The Jetsons Have Arrived

Animal Kingdom Lodge
Orlando, FL

My daughter's family has been in Orlando since Sunday. They're members of the Disney Vacation Club, so drive to Disney World once or twice a year. The last time they were there, we were in Paris, so communicated with emails and text messages. But, this trip, we're home with only an hour time difference, so get daily video calls. What fun!

The future is here!

Through iPhone's FaceTime, the grandsons call every evening, just before bedtime. During the first call, we got a tour of the condo. And, last night, Elliott showed us his new pins.

Growing up, I remember hearing that one day we would "see" the people we called, like The Jetsons did. At the time, the idea horrified me. Who wanted their boyfriend to see them without hair done and makeup on!

As a grandma, however, I absolutely love video chat. To see my grandsons's sweet faces as we talk is amazing and wonderful. And I couldn't care less how I look because, in Elliott's and Jonah's eyes, grandma always looks good. For me, the future arrived at the perfect time.

Have a Safe Weekend

Thank you.

Hello Summertime!

Today is the last day of the 2012-2013 school year. That means, for the next 11 weeks, Monday through Friday, I do not have to get up before 7:30 A.M. to get my oldest grandson to school. And, for the next 11 Tuesdays and Thursdays, I do not have to watch my youngest grandson all day.

I'll still see the boys a lot this summer. But I'll be off Grandma Daycare duty, letting my daughter deal with all of the meltdowns, naps, snacks, meals, and cleanups.

As my respite begins, I'm not looking past tomorrow morning when I plan to sleep well past 7:30 A.M. After that, there's still plenty of time to make to-do lists and schedule appointments. Let summertime begin!

It's a Different Spring

I'm still having trouble wrapping my brain around the fact the school year ends this week and next weekend is the unofficial start of summer. But I finally realized why.

This is the first spring in 25 years we haven't owned a pest control business. That means this is the first spring in a long time Jim isn't averaging 12-hour work days, seven days a week. And I'm not working 25 hours a week on the books in addition to managing all my other responsibilities.

Jim's working more hours than we had hoped at his new job, but it's still less than when we owned a business. And the work is not nearly as stressful. Plus, he's now able to have some fun on the weekends and even get some chores done.

I'm also enjoying the reduced stress in our lives. I now have more time for other interests and can be more "in the moment" when I'm with my grandsons. Plus I haven't been grinding my teeth at night!

We're definitely still adjusting to our new life. But, for sure, it's been a change for the better.