Friday, April 16, 2010

This is Going One of Two Ways

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
Ralph Waldo Emerson



One day remains before the festivities of the next four weeks begin. All that stuff that's collected on my mantle the past few months take place starting next week. (I'm so glad I took that picture. Reminds me I need to get the Spring painting and pictures up there.) Tomorrow my mom arrives for the wedding, my youngest son goes to prom, two baseball games before that, and I must get my shower cleaned. My mother would probably appreciate clean sheets on her bed. I promised myself I'd get the bookcases in the living room dusted.

(In other news, middle son has landed a job after college graduation in May. Working on a deer ranch. Will only have 5 days to get home from Flagstaff and begin new job in Texas. So glad he will now live within a couple hours, however, with 128 fawns ready for his care come mid-May, probably won't see him until September. Most proud of that boy.)

I must say other than a brief meltdown Tuesday night and a butterfly stomach on Wednesday, I have weathered the planning for a wedding, two graduations, college visits and choices, high school senioritis, and an Eagle Scout Court of Honor - I think. Remaining on my list of things to do is checking in with the rehearsal dinner crew and putting together a small book of information for the honeymoon trip.

My husband and I looked at each other a couple days ago and said, "We need a vacation."

Too bad we can't afford one. Damn kids.

But, my meltdown - not quite sure what that was. I had to pick up my dress on Wednesday morning. Took myself off the teacher list for the day. The wedding will take place in the country, on a ranch. Outdoor for the ceremony and a restored, rustically elegant barn for the reception. However, it is located in a remote area and I decided to spend the morning finding the best route there for our families staying at the lake. One where when driving home at midnight, they might not get lost on country roads. Looked very easy on the map, but after driving for hours through the hill country, winding this way and that, dipping down to cross one lane creeks beds already flowing with water over the road, I decided sticking to the main highways might be best.

I arrived at the lakehouse to find trailers and trucks parked in my driveway. The new neighbors are extending their dock. The workers decided my gravel driveway was the best place to park. Wrong day to make that decision. Women running away from home to settle their minds and find a little peace do not fare well when a trailer loaded with pipe found in their parking spot. Not to mention the noise of the generator and the pounding of pipe driven into a granite bed. So loud I had to shout at the guy to get their vehicles out of my driveway and park where they worked - not at the neighbors. To be honest, the shouting didn't bother me. And I wasn't a complete bitch. I smiled while I said it.

But the noise. Incredible. I found some ear plugs I keep in the bunk room, in case a snorer bothers the other sleepers, and poured myself a vodka tonic. Went into the small bedroom where the noise traveled the least and pulled out my library book. Read for four hours. Didn't get any work done other than a few plants potted and I moved the swifter around the floors a bit when I'd get up to get a refill.
I took this after the workers left for the day. Tell me they will be done by the time we have 20 people in and out at our place next week.
I did venture also to take a photo of the ducks. The males are enduring a lack of female companionship as the mother duck sits in a pot at the end of the dock, nurturing 8 eggs.

The point of this story? I felt much better when I drove home to work on Thursday. And, with all the activity of next week, my blog life is going to go one of two ways. Either you won't hear from me for a while or I'll be on here every day, seeking solace.

Everyone take good care while I enjoy my company, these most blessed events, and welcome a daughter in my life. As much as I love all my men, having female camaraderie, other than my cat, makes me most happy.
My azaleas have chosen to bloom just in time. This time next week - full bloom.

29 comments:

  1. Yep, that's a lot going on!
    I haven't back-tracked to your recent posts, but in this one, you sound like you're handling it well.
    And so many blessings - son has a "fun" new job relatively close to home, new daughter, mom and other family are visiting...
    It'll all be good. :)

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  2. I think your list of to-dos sounds maxed out.

    Congrats to your son in finding a job just out of college--in the tough economy it says a lot about him.

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  3. That's a 'to-do' list and a half. Keep taking deep breaths.

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  4. Funny post and what beautiful memories you're making!

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  5. You have a lot on your plate, alright! But you'll be fine. Enjoy all the changes that are happening--this time seems to put you at the pinnacle for midlife change! We'll be standing by, waiting for pictures and stories.
    Take care and have fun!!!! These are BIG things!

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  6. Good Luck dear friend, take deep breaths and just enjoy all these exciting times, you are making wonderful memories, big hugs to your mom ...........:-) Hugs

    Take lots of pictures, xo

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  7. Wow. I'm exhausted just reading all the things you've done and still need to do.
    :0)
    Just try to breathe and relax a bit, so you can enjoy these precious moments. You'll be so glad you did. That is, once it's all over, and you take the time to look back on all these wonderful events.

    Congratulations and best wishes to all, and best of luck to you!

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  8. Such a wonderful time for you and your family, so full of the big moments in life. Very happy for you.

    Then, when all calms down, wishing you quiet time at your beautiful lake.

    Later, when you've paid off college and weddings,perhaps a vacation to Hawaii...

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  9. I almost envy all your excitement, Julie. These are wonderful times for you and your family. Say Hi to your mom for me, she is a treasure!

    ♥...Wanda

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  10. Wow, you really have a lot on your plate! It's wonderful that you could take that little break, even if you did have to do some yelling and some cleaning!

    Maybe after the events are done you can take a little stay-cation, where you don't actually travel but you act like a tourist, eat out, get takeout, and do not answer the phone for at least a couple of days.

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  11. Don't forget to breathe, take in the moments, and rest yourself. Take care!

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  12. Seems we're living parallel lives somewhat (Eagle CoH, prom tomorrow night, etc.). Keeping you in thought and prayer until you can get back to the Chill Zone.

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  13. Yep, you are maxed out, cher! Melt downs go with the territory, when you're talking weddings,graduations, and 20 guests! So glad that you escaped to the lake and got to relax and read, even if it was with earplugs. Delegate the cleaning to other family members or hire someone to do it. Good luck with everything, just take it one day at a time! Cheers! Have fun!

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  14. Julie, your meltdown sounds pretty reasonable to me. Minor considering all the peripheral goings-on.
    You really do have a ton of stuff happening all at once, and most of it good. Your life sounds rich, actually.

    When I saw the title of the post I wondered if you were close to snapping, but am encouraged and relieved to read that most things are going to plan, but just that there's some heavy congestion.

    So, I actually hope we don't hear from you! Soak up your family and friends and revel in those dreams coming true. Your new daughter-in-law is one lucky girl.

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  15. Oh my goodness, I'm tired just reading about these huge events happening back to back in your life. Maybe a trip to the lake house when it's all done can serve as a vacation for you and your hubby. Enjoy every minute.

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  16. Well, I felt a sense of excitement brewing at all the wonderful changes happening for you, and admiration at your calmness handling the out-of-the-blue things (yelling at the workers must have been refreshing). Reading and vodka tonics...perfect. By the looks of the photos it's going to be a beautiful setting for this wedding. Have fun!

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  17. Wow! What a lot to do all at once. Funny how life does that. You have nothing for a long stretch and then Whammo! It all comes at once. Either way it goes, I wish you well, my friend. I know you will make a beautiful mother of the groom and have a lovely time. It will all work out in the end and what doesn't is always great for a story later. *wink*

    Hugs,
    SMB

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  18. At least you're not bored...
    Going by your snapshots, Texas looks pretty good.

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  19. Breathe :). Enjoy what you can. It will pass before you blink ten times.

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  20. Jeez, I got stressed out just reading that. I'm feeling for you, sister. You'll get that vacation soon.

    See you Saturday.

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  21. Oh boy, you're making my head spin. Breath. Each and every event is a glorious one you'll remember always. (and Jack Daniels helps.)

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  22. You are doing a great job - to post in the midst of all that you have to do - and be funny, too!

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  23. Being the only two gals in the family I'm certain that you and your newly-to-be daughter will bond tightly. After all, sometimes no one understands we girls like we girls do.

    Take care and remember to have fun during this busy time.

    Di
    The Blue Ridge Gal
    (P.S. As for Jane Devin staying at our home, I simply offered and she accepted. We have a very quiet home in the country so maybe she just needs the down time. BUT, we are glad she's coming!)

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  24. Oh my, I'm whipped just reading this! But you're young and strong and will be up for this challenge. You are on the receiving end of many blessings. Soak them in and enjoy the festivities. Che Sera', Sera'! Don't sweat the small stuff.

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  25. I'm sending you all the prayers, love and joyous energy I can muster. I hope you can enjoy every minute of every day of this remarkable confluence of events. It will never happen again in quite this way.

    I had to laugh at your title. I thought the one of two ways was going to be much more dire than blogging.

    My favorite part of this is you yelling at the construction guys - complete with smile. Love.

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  26. Thought I would stop in and say hello as I know you must be rushed off your feet. I do hope you are enjoying having so much love around you, and so many family members and friend.....I know the wedding will be beautiful. What song did you choose to dance with your son?.....much love and many hugs........:-)

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  27. Okay. wow.
    I will not complain about only senioritis this year.

    good luck, enjoy, revel, glow.

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  28. You have so much changing, no wonder you needed a little time to regroup. Of course, when the day arrives it will be hectic and wonderful. Congratulations to all.

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  29. Congratulations! How wonderful.

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