Looking back at November

Karate...Things were so crazy with our trip, work, school, Rich's play/the after party (which was the same night of the tournament, and hours before we left for a few weeks), that I forgot to mention how the (much anticipated...for us anyway) karate tournament went! Like all the other years we've attended, it was nerve-wracking to watch the three boys in their various events, as well as their fellow dojo members (who you're enthusiastically rooting for). You get a tightness in your gut from the moment competition starts until the last match is over. It's hard not to get emotionally involved when you spend all year watching these kids fight their hearts out day after day, all year long. They're all just incredible kids and I'm so proud of all of them.

Personally, it was...a good day for Ryan...what stood out to us what how much he'd improved in sparring. He went from not scoring a single point last year in fighting, to scoring quite a few this year. He was very aggressive and shocked out pants off. We'd all seen a gradual improvement the last couple of months at practice, but still weren't sure how that would translate into his performance at the tournament (which is a pretty intimating, stressful environment). But he did very well, and we were happy. He medaled in both of his events, and far exceed the expectations I had for him (really, all I ask for is that he improve and gain confidence each year. I don't expect him to be the best. I don't expect him to medal. But I do expect him to do his best, and he did.

I know not every year will be a 'good' one. Especially as you get older and the competition gets harder. My nephews are perfect examples of that... one had a great day, one did not (despite being, hands down...the hardest worker of the three). He attends 100% of practices (4 days a week), and is hungrier than anyone to do his best. It was heartbreaking to see him struggle, and definitely put a damper on the day, but I hope he stays motivated. I'm probably more proud of his hard work and efforts than anyone else I've ever known.

Golf...I don't know if I've ever mentioned this, but I volunteered to teach a golf class at school. I've taken a bit of a hiatus from the sport (just a short, 20 years), so I'm just a tad rusty. I've been helping eight boys learn about etiquette, technique and the rules of the game the last month or so. It's been a lot more pleasant than I thought it would be, I'm less crappy than I thought I'd be, and I think the kids have had fun. I know mine has...because of course, he signed up for mommy's class. ;-)

We all fell like dominoes...Guess which family all fell ill while on vacation? We can point the finger at our youngest member, who gradually infected us all with a cough. Someone felt so bad that his mommy was sick that one day, he surprised her with breakfast in bed!

Out of the blue, he walked in with a tray full of what he knows are my favorite breakfast foods- blueberries, an apple banana, Greek yogurt and cashew nuts (and yes, I always eat this healthily three times, 365 days a year. I am hefty because I'm big boned).

I was in shock. Not because he doesn't do anything kind for me, but, well...kids tend to be more or less self absorbed. So it's rare that he does something this special! I think it's a sign he's becoming more aware and compassionate, and it makes me very happy as a parent to see that.

New job...I should also mention that I started my first shift at the hospital this month, and although it was very difficult, it went well. I was tired (I'm not used to an 8-hour workday, I'll admit), and the patient was difficult. I don't know if I've mentioned what I do there, but it's to help safeguard/monitor patient safety of those that are high flight risks (usually, it's those who suffer from dementia and may try to pull out their line(s) or leave, but may also include patients who may be detoxing). I think it will be difficult, but rewarding work, and I'm appreciative of the opportunity to be working in a healthcare environment. Working with nurses and teachers are two pretty wonderful sets of people to be surrounded by. ;-)

Fumigation fun...not.

Hawaiian Rite of Passage...much of the last two days were spent packing and unpacking our house for our first ever house tenting. Though most Hawaiian homeowners are well versed with the hassle (it's recommended that you get it done very 5-7 years here due to the year round, pest-friendly climate that fosters high insect populations), we were not. We did not give ourselves nearly enough time to disassemble a tent structure over our patio and remove/bag all the items in our home that needed protection (food, pharmaceuticals, hygiene products, bedding, etc.) As a result, both our cars were filled with bags full of stuff, and we had the humiliation of driving around town looking like hoarders for 24 hours. ;-) Thankfully, my parents provided us with free room and board for the night, so we didn't have to get a hotel and forage for grub. It took Rich and I from 3:30-7:30pm to unpack/reconstruct everything yesterday, and though it was only a 24-hour period, I will be talking about the trauma of feeling like a displaced refugee/hoarder-in-hiding for years. Decades, even.

I'm with the band...And last but not least, the theater. Good Lawd, the theater. So for 2.5 months, Rich was gone at least 5 nights a week for his play (Plan 9 from Outer Space). This was followed by an immediate second play (Christmas on Broadway), which he is not acting in, but is helping to co-produce. Thankfully, this is only 2-3 days a week (also, for two months). Last week, there was also an additional fun, monthly get together of folks who enjoy the art of improv. Rich performed a song he wrote a few years ago (about where we live). I will say that I cannot wait until this second play is over, and our lives can return to 'normal' again.

The holiday hustle... officially kicks off this weekend, with three-days straight of holiday affairs. However, I'm ready! This has been the coolest winter here in ages (which I'm loving), my cough ended yesterday, and I've been running more frequently (which helps in so many ways). I think it's safe to finally say, after fifteen months of Achilles issues, that I'm 100% recovered. ;-)

So it's been a pretty busy November with our trip and everything else going on, but I'm so grateful for everything. I even started a gratitude post that I haven't quite finished yet, but will get around to posting soon. I can only hope December is as generous to us as November was. :-)