I love sweet tea

I just looked at my blog and was amazed to see that it's been 8 days since I've written anything. I'll chalk it up to summer. And having a boyfriend. And changing priorities. Well, mostly the first two.

It's been a great summer so far. Emily got out of school on June 10, and summer seems to start when the kids are out of school. So this year, it was really early. I left for my beach vacation on the 23, and that was just wonderful and relaxing. It was one of the best beach vacations I've had in years. As much as it's great for my mom to be on vacation with us, and as much as my sister and I love her having the experience, it was a true vacation not having to take much care of anyone. The kids are all over 16, and good kids, and my sister and I were really able to leave them up to 'their own devices'. Meals were all about sustenance rather than effort. We all relaxed.

The three weeks that I've been back have flown. Work has been as always: steady, fulfilling, and predictable. I'm all about routine, and I can count on that at work. No drama. Great clients. Co-workers that are easy and fun to work alongside with. As I always say, I have the perfect job for me. How great is it to have a job where your clients love their time with you and the feeling is mutual? Very great.

I've been swimming at my community pool 3-4 times a week. I'm up to 28 laps. I find the fact that I'm doing that amazing. It takes about 45 minutes. I alternate the breast stroke and the elementary back stroke, which is done body up. I think it's a little known stroke, but I love it. You know me...I get to see the sky and the trees while I'm gliding through the water, and that makes me happy. I love being in the water. If my shoulder continues to hold up, I'll join the indoor pool after this one closes.

I have no home projects going on. I barely clean. The house is neat with most things in their place. I just don't spend any time on it other than what I have to do. It's summer! I play. Swim. Look for frogs. Take pictures of the sunsets and the clouds. Watch the hummingbirds. Grill. Sit on my porch. Time flies. I don't read. Don't watch TV. I spend time with my parents, but not nearly enough. That's my one guilt, and something that I will have to change. After my next vacation.

Rob comes out here every weekend. When I think about it, I'm amazed that I'm in this SO happy relationship. Remember that I didn't date once in at least 9 years? That I was happy alone? So, it is amazing. And it's not just any old relationship. It's a relationship that I believe most people never get to experience. He's just that wonderful to me. Here's some of the texts I wake up to in the mornings: "What a gift to have you in my life" "Good morning sweetie" "Good morning beautiful!!!!" "Good morning my most beautiful lady. Happy day!!" How many men tell you they cherish you every single day? Mine does. So, things are going good on the relationship front. I'm still taking it one day at a time...no future plans. Just happy as it is.

For right now, for this time in my life, life really is good. I'm appreciating every moment of the good. It's been bad. The medical times with my parents were stressful beyond belief. This reprieve from those times will be short-lived. I don't think either parent is really well, and the decline in both is very evident. It's just a matter of time for another crisis, and that's something you're never prepared for. So, I'm living life large when I can, ya know?

I could write more, now that I've gotten started, but work beckons and I have to beautify myself. Well, try :)

Happy Day!