My happy place, and it needs help!

New beginnings

About two weeks ago while I was working at camp I received a text from John stating that there was a spot for Odin in the Montessori school that we had applied to in the spring. We were to respond two days later. After the initial shock wore off, we realized that it was what we really wanted for him, and we took it. Today was his first day at his new school and I am hopeful that he will find it fulfilling, challenging, and engage his curiosity.

2nd grade, can you believe it?

Really its all of our achievement.

I have loads of other summer doings that I hope to put on here in the near future. . .

You get what you train for

When I was in Michigan a week or so ago I bought a new top for my triathlon. That night I was shamed into going for a run by a tag on the top. It read "Nobody gets lucky in a triathlon, you get what you train for". My training plan was not very dedicated or organised. I tried to fit it in where I could. In the end I did a fair job training.
Today was the race and I am very pleased with my result. My performance matched my training with one large exception. I did not train in changing bike tubes. I got a flat at the beginning of the bike portion and it took me a long time to change it. How long, I am not sure, because my watch battery died 5 minutes before my start time. Did I have a good race? Yes I did! I even met my personal goals despite my setbacks. And yes, I think I will consider doing another one.

Fun times

Today after work (or play) we all went to the county fair. It was opening day today so admission was only $1 and the rides were also a buck each. We did some rides first, then ate, checked out the dogs, rabbits, chickens,cows, horses, and then, back to the rides.

Want to hear one of the most exciting parts of our adventure tonight? We left Freki at home! All by himself, and he did great! This is so far the longest interval that we have left him. It was just about three hours, I am very pleased, and very happy that we have taken it so slowly and that he feels comfortable at home. He will likely still come to the farm with me for camps because he loves it and is loved on by many, but at least now I know he doesn't need to come EVERYWHERE with me.

Tri your best

Did I mention before, that in May I thought it would be a good idea to register for a sprint triathlon in August? Well, I did. And I was diligent about training, until about July. Once July hit, I lost some steam. Then lost more when John was out of town for work (a lot!).
Do I still plan to do it?
                                   Yes I do!

Are my expectations lowering?
                                                Yes they are!

I am mostly interested in finishing. I think if I do that I will be pleased. If nothing else, this has helped get me into better physical shape, and that is just fine.

Summer whirlwind

The first month of summer is already gone. EEK! Not that we haven't lived nearly every day to its fullest, but it has gone by so fast. There are six weeks left until school resumes for Odin, and he will be a 2nd grader.
My days have been filled working at the farm for summer camp. Officially I am the camp director in reality I lead games, manage volunteers, and teach campers about life, respect, responsibility, and we all have fun. Odin joins me most weeks with a few weeks for other camps that he was interested in.  In case you are wondering Freki joins us too. I am very fortunate that my job lets me bring so much chaos to work with me.

Last week this article came out in our local newspaper. I knew they were coming yet was caught off guard when they wanted to interview me. Our campers love the camps that we run and the response from parents has been wonderful too. It is so exciting to be a part of something so great.

Zarah has been doing great with the campers. She loves her job at camp!

New things

Today I did something new. I paid somebody to come to my house and watch Odin. In 7.5 years I have never done that before. Odin reminded me this morning that we used to do a childcare exchange with our neighbors in Minnesota. We would go out one evening as they watched Odin, and then we would watch their kiddos while they went out. It worked out great but no money changed hands. This time it was the real deal.
Want to know what I did today when I paid somebody $28 to watch Odin? I went and rode "my" horse.
John is out of town on business and it's my weekend too. I think all parties had a good time. I know I did!

After I came home this afternoon, Odin and I stopped by the fabric store. I wanted to buy some fabric to make a saddle bag. While we were in the store Odin noticed all of the fleece fabric and commented on how nice it would be to have a blanket made out of the cuddly fabric. So, on a whim, I decided that we would make him a new blanket. He picked a Star Wars theme for one side and brown with bear paw prints on the other side. I thought we would do one of those no sew tie fleece blankets. He wanted nothing to do with that. He wanted to sew. And sew we did. He ran the foot pedal as I feed fabric into the machine. It turned out great. He was so proud that he helped make his new blanket. I am very glad that he wanted to sew it. It looks so much nicer than those no sew ones! . . Pics hopefully tomorrow!

 Don't be fooled. He is only pretending to sleep because he doesn't want to be in the picture!