Top Ten August Observations

True confessions time.

I know that I've been a lousy blogger for the past 6 weeks or so.  My apologies, and thanks for sticking around!  Here's a quick list of some of my observations of August that might help to put things into context.

1. Vacations rock.  Especially when the weather cooperates and makes your beach time and tent camping experience something you'd want to do again. But acorns can seriously damage your windshield!  
2. Meeting up with dear friends from the past, and making new ones in person (after "meeting" online) is so much fun!  Was able to catch up with most of our wedding party this summer, plus have a great time with friends at conferences.
3. Being a Red Sox fan can be really disappointing.  'Nuff said.
4. New York City cabbies are crazy drivers!  Wonder how Rabi's car is doing after that taxi ran into us while I was in town for the BlogHer conference.  She felt so badly about how our night ended after such a delightful dinner.
5. The Droid X is a cool smartphone.  But not always reliable as a phone.  The smart stuff works well, but I've had some issues with the basic phone features that are expected.  Might just be that my phone is buggy, and needs to be replaced.  Will let you know when I get the new one and can compare.
6. Having a nanny is awesome.  We didn't call Alexa our nanny, but she was a total godsend again this summer.  Our summer babysitter has her own car, was flexible with hours, came to our house, and was young enough to keep up with the 3 kids and all of their activities (summer day camp, swimming lessons, going out for ice cream or to the playground).  The whole family loves her and we miss her now that she is back at Plymouth State College.
7. Being out for a week's vacation after returning from a conference the week prior is tough on the whole family.  I could have been better prepared and organized, both personally and professionally.  It all worked out in the end, but I know things can always be improved.  Made lots of mental notes for next year.
8. Having both adults of the family driving again is really fabulous.  More importantly, my husband is doing well and is back in the swing of things after that accident in March.  Feel so blessed!
9. Sometimes "date night" means eating Subway sandwiches in the Walmart parking lot after buying school supplies and groceries.  Being with someone you love can make any experience romantic, regardless of how mundane it really is.
10. Being the mom of only school aged kids feels odd to me.  Where did my babies go?