Scarce.

This week I had an unexpected {scrapbooking } opportunity pop up, but it's a tight turn around. So if I'm scarce around here, you'll know why. As is my wont, without much time for blogging I have a ton of blogging topics tossing around in my head:

1. My father's faith.
2. A rant about feminism and my religion.
3. One about parenting older teenagers.
4. February in review (yes, I know: we're halfway through March.)
5. Three book notes: the two Anna books by Kendare Blake, Refuge, and Into Thin Air.
6. The Terry Tempest Williams writing workshop I attended in February (again, I know: sigh)

But I've got to get this other stuff done as well! So I just wanted to note a couple of things about my life right now:

• I've had a little bit of writing success! I can't share the details yet...but it's rewarding to hear a "yes." (Also hard to write a bio note when you haven't really published much. It looks ok if you're 20 or 25 or maybe even 30. But 40? I feel lame.)
• This week Nathan decided that the pantry was bugging him. So he cleaned, reorganized, and wiped down shelves. I'm fairly certain that this proves who his Daddy is! :)
• Both Nathan and Jake are in track right now. It's been fun to see how their track personalities differ. Nathan likes the shorter distances, Jake goes a little bit longer. They both like the high jump! This year they have a jumping coach (last year they didn't), which has made a huge difference for Jake's confidence.
• Speaking of Jake. We had a conflict (via texting!) this week that was resolved so smoothly. He gave me a key to his psyche that I think will help me continue to understand him and to know how to respond without causing sparks (but still get my point across).
• Haley has become my kid I hardly ever see. Between track (she runs the mile and the 800 and HATES the jumping events), school, work (she is doing her pharm tech internship), and boyfriend, she's gone a lot. I think this is the reverse of how, when you're into the very end of your pregnancy it's hard to sleep---your body acclimatizing you for what's to come. Maybe the busy schedule is preparing me for when she'll be off to college in the fall? This is such a strange phase of life for me.
• I am feeling how Kaleb is turning from little kid to kid kid. He took a bath last night and it had been so long I had to show him how to push the plug up! (It sticks.) (And this isn't because he hasn't washed for years but because he usually showers.) It reminded me of how the bathtub was one of his happiest places as a baby; when he was grumpy (which was often!), I'd put him in the tub with some bubbles and his collection of rubber ducks and the grumpies would wash away. I am at peace with being on the babyless side of life, mostly. As at peace with it as I will ever be. But it is this strange sadness, knowing that my baby isn't anything like a baby anymore.
• Kendell spoke in church on Sunday. His talk was on the ten commandments. I'm as glad that it's done as he is, as yes: I did help him figure out what to say. It's interesting to me how differently people react over speaking in church. It's not a big deal for me (in fact, I actually enjoy it), I think because of my years of teaching. Kendell doesn't really get nervous during the talking part, he just doesn't like the preparation. And his sister told us that she absolutely refuses to speak in church at all, ever. I'm not judging. It's just interesting to see how people deal with it.
• I am finally feeling mostly-better after a fierce cold this week. Other than going to church to listen to Kendell's talk, I didn't do much other than lie in bed, reading and sleeping, for three days. I'm hoping today might just be the day I put my running shoes back on, as I can now take a deep breath without coughing!

OK, work calls. I wouldn't be sad if I were distracted here & there by comments. What is good in your world right now?

Comments

[Vickie]

I'm especially looking forward to reading your blog posts about 1. and 2.

[Stephanie W]

Can't wait to "hear" about your writing success. It is long overdue.

[Becky K]

Soooooo sorry about the cold. I am glad you are feeling better - and that you took time off to read and sleep to feel better. I love sick days (but not the being sick part!)

BTW: You looked beautiful on Saturday. I loved your shirt - so elegant!

Hope you have a good day at work today.

[Lucy]

Here's a distraction then! I have a friend who is almost 40, totally active, and has never spoken in church. She just says no. I definitely get nervous but enjoy it as well.

I will take the time to enjoy my bathing beauties. I have smiled as Henry has enjoyed taking baths with Daniel. It was like I forced him to grow up too fast because he so enjoys all the toys and bubbles and being with the baby. And Daniel squeals in delight.

I'm intrigued about your writing. Don't feel lame. That is powerful!

[Margot]

Mary Wesley (Camomile Lawn, amongst other titles) wasn't published until she was 57, and her first novel for adults wasn't published until she was 71. You've got a 17 year head start!

[cris]

Ahhh Amy ~ so excited to hear about the writing success!

And I wish my teenage son would wipe down and clean my pantry - that was my job this week and I absolutely hated it!

I hate speaking in church too, but have never turned it down. I just become a stressed out mess the entire week before and go over the talk about 500 times before giving it, only to stand in front of the congragation and read it word for word right off the paper because I am so terribly uncomfortable speaking in front of others! :)

Good thing - just ran my 1st half 2 wks ago... ran a pace that I was proud of. Heading out for my first 14 mile run in the morning.

[Britt]

I don't actually have anything to say... so how about, "Hey! I was here!"

[Chris S.]

Oooh!! :) We need to get together soon. Don't think I can wait for future posts to hear more!

[Isabel]

Writing success??!! I can't wait to hear more.

And I'm super anxious to hear more about "Into Thin Air".

I spoke in church yesterday. I'm like you, I usually kinda like it. But the topic I had (following commandments because of faith NOT because we want to be obedient) was really hard for me. The Bishopric member couldn't really explain what he wanted me to speak on, which made it really hard to prepare for. But...I think I managed to pull it all together. I am always surprised when people say they won't speak. Its like with callings...I didn't know you could say "no". :-)

[Sarah]

Can't wait to hear more about the writing success... that is, when you CAN tell us more!

Aren't they saying that FORTY is the new THIRTY anyways? ;)