I’m in go mode. Whenever I take a trip, I get the zoomies—oober-cleaning and organizing the house as if preparing for guests and their guests, too. It’s not because I like working that hard or stressing myself to the “n”th degree. No, it’s because returning home to a freshly aired, laundered, white-glove-worthy space is one of the best gifts I can give myself.
And boy, do I love doing little things like that for myself. It’s like having a supportive friend, a tiny hit of something good, a boost that reminds me I matter and care about myself.
Tonight, I’ve been on a cross-country FaceTime call with Paula as she embarks on her first sourdough starter bread loaf. After setting her dough aside to proof, she watched Evelyn and me play Magna-Tiles, brush our teeth, and climb into bed. I swiveled the camera so she could read Bad Guys along with us. Funny enough, she caught a word I misread and corrected me.
Moving Evelyn further away from her grandparents is a bummer, but the fact that we can still spend time together like this? That’s a blessing.
Tomorrow, it’s Great Wolf Lodge time! A two-hour drive is nothing, and even though check-in isn’t until 4 p.m., we have access to the water slides all day. I’m not sure if there’s a tubing ride or a wave pool, but I hope so. Until now, I’ve pooh-poohed the idea of going—the cost is ridiculous—but thanks to the homeschool group’s discount and the off-season rates, it didn’t feel like we were blowing our retirement fund.
Lately, my eyes keep drifting to three plates hanging on the wall over the bench seat in my room. They were tucked away in my mom’s hope chest, wrapped in a handkerchief with a piece of masking tape that read: “For Jaclynn. Gift from Papa. 1983.” On the back, there’s a description:
“The Art of Chokin was introduced in the 6th century to decorate shrines and temples. It was also used to adorn samurai armor, swords, and helmets. This elegant art is created by etching copper plates and layering gold and silver. Not for food use. Plate may poison food. Made in Japan.”
A quick Google search told me they aren’t worth thousands of dollars. But to me, they are. My Papa meant a lot to me, and having something from him displayed on my wall means even more.
Alrighty then—I’m off to enjoy a couple of episodes of Normal People, then stock up on the ol’ energy reserves for an all-day water slide affair.
Take care!
Love,
Jaclynn
Going On 40 