Photos as of late

Here is another round of pictures off of my phone.  Life is moving so quickly...glad that I can capture a few seconds of it to remember!  -a

Dad and Sam.  I tried a beard for a while.  I liked it.  

Selfie on a sunny day.

Oskar is annoyed that I am taking a picture rather than taking him on the walk.

I was challenged to find pomegranates.  I succeeded.  

Audrey and Hannah enjoying the sunny day!

Hannah, Big Sam, Violet, Audrey, and Little Sam on a hill.  

This is one of my favorites.  Cousins on a hill.  

Panoramic picture in downtown Naperville when Uncle Fred and Aunt Irene visited!  

Naperville mural photo.

Ice cream break with Aunt Irene!  Violet and Sam are happy campers!  

Audrey and Mommy enjoying ice cream on a hot day!  

My latest patch for my Ghostbusters uniform.  This is from the firehouse in New York where the movie was filmed!  I got to see it when I was in NY for the marathon a few years ago.  

Of course milk and cookies!  

A Sunday Morning Ramble Through a Stream of Consciousness

Thunder and winds acted as my natural alarm clock this morning.  There is something so completely satisfying about rolling over, pulling the blankets up, and drifting back to unconsciousness while serenaded by nature's percussion.  The plans of the day are yet to be determined, but all I am interested in right now is just finding the moment and settling into it. 

The first feelings of the end of summer seep into my brain.  Talks about schedules and a few emails find their way into my school account.  The early easing back into things.  Some online review training have also been distributed, to ensure that I am at least aware of allergies and harassment terminology, as well as ethics in the workplace and my personal favorite, blood borne pathogens.  I am trying not to think too far into the future in terms of an actual return to school amidst the pandemic.  Personally, I believe that schools should not open until there is a vaccine.  I am exhausted by the daily news and social media that constantly bombards my senses.  There is a deep sense of anger and righteousness in this country that is making people sick and turning on each other.   It is a scary thing, to me, to see communities being shredded and blaming each other. 

I find myself missing my hometown of Juneau lately.  Whenever things get to be too much, I sometimes envision myself walking or hiking around the mountains or strolling along the Warf downtown.  There are a few good friends who still live there, and it is difficult to not be able to visit more often.  I am hopeful that, as my children grow older, we will be able to travel there on a more frequent basis.  There is a quiet about Juneau, where one can be completely alone within a matter of minutes.  Even as a child, I found it quite unique that I could be in the middle of downtown and then completely isolated by simply walking towards the mountains....or down to the shoreline.  There is also a sense of connection to the elements when one grows up in Alaska.  The winds are important, and people really consider what nature is doing before leaving the safety of their homes.  For now, though, it is not necessarily the adventure I miss, but the comfort of proximity to everyone.  At a time of national and global chaos, there is great comfort in small-town community life.  Sigh...maybe soon.  For now, I will have to find calm in my memories. 

It has been a little while since my Uncle Stuart died, and I still find myself thinking about him.  Death is something that seems to be all around...or maybe I am starting to think of it on a more regular basis?  Whether it is from having turned 40, or recent passing of a few people I knew...death is constantly on the back burner of my mind.  I hope that I have done enough in this life...I hope my children know I love them, I wonder more about my own health, and realize that each day really is unique and a thing to be savored.  I have come to accept that death is a part of living, and it is a thing to be respected and acknowledged. 

Today will belong only to itself.  There will be opportunities to grow and learn and laugh.  These things are what make life of value.  When we stop participating in life, we are simply waiting for it to end.  I cannot do nothing.  There is too much, even as a parent in the suburbs, to do and learn and partake in.  It is important to have lazy days and calm times, but I consider it a sin of kinds to not attempt to live and interact with the world I live in.  Even a simple experience, like listening to some music or baking cookies, presents opportunities for reflection, contemplation, and activity.  A thing such as baking cookies is simple, yet gives me a chance to share with others and generate a positive experience for some people.  What a thing it is to be able to make others happy, or impact lives in a positive way.  Yes, they are just cookies...but it is a small thing that was not there before.  What small things can I do today that will impact the lives of others?

The long-term answer is I simply do not know.  The short term answer is that I am going to make eggs and toast for a certain three year old who just woke up and needs immediate nourishment.  After that...who knows?

-a

4th of July

Our family

As the temperatures climb, we are finding ways of enjoying our summer while also staying cool.  Our house has been "worked on" for the last two weeks, receiving a new roof and now new siding.  It is amazing what the workers can do in a few days, especially in the heat!  As I type this, they are finishing the last few boards and such before leaving.  There is nothing more adult than getting a new roof and siding.  With any luck, it will be the only time we ever have to make these purchases!

Oskar meeting the newest dog, Kayla, on a walk.

This is a different summer, with the virus and social distancing.  Things are more simple, with daily walks and exercise, as well as lots of home cooking and siestas....well at least for me.  The fall will bring a new set of challenges with school for the kids, as well as my own teaching.  No formal plans have been announced, but they are definitely working on it. 

Sam takes naps in the strangest of places...such as the dog bed.

The 4th of July is a special holiday to me, as it was one of my most favorite times growing up in Juneau.  Seeing fireworks at night then waking the next day for the parade.  This year, we are not planning on doing anything save for some movies and probably an early bedtime for me.  I remember frantically attempting to gather as much taffy as possible during the parade, as well as looking for a spot on the docks that would provide optimal firework viewing.  After the parade, we would try to make our way over to Sandy Beach and enjoy the festivities and grilling, as well as building sand castles.  Memories of jumping off the docks and midnight bonfires out the road have permanently settled into the depths of my mind, and I will cherish them until I cannot any longer.

Violet and Sam playing with the hose on a hot summer day.

For now, the temperatures climb and we will be left to our own devices as the slow summer day crawl by.  There is something freeing about this time where we distance ourselves.  We don't have to do things that are pointless or mundane.  We have been given permission to care for ourselves and take the time required to do so.  While the death around the world is terrible, it is the fuel for a revolution in our thinking and how we value ourselves and our lives.  Each day is a gift, and I am doing my best to take advantage of that! 

-a

Sam and Oskar napping.

Sam likes pizza.  That is all.

Audrey and dad checking out the Coin of the Realm of the Week from Uncle Michael.