A little overwhelmed, but hangin' on...

I haven't blogged much lately, been working longer hours and the days just seem shorter.  October is always a busy month for me, as my youngest daughter's birthday is this month, and we usually have both a big Halloween party that I spend weeks getting ready for and her birthday party, which has been a sleepover up until this year.


This year things are a little different and I'm trying not to let it get me down.  If you've read my blog before, you know my oldest daughter is away at college now, things are much more quiet around the house, and I am really seeing how much I counted on her to help, with driving my youngest around and helping me with errands.  I really miss her too.  She used to come "hang out" with me in my bed before I went to sleep at night or we'd watch our favorite shows together.  I think we're pretty close, and I miss the day to day interaction I had with her.  The good part is, the girls aren't fighting for my time, or my bed space.  I always insisted there was room for both, but it usually wound up that one of them would bail to their own room or the living room.  I can't wait until Thanksgiving when my daughter will be home for the weekend and the three of us can hang out in my room, or in front of the fire, even if it's just for a couple hours.


My "little" one, who turns 14 next week, wants a boy/girl party this year, I'm not sure how I feel about this, but I've agreed to it, so I guess we'll see how it goes...


My Halloween decorations are still boxed, sitting against the wall in my dining room, it's usually a full weekend project to get them all up, I'm finding myself a little less than motivated to get started.  I guess it's the thought that this year, the house may not be full of kids in costumes like it has for so many years prior.  The kids are growing up, and life is changing, it can be a little overwhelming, but I'm determined not to let it get the best of me.


My budget is tighter than it's ever been, so it will be a challenge this holiday season to keep up all the traditions we are used to.  I'm looking for new ways to decorate that use items I can craft for little or no money, or ways to repurpose things I already have.

Memories of Halloween's past - My girls in two of my favorite handmade costumes.

I'm going to keep my chin up and look for the positive in this ever-changing life.  Please share your thoughts on ways your life may have changed recently and how you've adapted.


Happy Thoughts,
Lisa

Friendship

Sometimes I forget to appreciate my friends like I should.  I am continually touched by the kindness of my friends, some days though, something just reaches out and grabs me, and I'm reminded of how important they are to me.  Just last weekend, one of my closest friends invited me at the last minute to join her for a drive into San Francisco.  She needed company while taking her teenage son and two friends to a concert.  She had a few hours to kill while they were having their fun, and her boyfriend had to cancel at the last minute.  When she called, I was firmly planted on the couch, it was Friday after all, and I was getting myself in the zone of the weekend to come...I hesitated, and was ready to come up with a good excuse (too tired, no money, have to bathe the cat, etc).  I just couldn't say no though, I knew if I needed her one day, she'd do what she could and there was really no reason not to go, other than I was pretty tired.  I figured I could rest on the way there and we'd probably wind up seeing a movie, so it wouldn't take that much energy. 

We had a great night, she treated my to dinner and even though she thought I was doing her a favor by going on the spur of the moment, she did me a favor, all I would have done that night was fall asleep by 8 in front of the TV.

Today,  another good friend treated me to something I knew I shouldn't spend money on, but really wanted.  My neighbor was having a great estate sale, and had the perfect little outdoor bistro set that matches my house perfectly, I was telling my friend how much I really wanted it, but should not spend the $30 right now, even though  it really was a great price.  She wanted to check out the sale too, so we met there in the morning, and the first thing she told me when I saw her was, I have a surprise for you...I'm buying you the table/chairs for your birthday!  Well, my birthday is in March, and since

it's only October, you can imagine my surprise. 

 
What wonderful friends I have, there are so many more stories like this, my girlfriends who stood by me in the worst times of my life, and those who have shared some of my best days.  I really am grateful, and lucky to have these women in my life.
Thank you girls...a little shout out to Linda, Jill, & Wendy.  You girls are the best!

Happy Thoughts,
Lisa