Grateful Friday

Today I give thanks for...

A quiet weekend in the purview. The last few weekends have been full and the next couple will be too so it's nice to have some down time.

Don't get me wrong...I like full. It made me very grateful to be able to host Lily and friends for a Mexican fiesta last Friday. They enjoyed a home cooked meal and I enjoyed getting to know them better.

Ted made it back to the city very early Sunday morning. It wasn't easy. He took the train from O'Hare, but had to get off in some random spot because the tracks were blocked. There were buses that took him a little further into the city, but the driver abruptly said, The bus stops here. He called an Uber and arrived safely. I'm pretty sure the situation was due to the rioting in Chicago that night. I worry about him more in Chicago than I did when he was in London or Portugal half a world away.

Sayonara Chicago. We move out next week just in time for what I sadly believe is going to be a very bad summer in the city.

Young love. New love. Ted's in love. In love with Meryl and the wide world. He made a video of their trip that had me all teary. They have had quite the courtship and are a sweet couple. I'm beyond happy for them.

 

Familia on Sunday. My brother and sister-in-law suggested they bring dinner. It was impromptu, but I had the ingredients for a salad, and ramekins of tapioca and pots de creme for dessert. They brought Stefanos' pasta and Il Ritrovo's pizzas, and it was a fun, delicious feast.

Pfaffing. Refreshing. Shopping my house. Sometimes just moving things around feels better than buying something new.

Cleaning out the refrig this week. I found two soon to be sad zucchini so I made a pot of Smitten Kitchen's Zucchini Butter Pasta. It was as good as I remembered it. Next week it's the freezer. I have a very short grocery list.

 

Spring cleaning. Tomorrow I will tackle all my closets and aim to reduce my wardrobe by a third.

Spring blooms. The magnolias and the daffodils are popping. Everything is greening up and the air is sweet. We have a leg up on our spring clean up...the yard is looking good.

Catching up on journals.

Knowledge. The more I learn, the more I want to know.

 

Lily killed her calculus exam. It's her hardest course, but she's sticking with it and working hard.

 

Grandma and Grandpa are coming to Madison to take her to brunch on Sunday.

A Cup Half Full Kinda Day

 

I'm having such a great day that I want to take note of the little things that are always instant attitude adjustors. Things like enough sleep, morning exercise, music, a low carb lunch and happy evening plans. It all makes perfect sense except how elusive self care can be.

I finally took off the flannel sheets yesterday and I had such a solid night's sleep that it cannot be a coincidence. It was cool, but that's they way we like it. I didn't want to get up when my alarm went off, but after 2 snoozes, I did. Since I've been back from Grand Cayman, I've struggled with recommitting to the morning exercise routine I'd established even though it was a game changer for me. My kettle bells kicked my butt this morning. It hurt so good.

I drank my lemon water, ended my shower with a steady dose of cold water and made a salad for lunch. Usually, I listen to news whenever I'm in my car, but I've been opting for music lately. It is a definite mood booster. I have a playlist of songs that I never get tired of. Songs that lift me up and make me happy to be alive every single time. Alicia Keys' Gramercy Park, Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah, Al Jarreau's Bring Me Joy, Ingrid Michaelson's You and I and Elle Fitzgerald's Volare are just a few on the eclectic song smash up I love. 

It's a broody, moody day, but I feel light and happy. That's it. That's enough.

Monday Morning Musings

 

After the family day on Sunday we all needed and wanted, I drove the kids back to Madison this morning. Actually, Ted drove there and I drove back. I didn't get enough sleep so I was grateful he was ready to take the wheel. He put me in charge of tunes. I impressed him with my playlist, which was a playlist of Teddy tunes that I have grown to love. I had to add a few more after this weekend.

It was a crazy windy, snowy ride there and back. Ted was wearing shorts and only took a jacket after I insisted. Lily absconded another one of my sweatshirts. It's one I took long ago from Mike so I didn't say anything. She was relegated to the way back because Ted's bike was occupying the back seat. He's training for an Iron man this fall. He's always a guy with a goal.

We dropped Lils off first so she could get to her 9:55. Ted and I unloaded the van. He brought the important stuff...guitar, chicken, eggs and avocados, and clothes for the 70 degree swing in temps we can experience this time of year. I made his bed and he vacuumed. I could tell he was happy to be reunited with the boys. His first graduate class was at 1:00 just across the street at the business school, which is why he balked at the coat.

I sang my way home again. It was a quick, emotional ride. I seem to get in my feelings in my car. Music only makes me mushier. They were happy feels though. My two are thriving and nothing makes me happier. I catch myself feeling wistful for when they were younger, but it never lasts long because I am so into these versions of Teddy and Lily. And I still get unsolicited hugs and I love yous. Truth is I love all the ages and stages, but I am conscious to be present in the here and now instead of ruing or pining.

Sunday Snippet

 

We have a full house and I'm the first one up by design. I set my alarm and only hit snooze twice. These are my favorites: everyone home and quiet mornings. Although with Hazel in the house, it's rarely quiet. Sister has lots to say all day and all night. I propped open the patio door even though it's cooler today. I like the fresh air and the bird banter as much as they do.

When the house wakes, I'll make breakfast. It may be awhile. The girls were out late dancing at Morgan Wallen and Teddy is jet lagged from a full day of travel: Lisbon to London to DC to Chicago. It was a real life planes, trains and automobiles situation. Yesterday he was still running on adrenaline after seven days in Portugal. He was full of stories and I was right: he's dreaming and scheming to move there for a year one day.

I'm looking forward to a chill family day today. Tomorrow Ted and Lily go back to Madison for the final few weeks of the semester. After what transpired in Chicago this weekend, I am even more grateful that they are both back in Badger territory. 

 

weekending

It was a beautiful holiday weekend, but it didn't really feel like Easter. I know that's because we didn't follow through with our plan to attend mass at Old St. Patrick's in the Loop Sunday morning. No excuses. Our 24 hour Chicago visit was a tad robust and we simply ran out of time to do all of things we needed and wanted to. Actually, 24 hours and 10 minutes, which meant our parking went from $57 to $75. Yep, $18 for a tenth of an hour. I'm a little over the city.

We have had so much fun taking advantage of Ted's pad with a view on the 58th floor of the John Hancock, but it's also made me realize that the urban high rise life is not for me. Chicago is fun to visit, but I have zero desire to call it home. I'm pretty sure Ted is feeling similarly. He may want to move to Portugal though.

The purpose of our trip was twofold: to start packing for our move out at the end of the month and to spoil Lily Kates a little bit. She came home on the Badger Bus Friday after class. Apparently, it is very un PC to observe Good Friday. The same classes that were canceled the Friday before spring break were not cancelled in observation of this holy day. Oh, and she had a quiz on Sunday night. Yes, on Easter Eve. I'm a little over higher education too.

She came home with a cold so we decided on a quiet night in with plenty of kitty time. I learned that she jumped in Lake Mendota Thursday night on her way home from a Frat party. Lake Mendota was frozen a few weeks ago. I think she earned that cold. She requested calzones and Mike complied. We cued up a movie and called it a night.

 

We planned to leave for the city by 10 o' clock. We were on the road by 11 and that was close enough for us. Ted's place was evidence that he packed for Portugal in a hurry at the last minute. At least he ran the dishwasher and took out the garbage. We visited the Museum of Contemporary Art. It's a couple blocks from the JH and we've walked by it many times always talking about checking it out. I love the Art Institute, but it's a whole day thing and that wasn't going to work. It happened to be family day so we were admitted gratis. That ended up being a very good thing because most the exhibits were either preachy or creepy. We didn't stay too long. Edited to say that I like art; even art that makes me feel uncomfortable, but I'm growing tired of always being made to feel I am an awful white heterosexual Christian American. I'm a little over with everything being divisive and political these days.

 

I got into mom mode whipping #5805 into some semblance of shape while Mike and Lils shopped along the Avenue. It was sweet father daughter time on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. We had dinner reserves at Broken English Taco in Lincoln Park. Fried chicken tacos for the win. Atmosphere was hip, food decent, service most unfriendly and company a 10 so all in all quite good although I'm a lot over servers with bad attitudes. We walked over to Second City for our 10 o'clock show.  The 111th Revue was a 7. The best skit involved a boss named Linda who sounded a lot like my Linda. It was a fun night out on the town.

Sunday was an even nicer day. I was up with the sun so very early. We made a stop at Zara for Lily. What a zoo. The Starbucks Roastery was even crazier. I think every tourist in the city was on one of the five floors. It's a cool spot and one of the things Lils wanted to do so we waited in the shortest line we could find for iced coffees and croissants. Anything for her because I'm not over my Lils.

 

We turned in the driveway just before 5 o'clock to find 3 kitties in need of some TLC. And food. We decided to put together a Caesar Salad for our Easter dinner. Lil's made the dressing, Mike grilled the chicken and I made the croutons. It ended up being a perfect, albeit unconventional, Easter feast. Instead of The Passion of the Christ, we watched Fargo. It felt a tad irreverent.

We missed family, Easter brunch and singing Christ is Risen in our pew, but we made the most of our time together.

I've got a busy week ahead. We have to celebrate Alan's birthday and Linda's last chemo. I also have to get the house ready for company as Lily is bringing home some friends this weekend for the Morgan Wallen concert. Ted comes home from Portugal Saturday and has to be settled in Madison by Sunday for class Monday. And here I am silently wishing for an entire weekend of nothing going or doing.

That being said...I would like to go to Portugal one day.

Dear God

 

It happened again today. That wave of nostalgia. It was the exact same spot in my morning commute but a different Eric Church song was playing. I thought I passed my brother on the road. I meant to call him last night. Meant to, but did not. He usually is the one to call, but it occurred to me the other day that he might like me to reach out from time to time. In fairness, I stopped calling him because he doesn't answer his phone or listen to his messages.

I'm in this place of missing people who are here. I'm not exactly sure what that means, but it feels heavy. I know it's part of where I am...the middle place. Family dynamics are changing and it's causing me to reflect on what's important, how I want to spend my time, show up and show I care. I hate that my parents live an hour away and that my aunt and uncle are moving over a thousand miles away. I'm pretty sure that at some point in the foreseeable future Ted will be a plane ride away as well. This week he leaves for Portugal. It will be my first Easter without my son in 22 years.

I wrote this Tuesday and never hit publish. I thought I had more to say. I do. My brother and sil stopped by last night and we caught up. I shared how I've been feeling. He's been feeling the same way. There are so many ways we differ, but not in the way we value family. We are a small, but mighty tribe. Fierce.

I think that's why we both have friends who are extensions of our family and that brings me to what is weighing on me today. Our oldest friends' eldest daughter is in the hospital after suffering a stroke. She's in a hospital in London where she's studying abroad. On Saturday, we admired the pictures they took on a recent trip to see her. Yesterday, we got news that they were back in London at her bedside. I cannot even fathom what they are going through. It is every parent's worst nightmare. I wish I could do more than pray even as I know how powerful it is. If you read this, please say one for Hannah.

And cherish your blessings. Say I'm sorry when warranted and I love you as much as possible. Forgive freely, express thanks graciously, touch hearts deeply, lend a hand or an ear without hesitation. Spread kindness, seek goodness and savor every single moment. You know why.

weekending

 

Driving to work today, I got a tad nostalgic. I was listening to Eric Church sing about being 17 and melodies being memories. There are a gazillion auditory triggers. The tune struck a nerve. Mike and I decided to get tickets to see him in June. We are getting good at being spontaneous. It'll be just the two of us, but we know plenty of people going. And the truth is...he's my favorite co-concert goer so none of that matters.

I woke up in the middle of the night drenched. Juries out on whether it was a hot flash or time to pack away the flannels. Another possibility is the dream I was having. I'm in college, but I haven't gone to any classes and I don't even know where they are. It's the end of the semester too. That is actually a nightmare.

We had a good weekend that felt long enough. We pruned and purged by day and then had a little fun by night. It felt amazing to get into the yard even though my hands are a mess now. I threw away all my old gardening gloves in haste and had to go commando. I also spent some time in my kitchen and was able to deliver homemade meals to some people who need a little comfort right now.

It was nice to have plans to meet friends on Saturday after being so productive around the house. We enjoyed small plates and large pours. Time together the most. Sunday we slept in and made a nice breakfast before getting back at it. I don't often eat breakfast so when I do, it's a treat. Last night it was steaks and Succession. 

These low key weekends with just the two of us remind me how much I like being with my husband. I miss the kids, but I feel that we are still very much connected: the two of us, the four of us. The seven of us if you count the kits kats, and of course, I do.