Leaving on a train
I’ve just a few short morning hours of ‘work’ left. Though I am clearly distracted and during our department meeting, Great Boss is going to do my most-hated job…taking of notes. I won’t have time to put them together before I leave. That already feels like vacation.
Lil RP#1 has mixed feelings about going. It means vacation, but also the last week of spending time with her dad. Like any kid her age, though, she’s unable to articulate the swirl of emotions she is clearly having. And so it comes out in odd things, like a tussle with RP over not bringing a backpack because she said it smells. It’s amazing to me how kids can be a dog with a bone and their issues are so right there, so in the moment. This is where being a step-parent is an odd thing. When Lil RP#1 or lil moonspun work themselves up into an 8 year old frenzy, it’s the non-step-parent one of us who takes care of it. As good of a relationship as I have with Lil RP#1, when it comes time to go into her room after she’s slammed the door and is crying, well, right now that’s not my forte. She’s not doing to confess to me the secrets of her heart like she will to RP. And that’s fine. Lil moonspun is the same.
We got through the backpack crisis, had a nice dinner and managed to pack in a relaxing way. I actually fit both me and lil moonspun’s clothes in one suitcase, including shoes. And Lil RP#1 and I had time to watch a couple decorating shows. I am SO IN LOVE with the DVR feature on our satelite tv and record my two favorite decorating shows from HGTV: Myles of Style (she is so cute and creative) and Decorating Cents (very practical down to earth and love the host Joan Steffend). I love being able to watch them whenever I can! It’s been a routine of mine with the girls, either both or Lil RP#1 to sit and have popcorn and watch them. RP defers to other activities. They don’t interest him. Though afterwards, I’l say “hey, let’s move this here and paint that green” and he’ll at least offer an honest opinion.
While you are sleeping in your own cozy bed tonight, think of me and my family on an Amtrak train hurtling toward Ohio and disembarking at 4:45 am bleary eyed and travel weary. But ON VACATION!
I am not sure if I’ll get to post at all while I am gone. Unlike my buddy, Badass Geek, I don’t have a cell phone or can’t offer you multiple ways to contact me. Only know I 1) hopefully haven’t drowned in Lake Erie on the triathlon swim Monday morning and 2) am meeting new relatives and 3) Having a great time with my new hubby and extended family and 4) not working for a week!!!
Be well my friends!

Isn’t that a pretty picture? It’s an award. (checking wrinkled up piece of paper and clearing throat…) I’d like to thank the blogging academy….and my family and friends for being there….Ok wait, let me explain…no, no is too much let me sum up (know what movie that is from?)
I am a 41 year old woman lucky to live in Vermont. I live with my husband, Running Professor, and my 8 year old daughter, lil moonspun. Read more about me in