I'm still here...

I’ve had so many different things I have wanted to write about lately but between vacation and craziness at work I’ve been unable to make the time to do so. I’ve barely even stitched since I’ve been home, though I did finish Just Nan’s Tulip Time (a modified version) for Laura’s quilt. I started it unaltered for myself but have barely put any stitches in at all. In fact most of my stitching on the first one was accomplished at the airport or on the plane during vacation.

Jackson, Wyoming was amazing. I can’t think of the last time I went somewhere and instantly fell in love with a place to the point that I looked at property and wished I could somehow eek out a living. Unfortunately the prices are at least as bad as San Diego and industry is, well, slim at best. It was the first time I’ve seriously thought about leaving California. I love living in California and of course I enjoy the temperate climate here. I just never really thought seriously about moving and, although I don’t foresee it happening in the near future, I have a different outlook on the subject now.

It was a wonderful vacation, though too short. Luke and I skied for three consecutive days and it’s amazing how well he progressed. I think with one more trip his skill will surpass mine, although that doesn’t say much. I did take a class where we went down blue runs at Jackson Hole but I had some difficulty at Grand Targhee (where we went the third day) since it was snowy and poorly marked and their idea of blue is different from anything I’ve seen! Wonderful snow, though. We drove through Idaho to get there, going over the Teton Pass. Luke had a rough time on the drive and we had to stop at a gas station to get him some cold water and a bathroom break so I get to officially add Idaho to the list of states I’ve visited, though it was a brief visit.

We have decided to take one last ski trip before the season ends. We had discussed the possibility of going up to Big Bear with some friends but in light of the 75” of snow Mammoth has received this week we’ve decided to go there instead. We’re going up Sunday the 23rd (after church), skiing Monday and Tuesday, and driving back Tuesday night. I’ll be tired Wednesday but it will be worth it.

On a completely different note I drove on a preschool field trip this morning; Luke’s class sang songs at a local retirement home. It always makes me sad to go there, and a little frightened. I know I’ll get old eventually barring any sort of catastrophe, and I don’t mind the idea of getting old and looking different or having limited mobility (as long as I can still stitch!). The thing that scares me is the idea of losing my mental capacity. It doesn’t run in my family on either side, thank goodness, but it is such a frightening prospect that I can barely think about it. I also feel so sad that the people there seem so lonely and it makes me miss my grandmother who I don’t get to see very often. We should really make more of an effort to get up and see her even if it is a horrid drive.

Well I suppose I’ve taken longer than I should to write this. I’m really busy and will be through at least the end of April (more likely through the end of May). It’s better to be busy than bored, though. At least I no longer feel like I’m sitting around waiting for things to happen in my life. I’ve felt that way for so long and, ever since I joined the church and got involved, I haven’t felt that way. It isn’t just the church though that’s a big part of it. Luke has a lot of activities and I’ve made some good stitching friends with whom I meet regularly. Life is just good right now. Sure I’d like to have a bigger house and another child but I’m trying to be happy with what I have and live my life rather than sitting around waiting for things to happen and it certainly seems to be a better approach.