Life is Good – July 10, 2009

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It’s been another beautiful week. I couldn’t ask for more perfect weather than what the Minnesota summers bring.

Last weekend, our family went up north to my in-laws’ cabin for the Fourth of July holiday. I prepared myself for the worst as it seems any time we find time to take a break there, temperatures drop and rain falls, leaving me feeling claustrophobic inside the cabin. Not this time. The weather was absolutely perfect. The skies were clear, the sun shone and we were able to enjoy sitting down on the dock, soaking up the sun or fishing. We played bean bag toss and volleyball out in the yard. I brought a couple of books and read to my heart’s content. We spent time with our extended family, and I got my baby-fix while doting on my sweet six-month old nephew, Ryan. Ryan is an absolutely charming baby. He’s always smiling, with a grin so big it lights up his eyes. He was perfectly content to let me carry him around the property while he gazed wide-eyed at his surroundings. I took a long, quiet walk with him down the secluded driveway, just enjoying the way he clung to me and cooed over my shoulder as he took in the scenery around him. If you ask me, one of the best feelings in the world is having a happy little baby cling to you contentedly. Sigh! I miss babies.

On Saturday, we all piled into the speed boat and headed out to watch a fireworks display from the water. I’m not a big fan of riding around in a boat in the dark, but thankfully there was a full moon out that night to help light our way. We anchored in a bay that was already beginning to fill with other boats full of spectators. The night air was warm and the fireworks show was spectacular. We arrived back at the cabin near midnight and I fell asleep almost as soon as my head hit the pillow. It felt so good to sleep with the windows open and the night air blowing through the room while I huddled up inside a warm sleeping bag. I slept long and hard; something I don’t do often enough.

My employer was very generous this year, giving us both Friday and Monday off with holiday pay. I felt so much more relaxed coming home from the cabin on Sunday, knowing I had an extra day to get back in the swing of things at home before heading back to work.

And I can’t complain about having a short work-week two weeks in a row! Everyone at the office seems to have benefited from the long weekend. The atmosphere is relaxed and everyone is in a good mood. I have laughed more at work this week than I can remember doing in a long time. The funniest thing ever happened Wednesday morning. My boss received a couple of voice mails that had her laughing so hard there were tears flowing down her cheeks and she could barely speak. Of course, she came out to find me, and I managed to understand a few words…

“…Made my day…gotta hear this… “

She motioned for me to follow her into her office and dialed into her voice mail, instructing me to just listen and to also pay attention to the time the messages were received. The automated voice on the system announced,

“You have two messages. First message, received Tuesday at 9:20 p.m.”

(It’s important to note that our office is closed each day by 5:00 p.m.)

On the message system, a familiar voice was heard. It was that of my coworker, K, sounding a little frantic.

“Hi (Boss), it’s me, K. Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry! I’m late for work. I don’t know what happened. I guess I overslept. It’s after nine. I’ll…I’ll…I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

And then came the second message. Again, it was K, sounding much calmer and maybe a bit sheepish this time around.

“Hi (Boss), it’s K again. Disregard my last message. It’s after nine o’clock on Tuesday night. I must have fallen asleep and when I woke up, I thought it was Wednesday morning. It’s still Tuesday night. Never mind. See you tomorrow.”

K showed up in the boss’ office just as we were listening to the end of the message. She was a good sport about it and by the end of the day, had encouraged almost everyone in the office to go have a listen and a laugh at her expense.

Another good thing this week; Mark got his new truck, a silver 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Extended Cab. (Yes, Oscar. He buys American!) He’s happy as a clam. I’m happy he’s done stressing out over trying to find the best price and having to deal with car salesmen and driving me a little bonkers in the process. Now he’s like a little kid with a new toy. He keeps asking me if I want to drive it but I’m ok with being the passenger and playing with the XM radio. Besides, I don’t want to be the first to put a scratch on it. I’m perfectly content to drive my “old” Impala that gets excellent gas mileage, has already met the butt of one deer and has its share of scratches.

I’m still trying to comprehend the crisis I mentioned earlier this week. The whole thing makes me feel very helpless. I guess I have to look at it with the knowledge that it’s not a life threatening situation for anyone involved and as much as I hate to see people I love hurting, I have to believe that somehow they’ll get through this.

For now, I’m looking forward to a spending the weekend at a softball tournament, watching my daughter play. How she loves to play! I just want to enjoy these times with her before they pass us by. It makes me realize that in spite of life’s trials, life is still good.

Have a great weekend!

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