Summer Overscheduled

It seems like everyone is doing it.  Everything.  Go!  Go!  Go!  Visiting, seeing, doing, going, experiencing, documenting... LIVING. 

We're a family that requires and thrives on more structure and routine than most of our friends.  There are medical and personal quirk [not just mine] reasons for our adherence to a simpler schedule.  At times it's been necessary, other times it's been preferred, but moderate activity has prevented one or all of us from going apeshit.

The summer of 2010 we challenged our semi-rigid norm.  With older kids -- the youngest boy almost civilized -- we were ready to lighten up.  Bring on the fun, the excitement, the spontaneous memory making activities and the seductive busy that everyone else wedges into life!  We abandoned schedule and routine.  And it almost killed us.  Me.  Us.  We're pooped.

There were birthdays, day trips, weekend trips, week-long trips, music lessons, writing classes, projects, trail races, doctor appointments, speeding tickets, a traveling husband, parasites, junk food, organic food, new friends, old friends, laughs and a few tears.  We had slow-paced days, but not enough.

I've always admired life's mustangs.  I want to run with them, but I also want to sit on the porch and watch them run by.

 

Next summer, I'm going to do both... better.

[Photo courtesy of Google images.]

Comments

[Cheri @ Blog This Mom!]

Why is it that I want to know more about the parasites? I still need therapy, huh? It sounds like you had a great summer.

[Mickie]

Parasites?!? I must know more too! I'm curious about all things gross..... :-)

[Chris]

You don't need therapy. I'm a gory-detail-kinda-gal, too. It was a good summer. Full. :)

[Chris]

I know! I love that about you.

[pam]

AUGHHH! My ideal is to go back east to the beach and just chill... There is NOTHING more therapeutic! But you've gotta try it once! xoxoxo

[Connie @ Young and Relentless]

I was wondering where you ran off to.

I thought you were in a depression because I left the state. I'm fine. You can stop fretting over me now.

:)

[christy]

Parasites. Ewwww. Speeding ticket? Eck. I just got my first ticket in 16 years last week. UGH!

Love the horsey photo. Sounds like you've been BUSY. Have you already had the big race?! Mine is three weeks from Sunday - OMG!!!

[Chris]

I see your pictures on FB. Looks dreamy. Hope all is going well at the new school. I chatted with a few Park City parents when I was up there for races. Everyone's excited about all the good teachers they snagged! xo

[Chris]

I DO miss you, but I've been stupid busy. I'm still here, and I'll stop fretting. :)

[Chris]

I got my 28th ticket this summer. Two in Arizona and one in Colorado. The big race is over. [I bonked :(] You're going to do great in yours. So proud of you. You can do it!

[unmitigated me]

28???? 28 tickets? I am speechless. Not really, but I am going to start calling you Barney Oldfield.

I think a structureless/adventureful summer is exhausting and wonderful, all at the same time. Godd to hear from you again...

Clare

[Chris]

I had to Google Barney Oldfield.  I like it!  I've missed you, Claire. [You spelled your name wrong :)]  I'm slowly catching up on blog relationships, emails, etc...  I hope you're well. xo

To: chrisyross@msn.com

[Kate Coveny Hood]

While we had a lot of planned activities and "have to's" this summer, my general operating style is a little loosey goosey. So it's a very good thing to have everyone back in school and in a routine.

Maybe I'll actually start blogging again!

[Jannie Funster]

Dearest Chris,

This routine is saving me.

Maybe even cave people had routines. Probably.

:)

I've had 2 traffic tickets. One 15 years ago for speeding. Today for talking on cell phone in a school zone. Me is waiting for a "good moment" to bring it up to the hubs. Luckily, he's had maybe 5 or 6 tickets to me 2. Bargaining chip.

:)

Always great to be here in ChrisVille.

Hoping all your bills in wallet are crisp and freshly mint?

:)

xoxoxo

Signed,currently (and surprisingly) NOT going apeshit in Austin.

:)

xoxo(agin)

:) (agin)

[Rachel Cotterill]

I'm so bad at sitting still... really need to learn to stop dashing around so much! :)

[Chris]

Blogging?  What's that?  I hardly have time to call my mother these days.  Pathetic.  I need to grab the reins and pull HARD.

To: chrisyross@msn.com

[Chris]

You're always so enthusiastic and kind, Jannie.  Thank you.  I appreciate your visits to ChrisVille, especially when I've fallen off radar for so long.  I'm glad you're not going apeshit in Austin. xoxoxoxo:)))

To: chrisyross@msn.com

[Lady Fi]

Fabulous horse photo! A balance of rest and play is so necessary. Unfortunately, it is all too easy to do too much and not have enough time just to watch the world go by...

[michael.offworld]

I'll take the porch please.

[Jennifer]

Whew. I haven't done a fourth of all that and I'm worn out. :)

Sit here on the porch. I'll pour the tea.

[Deidre]

Sounds like a full on summer! Parasites - GROSS, I've been there and done that.

IC and I got a parking ticket the other day...it made us sad.

I've still never gotten a speeding ticket - I admire your need for speed!