As I sit on the deck (probably being eaten by skeeters)

There's been so much on my mind over the past week, but I haven't been able to get it out and onto the screen.  It's summer here, for all intents and purposes, though the calendar still gives us a week or so.  This is the first summer that I've worked consistently since - gosh, since marriage, save cleaning offices a few evenings a week back in Rob's college days.  Oh, and cleaning a friend's home in the early 90s down in Charleston. 

Maybe that's why I feel a bit discombobulated...not having the summer off to be with the kiddos.

That's not necessarily a bad thing, though.  The kids are at an age where they don't need me breathing down their throats every second.  It gives all of us a sense of independence.

And I enjoy my job, though honestly, it's a bit dull at times!  A good dull - none of the drama and stress attached to the previous workplace - but still - and there isn't a gentler way to say it - dull.  I've already mastered the routine, and most days I finish my administrative tasks within 2-3 of the scheduled 5 hours.  But I am there to answer the phone and greet guests also, so I don't feel too bad about the down times.

So, let's see...what have I missed...?

Vacation was lovely.  We spent two nights at the beach, and we had the most relaxing, laughter-filled time as a family that we've had in ages.  The final two nights were spent more inland, and we were able to hang out with some life-long friends, as well as some new ones.  Again, much laughter abounded. 

One of the best parts of the trip was being at our "home" church.  We get more hugs there than we do in a year or more at the church here!  The lead pastor is also a gifted speaker, so I am never bored, even if he tends to be long-winded.  And we were able to tour the facilities and see all the cool changes/additions/upgrades they've made in the last year or two.  It is such a vibrant place, and I still miss it, even after almost three years.

In other news, The Daughter got her permit last Thursday!  She has to drive at least 50 hours supervised over the next 6 months.  I've been letting her drive to and from work each day, and she's doing pretty well, though she has what I call the "wild ass turn tendency".  I had forgotten that it takes some time to coordinate the gas pedal and the steering wheel.

No whip lash yet, but we've come close a few times (heh).

I took that personality test that everyone's been taking, but true to my tend-to-be-Gemini (though I don't "believe" in horoscopes, sometimes I wonder about the "twin" thing when it comes to me), I couldn't quite decide between two different results: The Engaged Idealist or The Social Realist.  EI was the initial result.  But again, on at least two of the four questions, I could have equally chose either answer.  So, perhaps I am a mix of both.

I am going to have Rob read them both and tell me which is more accurate before I post any results.

Speaking of Rob, he's a bit anxious about work.  They've called in all the remote folks for an all-hands meeting on Monday.  The buzz is that the company is being sold (Liberty Media owns them now).  Not sure what that could mean, but I am sure that it will bring big changes in benefits and structure.

He's almost finished with his Associates Certificate in Project Management - that's a good thing, though Project Management Professional (PMP) certification would be better.  I hope that whatever changes are afoot don't include an end to the tuition benefit plan that's allowed him to take courses over the past year.  It'd be nice to get that PMP under his belt.

Let's see...what else...

I submitted a devotional article to Associated Content, but haven't heard anything yet.  I really don't expect any upfront payment.  And if that proves to be the case, I can still publish for page-view payments, which have been equating to a medium coffee a month at WaWa.

Better than a sharp stick in the eye, I suppose.

I think that about covers it!  I guess I had more to say than I thought, eh?