Happy Spring...finally!

Well, with the wonderful sunny spring weather here in northern New England FINALLY melting the ice on the lake our condo sits on the banks of...I have been trying to spend more time away from the computer. Apologies for not getting my act together in time to post my weekly menu on Monday. It is likely to appear magically later today, so stay tuned.

It was also school vacation last week, so we tried to do some really fun things as a family. The kids and I had a great visit with one of our dearest friends (thanks Betsy!) and it was just wonderful. We took a picnic lunch to eat on the way at a interstate rest stop. On Thursday, Sydney and I did a mom and me day -- complete with annual well-child doctor visit, inviting her dad to join us for lunch out at a favorite Italian place, and even a trip to the local beauty school for new hair cuts! We had a great time. I was really happy to have this opportunity. The whole family spent time taking walks, playing kickball, swinging, looking for ducks on the lake or in the pond and getting the spring jackets and baseball caps out. And lots of Boston Red Sox baseball to watch. But I am seriously disappointed if one of my faves on the team, 2nd baseman Dustin Pedroia CHEWS nasty tobacco! yuck. Dustin...I want you to be a role model for my kids, can I send you a boxful of Big League Chew (bubble gum) or sunflower seeds to persuade you? Heck, I'll even throw in some nicotine gum! I still think your receding hairline is kinda cute so I am willing to give you another chance.

The kids had a great time this past weekend with their Meme and Tim back in VT. Bonfires, telescopes, "publishing" their own story books, plastic easter egg hunts and spending time with all the pets (including our chocolate lab Zoe and cat Bingo who couldn't live with us in the rental). Todd and I took the opportunity to have a date on Sat. night: dinner at a wonderful local Mexican restaurant named Gusanoz's and then on to Home Depot to look at paint colors for the new house (more on this in a post later this week) and Kohls to scan the clearance racks for deals. It's what every girl dreams of, right? It was really nice. Only a creemee would have made it better, but the line was literally 30-40 people long near Home Depot, which was the only stand open already around here.

Last, but not least, the job search is moving forward. I have done some interviewing and have more coming up. I am hopeful that I'll have good news to report soon. There are some really great prospects for organizations and programs that I am very excited about. Great opportunities. I've also continued to do self-directed training with books and online learning. Also just taking some time to do some career exploration regarding possible consulting work and other ways I could use my skill set here in the community. Taking a step back has been really beneficial.

So that's what we've been up to! How about you? What things do you do to mark the changing seasons, changing habits, changing your outlook? Tips for job search, interviewing, moving to a new house? I'd love to hear from you.

PS: In the name of "research" -- take out this past weekend while on the road to meet grandparents included a McDonald's Happy Meal for each child. Toys are now American Idol themed. All 3 got an obnoxious noisy toy...I think it was a girl with a microphone in her hand. You had to move the arm up to get the music to play. Totally annoying, especially when all three were NOT in unison. Can you say headache?