Just Me and My Guy - By Cara Potapshyn Meyers

A beautiful ocean breeze is blowing by me while my son is making the "world's largest sandcastle" with a little boy he befriended. We have had impeccable weather since we have been here; Five days so far. Under ordinary circumstances, this would be sublime.

My son and I are at a ridiculously overpriced beachfront hotel, with suboptimal service (I am the Hotel Snob, you know). Our house has been without power, food, and hot water for almost a week now, since Hurricane Irene passed by. My son couldn't take the pitch black nights with no air conditioning or fans and no refrigerated food. I made a call to a beachfront resort that I had tried to make reservations with a month ago. At that time they were booked solid. I called the day after the hurricane passed and wouldn't you know it! I had my choice of any room I wanted because so many guests had cancelled! I planned to stay for just a few days since I predicted we would have power back within that time. No such luck. I extended our stay throughout the Labor Day weekend.

This unplanned excursion, although bordering on necessary, has really been a treat for both my son and me. Neither of us had been to the beach all summer. My son adores the beach and wallows in the sand. I know I can take him anywhere and he will make friends...even a beach chair, if necessary! His BFF and mine came to visit us one of the days we were here. That day went too quickly for us. Since then, my son has befriended a boy who is here with his Mom and siblings because they lost power also. The boys have been practically inseparable.

My only frustration has been the fact that some cell towers around here have been inactive, due to the storm. My only means of communication has been through texting. I'm not sure if I like embracing my limited means of communication or not. On the one hand, I have to use my computer sparingly. Getting and receiving cell phone calls is practically impossible. If the wind blows the right way, I can post on FaceBook or upload a photo of my son on the beach. All in all, though, I'm getting used to the spotty connections and limitations to the outside world.

The best part of this trip has been the bonding I have had with my son. We are "together" 24/7. He is off with his friend while on the beach, but we are together at all other times. We lie in bed, exhausted at the end of the day. He watches some TV while I read or type this blog. We order in room service because I arranged to get meal vouchers. All I have to pay for is the delivery fee. Basically, we do what we want, when we want, with no set schedule at all. It's perfect!

We also play on the beach together. When my son's friend has somewhere else to go, we fly our kite, dig in the sand, and walk on the beach collecting treasures. I get cold easily, so I stay at the water's edge and take photos of my son as he navigates the wild post-hurricane current with his boogie board! We even became friendly with a very nice lifeguard who took my son out into the ocean to help him learn to swim in ocean water. I have complete confidence when my son is in a pool or still water. But ocean water is always unpredictable. I want him to feel the unpredictability and learn how to navigate through it. He is strong and sure of himself. I have no reason to believe he won't be able to be completely comfortable and respectful of the ocean. He wants to learn to surf one day. One needs to be totally at ease but mindful to take on a sport such as that.  

This week has been an unexpected joy! My blogs, however, seem to depict an oxymoron! Last week I was swooning over my extended "alone time." Now I am swooning over time spent together with my son. I guess this shows me that there really is no balance to parenting if you have one but not the other. I also believe that because we are just doing our own thing, without any set schedules, it makes this time together even more enjoyable. I am almost disappointed for us both that school begins in a few days. We'll be back to "routine." Everyone needs routine in their lives to some extent. Some more than others. But I am loving this simple time with just my son. His sweet endearments towards me. My unbridled love for him. Just the two of us. Just me and my guy. 

Time for Transitioning - By Cara Potapshyn Meyers

 It’s almost the end of the school year. Summer will officially be here in a week. It is time to get ready for “transitioning.”

To me, “transitioning” means making changes, both good and also a little burdensome. One thing I adore about summer is the longer days. Casual weekends. Less structure. Freedom to just “be.”

It also means a break from the stress of my son’s school and after school schedule. A break from the stress of homework and finding non-threatening ways to encourage getting the homework done. A break from the frantic race to get my son to school on time. A break from the seemingly unending “mundane.”

But with sending our son to day camp come some additional “burdens.” Instead of daily homework will be almost daily laundry. Lots of stain remover. Remembering to pack certain camp items on certain days. Sunscreen, ad nauseum. Bug spray and anti-itch remedies that actually work. And no after camp activities. Perhaps a dunk in our local pool, instead, which certainly is not a burden, especially on wickedly hot days!

I’m not sure I’m quite ready for this transitioning. I AM ready for my son to finish Second Grade. I gladly welcome the break from the insane homework. But I think I need a little vacation between school ending and day camp starting the very next week. The forms that need to be filled out. Medical forms as well. Making sure that I have at least 10 bathing suits because my son needs to take 2 to camp each day. I am desperately hoping that my son will still fit into some of the camp shirts we “accumulated” last year. Otherwise, the one camp shirt they provide for the campers needs to be washed e v e r y   s i n g l e  
 d a y.

I also need to transition the trunk of my car. Every summer I restock my first aid kit. I make sure I have plenty of water resistant bags to collect impromptu wet clothing from swimming excursions or water fights at a friend’s house. It also means going through the bag of clothes I keep in my trunk and take out the fall/winter/outgrown clothes and replace them with some summer items, including shoes, crocs and a rain jacket. And towels. You never know when you need extra towels.

Speaking of towels, I have surrendered sending my son to camp with expensive, colorful, monogrammed beach towels. For three years in a row now, I have had these nice towels “taken” from my son, never to be seen again. With my son’s full name monogrammed on them! In BOLD block letters! Two inches in height!! This year the nice beach towels go to the beach or the pool. Instead, my son is going to camp with old, ratty, light color towels with his name boldly printed on each side with a black laundry marker. If anyone wants them, they can have them. They were almost ready to become rags anyway.

Summer also means having to go through my and my son’s summer clothing to see what still fits and what can be given away. It also means filling our closets with the summer wear and putting our bulkier clothing into drawers or other closets. Same with shoes and coats. Right now I have in my closet cashmere sweaters mixed in with sleeveless tops. What’s wrong with this picture? I also buy clothing for my son “off season.” There’s only one problem. I often forget that I bought him certain items at greatly reduced prices, shove them in the “to grow into” drawer, and pull out 3 of the same item come next season. Which is not an entirely a waste because the “doubles” can be used for the car bags come the end of summer.

Finally, there are the “pool bags.” Expired sunscreens and insect repellants need to be tossed and replenished. Goggles and sunglasses for my son need to be checked to make sure they still fit. Various sundries need to be gone through and updated. Even the pool bags need to be inspected for overuse. I almost feel like I have to remember to replenish diaper bags after an outing!

All this transitioning for 10 weeks of summer.

But ain’t it grand?!

My Travels by Robin Gorman Newman

For those who read this blog and know that my family did a bit of traveling in August, this is the long-awaited sharing of that experience.  Now that my son is settling into school, this being his first full week (second grade), I can turn my attention more fully to some other things.

August, being my birthday month, and a "big" one this year, having turned 50, I decided that I wanted to do something especially memorable as a family. 

And, as one of my "direct" friends put it.........it's time to cross something off your "bucket" list.....so you can move forward and make room for other things.

I debated long and hard and ultimately decided that this was the year I wanted to visit the Greek Islands.  How best to do that with a 7 year old in tow?  It felt like a very big idea and trip, but I was ready to go for it!

I had taken a Costa cruise years ago (with Marc and my dad), before becoming a mom, and wasn't entirely sure it was something I yearned to do again.  But, one day I was reading a conventions and business magazine featuring a write-up about Norwegian Cruises which caught my eye.  They were promoting a new ship and its capacity to accomodate corporate meetings.  Something about it struck me (in a good way), and I decided to explore the notion of taking a cruise.  After some online research and asking around, it became evident that a cruise is a great option for a family, especially with a young child.

Checking our calendar and pouring through lists of foreign ports, and establishing priorities of "must visits," we contacted Jenny Reed of http://www.ourcruiseplanner.com/ and booked a cruise for 12 nights on the Ruby Princess.  It was a trip of a lifetime.  My son's first overseas trip, and our first voyage abroad since becoming parents....so it's been over 10 years.  I discovered this when I dug up some old Frommer's and Fodor's guides in our basement.

Jenny was very patient and a big help with all the details and worked with us to add on a few days before and after the cruise to stay a bit longer in the ports of arrival and departure.

With major anticipation, we prepared for weeks.  Packing, making lists, boarding our bird and beta fish, etc., etc.  So much work when your plan is to go away and have fun.  Isn't it always like that?!

We flew to Venice over night (tiring to say the least....and the time difference was challenging), but once we landed and hopped in the water taxi, it was as if we were living a dream.  My son loved it, and even though I had been to Venice before, as did my husband, there was something different about this trip.  Maybe because we saw it through the eyes of a 7 year old who was awestruck.  Plus, the weather was comfortable in Venice, and we saw things that  I didn't recall from the past, like the Rialto Bridge with its great views and many enticing shops. And, let me not forget to mention the awesome gelato and pizza.  And, we took a Gondola ride, my first, that was so much fun.  It was a highlight of our visit for all of us (watch above video...click on arrow on left side of box to play).

We stayed at the five-star, historic Bauer Venezia (above - water entrance pictured) for two nights before boarding the ship, and I'd highly recommend it.  It was lovely and well-located.  The room was spacious and comfortable, and the buffet breakfast on the outdoor patio overlooking the canal was a treat.  I wanted to bottle the feeling each morning we ate there.  And, particularly special about the Bauer is their new program just for children and families. We were excited to take advantage of it and took a two hour private city tour with an English-speaking guide named Silvia who specialized in taking children around to enjoy the sights. She was lively and knowledgeable, and knew what would appeal to a child. The Bauer children's program also includes outings like: A Perfect Venetian Crime - a special crime mystery tour of the Doge’s Palace; Workshops at the Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana and a Tour of the Venice Natural History Museum, visiting the Tenùe Aquarium, the Specialized Library, Searching for Dinosaurs, Stone Creatures, and The Path of Life, accompanied by an English-speaking guide.  

It was hard to leave Venice, but we were excited, especially my son, to board the Ruby Princess (pictured above.)  It was quite a sight when we first saw it arrive as we toured Venice.  Its grandeur took your breath away.  We took a water taxi from our hotel to the ship, and from that moment on, we felt well taken care of onboard.  We enjoyed most of the ports, in Italy, Croatia, Turkey and Greece.  Favorites, aside from Venice, were Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini in Greece and Kusadasi in Turkey (great shopping...surprisingly.)

It was scorchingly hot and sweaty, and that part was a huge challenge, especially with all the walking we did.  But, on the couple of free days at sea, we got massages at the Lotus Spa and reclined by one of the pools, and it was wonderful to relax, read, be served cold drinks and look out at the water.  To me, there's not much more mellowing than having the opportunity to be near a body of water...and you can't get much larger than the Mediterranean Sea.

Seth had a blast in the kid's program (Princess Pelicans) where he was well-supervised and engaged.  We took him off the ship for certain excursions, but other days, when we felt it might be too much for him, he was just as happy to remain onboard and play with other kids.  He loved the bunk bed in our room with a balcony, despite the fact that he fell out one night (luckily didn't get hurt).  And, the special tour of Navigation Bridge was interesting, and we got to meet the captain and learn how a ship operates.

Marc and I particularly liked Movies Under the Stars....when we had a chance to watch a film on a huge outdoor movie screen, while laying on a lounge chair after dinner by a pool.  They'd come around and serve you cookies and milk and popcorn.  And, one "date" night, he and I had dinner at Sabatini's....a specialty Italian restaurant on the ship that was not included as part of the regular cruise...but we'd recommend it.

The ship was massive, and the cruise was sold out (over 3,000 passengers) , yet it didn't feel over-crowded.  Embarking and disembarking was relatively smooth, and we enjoyed the tours we chose, especially when we had the opportunity to be on an air-conditioned bus for a bit.

The Ruby Princess featured a Piazza-style atrium, casino, four duty-free shops, Lotus Spa and fitness center, The Sanctuary, sports deck, wedding chapel, children’s and teen’s centers, disco and observation lounge, nine-hole putting course, golf simulator, library, Internet Café, art gallery, and more.  So, there was something for everyone.

After the cruise, we spent one night in Rome at the Hotel Artemide (a good choice). It's on a popular (lesser priced) shopping street and walkable to many sights.  I always enjoy Rome, and we visited Trevi Fountain, saw the Coliseum, Piazza Navona, ate gelato at Tre Scalini, shopped, etc.  It was a full day before we flew home....exhausted (and with bad colds) yet fulfilled and chockfull of memories and stories of a trip that none of us will ever forget. 

Bittersweet Summer by Robin

August was a total whirlwind of activity for our family.  We vacationed on two separate occasions...which I will share in an upcoming blog post.  And, in between, I came home sick, not to mention jet-lagged and totally overwhelmed with email and countless other to-do items.

After our second trip, Seth was home with me.  Camp had ended.  And, we had two weeks together.  While at times it was a challenge to keep him busy, I enjoyed knowing he was around.  And, thankfully, we have a really wonderful outdoor community pool literally five minutes from our house, that we both adore, so we became daily regulars.  I in the lap lane, and he assisting the lifeguards, learning to dive, playing in the playground, etc. He was in his element.

So.....Why does it have to feel like summer ends so abruptly, even when it's still sunny and warm?!  We know it can't last forever...but it still stings.

Just yesterday (Labor Day), we were at the pool.  And, all last week we were fixtures there.  And, now, suddenly, it's over.  School has begun, and I'm back to spending much of my time on the computer.  Alone.  In my home office.  And, while I do work well myself, I relish the company of others, and miss that.

Being at the pool was my time to not just to swim, but to read and relax, I would engage in discussion, even if with the lifeguards, and it felt good....communal.  Seth and I would throw around a frisbee in the pool if it wasn't too crowded or play some sort of game of aquatic spy game that he concocted with his vivid imagination that never ceases to amaze me.

I'm looking out my office window as I type this, and my heart feels a pull.  I want to drive over to the pool and look through the metal fence at the glistening water, which has yet to be drained.  I want to wade in the lap lane one more time until the water temperature feels comfortable and then submerge.  I liked being in my own world under the water. Worries would melt away, if at least for the moment.

Kids are so resilient.  Seth loved his first day of school.  I was the one feeling out of sorts.  A friend suggested I do something good for myself....which was to get an overdue haircut and hit the gym.  Nothing out of the ordinary.  And, before I knew it, the school bus pulled up, and Seth came bounding out.  I was anxious to get the lowdown on his first day...but he didn't have much to share other than that it was good and he already has homework.  Luckily it wasn't anything monumental.  Neither he nor I are poised as yet to embark on the daily regimen of homework, which will come soon enough, after the Jewish holiday ends this week.

By then, I'll adjust no doubt to the finality of summer pleasures.  As much as there were days that were uncomfortably sticky, and the mosquitoes seemed to come out in droves at night, especially by our pool, it was still a summer to remember.  I'm sure Second Grade will ultimately be a year to remember as well, and I look forward to seeing how it unfolds.

The good times fly all too fast, but memories thankfully do linger!

Summer Vacation and Silver Lining ... by Liimu

Ah....the honeymoon period. I am officially at the end of the 2nd trimester as I will be 13 weeks tomorrow. As a result, I have only the slightest lingering nausea and only the fatigue associated with having three small children and carrying around an extra 20 pounds. (Yep, you heard me...I gain a lot of weight when I'm preggo. What can I say?)

So, last week was our family vacation to Sea Isle. It was idyllic. We had gorgeous views of the ocean and bay and were renting a house right across from the beach. The kids had a fantastic time, especially the times we went to the boardwalk. I had remembered that there were certain rides you couldn't go on when pregnant. I hadn't realized it was pretty much ALL of them. In fact, here's a picture of the only ride I could go on without going against the posted warnings.

Despite my limitations, I had a great time. It was relaxing, the weather was hot and sunny, I had an adorable maternity bathing suit I got from Target right before we left, my family was getting along like something out of a Disney movie, and I didn't even have to work (...much). Then, my skin started breaking out. Bad. I was like, COME ON. I've already dealt with lost weekends where all I can do is eat and sleep (okay - that probably doesn't sound so bad to those of you who haven't experienced morning sickness before, but trust me - it's not the life of leisure it sounds like). I feel HUGE, even compared to women who are due in a month or two. Now I have to deal with this? Fortunately, I frequent the BabyCenter bulletin boards and I posted that I was having trouble. A couple women recommended a product you can get over the counter called Cetaphil and I bought it while I was down in Sea Isle. My skin cleared up almost overnight!!! I am in LOVE with this product. I'm still using it and intend to KEEP using it even after the baby comes. Hurrah!

So, all is well. There is always a silver lining in every dark cloud. I might not have gone on all the fantastic water rides if it hadn't been for the sucky amusement park situation. I might never have tried Cetaphil if my skin hadn't been going crazy. I am still trying to find the silver lining in my colossal weight gain, but I guess the nightly ice cream cones will have to suffice. Oh, and the beautiful baby I get at the end of this whole thing. Believe me, the miraculous blessing of this fourth child has not been lost on anyone in my family. My children kiss my belly goodnight every night and kiss it goodbye every day when they go off to school. We are all eagerly anticipating his/her arrival and I am really grateful to be able to share this part of his/her life with all of you.

Until next week, everyone....Happy Fall!!!

School Already??? - by Cara

That was the phrase uttered by my son just the other day. I have to admit, the summer has certainly flown by. With the exception of a planned vacation, much of the summer has just whisked its way through many hot summer days.

I don’t think I was able to see my friends as often as I planned. I did spend more quality time with my son. But except for a few cute movies and an exciting theatre excursion, we really didn’t take advantage of the summer activities as we usually do.

I think much of it had to do with the almost endless clean up from the tornado that hit our town at the beginning of June. There were weeks and weeks of clean up going on in local parks and pools. That certainly put a damper on our outdoor activities.

Daily day camp occupied my son who almost always came home exhausted. And we had a reading tutor come after camp twice a week. With almost daily homework given. Except for the endless laundry, summer really hasn’t felt like...summer.

We didn’t use our outdoor grill even once this year (I plan to rectify that next year!) Except on his camping trip with his Dad, my son didn’t have the energy or time to even catch fireflies, as we did together last summer. There were very few gatherings or get-togethers with even just my friends.

And now school is back in session. By the time this blog is posted, my son will have completed his first day of Second Grade! I am as excited for him as he is. But also wary. With higher-grade levels bring larger homework loads. I wonder whether my son can deal with the greater workload. Or will I be writing many explanatory letters.

My son will be heading into school with a long list of modifications already outlined by the professionals who follow him. But will he need more? Will the school provide him more?

The one relief I have, that I blogged about last year, is that the PTA came up with an interesting fundraising idea this year, to help out overburdened parents (such as myself!). The PTA sent out  flyers at the end of the school year, last year, offering to have every single item your child’s new teacher requested, for the new school year, available for a reasonable fee! All the way down to 24 sharpened pencils! Heck, it is worth a few dollars just to have someone else sharpen 24 pencils for me! Each child would be presented with their own, boxed supplies (almost like a gift!), presented to them on the first day of school! No dragging of heavy items into school the first day. No misplaced pencil cases, erasers, notebooks. Everything is right there waiting for each particular child whose parents chose to utilize this service.

As I was walking through Staples last week, I saw several frantic Moms, with trails of their children, holding pieces of paper with their school supply lists. The Moms were blowing hair out of their eyes while their children complained in unison that either the items Staples had were not the right brand, too large, to small, or just plain sold out. As I quietly picked out the proper ink cartridge for my printer, I just stood there and smiled. No sharpening of 24 pencils for me this year! I have plenty of other things to do!

Visiting New York - by Laura

Here are some tips for friends and family who are coming to visit our family here in New York City this summer:

First off, we don’t have a car. We walk everywhere or take the subway, and when we shop we buy only what we can carry or stash in the bottom of the stroller. And whereas it’s nice to hear about all the stuff you can fit in your SUV when you shop at Costco, Wal-mart and K-Mart, that’s not a reality here on the island. What is a reality is that we do pay more for everyday items, but we don’t like to talk about it for half an hour with you even after you’ve posted on Facebook how expensive paper towels are here.

New York City is a totally different lifestyle, so our conversations are vary from those you might be used to in the Midwestern suburbs. It may be fascinating to you to talk about resealing your driveway, to discuss why Budweiser is the king of beers, or to debate about which Lion’s Club will win the chili cookoff, but for this audience it might be a challenge to stay engaged. The bartender is not being rude. It’s just not relevant. Also, please don’t compare New York’s cost of living to your cost of living. We know we’re paying a lot in rent for very small spaces, but hearing that we can live in a mansion in Chickenville, Arkansas, for these prices doesn’t mean anything to us. Plus, there’s a reason real estate is affordable in Chickenville. Nobody wants to live there, and the Broadway productions suck.

No. Having babies in the city is not easy, but it’s definitely do-able. In fact, it has huge advantages. Whereas we may not have a lawn to play on, we also do not have a lawn to mow, so we have more time to sit on the floor and read to our kids. And to make up for the lack of lawns, we have plenty of lovely parks, award-winning, progressive schools, and a plethora of kid-friendly places where they can go and be exposed to art, music, theater and more. Just because we don’t have a backyard full of plastic toys, it doesn’t mean our kids are deprived of a rightful childhood.

Yes. New York City is dirty. And so are pig farms, restaurant kitchens, and your three-car garage. New Yorkers are probably some of the most germ aware people on the planet, and people like me have hand sanitizer on our persons at all times to prove it. That’s why we cringe when you put your shoes up on our furniture. We tend to take our shoes off when we’re in someone’s home, which is a gracious custom, as well as being more comfortable and relaxing.

Yes. New York City is loud. And so is your gignormous 72” flat screen TVs with Dolby surround sound that you have blaring constantly in your bonus room where you child spends most of his or her time playing with their Nintendo instead of getting outside and meeting other people, having social interactions, and being exposed to culture.

Yes. We have to go to the grocery store every two days. This is not a burden. It means fresh vegetables and fruits on our table instead of week-old broccoli from Safeway wilting away in the crisper. It means we walk more. It means we carry more. It means we stay active and actually burn off some of the calories we are eating.

You’re welcome here. This is a great place to visit and an advantageous place to live. But please don’t “feel sorry” for the children who live here. Most of them grow up to be very successful because of the culture, the education, the people, and the opportunities this city has to offer. The bar is set high here. And New Yorkers of all ages like to rise to it.

Birthday Dreamin' -- by Robin

What have you dreamt about doing that you wish you could make happen?

A friend raised the question this week, as I pondered how to celebrate my birthday this summer. This summer? - you're probably saying. I know...I'm thinking WAY ahead, but time goes fast, and it is important to me. I want to mark this particular occasion in a way that feels as satisfying as possible.

Why? Because I'll be hitting yet another milestone. Reaching another decade. And, while I'm grateful, it is a bit hard to swallow, I must admit. I can't quite say it out loud yet. February 11 will be my half birthday...not that I'm counting. :)

So, what to do? How to make it a super cool occasion? One where the excitement outweighs the fact that I feel like I'm aging.

One friend suggested I consider a retreat or spa visit to Tuscany. Sounds tempting.

Another gal mentioned Prague and Berlin. I am interested in Prague. Don't know much about Berlin.

I, myself, am curious about a retreat I had read about in Sedona. But, it will be scorchingly hot there in August.

So, I bought the book 1,000 PLACES TO SEE IN THE USA AND CANADA BEFORE YOU DIE....and I'm perusing it nightly. (I should buy an edition re: overseas as well, if there is one.)

I read about an annual art show in August in Laguna Beach, CA that struck a chord. But, do I really need to go to CA for an art show? (one friend pointed out.)

The same friend suggested I might look at the website Homeaway.com where you can sublet someone's residence, thereby making it a more authentic experience than staying in a hotel. And, maybe I'd want to do that and get a place in Manhattan? she said. I had shared with her that I always regretted not having had the experience of living in the city back in my single days, and perhaps and this would satisfy that urge and curiosity?!

So, I started browsing the site and came upon on a couple of apartments that readily grabbed me. What part of town would I want to stay in? And, what's it like to sleep in someone else's bed? I'd bring my own Egyptian cotton Ralph Lauren sheets, no doubt. And, I am picky about my mattresses. I hate memory foam. I'm a pillow top kinda gal, but I wouldn't be toting my own feather bed, so I'd have to be accepting. The older I get, the more I appreciate my own creature comforts. Would I want a terrace? A gym? What else? Air conditioning for sure, in summer.

It would certainly be an adventure, and I could use that.

There are so many neighborhoods in Manhattan, each with a distinct feel. Do I have a favorite? Depends on what you want to do I guess.

I like Chelsea. I love the West Village. But, how would I want to spend my days and nights, aassuming I'd be there alone? I'd have to arrange child care with Marc, my husband, for Seth....if we can swing it. No doubt he wouldn't be entirely thrilled, but hopefully he'd respect and somewhat understand my need for this experience.

I adore theatre. I'm thinking I might want to be in the Times Square area and see lots of shows.....though some shows play downtown too....and I'm not wedded just to Broadway.

I'd like to consider taking a class. Definitely shop. Eat out. But, if I were to act as if I live there, what would my daily existance be? Certainly I'd bring my computer, as I'd want internet access. But, I wouldn't want to be on the web as much as I am now because then I'd just be in the apartment all the time and defeat the purpose of being in Manhattan.

Would I plan out my activities in advance? That would make sense. How long would I go for? A week?

It's something to think about. And, it does kinda get me excited, which is the whole idea.

Is it crazy, though, since I live in NY? Would I wish I went overseas once my birthday passes? Maybe I can just celebrate the whole year and take various trips (if we could afford it)? Now, that's a thought.

And, how would it feel if I'm in the city (or anywhere) without Seth and Marc? The point would be to reconnect with myself and a desire I've always had. I'm sure I'd miss them...but it could be a good growth experience....and hopefully we'd all appreciate each other all the more once reunited. That's not a bad thing.

Who knows?! One day, when we're empty nesters, Marc and I might get a place in the city. I do think about that. Though, there is something to be said for having a lovely community summer pool and being surrounded by trees as we are in this neighborhood. But, life in the suburbs isn't always stimulating (to me). I suppose there's no one entirely perfect place, which is why some people have summer homes.

In the meantime, one can dream, and I'll be doing a lot of that between now and August.

Stay tuned. And, feel free to share any ideas with me! Or you own personal experiences about how you've marked birthdays to make them feel extra special. I'd love to hear them.

Pool Life Lessons - by Robin Gorman Newman

I'm so proud of Seth.

He passed the deep water swim test at camp this week, and it meant so much to him and all of us. We're going to go out for a celebratory dinner tonight. He didn't pass the first time, and I so admire his persistence and desire to make it happen. I don't think he ever doubted that eventually he would get there. He has the right attitude, and I hope he can ultimately apply it in all areas of his life.

We've been spending a lot of time at our local pool, in addition to him swimming at his day camp, and he's made huge progress. It's amazing to watch his development. From one day to the next, things he wouldn't do last week, he's now doing without fear, projecting total confidence. It's an inspiration.

I am learning to do laps myself this summer. Working on my breathing now, which has been a challenge. But, I know I'll get there.

Yesterday in the pool, I was speaking with a veteran swimmer who comes religiously the same time each day to swim for at least half an hour. I watch him with awe and aspire to follow in his swim strokes one day. We don't usually talk because he swims as if on a mission. But this time, we chatted a bit as he came up for air, and we got on the subject of kids and how it's ideal to learn to do certain things when you're young. Granted, not that I'm old at 48, but as he pointed out, the older you are, the more you might be riddled with fear. And, he's right. I don't have a comfort level in the deep water, though I'm working on it. And, I don't envision ever jumping off a diving board....though I never say never.

But, it's not just about swimming.

It's amazing how kids fully embrace most new experiences, and as adults, we might sometimes hem 'n haw over them, wondering how they fit into our expectations of what we think the experience will be like. And, if you're like me, it's so easy to over think a situation. And, nothing will instill more fear in you than what you conjure up before even embarking on the experience. You could love it and be totally surprised. If you had asked me a few years ago if I'd ever put my face in the water, I would have answered with a resounding "no."

I don't expect to learn to ski at this point in my life. Nor, do I have the desire.

I don't plan to jump out of a plane.

But, I do still yearn for new experiences. It's never too late to learn.

Perhaps snorkeling?

Taking an acting class?

Hmmm...what else?

What do you think about learning or trying something new at this point in your life?

One of my single love coaching clients told me this week that she might sign up for a tarot card reading class in the fall.

That sounds intriguing.

The possibilities for learning are endless.

Another mom I know is studying the Torah.

New experiences help keep life fresh.

I'm wondering what's next on my learning agenda.

How about you?

Another's Shoes

I feel like I have a new lease on domesticity at the moment.

We are construction free today....and looks like tomorrow as well.

As much as we want our long-awaited basement construction project to continue moving along, I am thrilled. Elated, actually...to be getting a temporary respite.

I had no idea what this experience would entail before we broke ground. Kinda reminds me of parenting and having surgery. I found myself likening it to both the other day when venting to a friend.

It's funny how almost everyone will say things like: It's just your basement. It's gonna be so great. At least it's not an upper floor. Better in summer than winter. Etc.

Their goal is to comfort you, but it doesn't necessarily work unless they've lived it. No matter what they say, until you have the same or at least a very similar experience, you truly don't know what it's like to walk in that person's shoes.

We can anticipate an experience all we like and conjure up images of what we think it will be...or what we hope it will be...but until it's here, you really don't know.

I'm not saying that becoming a mom is like taking a jackhammer to the floor or putting up sheetrock, but it is a huge unknown until you're in it. And, no doubt has possibly conjured up feelings and emotions you didn't see coming.

And, think about it. If you've ever had a surgery (which I have), there can be unforeseen matters in the recovery and beyond that doctors don't always advise you of.

My house is having surgery at present. We've already had days without phone service, cable problems, plumbing challenges, extra expenses, and we're not that far along yet. No one said to expect this, though knowing what I know now, it does seem somewhat inevitable.

I know I'll get through it. My son is loving it....as I wrote previously...he's a Bob the Builder in the making.

My husband is fairly tolerant of it. But, he's in his office all day outside of the home. Me, I feel like the ringleader for all of the various workers whose personal lives I'm gradually getting to know. While I have no desire to walk in the work boots of these men, I do give them credit for putting in hard days of manual labor, often in a quest to provide for their families, I have learned. And, given the state of the economy, most are grateful to be employed at this time, even if on a project basis.

I'm looking out my kitchen window as I write this. They predict on 'n off thunderstorms today. I've been debating if I might take a quick run over to the local pool and get in a quick swim before I head to the gym. But, it's somewhat overcast here in NY. I do yearn, though, to walk in my beach sandals at the moment. These are the only shoes I care to wear for now. So, we'll see if the clouds drift away.

A Sandwich Generation Day: Cycles of Life

I have blogged on this subject before, and at the risk of being redundant, I feel the need to share my experiences of yesterday.

I am calling it a true "Sandwich Generation" Day. And, I wonder if you can relate. I'd love your feedback and to hear your experiences if you'd like to share.

Like many, I'm sorry to see summer come to an end. We had such a blast at our community pool, and I will really miss it.

Not only do I find the change of season a bit challenging, but yesterday, and this whole week, for that matter, I find myself in a somewhat conflicted emotional state.

Seth started Kindergarten today, and I took him to meet his teacher and to see the classroom and classmates. It feels surreal that he has hit this stage of his education. He loved the school, and got particularly thrilled when he asked the teacher if they go on class trips. She said yes, and the first trip is to a firehouse. Well...she couldn't have said anything better for Seth. Firehouses are his most favorite place in the world.

I am both excited for him and a little melancholy that he is growing up so fast. Part of me likes that there are more and different experiences we can have together, yet I like to cuddle with my little buddy.

It just gets me thinking about how fast time goes in general, and the cycles of life.

After returning from Seth's school, we met my dad at the diner for lunch. He was celebrating his 90th birthday! G-d bless him. I am so eternally grateful to have my dad in my life, despite his health challenges and not feeling up to par. I lost my mom 10 years ago, so his presence in my family's life is all the more treasured. And, my sister and I are planning a surprise birthday luncheon for him this Saturday, with family and friends. I want to savor our time together.

Such major milestones in the life of my son and dad this week!

Leaves me with a lot to think about. But, since I am the queen of overthinking, I'm keeping myself busy so I'm not too alone with my thoughts. The last thing I want to do is get teary eyed, though sometimes a good cry is the best release.

I am both sad and happy. I want to take note and rejoice in each upbeat moment and not let my emotions get the better of me.

Have you ever felt this way?

Hold that Vacation Thought....

Seth's last day of summer camp is today. Where does time go? June and July totally flew, and before you know it, he'll be in pre-K in September.

We leave in a week for what has become our annual family trip upstate NY. We vacation with my dad, my sister, her husband and her two kids. It's a special bonding time for Seth and his cousins who he seldom gets to see since they are on the competitive tennis circuit.

Our vacation spot offers a fun kiddie camp. In past years, it's been up for grabs whether Seth would go into the camp or not. If he elects not to, it changes the whole dynamic of the trip for Marc (my husband) and I. I like to use, at least some of the time away, as an opportunity to stir up my creative juices. It's such a beautiful place, and I try to hide in one of the many secluded thatched huts perched high on a cliff around the lake, and disappear into my own thoughts. Something I seldom get to do at home, with all the clutter of every day busy life. I bring books I've been longing to peruse, and several journals, and let the words and thoughts flow. Amazing how effortless it is when outside your home environment, far from your TO DO list and distraction.

I wish I could bottle the feeling I have while on vacation. One year I bought one of those snow globes and put it on my desk at home. I'd shake it up and watch the flakes circulate, and think positive thoughts about my time away. For the moment, it brought back a special feeling of calm, but it was all too fleeting.

Breaks are so very important. As busy as we all are, it's so easy to get into a rut.

Is it possible to take home your vacation mindset and somehow conjure it up in your everyday life? I'd love to hear your thoughts on that.