We’re back home and, as usual, the first week after a vacation feels like a blur of catching up, re-adjusting to “normal” life, and making plans for upcoming events (which somehow got forgotten during our break). In the last 72 hours:
- One of us has been sick.
- Another had a playground accident at school (all good now, but it meant some time off school).
- And one of us had a mid-morning orthodontist appointment, also requiring a little break from school.
This weekend, we’re with Indy in Halifax for basketball provincials. Next week Belle celebrates her birthday (party and sleepover!), I’m facilitating the ladies’ Bible study at church (which requires some prep), and my parents are getting ready to leave for New Brunswick.
On the taxes front – personal and corporate – I thought everything was settled, but surprise! A reassessment came through, and now we’re juggling a confusing mix of credits and charges. It’s a little messy, but I’m getting there.
Then there are all the smaller, time-sensitive decisions:
- Do we buy season passes for the ski hill? We didn’t use them enough this year to make it worthwhile, but the price for next year’s passes is much lower if we buy now. (Spoiler: I bought them.)
- Belle wanted to sign up for a youth conference in May and early registration was due this month. That’s done and paid for, though I’ll admit, filling out forms for activities is not my favourite thing.
- Indy is now signed up for a performance stream in soccer. If you’ve been reading for a while, you may remember last year when he broke his thumb the day before tryouts and his entire soccer season went out the window. I’ll be honest, I enjoyed the summer without sports. The only hiccup now is that all his games will be an hour away and scheduled on Sundays – which isn’t ideal for our family. We’ll see how this plays out.
All in all, it’s just regular life chaos that seems to hit a little harder after a trip abroad. None of these are big problems, just things that can distract me from FIGs if I don’t put a bit more effort into noting the positive stuff happening in life.
I usually jot down “Happy Things” throughout the week, but today they’re coming straight from memory:
- Paris. Obviously!
- The kindness of two people who gave up their seats for me on the Paris metro. Both times were totally unnecessary, but both times it felt delightfully kind.
- The fact that I can still carry a sleeping Indy back to his bed when he dozes off elsewhere. I hadn’t done this in months and let me tell you…I will not be able to do this much longer.
- I won a giveaway at the ladies Bible Study last night – a beautiful bouquet of tulips.
- WhatsApp.
- Delicious salads. Homemade vinaigrette.
- My mom left two casseroles in the fridge for us when we got back from our trip. What a treat!
- My parents spontaneously staying for supper after a visit. We sat around the table, talking for an hour after we finished eating. They leave for “home” next week, and I’m so grateful for the time we’ve had together this winter.
- No snow on the ground! I ran errands this week and didn’t have to wear mittens or a hat.
- Blogging again. I missed you all <3
- Listening to Belle and one of her friend cackle like hyenas over something that must have been outrageously funny.
- Hot showers.
- Clean laundry.
- Crunchy grapes.
- Before our trip, I got to sit in on two university classes with my dad. It was a hoot to be sitting next to my mid-70s father, surrounded by young students who didn’t bat an eye at his contributions to class discussion. Apparently this week, he even got an ovation for something he said (I’ve never had that happen to me) and two of his four professors reached out to tell him how much they appreciate his insights.
- Public libraries.
- The new sneakers I bought on sale the day before our trip that ended up being comfortable and fashionable.
- The cashier who gave me the senior’s discount just “because” even though she knew I wasn’t a senior. I didn’t ask for it and maybe technically should have declined it, but I was so surprised by the gesture and saving 20% was nice!
- How local grocery stores are now clearly marking items made in Canada, making it much easier to identify nationally-produced products.
That’s a wrap from me this week. I’ll be back on Monday with another trip recap, or at least that’s the plan!
Your turn.
- What’s been making you smile this week? Share your Happy Things or FIGs…but don’t be shy about sharing any “flies in the jam” too.
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Birchie
I think it’s Ok to take the senior discount this one time – consider it to be a preview of the good life!
What is your dad studying? Is he taking a few classes or getting a degree? How fun to be able to sit in with him.
Well, to be honest I’m tired and wiped out as the workweek is coming to an end, but that’s kind of par for the course. Last week I was on my little road trip having a blast, and at least it’s sunny out though it’s a bit chilly. Still, I’m looking forward to hiking this weekend.
Elisabeth
I liked the preview of being 55+
My dad takes history/classics/political science classes. He’s not getting any credit, just enjoys the intellectual stimulation and has always loved learning. It’s such a great way for him to stay engaged with life in his senior years.
Hope the hiking was amazing!
mbmom11
Welcome back!
Life doesn’t stop when you’re back from vacation! Hopefully, you can deal with all of the complications a little at a time. It doesn’t need to be solved all at once!
I had a happy week as my sister (my kids’ favorite aunt ) was visiting for the kids’ spring break. I was off to work and she kept them happy and active. Also happy to see you posting again! I’ve never been to Paris, so I’ll read with avid delight your descriptions.
Elisabeth
Thanks. It’s nice to be back.
And yes, the reentry can be hard especially since you’re merging back in to high-speed traffic. I am trying hard to remember to not make trivial things a priority. When a to-do comes into my head I often think that means I must do it immediately, but I’m attempting to get better at triaging the things I must do, really want to do, and could do and arrange them in that order.
I’m so glad you had a nice week. It can be such a breath of fresh air to have someone visit that brings new perspective and energy.
NGS
Yesterday it was SO NICE and Hannah and I went for an hour long walk after work and she was so excited and I was so excited and it made me so happy. Spring is coming!! (Ignore the snow/rain mix that’s happening today. Yesterday was sublime.)
Elisabeth
It was a snow/rain mix here today, Engie but I put away my winter boots because I refuse to believe I will need them again. I also cleaned the boot trays of salt residue. I’ve surely jinxed it and now we’ll get a huge snowfall, but walking outside with no snow or ice feels glorious!
J
One of my favorite things this week was your Paris post! I love Paris, and you took such beautiful pictures, and it seemed like you had a wonderful time. I haven’t commented there yet, but will in a bit.
I also love that your parents were there again for the winter, and that you bought the ski hill pass! Skiing is several hours away for us, going for a day is mostly time spent in the car, so we don’t do it. Also we’re not good at it. LOL.
I’m sad about the tags showing what items are from the US, because the whole situation is so crummy and I hate what our current government is doing to our closest allies. Even when T is gone, how will the world trust us to not elect someone similar in the future? UGH.
Elisabeth
Awww. You’re making me blush (seriously). I know you love Paris and thought of you many times while there. It really was a special trip and I feel so fortunate to have been able to share those experiences with the kids. I hope this instills a love of art and culture and travel for them in the future.
Geopolitics is crazy right now; to be honest, I never paid much attention to what was produced in Canada and what wasn’t, so one silver lining of the current mess is the fact all of Canada is feeling increasingly (fiercely!) patriotic.
coco
I don’t like to fill out forms either but had to do it as daddy has zero patience for it. I am hoping soon Sofia can do it by herself.
Paris!!! I miss it! I’m sure you had a blast but would love to see what different things you did. I had few things good this week, albeit small gestures:
1. a colleague bought me lunch when I mentioned I haven’t had lunch 3 days in a row
2. someone lend me the pet carrier so i dont’ have to buy one for Cookie
3. hotel receptionist showed genuine worry when I call him at 3am
welcome back Elizabeth, you’ve been missed.
Elisabeth
Love all your happy things. It is such a boost when someone thinks about us. I hope all the arrangements from Cookie have finally been sorted! You deserve all the support you can get on that one. What a frustrating process.
Michelle G.
Hooray for happy things! The post-vacation blues are REAL. Probably especially after Paris.
Free libraries are definitely on my list of happy things. I’m sick about what’s happening at the Haskell Free Library right now. That library symbolizes everything about the friendship between the US and Canada, which is being ruined.
Elisabeth
I feel less blue than usual which is surprising me…maybe because we got back and immediately have jumped into so. many. things. Gah. My planner is a mess for next week, but it will all get done (or it won’t and that will be okay, too).
The library situation really is a symbol and so sad; I’m glad to see that the patrons are still mingling once they get inside…via segregated entrances.
Kate
Sorry to hear about the playground accident, but glad to hear there are no long-lasting repercussions!
Your dad with his briefcase and notebook is THE sweetest thing I’ve ever seen. I’m sure his professors and fellow students appreciate his perspective. I went to grad school as part of a combined bachelor’s/master’s program and most of my cohort had all been together since freshman year. When we got to the master’s portion of our coursework, a few older “non-traditional” students joined us — in retrospect, one was my age now, but at the time she seemed so wise and experienced. Her comments and questions were so insightful and added a note of common sense and life experience that we definitely did not have as 21/22-year-olds.
Crunchy grapes!!! Yes. My office manager and I have a whole thing about crunchy grapes. They are such a sensory delight.
Happy thing for the day: we took Cece to get an updated passport today (she and Nick are traveling to Europe with a church group in June!) and despite the fact that we initially went to the wrong post office and were ten minutes late for our appointment, no one else was there when we arrived and we got everything processed and taken care of within 15 minutes and were on our way. We already had to reschedule the appointment once due to a conflict and since both parents had to be there it was quite the scheduling conundrum between work, school, activities and the limited appointments available. Glad to check that off the list!!
Elisabeth
It really was SO sweet, Kate. I’m so glad I thought to snap a picture. It’s not everyday a grown daughter get to accompany her senior father to a university class, haha. I think everyone appreciates a very different generational perspective and he’s been doing this for years now and has never had anyone treat him badly.
Crunchy grapes are one of the best things to ever eat, full stop. Soft grapes, though, are an utter travesty.
Passports can be so much bother, so I’m glad it’s all sorted!
Nicole MacPherson
Wooooo that is quite the re-entry into regular life. You are a busy woman these days, holy moley.
How nice to come home to two homemade casseroles! Talk about making life easier. What a nice gift.
Elisabeth, it’s spring around here! I’m gearing up for garden season. I think I’m even going to plant my sweet pea seeds this weekend, and then in a week or so, KALE!!! And spinach! Everything else will have to wait for warmer temperatures but eeeeee!!!! I cannot WAIT!
Elisabeth
It really does feel extra busy. Thankfully, it’s nothing hard or bad, just lots to juggle. But I also know if I needed to, I can “drop” things, so it’s nice to have an escape hatch.
We don’t garden, but watching how productive your plants are is making me feel like I really must start. I wish you were my neighbour and could give me gardening pointers!
Daria
Happy things time! I remember I was blue after Paris, too- it was just so beautiful.
What made me smile-
Warmer weather in NJ, daffodils poking out in the back yard, corned beef and cabbage, and Peloton yoga lessons..
Elisabeth
The warmer weather (or, for right now it’s coolish but there is no snow) is such a relief. I’m ready for spring!!!
Paris – there’s nothing quite like it.
Alexandra
It’s so good to have you back and blogging, especially as the first post was about your Paris trip. And, of course, I had a few moments living vicariously with you reminiscing. I can’t wait to go back. We were supposed to go June 2020, but look how that turned out.
And look at that, your home in time for the good weather. It’s caught us all by surprise. We’re not use to seeing grass and daffs at the end of March here, in QC.
But we’ve all got something to look forward too as April is just around the corner, and we’ll all be out walking and taking photos. Yay.
Happy things? Getting my blog back online after a nasty crash. As a result, I’ve moved my hosting to a Montreal-based company. Anyway, good to have you back.
Elisabeth
Awww. Thanks. It’s so nice to be back. I know so many people who were scheduled to go in 2020. And then there were the Olympics. I hope you make it soon, it’s such a magical place to visit.
I’ve been having trouble commenting; I can see your posts, but can’t find a way to comment. Just know I have been reading along! And OH NO about the blog crash. These little sites of ours are so much fun, but the maintenance and technical side can be a royal nuisance.
Alexandra
I guess we’ll get to Paris, one day. Things are booked up for this summer already, so maybe I can persuade the OH to go for next year. I hope so.
And sorry about the comments. I switched them off while I was getting everything up and running again. On the last version of my blog I was getting hundreds of spam comments every week. It was getting silly. But rest assured, I would rather just delete them as an inconvenience, and have people able to comment. So, they’re back on, at least for the last couple of posts.
Elisabeth
I saw the comments were working again. Spam comments are SUCH a hassle. Blergh.
Tobia | craftaliciousme
So many wonderful things happening.
Besides the tax reassessment. I hope I will never have to endure that.
I fogot you were in Paris for spring break so it will be nice reading your posts even though Paris is not my favorite city. You make every spot sound amazing and I love your photos. So I am looking forward. Inspired by your trip to Lisboa I think I want to plan one later this year. Fingers crossed.
Elisabeth
I love Paris, though I think Rome might have won my heart for my absolute favourite city so far?
Portugal is lovely; Lisbon is a great central base (highly recommend Nazare). Porto and the Algarve are ever more beautiful, if you can manage a few other stops.
San
I loved reading about your Paris trip. I haven’t been there in so long and would love to go back sometime. What made me smile this week? Whatsapp (and your sweet note to cheer me up!), a good sweat session, having a good chat with my coworker (who will probably leave soon :(), and talking to my mom.
I love that you attended a university class with your dad! That’s so cool that he’s taking classes.
Elisabeth
Aww. I’m so glad we’re connected on WhatsApp now <3
Suz
Time with your parents—this one always gets me. You are so blessed, and I know you know it, because you mention how lovely it is!
Your dad going to school. BE STILL MY HEART!
You can still pick up your sleeping son? You have a strong back my friend.
So glad you enjoyed your getaway, can’t wait to read all about it!
Elisabeth
I really am so, so fortunate. It can be hard not to take it for granted in some ways because it has started to feel so “normal” but I still love and cherish each visit so much.
My back is nearing max capacity. It’s less his weight and more his height. I’m practically carrying a much lighter version of myself around. When did he get so tall?
Paris was amazing <3
Jenny
Yay! It’s definitely a FIG to have you back and blogging- we missed you! Sounds like a whirlwind greeted you on your return- but overall it sounds like all good things (well- not the playground incident and getting sick but everything else.) It’s a tough call on the kids activities- we want them to be engaged with things they love, but it can really take a toll on family life.
I know it’s hard to return from a trip like that, but… spring is coming!!! Looking forward to the next trip recap.
Elisabeth
It is tricky to balance activities for kids and work/life responsibilities. It feels like a constant game of Whack-a-mol, but the weekend went smoothly and I slept NINE hours last night. Between jet lag and all the stuff happening I am exhausted.
Stephany
Oh, my heart cannot handle the picture of your dad on the stairs! What a sweet moment to capture and I love that you accompanied him to one of his classes. What a great thing to do to keep one’s mind sharp and keep being inquisitive! I love that for him.
That’s so sweet that you came home to two casseroles from your parents. That’s exactly what one needs when coming home from a busy vacation!
Good things – a great therapy session, recording podcast episodes (including a spicy one about motherhood and why we’re both not sure if we want kids!), and brunch with my mom after yoga. <3
Elisabeth
Isn’t it too cute!
Brunch sounds like the perfect way to cap off a yoga class!
ernie
I love it when my kids have friends over and I can hear them laughing so hard. Your dad taking classes or sitting in, etc. is so wonderful. My dad is a lifelong learner as well. Always reading HUGE books. History is his jam.
My smiles last week come mostly from the mom’s weekend I was able to attend at Tank’s college. I met a bunch of wonderful moms. It was so much fun. We laughed a lot. And even though I was incredibly tired, I drove home safe and sound.
Elisabeth
My dad is also constantly reading and I attribute my love of books almost exclusively to him. If I close my eyes and picture my dad in composite, he would have a GIANT book in hand.
Your mom’s weekend looked like so much fun; exhausting, yes, but also energy-giving in the good social way. I hope you have LOADS of smiles in Italy.
central calif. artist Jana
When my dad died, I put his library card in my wallet. That was 25 years ago; I took it out this year when I accidentally gave it to my husband to pick up books for me. Oops.
Elisabeth
What a special way to remember a missed loved one; I might just do that with my dad’s library card – he is the most proficient reader I know.
Katy @ Practical Walk
Welcome back!!!
I’m thankful for:
– Kids going on a walk together.
– Job offer for my husband…and I think it will fit him well.
– Doctors and medicine
– A long walk on a beautiful day
– Blue bonnets!!!
Elisabeth
Thanks for sharing, Katy. So much to be thankful for and I love that your kids go for walks together!
Melissa
OK, this sounds like a very busy re-entry, although I’m guessing the two casseroles softened the shock. I’ve been enjoying reading your Paris recaps and doing a little bit of planning for our upcoming London trip.
Elisabeth
It has been BUSY but things are getting done and I finally feel like my head is above water.
Anne
Gosh, your re-entry was busy busy busy. But! Casseroles in the fridge, teenagers laughing, your dad and his life-long learning… All good things. And you’ll figure the rest out – the carpools, the schedules, the (sigh) taxes.
Buy Canadian! Please!
I have never used WhatsApp. I feel rather aged right now. Maybe I should get with the times… 🙂