Oasis from Chaos

My life, now that school is back in session, has become increasingly hectic, with spurts of chaos, but we are surviving. The tough part is looking over at the neighbor's pool where I spent MANY lazy evenings this spring and summer, kicking back with a cocktail or floating around on a raft, while we discussed the topic of the day. Always included in the discussion was the weather and the economy, nothing too deep. Lately, I have not had a single minute to drop over and relax! I don't dare go over there, then homework doesn't get done, dinner doesn't get cooked, etc.

When we moved in the house Chris jumped out of the car, ran through the house onto the back deck and shouted, "Mom we have a pool!" I told him no it wasn't ours, but I was wrong! We have the best neighbors who welcome us over anytime, and have even allowed me to host many of the boy's birthday parties at their pool.

Keep your fingers crossed for me that I can schedule in some time over at the oasis soon! It is calling me!

Hidden Talent

If you know me on a public level you would describe me as reserved, quiet, maybe a little shy. Even bloggin' about my life has been a struggle because I am so introverted. My close friends see a more humorous side. Well the other night, deep in our basement I discovered my inner rock star!

I walked in the video game room where my son was cranking away on his "guitar." I loved the song he was playing and started humming along. He stopped and turned to me and asked Mom do you want to sing, it has a microphone. Usually I wouldn't never sing in front of any one--ever! But I had just finished a beer and thought what the heck.

What a blast, I was belting them out and my kids were getting a kick out of it. The song selection went from "Spoonman" to "One Way or Another" to "American Woman" to "Give it Away" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Some how the computer can hear you singing and grades you on it --I was getting all A's!

After and hour, I was hoarse and laughing, what a great way to blow off steam and I think I impressed the kids with my knowledge of rock!

The Transition

Yes that's right all my northern friends, school has started in the middle of Summer, that's the way they do it in the South. The boys were ready, or at least they thought they were until the reality of it set in. I was ready for the routine of it all, until I realized my "sleeping in" routine has been disrupted and now I find myself up before dawn packing lunches.


The boys are gone a full hour and 15 minutes before I need to leave for work not, enough time to work out or go back to sleep, doing housework at 7 am is looking like it may become part of my new routine -- ugh.

I always start out the year with great intentions, pack nutritious lunches everyday, get Chris to bed at an early hour, so he is rested, the reality is it is only Wednesday all the lunch meat and bread is gone, we ran out of bananas and Chris hasn't gotten to sleep before 10!

Well here are the first day pictures before reality set in!