Sounds like you're going to have an emotionally delicate daughter on you hands, Deb. Living in Canada, we don't hear nearly as often about people dealing with loved ones going off to war. It's so wonderful that you have such a good relationship with her -- what a blessing (and something I long for).
Will she be going very far when she heads off to University? You're right about 17 being pretty young to leave home! Our Laura was 18 1/2 last September when she moved away for school, and that seemed young enough.
I trust you'll make the most of the summer while she's still around.
Thanks for the reminder about the water. I haven't been as consistent with that lately, and it probably makes a difference -- that, and enough sleep! For years I loved staying up late because there was suddenly no one telling me that I had to go to bed. Then when the kids were young, night time was when I could finally say, "Ahhhhhhhhh", and take a little time for myself. Now the nest is empty and I have all day to myself (when I'm not at the office) but I still like those late hours -- guess it's because I can hang out at the computer or work on a project guilt-free, without thinking I should be doing something else. lol
Anyway, keep up the good work. That IE is really key, isn't it. I've been more inconsistent too, but it's something that I know I need to keep at. My Dad's my inspiration. He's 81, and recently he had a flu that really knocked him out for a couple weeks. He gave up his walking while he was so sick, but he couldn't understand why his energy was just so zapped. Then, as soon as he resumed his normal exercise routine (a brisk walk of at least 1 hour daily), his energy came right back. He never really made time for intentional exercise until he was about 45, but it's really paid off for him. I hope I can remain as active as he is at that age!
This weekend we bring home our son and his family to stay with us for 3 1/2 weeks before leaving for Japan. (Sorry if I'm repeating myself.) It's going to be rather bitter/sweet, but I'll just have to make the best of it and get in as much snuggle time with little Umi as I possibly can. We'll also have to be sure to have a web cam and something like Skype set up and ready for when they're in Japan.
We recently bought a travel trailer and we've booked a couple camp sites at a beautiful park on Lake Ontario for a weekend, together with our other son's family. We're trying to convince Laura to join us too. I'm hoping to build lots of great family memories together before they head off.
That's enough from me . . . . how's everyone else doing?
Brenda.
