Passages

So we spent last weekend with Tim's parents at Dale Hollow Lake. When I say "we," I mean me, Tim, Sara and Noah. Again, we were in a "missing (wo)man formation" without Mary. There's a serious hole in me when she's not along. I wonder if I'll ever get over that and what it will be like when there are three. . .

In any event, as I've mentioned before, vacations for the Hamiltons have been spent with my In-laws for, well, ever. Since before Tim and I were Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton.

They never will be again. At least not in the same way. Bob and Janet have decided to sell their boat and had actually talked to a guy (who incidentally lives in Mason, Ohio where THEY live) during the time they'd been there the week before. So, not knowing this, we left Mary in Kentucky. As if she needed any MORE drama in her life. ..

This turn of events is bittersweet in that vacations will never be the same. But on the other hand, vacations NEED never be the same! Tim's brother, Tony, has already suggested we rent a boat together and Tim's folks have given us their gear: skiis, life jackets, etc. This might be fun, but a whole world of opportunities is opening to us and that, in a weird way, is exciting.

Perhaps we'll return to Disney World before Mary leaves the nest. A cruise for the whole family? Why not? Of course, that's the fly in this ointment... we have vacationed for a pittance for 25 years. .. .now we'll have to pay, and dearly I'm sure, for our summer fun.

Oh well, I'm looking forward to putting our collective heads together and coming up with something new.

Real Girl

On July 14, I become a permanent employee of Uranium Disposition Services (UDS). This is a good thing because I will be able to receive the associated "benefits" -- such as paid time off. Do I really want to be a "permanent" employee? Not so much. I am, even now, awaiting word from Stites & Harbison about a second interview for a Legal Assistant position they have open.

I have applied for Events Coordinator position with Special Olympics Kentucky.

and the list goes on. . .

However, I am slowly learning that I'm not my job. Am I fulfilled by my job at UDS? Nah. Can I stay there until Steve retires August 1? Sure. And beyond? Yep. Do I want to be there a year from now? Um, no. But I've learned I can't hang without vacation days. . . duh.

So, in other news. We're on our annual pilgrimage to McMinnville, TN to visit my cousin, Dawn, and her clan of dogs and children (see link on my home page for her website -- she takes awesome pics). It's great -- instant party. But Mary's not with us this year so it seems strange and I'm a little sad. That's not the only reason I'm sad but that's part of it.

I really need a new job -- wait, that's backtracking. It's just that I've gained like 20 lbs since I've been at UDS and I'm not motivated to exercise or anything.

Okay -- I'm going to visit with my family now.