Well it has been awhile since I posted here, so I guess it is time for a debrief of the last couple of months. It was really a transition summer for Cheryl and I as all 3 kids have now graduated high school. This was the first summer that we left the kids home while Cheryl and I took a trip to Quebec and Ontario. It is so nice to have a comfort level that the kids are ok on their own. I am hoping this translates into more trips for Cheryl and I without having to worry about babysitters.
So where to start on the summer. Vicki graduated high school and received an entrance scholarship to UPEI. She worked 2 jobs at the Cornwall pool and the CARI pool and even successfully negotiated a raise as the head lifeguard in Cornwall. Daniel also worked 2 jobs at Budget car rental and at UPEI doing virtual reality work. Overall, it was a busy summer as both kids worked a lot and, more often than not, in different directions and with different schedules. But we got through it. It was very helpful having 4 drivers now.
Our Canada Day party was a success as always with Bob and Wade winning the washers tournament again this year. There is some talk of making the teams random next year to make it more fair. We will see.
"The Tomorrow Box" just finished in Georgetown and it was an interesting summer. The play was ok, but I was not super passionate about it and it tied up my sundays all summer long. I should remember this the next time I get offered a part like this. I think it is fine as long as you are passionate about it. Overall the play went well with small crowds but good reviews.
Cheryl and I managed to sneak away for a few days and stayed with Erin & Seb in Montreal for Cheryl's birthday and visited with Chris and Aislinn in Aliston. We also spent a nice night in Old Quebec on the way home. It is so nice to travel without worrying about the kids.
I have been very careful not to say anything too negative here as this is meant to be a summary of my thoughts and state of mind at a given point in my life and I don't want to look back years from now and dwell on the negative. That said, I should point out that Andrew has not really spoken much with us over the past few months. It stems from a misunderstanding a few months ago where he feels we are criticizing his lifestyle and we feel we just want him to be safe regardless of his lifestyle choices. In the end, he is an adult and is free to do as he wishes, but I am hopeful that at some point he realizes that we accept him for who he is and just want the best for him. Whatever choices / decisions he makes, I hope he stays safe and knows that we are always here.
I have subscribed to a new mantra; "Releasing attachment to the outcome". Meaning making your decisions but not dwelling on the outcome. I can't worry about things that are beyond my control. I do the best that I can and hope for the best. Another variation of this mantra comes from a book that I am reading called "The subtle art of not giving a fuck". It is a surprisingly insightful book and the title does not mean that you don't give a fuck about anything, but rather that you choose wisely where your fucks are given. Picking your battles, so to speak. I find myself in a much better place now that I am choosing where and when to exert my energy.
So school has started and Cheryl is back to full time hours and teaching. Dan has started 3rd year engineering and Vicki has started first year business. And me? I'm looking forward to getting back to the routine of work after a busy summer.
