Ramblings

We spent a week diving in Bonaire. 

I'm still recovering from our vacation, but I did have a few thoughts flit through my head at various moments that I wanted to share before they were lost to the din of daily of life.

Alan is a photographer. He especially loves underwater photography. Unfortunately on this trip he had a few technical difficulties so there aren't as many photos as usual. On one of our last dives (I'm not sure which as they all run together for me) it occurred to me that this time I would just "be" in the moment of the dives. There might not be photos to help me remember things, but by the same token, without photos as a goal I became less focused on finding the right fish or coral formation to point out for a photo op. Instead it became about seeing things and trying to store them away for the future.

This may not be a great revelation for you, but it was for me. I tend to live my life looking forward so much so that I miss out on the now. 

I approached this vacation with some reticence because on our last dive vacation things didn't go well for me. I was really worried I'd have the same ear problems as last time, or that I would just decide I didn't like diving after all. Neither of those things happened. What did happen was I told Alan exactly how I was feeling, above and below the water. I didn't try to second guess what he wanted from me. I did things I like to do (naps by the pool, for example) without guilt or worrying about what he would think.

The fascinating thing to me is how much more fun I had just by letting go. I don't think of myself as a controlling person. I don't try to control other people, but I do try to control situations. It's a safety mechanism that lingers from my childhood experiences. And I let go of some of that on this trip. 

I hope I'll have some pictures to share in the next few days as Alan edits the ones he was able to get. We saw some amazing things -- lion fish, iguana, lizards, cave drawings, goats, and lots of donkeys! We ate some great food, and did our usual enjoyment of desserts, especially ice cream. 

We came home still liking each other which is always a good thing, but especially so this time as dd moved while we gone. Yes, we knew it was happening, but it was still a bit surreal to come home and find her bedroom practically empty. She is settling into her first apartment and full-time job, and we are acclimating to the realization that she doesn't live her anymore. It's a good thing all around, but it feels very different.

Rambling a bit today, but I wanted to say hi and share.

Thanks for all of you who read and comment. You are a blessing.

With Thanks to William the Conqueror

Presumably we have William the Conqueror to thank for vacations. At least according to Wikipedia.

Whoever started the trend had no idea what they were creating. 

The concept is terrific. Get away from the office, the farm, the housework, whatever, and just do things differently. See new things, eat new things, rest and relax in a new environment. The problems come when those you travel with have different ideas of what a vacation really is. 

The first time my husband and I went to Mexico, he had every day scheduled to the nines. Events, locations, experiences reigned supreme. The problem was I am not an energetic traveler. Maybe it's being an introvert, but I need recovery time after the actual travel has taken place. The day we fly anywhere, I'm just as happy to call that the activity for the day, and spend the rest of the day/night doing as little as possible. By a pool if that can be arranged.

Over the years we've had to learn to adjust. He's had to accept that I'll run out of steam long before he will, and I've had to ramp up my energy level to keep going even when I'm tired. We balance pretty well these days, but I still nap a lot more than he understands. 

For a long time I thought it was just me, but a couple of years ago my husband took our son on a 2 week vacation to go climbing, hiking, and sightseeing. When they came back I heard both sides. My husband couldn't get over how tired and sleepy our son was, or how much he ate. My son couldn't get over how early my husband gets up in the morning and how early he falls asleep at night, and how little he seems to eat!

Regardless of how the vacation ultimately plays out, right about now I'd give something near and dear to me if I could be somewhere warm with a beach and a fruity beverage to sip on. 

February may be the shortest month in days, but it's the longest in cold temperatures!

linking up with Writer's Workshop

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . October 8, 2013

Outside my window . . . . we went down into the 40s last night. Today's high is predicted for the mid-70s, but with a strong northerly wind. Autumn :)

I am thinking . . . about the trip Alan and I returned from yesterday. We had a lovely time staying at the Beaumont Inn in Harrodsburg, KY. I highly recommend it if you ever find yourself in that area.

I am thankful . . . to be home and resting. Also I am thankful that things seem a bit calmer this week than last week.

In the kitchen . . . leftovers last night (pork roast, polenta, cabbage salad, and asparagus). Tonight is probably going to be some grilled chicken with roasted tomatoes and basil. Not sure what else beyond that.

I am wearing . . . brown straight leg pants, a white t-shirt, denim jacket, and a scarf. And my new fun shoes --

I am creating . . . two different shawls. The Danish shawl I showed you last week, 

and I'm having to do a bit of reworking on a shawl I started earlier in the summer. 

I didn't have enough yarn on hand to complete, and when I went to get more, I learned that it had been discontinued. So I'm trying to complete the pattern with 2 coordinating yarns that I found. We shall see.

I am going . . . with my husband to court this morning. Nothing major, but I'm serving as chauffeur and moral support.

I am wondering . . . how to find time for all the reading I want to do! I am often torn between my love of reading and my love of crocheting.

I am reading . . . Daring Greatly on the recommendation of a friend. I gave in and bought the hard copy because I just couldn't bear not being able to underline things. I also picked up a few books on vacation (as usual). I started reading A Circle of Quiet by Madeleine L'Engle while waiting for my copy of Daring Greatly to arrive. It's been on my to read list for quite sometime.

I am looking forward to . . . another weekend getaway. This time I'll be on my own at a meditation and yoga retreat through Dovehouse Ministries.

I am hearing . . . the tea pot heating.

Around the house . . . we are awaiting the delivery of a new mattress and box springs. You may recall we bought a new set about a month ago, and it has been a nightmare of discomfort for me. They are taking that one away this morning, and a new queen size set will be delivered this evening. Keeping my fingers crossed that this one works out better for both of us.

I am praying . . . for a child who lost her parents over the weekend in an accident. She was adopted by a family here in the states and now faces being orphaned a 2nd time. So incredibly sad.

One of my favorite things . . . is driving my convertible with the top down. We had lots of opportunity to drive around in Kentucky this past weekend taking in the autumn weather, and it was just lovely.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . helping the hubs today, a meeting later in the afternoon, another meeting on Wednesday, some exercise, Bible class on Thursday, and then heading out for a quiet, thought provoking weekend.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing . . .

Alan in his favorite environment --

taking photos :)

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

Weekend Get Away

:: right now ::

Right now I am . . . 

:: seeing the rain and clouds lingered from overnight.

:: remembering the sun on my face as we rode the air-boat across the clear water.

:: smiling at the joy my husband found while we were in Florida.

:: marveling at the wonder, awe, and majesty of God's creations.

:: laughing as I remember finding this book in an antique store, especially the page headed "Everyday Errors in Room Arrangement" from 1933.

:: happy to be back home with my tree and both kids home from college.

:: looking forward to using my new sewing/crafting basket from SERRV.

:: relishing these oranges bought to support a local school. So delicious, and a nice reminder of Florida, and holidays from my childhood.

:: focusing on some good thoughts I've read/heard lately:

There's no reason to race. In fact, there's every reason not to. -- SouleMama

. . . so much of it is just noise and all that really counts are relationships. Finding your own truth. Putting your hand on your heart and following it. Life's short. And chaotic and blissful and changeable and inspiring and too much fun to miss. Hand on heart. Follow it. -- inner pickle

Advent is the season of deep waiting. -- Josh Graves