Summer 2010

Hi there...

I’ll skip all the excuses for not posting to this blog more often. I don’t have any good ones, anyway!

So what’s new… In some ways, not a lot. My life routine is the same as it was last time I wrote. Long weekdays devoted to my job with Edward Jones, including the long commute. I now get to sleep until 5 am, though, and take the 6:44 train. Just that extra half-hour sleep does me good. I get to the office about 8:30 and leave at 4:30, most days. I really like my work, in spite of the excessive time commitment. In my “spare” time, during train rides and on the weekend, I’m still doing the books for the ad agency. No definitive word yet on when that will wind down, but probably mid- to late- next year. Business has picked up and we’re paying ourselves and the bills. But we already know that our services will be replaced at some point.

Enough about business.

Bree and Bren are both good, enjoying some summer vacation before school starts up again later this month. They’re both trying to make plans for “what’s next” after community college. Neither has a firm plan yet.

Brenden went to Indiana for a week in July and had a wonderful time with the Garrison side of the family. They ate out, toured around, visited relatives, and generally spoiled him. He loved it.  They also bought him a motorcycle helmet, because he’d gotten a small motorcycle just before he took the trip. My girlfriend, Nathalie, sold it to him at a very affordable price, so he’s using that for transportation now.

Breanna has a boyfriend now, named Erik. Yep, he’s a Marine (of course!). But he’s nice enough and seems sane. He really cares about both Bree and Cassidy. I think Bree cares for him quite a bit, too, so we’ll see where this leads. The girls still live with me, sleeping on the aerobed on the living room floor. I’ve resisted making plans to move somewhere larger together, since it seems that she’d really like to settle down with someone before too long. And, I think ultimately, I’d like to get back to living there by myself again, if I can afford it. Or, I could clear out my office and rent that room out. It has an attached, private bathroom so I think it would be pretty attractive as a rental. I know my landlord would rather I do that if I have to, than move somewhere cheaper. He wants me to stay as long as I can.

Mom and Dad are doing well. Dad still gets out to play golf a few times a week. Mom keeps busy, glad to be free of back pain since her spinal surgery.

As for Doug and I, we still see each other, but only platonically now. I had to finally admit that there were too many pieces that didn’t quite fit right for me in the relationship. He doesn’t completely understand, but he accepts my choice. I’m glad we’re still friends. He no longer works in San Diego so we don't ride the train together.  That change took place in April.

I do have little chunks of free time, and I make the most of them. On my commute, when I’m caught up on bookkeeping, I read novels. I’m able to read one or two a month. It’s such a treat! I’ve always read a lot, but haven’t been able to prioritize fiction. I also get on Facebook a few times a week and connect with people that way. And play Scrabble with a couple girlfriends. I’m not very good, but I like it. I get out for walks on the beach a few times each week. I have my wine club once a month. Kelly and I meet up about once a month for dinner. Bill has had me (and Doug) over for bbq a few times. Jane, Nathalie and I try to get together once a quarter or so. Robert Cadman came down from San Clemente and took me to lunch on my birthday. So I keep busy socially, as much as I want to. But much of the time I just want to stay home and work on house projects in my spare time. Or keep up on a few TV shows. My favorite this summer is "So You Think You Can Dance." As much as I hate dancing myself, I love watching others do it! This year's group is so talented.

Well... I think that's about it, as far as "what's happening here." Hope all's well where you are. Please write and keep in touch!

Love and hugs,
~Kim :-)