Breathing Normally Again

Ahh, once again, such a derth of postings.

You know, I spent last weekend driving to Charlottesville to visit a good college friend with another not-so-good-before-but-now-good-college friend. It was such a wonderful time of relaxation. I always knew Melissa in college and was kind of friends with her, but we ran with different circles within the same larger circle. I probably haven't talked to Melissa face-to-face for 15 years. Because I have been out of college That Long, and I am Just That Old. THAT OLD. We had just the most fun driving up. She was oh-so-patient with my goofiness, adding a little crazy of her own. I think getting lost in Greensboro - 30 minutes from my house! - started things off on just the right note. And then there were the mass murders of kamikaze butterflies with my van. And the skanky men at the scary gas station with the non-working bathroom. And then more multiple wrong turns. And then a great half hour at the cutest coffee shop with a journal for us to add to. It was just your typical, memory-making road trip.

Andrea is living in this a.m.a.z.i.n.g. house. It's all wood and stone and set off in the woods such that you feel you are miles from anywhere. Seriously, like something out of a magazine. And, oh, so neat and organized. I think I forget what being in a neat, organized house is like. She and I were especially close our first two years of college, and then she had to go and marry George for some crazy reason (well, you know, LOVE) after our sophomore year, and our paths kind of drifted apart. But you know, within minutes (somewhere during the house tour that I demanded), we fell right back into old times, and she told me, "You haven't changed a bit." Which despite the 15 pounds and a few wrinkles (GASP!) that I've added from those days, is probably true.

Andrea's hubbers and children had vamoosed for the weekend, so it was a true girl retreat. Sooooooo nice. Really. Sometimes road trips make me feel a bit stressed - especially when I have to drive. This one was so much the opposite of that. Andrea is a professional photographer and has the most divine photos ever. Seriously, she makes me want to dig out my wedding dress (well, or one that will accomodate those extra 15 pounds) and have my pictures taken all over again by her. She's so extremely talented, but is also so extremely modest about it. Melissa is also an artist, and if there is something she can't do, I don't know what it is. She sews. She gardens. She kayaks. She makes tables, for crying out loud. These girls just inspire me with their talent and without saying a word, make me want to dig out that artistic side of me that often gets hidden in my Type A-ness. I just love these girls, and I have been missing them all week long.

School has started again this week for Matthew, and the beginning of school always makes me feel like it's New Years. Starting over and starting fresh. So, between spending time with my Queen Bees and getting back into a regular routine, I am feeling much more at peace and content these days. Funny how sleeping later and having nothing much required of me, as it is during the summer, is not so good for me.

So, the breathing more easily comes at a good time as I am starting my new job next week. This will be the first time in 13 years of experience that I have not worked in a school. While the children will be the same, the setting (daycares) and admin will be vastly different. And, I'll be doing weekly supervising - very excited about that. AND, I will only be working Tuesdays and Thursdays this year...no more Wednesday mornings. VERY excited about that. I'm hoping to devote Wednesday mornings to really pursuing this photography thing.

So, beware. I do believe that I might just decide to be a bit more postier now.