Women at Rest

Name Change? Hmmm...

I'm thinking about changing this blog's name to The Rest Nest. Although I like having the word women in the name. Your thoughts, ideas and comments are welcome!

Running Away From Home

Every so often I run away from home. I throw a bunch of music and money into a tote bag, grab the atlas, jump in my car and drive to destinations unknown. Sometimes just for the day, sometimes a weekend.

Running away from home is one of my favorite ways to relax, disconnect from the tuggings of life, reconnect with myself and have a shot of adventure to boot! I always go alone -- partly because I love traveling solo but mostly because I'm homicidal by the time I do run away. Yesterday I knew Lucy and I needed some 1:1 girl-time so I packed extra water and doggie treats and we hit the road together.

My destination yesterday was Nooksack Falls. I'd never heard of it before but I loved the name plus the distance looked just right: far enough to feel daring and independent; not so far I'd be too tired to drive home. Balancing impulsiveness with practicality is a sign of wisdom, or at least getting older. :)

So, after breakfast Lucy and I bid a hasty farewell to Bryon, Elliott and Silas ("See ya! Love ya! Gotta go!") and headed north. Sensing adventure, Lucy began squeaking in the back seat. Mile five, mile fifteen, mile twenty: squeak, squeak, SQUEAK. But I, Mellow Spontaneous Adventure Woman, took it in stride and found a trail where she could blow off steam and, as it turned out, eat part of an already partially eaten critter. A "don't ask, don't tell, don't even look" policy comes in handy at such times.

Two hours of scenic beauty later, including multiple sightings of shirtless farm boys riding heavy machinery (I didn't take photos for fear of crashing), we reached Mt. Baker's Nooksack Falls, which are magnificent and slightly scary! After carefully viewing the 88' high falls followed by a short hike, Lucy and I climbed back in the car and headed down the mountain.

By now it was past lunchtime and I was starving. Or however starving an overweight woman can be. On the way up I remembered passing a little funky general store called Everybody's that advertised organic sandwiches and decided to stop there. Oh My GOD, am I glad I did! I had THE BEST sandwich I've ever had in my entire life: Smoked turkey, locally made Herb Gouda cheese, organic sprouts, tomatoes and lettuce from Everybody's own garden on organic wheat bread with mayo and mustard. I was seriously going to take a photo of the sandwich but I ate it too fast!

COMING NEXT: Pack Your Knapsack: How to Run Away from Home

Keepin' It Simple

Wednesday we adopted a dog. Silas the Dobie. He's wonderful. Thursday Bryon left for a family reunion and is away until late Tuesday night. Crummy timing, but Silas showed up when he did and Bryon couldn't miss the reunion so what's a girl to do but stock up on movies, rawhides and Chardonnay and make the best of it?

Single parenthood is challenging enough with Elliott and Lucy, much less integrating a new dog with his own special needs. Until this morning I thought I was managing pretty well! I thought Elliott, Lucy and Silas were too. No major rumbles between Lucy and Silas, and everyone's benefiting from great meals and extra attention.

Then this morning arrived. Sometime before breakfast, Elliott chewed open the cyst on his hip. I guess he isn't managing so well after all. :( Normally Bryon takes care of All Things Gross but I rose to the occasion and did what was necessary without gagging! I did, however, indulge in a good cry afterwards. I'm overwhelmed flying solo this weekend. Thank GOD for my brother who'll be here any minute to babysit Silas while I take Elliott to the vet and Lucy along for the ride.

TODAY I simply do what's presented to me, nothing more. I manage the best I can. I allow myself to rest in between caring for others (instead of my usual trying to cram in getting more stuff done). And I speak my truth by admitting that I am both supportive of Bryon's reunion AND pissed he's not here!