The best laid plans...

Last week, I had plans. I was going to return to the classroom once my training at the hospital was over, I was going to take Ryan to all his karate and swim classes and I was going to start a shift or two at my new job... But then on Wednesday morning, as we were about to walk out the door to school, Ryan said that he felt sick. I took his temperature- he had a fever. I still had to get him into the car and off to school so that I could be in the classroom until I found another substitute. I had Rich lined up to get him from the office in case I couldn't get anyone. After making only two calls, I got lucky and a wonderful person was able to come in with absolutely no notice. Once she arrived, I recollected Ryan, brought him back home...and though disappointed/stressed about the turn of events...made some fun, alternate plans (like attack the three loads of dirty laundry and cook some food for our bare fridge). This is fun in your forties, folks.

And then...Ryan threw up. All over the sofa, the pillows, his blanket, clothes...and a trail from the sofa to the sink. He handled it like a pro. No tears. Just calmly waited out the heaving, brushed his teeth, and went back to lay down...again, like a boss. I did notice that the three loads of soiled laundry had just increased to five, but eh. What are you gonna do?

I also had to reschedule a run with a friend, and cancel our third consecutive 'date night' attempt in a week (we haven't been on a date night in probably a few years, and the first two attempts earlier this week failed since Rich was at the theater eight nights in a row).

To say the day, and the week were not going according to plan was an understatement. But instead of sulking (which I still did plenty of, I assure you)...I tried to squeeze some lemonade out of those stupid lemons.

Instead of a night out, I made tacos, and we actually ate them outside, on our patio (we have not done this in three years). Rich and I had good conversation for two hours. We plotted out our survival strategy for the next few days, weeks and months (since Rich will be co-producing the next play at the theater...which starts rehearsals the week before his current play even ends). We also tried to ensure that we tackle things as a team and that each person is well looked after by the other...as we haven't done such a great job of that in the past.

We knew the next few days would be tough- Friday I worked at school, with the last two of hours of the day spent in the heat trying to teach 8 young boys how to play golf. Later that day, Ry and I had a Halloween party at a friend's house. Saturday wasn't too bad- we both went on a run (separately, since we have a child) and ran errands. But our Sunday was epically tiring- get up at 5:30, drive two hours to Hilo, help a (sick) friend of Rich's with her yard work for a few hours. drive back another two hours to home so Rich could get to the theater in time for his 1pm call time.

Craziness ebbs and flows, and for now...we have our fill. I've been frustrated for months, and am trying to remember that it won't be like this forever. I appreciate that we have friends to laugh with and help, a child to shuttle around (in ten years, he'll hopefully be off to college) and opportunities for me to supplement our income.

Though I hasn't been the most relaxing couple of months with Rich gone most nights, there have been moments of joy that I haven't had time to mention...

My friend was given these 'exotic' grapes by a fruit importer, and shared half her stash with us! I had no idea such treats existed in the world!!! The green grapes tasted EXACTLY like cotton candy, and the moon drops were Ryan's favorite.

My parents finally returned from their road trip across the western states...and we welcomed them back with some good ''ol fashioned 'peasant food' bentos (I made Ryan a mini matching one for his school lunch). I knew they were probably tired of eating on the road and wanted simple food. One of our neighbors (there are two in our tiny cul de sac) is a fisherman in Alaska during the summer...so he gave us a ton of smoked and fresh, wild salmon that we could also share with them).

I really am a terrible cook. But I think I've mastered lasagna (at the beginner level anyway, which is the only level applicable to me). I like to think that my cooking skills are right about on par with the non-nonsense, hair net-wearing cooks at a school cafeteria. Sure...sometimes the food isn't terrible, but it's never gonna be award winning, that's for sure. ;-)

Halloween silliness...where's Ryan?

School trip to the island's one pumpkin patch!

Performing a dance from Guinea, West Africa at school...omg. LOVE. The drummers were incredible!

My garden looks hairy and very neglected, my weight loss has stalled, my new job start date has been pushed back a few times and we are still a week away from seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, but you know...onward and upward. Halloween is around the corner and I swear, next to Christmas...it's my favorite holiday of the year!