Week one on the island: I was a tourist with my Granny, so tourist life and rules applied. We did tourist things. We had a bit of a schedule. We went out to eat quite a bit. I went grocery shopping before she arrived so we had food ready. It was a tourist vacation. It was wonderful.
Week Two: Nolan arrives. Then Lily arrives. We have a few things scheduled. I had gone to the store before they arrived. Eggs and Bagels and Portuguese Sausage and some fresh fruit for breakfast every day. The "Dry Bag" is packed every day when we go to the beach. Fresh clothes to put on at the end of the day. Dry towels. The cooler is packed with homemade trail mix, sandwiches, plenty of water (bottle that have been filled the night before and frozen) and fresh fruit. There are clean beach towels in the car.
Week Three: Duncan arrives. Life-guarding starts. Back packs are packed the night before. Running shoes, goggles, towels, a snack. Grab a frozen water bottle in the morning. Grab a bagel and cream cheese and head out. I will go to the grocery store while they are at life guarding, the food supply is getting a little low. I pack up the cooler while they are at Life Guarding. The dry bag is good to go. We hang at the beach after.
Week Four: No new arrivals. We still have life guarding. Dry clothes and towels are grabbed on the way out the door. Fill a water bottle before we leave. Please eat something and grab a snack. The cooler is still being packed by mom while they are at training.
Week Five: Life guarding is over. Sandy damp towels are grabbed on the way to the car. The cooler has warm water bottles (ALWAYS have water), some ice, lunch meat, bread and chips have been thrown in - all in their original packaging. Please wear something over your swim suit - as we don't know where the "dry bag is". There is no food in the house, we are now staying at the beach past sunset. Fresh lasagna from a road side stand and dinner out the last two nights. Let's see I have on a summer dress. Duncan appears to have a shirt on, a swimsuit and no shoes, Lily's clothes were wet and left at the house, she has one of my summer dresses on - it had been left in the car, Nolan has a sweatshirt on, as it was left in the car from a few days ago and his swimsuit - we went out to eat.
We have a few more days left in week 5. There is no longer a routine or a schedule. There are no dry clothes or towels. And I guess, I should really go to the store.
There is water, pure joy, happiness and silliness
Week 6: I'm hoping we remember to come back to the house to sleep.
So as this group "slowly declines" in the order of the world and joins the ranks of chaos, we celebrate our happiness.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Monday, July 22, 2013
Peace
For the next TWO weeks, there is NOTHING on the schedule. And by NOTHING, I mean NOTHING. We don't have to be any where. We don't have to do anything. We are free to play. Ahhhh.......
I wonder what this is going to be like? I don't know how to be unscheduled. Or not make a list. Or not plan some activity or event.
Life guarding is over. The boys did not qualify to go to the state competition. Both are a little bummed as it would have been a free trip to Maui. But that also means they don't have to spend this week training.
Paddling is still on the schedule, but that is voluntary, and I GET to paddle. I don't HAVE to paddle.
Yesterday we competed in a biathlon. I swam and ran. The boys both ran. Lily swam. Lily and I won t-shirts at the raffle. No lamp this year.
After the biathlon, I brought the kids back to the house. An additional girl came too. She lives here full time. She's a bit of a challenging girl, but has actually matured a little bit. She still is way too interested in babies and doesn't seem to think drugs are as bad as we all think they are, but there might be some hope for her yet. She loved all the puzzle games the house holds.
We cooked pancakes on the Lanai (on a griddle), bacon and eggs too. We later all cooked home-made macaroni and cheese. (Not sure how much home-made cooking the girls actually get here on the island). We worked on a puzzle. The kids sat in the hot tub. Then teenagers just hung out on the back Lanai, with music playing and silly conversations. It was relaxing.
We were going to go back to town around 1. I think we finally made it into town around 4:30. No one wanted to leave. It was peaceful. We were all happy.
When we finally did leave the house, it took us at least 30 minutes to get moving and get in the car. How nice.
So for the next two weeks - that is exactly how this house is living. Puzzles, games, swimming, cooking, paddling and a couple of planned hikes.
Peace.
I wonder what this is going to be like? I don't know how to be unscheduled. Or not make a list. Or not plan some activity or event.
Life guarding is over. The boys did not qualify to go to the state competition. Both are a little bummed as it would have been a free trip to Maui. But that also means they don't have to spend this week training.
Paddling is still on the schedule, but that is voluntary, and I GET to paddle. I don't HAVE to paddle.
Yesterday we competed in a biathlon. I swam and ran. The boys both ran. Lily swam. Lily and I won t-shirts at the raffle. No lamp this year.
After the biathlon, I brought the kids back to the house. An additional girl came too. She lives here full time. She's a bit of a challenging girl, but has actually matured a little bit. She still is way too interested in babies and doesn't seem to think drugs are as bad as we all think they are, but there might be some hope for her yet. She loved all the puzzle games the house holds.
We cooked pancakes on the Lanai (on a griddle), bacon and eggs too. We later all cooked home-made macaroni and cheese. (Not sure how much home-made cooking the girls actually get here on the island). We worked on a puzzle. The kids sat in the hot tub. Then teenagers just hung out on the back Lanai, with music playing and silly conversations. It was relaxing.
We were going to go back to town around 1. I think we finally made it into town around 4:30. No one wanted to leave. It was peaceful. We were all happy.
When we finally did leave the house, it took us at least 30 minutes to get moving and get in the car. How nice.
So for the next two weeks - that is exactly how this house is living. Puzzles, games, swimming, cooking, paddling and a couple of planned hikes.
Peace.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Missing
I finally now know a disadvantage to Hawaii - it's really far away from anything. Normally, I would think that is good thing. I'm good at wanting to escape. Get away from it all. Yesterday I was able to realize it's not always a good thing.
My best friend's mom died yesterday morning. I'm a long way from Houston right now. I'm a long way from my best friend. She understands. Of course she would. I may send a proxy - a close girlfriend lives in Houston, I may see if she can go stand next to Carolyn for me. Or just be there. Carolyn will be fine. It will be a hard week, but she is strong, she can handle this. I know she can, because let me tell you about her mom.
I met "Mom Frusco" my junior year in college. I showed up over Christmas break at their house. I was raised in a WASPy family. Always loved, but family dinners never involved alcohol or singing. When Uncle Larry broke out into song, I'm not sure I knew what do. She knew I would be fine, I probably just joined in.
I was immediately welcomed in, and later was told I could stay. So, I stayed.
She taught me to love Pasta Fagioli. Although, for years, she said I wouldn't be able to cook it, because it would "take hours and hours". I did finally get the recipe. It doesn't taste as good as hers, but I always knew it never would. Carolyn and I would wake up in the middle of night and go to raid the kitchen - we ate plenty of Pasta Figioli in the middle of the night.
She was always there to listen. Give advice. (We now refer to that advice as WWFD - What Would Fran Do). It was fun to help her in the kitchen. Or just hang out on the bar stools with. Or watch movies in the TV room - as we would sometimes have movie marathons and she would join us to laugh and cry. Maybe that's why I like to join the kids when they are all hanging out. Or talk about books. She loved to read.
Things I remember, that won't make any sense to anyone but Carolyn:
She was at my college graduation. My wedding. I think she actually knew before anyone I was pregnant with Duncan - she and Dad Frusco were in California visiting and we were all out to dinner. I didn't like my wine. I didn't figure it out, but I think she did. She was on the phone with me at the hospital when I was in labor with Duncan, as Carolyn was in Mexico. The first flowers to arrive at the hospital were from her.
She had a stroke 15 years ago. And while, she was still "Mom Frusco" she became a different "Mom Frusco".
Twenty-five years is a long time to know someone. I could go on and on with stories.
They told us she went in her sleep. We'd like to think she went telling someone what to do and God finally said, "That's enough Frances, come home".
I'm missing the services. I'm missing being there for her daughter. And I will always miss her.
Rest in Peace Mom.
My best friend's mom died yesterday morning. I'm a long way from Houston right now. I'm a long way from my best friend. She understands. Of course she would. I may send a proxy - a close girlfriend lives in Houston, I may see if she can go stand next to Carolyn for me. Or just be there. Carolyn will be fine. It will be a hard week, but she is strong, she can handle this. I know she can, because let me tell you about her mom.
I met "Mom Frusco" my junior year in college. I showed up over Christmas break at their house. I was raised in a WASPy family. Always loved, but family dinners never involved alcohol or singing. When Uncle Larry broke out into song, I'm not sure I knew what do. She knew I would be fine, I probably just joined in.
I was immediately welcomed in, and later was told I could stay. So, I stayed.
She taught me to love Pasta Fagioli. Although, for years, she said I wouldn't be able to cook it, because it would "take hours and hours". I did finally get the recipe. It doesn't taste as good as hers, but I always knew it never would. Carolyn and I would wake up in the middle of night and go to raid the kitchen - we ate plenty of Pasta Figioli in the middle of the night.
She was always there to listen. Give advice. (We now refer to that advice as WWFD - What Would Fran Do). It was fun to help her in the kitchen. Or just hang out on the bar stools with. Or watch movies in the TV room - as we would sometimes have movie marathons and she would join us to laugh and cry. Maybe that's why I like to join the kids when they are all hanging out. Or talk about books. She loved to read.
Things I remember, that won't make any sense to anyone but Carolyn:
- Sometimes you need to just get in the closet
- Find yourself a "nerd" (and this could be a dork, but I'm thinking it was a nerd) They rule the world.
- Writing "hi mom" on the memo section of the checks Carolyn would write as she would balance her account.
- I think you two were a little "tipsy" - okay, tipsy is not the word she used. I will think of it in the middle of the night.
- "A pitcher" is the usual???"
- Coming to see us at college
- Easter baskets - where you don't use a basket. You use shorts, or something else. A tradition I carried on with my sons.
- Hearing stories of her teen years. While driving barefoot and using her forged birth certificate as a fake id on the Jersey Shore.
- Shopping at Sam's club for "spring break supplies" or for the New Year's Eve parties we through at the house.
- Laying on the bed and telling her our grand idea of Carolyn having the girls, me having the boys and deciding that one of them could marry the other. Her replying "And that would be the end of a beautiful friendship". (ironically, Carolyn has the girls, I have the boys)
- Teaching us that the song "YMCA" actually has a movie!
- Her singing "Achy Breaky Heart" on the karaoke machine when we had a pool party after college.
- Her losing weight and us all sharing clothes for a time.
- Love her referring to changing her hair color as "Visine ing" her hair - as in "getting the red out".
- She was the expert "tooth puller" and Duncan remembers her pulling one of his teeth
She was at my college graduation. My wedding. I think she actually knew before anyone I was pregnant with Duncan - she and Dad Frusco were in California visiting and we were all out to dinner. I didn't like my wine. I didn't figure it out, but I think she did. She was on the phone with me at the hospital when I was in labor with Duncan, as Carolyn was in Mexico. The first flowers to arrive at the hospital were from her.
She had a stroke 15 years ago. And while, she was still "Mom Frusco" she became a different "Mom Frusco".
Twenty-five years is a long time to know someone. I could go on and on with stories.
They told us she went in her sleep. We'd like to think she went telling someone what to do and God finally said, "That's enough Frances, come home".
I'm missing the services. I'm missing being there for her daughter. And I will always miss her.
Rest in Peace Mom.
Saturday, July 20, 2013
How did we get here?
I've been here a month already. From date to date - exactly a month. From the calendar, I've been here for 4 weeks and two days.
How the heck did that happen? No wonder I woke up one day in Colorado and realized I've been living there 21 years. I woke up today, and it's been three summers in Kona.
I asked the boys if they were ready to go back. This time last year, this was our last full day. The lifeguard competition was today, and we left the next night.
The first summer was filled with adventure and wonder. What will happen? There is so much we want to do.
The second summer was filled with a routine and bit of unwanted drama. But still the adventure of what will happen and what can we do.
This summer? We've settled into our life here on the island. We have routines. Habits. Friends. We are doing things we have done before. But also new things.
Why is it in our own town, we stop exploring the new things? I KNOW I haven't done everything there is to do in Colorado, much less Denver. Our town becomes HERE, rather than THERE. We feel we must go THERE, to try something new. When there are plenty of adventures to be had in our own backyard.
Well, we are now HERE doing old things. Still trying new things. Not sure when THERE became HERE.
How the heck did that happen? No wonder I woke up one day in Colorado and realized I've been living there 21 years. I woke up today, and it's been three summers in Kona.
I asked the boys if they were ready to go back. This time last year, this was our last full day. The lifeguard competition was today, and we left the next night.
The first summer was filled with adventure and wonder. What will happen? There is so much we want to do.
The second summer was filled with a routine and bit of unwanted drama. But still the adventure of what will happen and what can we do.
This summer? We've settled into our life here on the island. We have routines. Habits. Friends. We are doing things we have done before. But also new things.
Why is it in our own town, we stop exploring the new things? I KNOW I haven't done everything there is to do in Colorado, much less Denver. Our town becomes HERE, rather than THERE. We feel we must go THERE, to try something new. When there are plenty of adventures to be had in our own backyard.
Well, we are now HERE doing old things. Still trying new things. Not sure when THERE became HERE.
Friday, July 19, 2013
Things I never thought I would say
Here are some things I've said, out loud, that I never thought I would:
- Would you like guacamole on that? And by that, I mean anything as we have now run out of ideas of what to use avocado's for. I did find a recipe for stuffed avocados - still have to try that.
- What else can we do with bananas? The bananas in the backyard are about to be ripe - and we will have approximately 1 week to consume 50 or so bananas. I know, I know, we will freeze some, but seriously 50 plus bananas.
- Did you get all the sand out of the hot tub?
- I think there is something growing in my hair. Seriously, I can't get a brush through this curly mop and if it's not growing, something might be living there.
- I GET to wake up at 5:45am (it's sleeping in) and to start my day by paddling.
- Did anyone bring a dry towel?
- You have to pack the cooler, unload the dishwasher and shake the sand out of your bed, before going to bed.
- Anyone know what happened to the "dry clothes" bag?
- Teenagers are pretty darn cute when they are in love. Not sure I'll say the same thing next summer, but for now, I'm sticking with my statement.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Monday in Paradise
There are seven days a week here in paradise. Much like every place else in life.
As a society, we all tend to view "Monday" well, as the start of "work". I try to balance life and work. Understanding, there are no distinct lines in my life. My life blurs between work and play. It seems to work for me.
But I do have "Mondays", sometimes they arrive on Wednesday. Sometimes they arrive, well, on Monday.
Why do people dread Monday? Most people I know wouldn't want to spend all week doing what they do on the weekends? Yard work. Shopping. Riding their bike.
Okay, maybe I lie. Maybe I do know a few people whom would like to do what they do on the weekends all week. But we have to pay the bills. So, Monday comes and people go work doing something they don't love or even like.
They do it for money. Only money doesn't buy us happiness, it buys us freedom. Then the habits form. People work, because that is what they "need" to do. What society tells us to do. "Have a career". "Make something of your life". We've all followed that dream.
Luckily, I've done both. I had an incredible wonderful industrious career. I had a start up that broke even. I've been out on my own for many years now. I just helped a start-up get up and running.
Today, though, was a Monday in July. The time of year I always make changes. July that is. Not Mondays.
Although, I was here a year ago February - I had a Monday then too. That February, I had a deal fall through, been chased by goats, the dog I was dog sitting got head butted and bit by the neighbor dog - ALL BY EIGHT AM HAWAII time. Seriously. If that isn't a Monday, I don't know what is.
Well, I had another Monday today. It actually started on Sunday. Seems my beautiful summer daughter gets in trouble for bringing us up. For wanting to see us. So, we all "were at the same beach yesterday". Oh, yeah, we were all there today too. I'm thinking I should put signs up saying "Warning: There are boys and ex-girlfriends at this beach".
But, well, it's going to happen. So, I'm not fighting it. I'm just here to enjoy my summer. At least the new old girlfriend seems to be on the summer daughter's side. Her moves are a little transparent in the girl can see she's just trying to win her over. But we will take what we can get at the moment.
This morning, the company I've been consulting with, my e-mail no longer would let me log in. Seriously? This is how we are going to break up???? I text the owner: "Do we need to talk?". "Yes" he replies, "did you get my e-mail". "well, you shut down my e-mail, so no I didn't". "Please re-send it to my personal e-mail". Next text to him: "I thought we were mates?" 'We are, we just need to figure out what's next".
I haven't told him, but he knows. I don't have a non-compete or a non-disclosure. I'm not signing one either. Wait, I will, it's just going to cost you.....
And by now, it's 8am. I have to wake the boys up.
It's Monday afternoon on the mainland and you have one pissed off Mama.
"Hell hath no fiery like a woman scorned".
See Monday's exist even in paradise. Don't mess with my kids or my money and we will be fine. After all, I'm a woman from Texas. We all have bad days, but trust me, you want us on your side.
And as a mama, I have two teenagers in love. And there are two moms whom are actually encouraging this situation. Well, whom can blame us? Doesn't someone get the Hollywood version of love? Someone does. Even on a Monday.
As a society, we all tend to view "Monday" well, as the start of "work". I try to balance life and work. Understanding, there are no distinct lines in my life. My life blurs between work and play. It seems to work for me.
But I do have "Mondays", sometimes they arrive on Wednesday. Sometimes they arrive, well, on Monday.
Why do people dread Monday? Most people I know wouldn't want to spend all week doing what they do on the weekends? Yard work. Shopping. Riding their bike.
Okay, maybe I lie. Maybe I do know a few people whom would like to do what they do on the weekends all week. But we have to pay the bills. So, Monday comes and people go work doing something they don't love or even like.
They do it for money. Only money doesn't buy us happiness, it buys us freedom. Then the habits form. People work, because that is what they "need" to do. What society tells us to do. "Have a career". "Make something of your life". We've all followed that dream.
Luckily, I've done both. I had an incredible wonderful industrious career. I had a start up that broke even. I've been out on my own for many years now. I just helped a start-up get up and running.
Today, though, was a Monday in July. The time of year I always make changes. July that is. Not Mondays.
Although, I was here a year ago February - I had a Monday then too. That February, I had a deal fall through, been chased by goats, the dog I was dog sitting got head butted and bit by the neighbor dog - ALL BY EIGHT AM HAWAII time. Seriously. If that isn't a Monday, I don't know what is.
Well, I had another Monday today. It actually started on Sunday. Seems my beautiful summer daughter gets in trouble for bringing us up. For wanting to see us. So, we all "were at the same beach yesterday". Oh, yeah, we were all there today too. I'm thinking I should put signs up saying "Warning: There are boys and ex-girlfriends at this beach".
But, well, it's going to happen. So, I'm not fighting it. I'm just here to enjoy my summer. At least the new old girlfriend seems to be on the summer daughter's side. Her moves are a little transparent in the girl can see she's just trying to win her over. But we will take what we can get at the moment.
This morning, the company I've been consulting with, my e-mail no longer would let me log in. Seriously? This is how we are going to break up???? I text the owner: "Do we need to talk?". "Yes" he replies, "did you get my e-mail". "well, you shut down my e-mail, so no I didn't". "Please re-send it to my personal e-mail". Next text to him: "I thought we were mates?" 'We are, we just need to figure out what's next".
I haven't told him, but he knows. I don't have a non-compete or a non-disclosure. I'm not signing one either. Wait, I will, it's just going to cost you.....
And by now, it's 8am. I have to wake the boys up.
It's Monday afternoon on the mainland and you have one pissed off Mama.
"Hell hath no fiery like a woman scorned".
See Monday's exist even in paradise. Don't mess with my kids or my money and we will be fine. After all, I'm a woman from Texas. We all have bad days, but trust me, you want us on your side.
And as a mama, I have two teenagers in love. And there are two moms whom are actually encouraging this situation. Well, whom can blame us? Doesn't someone get the Hollywood version of love? Someone does. Even on a Monday.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Living in the jungle
Where we live in Hawaii is tropical. On some land, on the side of a mountain. Coffee trees in the back yard. A couple of lime trees. Bamboo, green grass, wild orchids, a small pond. A fire pit. Wild turkeys and chickens roam through the yard - not always, just sometimes. The rooster hasn't been so annoying this trip.
Either I'm used to the sound now, or there aren't as many roosters.
There are also these animals called mongoose. They are a rodent type creature whom you usually only see on the side of the road, or crossing the road. The story goes: the mongoose were brought to Hawaii to kill all the wild cats. Only someone didn't do their research - cats are nocturnal. Mongoose are not.
Needless to say, the wild cats and the mongoose live nicely together on the island.
They say you can finally call yourself a local when you've run over a mongoose (they are pretty darn fast). Well, I could have run over two this week, only I couldn't do it.
I was able to chase the cat away off the front porch while he still had the mouse IN his mouth. This morning, we ran the cat off, while the bird was still in his mouth.
Needless to say, it's a little "wild" around here.
Either I'm used to the sound now, or there aren't as many roosters.
There are also these animals called mongoose. They are a rodent type creature whom you usually only see on the side of the road, or crossing the road. The story goes: the mongoose were brought to Hawaii to kill all the wild cats. Only someone didn't do their research - cats are nocturnal. Mongoose are not.
Needless to say, the wild cats and the mongoose live nicely together on the island.
They say you can finally call yourself a local when you've run over a mongoose (they are pretty darn fast). Well, I could have run over two this week, only I couldn't do it.
I was able to chase the cat away off the front porch while he still had the mouse IN his mouth. This morning, we ran the cat off, while the bird was still in his mouth.
Needless to say, it's a little "wild" around here.
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