so a rest area is more than adequate for him. 

Jak's good nature was put to the test a bit when he had to spend a few days with Mom's new puppy.  Maizie Grace is a good little dog, she is however young and I took to calling her Miss Wiggles.  She made my Jakky look like angel (for the most part) as she took to jumping on his head.  I reminded Jak that he was young and energetic once too.  As I was loading up the car to head out on Tuesday Jak was outside watching me with a look that said don't leave me.  When I got his leash, he literally jumped up and down and willingly got in the car which doesn't always happen.  This picture pretty much sums it up.  Maizie jumping at the camera, Jak in the background wondering if it's time to go home yet.

My freezer is delightfully full of spaghetti sauce from my favorite spaghetti dinner I used to attend regularly, containers of chicken pie filling and corn from my uncle's garden.  A friend loaned me a cooler to take north and we loaded it up, strapped it closed and wrapped it in a sleeping bag.  The ice had barely melted when I arrived home last night and opened it.

Aside from a quick tour through my old work stomping grounds, this trip was all about family.  I had some really good visits with my step mom and aside from being very thin, she is otherwise so normal and positive.  I was telling my dad it's too bad we can't donate weight to somebody like you donate blood.  I'm sure she'd have a long line of willing donors at her door.  By the time I left, my step mom was talking about taking a trip to come visit me.  From the bottom of my heart I hope the treatment gives her the opportunity to do anything she wants to.  And as much as anything, I believe her thinking forward like that will carry her through.

Today I go back to work which I have mixed feelings about.  It will be good to see everyone.  A week away has probably rejuvenated me some but it has also left with me a greater feeling that this is not what I want to be doing long term.  So I will continue to pursue other potential opportunities and see where the road leads me.

Hopefully my week away has also provided me with the break I needed to get back into writing my blog regularly again.  Several of you mentioned that you still check for updates and I'll work toward there being more. 

For now, it's lunch and the US World Cup match.

Until next time...
Peace & Love,
Hope

Cheers!

Howdy Friends,

The theme song from the old show Cheers has been running through my head this morning...
"Making your way in the world today takes everything you got. 
Taking a break from all your worries should would help a lot.
Wouldn't you like to get away.
Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name."

I think there are two reasons this song is on my mind this morning.  First because some days at work really feel like they take all I've got to get through.  (Yesterday being one of those days.)  And secondly because I'm heading north to the home state in a couple of weeks.  Where everybody knows my name.

This time I'm taking a week off from work, driving and bringing Jak.  For those that don't know, as I only eluded to details when I went home for a few days in January, my step mom is battling cancer.  She has been through a round of radiation and chemo since I was last there that did not elicit the desired results so she has just begun a second round chemo.  She has known since diagnosis that it is not curable.  The hope is to at least slow it down.  As I previously wrote about, she continues to handle it all with such grace.  She always finds something good say even when she could be so downtrodden in the report she is giving.  If you believe in something, anything, please say a prayer for her or surround her with white light or whatever works for you.  She is a courageous lady.

I am looking forward to seeing family and friends.  I am also looking forward to some time away from work.  As both of my parents have pointed out it's a lot of driving to only be there a few days.  Which, I guess it is.  I think it will be good though.  I'm not going crazy making tons of plans ahead like I did in January.  I'm just going to roll with it and see where it goes.

Over the weekend while at a used furniture shop, I noticed a yoga studio next door.  I haven't been to any yoga classes since moving here and feel like I'm ready to start again.  I looked the studio up online and they have a Monday morning class which would be perfect this week since I have to close at work today.  When I went online again this morning to verify the time, there was a message that said the studio is closed June 9th, 10th and 11th for construction.  Oh.  Well, I guess today isn't the day that I get back into yoga.  The studio also rents stand up paddle boards (a popular activity here) which is something I would like to try sometime.  Though I have some reservations around being on the water I think I would be okay with a life jacket and someone experienced on the water.  Anyway, an activity for my to do list.  If anyone wants to come visit and go with me, yes please!

A friend of mine from the home state is packing up today and heading off to start a new adventure in Texas with her family.  As I can empathize with the fear and sadness of making a big move like this, I can also encourage and say, taking the leap is totally worth it!  Safe travels my friend, you got this!

Be well, kids.  Be courageous and be encouraging.  And most of all, laugh as often as possible!

Until next time...  Om!

Peace & Love,
Hope