If you've followed my blog for a while, you'll find that I've not been very introspective in my writing. I come across as this really peaceful, nature-loving kind of person. Just kind of la de da (hence the title). In my profile, you'll find where it says, I'm not always what I seem. On the one hand, I live a life in public. I'm a busy hairdresser, and while at work, I'm surrounded by people. I'm one-on-one with my clients, and they're looking at me (in the mirror) while I work. I'm in constant conversation. I have an ongoing, progressive relationship with my clients. I really like them, and visa verse. As I've said before, it's a very rewarding job, and one in which there's immediate rewards. I never mind being at work, and am never in a bad mood there. At home, I'm really solitary. There's not a spouse to talk to. When there was one, he didn't have much to say (talk about a contrast between work and home). Thirteen-year olds do not like to spend a lot of time with their moms. So, at home, I have to keep myself occupied. I tend to get fixated on stuff. Christmas is a big one. If you didn't read me back then, you'll see come December. Fortunately, there's no house projects coming up. Being that it's summer, I'm all about being outside. I've thought to myself lately, you really have to stop talking about the garden and about birds and squirrels cause you're going to be boring. But...those things keep me occupied, and for now, they make me really happy. But, I like writing, and I like the things I like, and I like getting comments and I really like the connections I've made with the people I've met through this blog. Whew. Did I get away from talking about being introspective? I don't like to dwell on things. I like to be nice. I like to be liked. I wish I had more friends. I'm optimistic. I'm pretty happy. But serene? Not. Being a single Mom with an outspoken, opinionated daughter with a boyfriend is really hard. I get worried, and angry, and depressed, and a slew of other anxiety-ridden emotions, and I just have to find the things that make me happy. Like looking at this boy squirrel. Aren't I bad? It took me by surprise too.




Emily came home last night. We were very happy that she was home. She showed me the many-hundred pictures that she took while she was gone. She is one lucky girl to have gone on such an adventure-packed vacation. I think I'd need a vacation from that vacation. My idea of a vacation is laid back. It was a good reunion for Em and me, and we have our own vacation coming up in a few weeks.

I walked for the 5th time this week. Today was the hardest walk yet, and it felt so good when I finally got home. I think it's time to find the old pedometer so I can start setting some goals. Em walked to her boyfriend's house this morning to have breakfast with his family, and hang out. I did some stuff around here, including making another zucchini pie, and sort of didn't know what to do with myself. I decided to drive out to my Mom's and take her to the pool. She belongs to the community pool I grew up at. I'll have to take pictures. It's a beautiful place, on the grounds of what was the mansion of a famous Maryland family in colonial times. It was a very hot yet not too humid day. The pool temperature was perfect. I went off the diving board. I swam laps. I read my Wired magazine and listened to music on my MP3. I walked the edges of the pool with my mother. For those that don't know it, my mom had a terrible stroke almost 7 years ago, and she's handicapped because of it. She likes to walk in the water holding on to the edge with her one hand that 'works'. I spend whatever time I can with her to keep her company, 'cause she has a very lonely life. Anyway, my point is that the day turned out to be a great one. My neighbors invited Emily and me over for dinner. They found out I've never had shish kabob and wanted to make it for me. It was great! They made skewers of marinated shrimp, steak and chicken. The vegetable skewers had onions, peppers, mushrooms, potatoes and tomatoes. Yum. They made a Paula Dean peach cobbler for dessert. We had lively conversations through out. What a great ending. I took pictures. Of the food.






Tomorrow will be busy. Emily wants to walk with me in the morning. We're going to the high school to find out about her schedule. Then to the orthodontist. Then we're taking Em's boyfriend with us to my parent's pool. I better get to bed so I can rest up for it.