Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Off We Go

Faith and I are leaving early Wednesday for a much anticipated girls getaway--just she and I. We are so excited! We did this last year, only then we took a baby with us. This time, no babies, and we're traveling southward. Normally, I would never venture into the LA area without Ken--I'm a nervous driver--but for my birthday my dad got me a wonderful navigation system and I love it and feel so emboldened! Heading south opens up so many options for us, although I must admit we're doing nothing cultural. You may laugh, but we're going to Ikea, H&M and Steve and Barry's (to shop Bitten)--all stores we do not have locally. We'll stay in a hotel for one night and watch movies and have girl time. It's going to be a blast.

I'm a big believer in spending time with our teens, although I know I don't do it nearly enough. For several years I used to pick up Jacob every Thursday for a smoothie and sit and chat with him. He is quiet, and I am quiet, so sometimes there was not much conversation happening, but I remember those days fondly. Yesterday, we sort of revisited that. I took him to buy a new bicycle for college (graduation present) then we stopped by Barnes and Noble to pick up some books Faith needs for school (Jacob picked out this book), and finished with a smoothie. I asked him what books from childhood will live in his heart. Not Harry Potter, although he read and enjoyed those books. He said he liked the Redwall books ("some were better than others"), the Daniel Pinkwater books, and especially the His Dark Materials series ("the best books ever.") I thought that was interesting. I feel so privileged to be his mother--such a great kid.

I am taking a 4 week course on Tuesday afternoons in July. It's an immunization review and update. I'm a school nurse so it relates. Today I was freaking out about the pertussis (whooping cough) information until I got home and realized that Ken and I have both been vaccinated. Scary disease! I would never want my children (or Ken or I either) to suffer from those horrible paroxysms of coughing. I know how bad I feel when my child has a regular cough. It's especially important for us right now, though, because Rainer can't be vaccinated, so we have to form a protective bubble around him. Also today, I was struck by how fun it is to go out and learn things--hooray for continuing education!

Also on my mind: crunchy laundry. Hanging clothes out on the line causes them to be rather on the stiff side--especially the towels. I actually kind of like it. I told Ken I'm committed to a summer of crunchy towels. I feel all green when I use one, and it exfoliates too.

Gotta watch LOST now (we're almost at the end of Season Three). I'll be back later this week, or possibly not til Monday.

12 comments:

periwinkle said...

I hope you both have a lovely time, I love H&M you get some good bargains and some really nice clothes for the little ones and as for Ikea nuff said :-)
lisa x

Elfin Goddess said...

Hey Mary Beth!!! You girls have a good time!!! Look forward to lots of pix and stories from your trip. Cheerio!

Rachael said...

Have a great time with your daughter (and of course happy birthday to her from Australia- she is such a pretty girl and has a kind and gentle look).

Jessica said...

Have a great trip!!! I've been trying to plan something like that with my mother for a long time, but we haven't been able to make the trip. I'm sure you both will have a blast. I also love continuing education, and am really enjoying my summer course, too.

ames said...

Jacob has *excellent* taste in books! Although I agree that some Redwall books are much better than others, and towards the end he was getting waaaay too formulaic for me.

Have a great time on your trip!

Marcy Massura said...

Have a great great time on your shopping road trip. Sounds wonderful. I was just at a Steve and Barrys and was so impressed with Bitten. You will want to buy the whole line!
Drive safe..........Have fun!

Amanda @ www.kiddio.org said...

Oh what fun! Thanks for the window into the future--time with a teenaged daughter. Goodness. Have a wonderful time, and say hi to H&M for me. sigh :)

melissa s. said...

have fun! i'm having some serious h&m envy!

Deanna said...

"Crunchy laundry"... love that term! I love it too!

Gift of Green said...

Have a blast! I just went to H&M yesterda - good sales. No Bitten for me, though. :( And try not to go TOO nuts at Ikea. Oh, what the heck. Go nuts!! (You have got to see their bolts of fabric!! - hope you have room in your suitcases!)

Mozi Esme said...

Oh - have a wonderful time! She sounds like an awesome 15 year old!

Laura said...

Can't wait to hear all about your trip away!

We are experiencing 'crunchy' towels here too...