Awaysick

away•sick

adjective

experiencing a deep longing to go away after a period of being in one place; the opposite of homesick: 
The boy began planning road trips, claiming to be awaysick.

Last week, Weston was studying native tribes around the world during his History class. It was a topic that captured his attention and made him want to learn more. So, he checked out some books from the library, and every day he would report on the interesting things he was learning, half-fascinated, half-horrified: Mom, listen to this: this tribe would skin their enemies and wear the skins as a covering for their own bodies. 

He was also eager to know where the tribes had been located and curious about any remnants left behind that visitors might be able to see. Mom, how long do you think it would take to drive to Ohio? Do you think we could go for a weekend, so we can see this burial ground shaped like a snake? Could we try to plan a trip to South America, sometime after football season, so we can visit these particular sites?

His enthusiasm was contagious, and one day I told him that I really liked all the road trips he was planning to go along with his History lessons. His response stopped me in my tracks: I'm just really awaysick. You know, the opposite of homesick. 

This boy, who has so often struggled to put words together in coherent ways, managed to wordsmith a word that expressed the very depth of his heart...and mine. 

We stared at each other for a moment with tears brimming in our eyes and then went about our day, because there was nothing else to do. But, that word keeps echoing in my heart. I think it's the truest word I have ever heard. 

I'm not going to lie, our adjustment back to "normal" life has been difficult for me. Waking up in the same house and bed day after day and going through the same routines wears on me. During our travels, the longest we ever stayed in one place was one month. We were always encountering new things and situations, and even laundry stayed just challenging enough to be interesting. I admit, I feel ready to move on, even though I know this is a season for being rooted. I know people who really love to be home and only want to go on the occasional vacation. I think that's awesome. But, for me, the awaysickness is real. 

My question for those of you who don't revel in the routines of life and who may have similar nomadic tendencies is this:  What do you do to combat the mundanity and soothe the awaysickness when leaving isn't an option? I am eager to learn your secrets and will take your suggestions to heart. 

My new addiction

Earlier this week, I decided to enter one of my photos in a National Geographic photo contest. I honestly have no chance of winning, but that wasn't really my goal when I entered. I have been in love with National Geographic my whole life, and I have been particularly enamored with the photography. I can't see one of their photographs without my heart beating a little faster and my breath catching just a little. I just wanted to be a part of that community. I wanted to see a photo I had taken represented, even in some small way, by that logo. Now, I'm sort of obsessed with adding pictures to my account and perusing the images of the rest of the NG community. Somehow, the photos just look better displayed on that site. Plus, it's really fun to have other photographers (real photographers!) looking at, liking, and commenting on my photos. I may not ever get another productive thing done, but I'm very happy! If you'd like to check out any of my photos or those of the rest of the community, click here. That link will take you to my page, but you can look at other photos by clicking on the "Photos" tab at the top of the page. Just make sure you have plenty of free time if you decide to go poking around, because it's hard to pull yourself away!

Tight End Training

Weston has decided that he'd really like to go to college--any college--on a football scholarship. Specifically, he aspires to become a tight end. To that end, and in honor of the new year, with all it's resolutions and new beginnings and goal setting, he has set up a strict Tight End Training Program for himself. He started the week after Christmas and has been very faithful to stick with it, so far. The first part of his plan is to make healthy and smart eating choices. He is eliminating sodas and other sugary drinks, cutting way back on carbs, eating more veggies and lean proteins and saying "no" to dessert, even when everyone else is indulging. If you know Weston, you know instituting this type of diet is huge! The second part of the plan is physical training. He is getting up every morning at 6:30, at his insistence, to walk with Jeff and me, even when the temperature hovers in the 20s and 30s, and even on weekends. (This is not only a testament to Weston's dedication to his goal, but also a testament to MY love and support of Weston, as I am not generally a fan of cold or early mornings!) He is also jumping rope during commercials, when we watch T.V. (We haven't watched much T.V. since the bowl games ended, but he was really faithful to that regimen during those many hours of football watching.) And, as often as possible, he is pressing Jeff into service as a tackling dummy and thrower of "hot passes." I am honestly inspired by Weston's dedication and enthusiasm to pursue his goal. I'm reminded how often I talk about change or wish for my dreams to be realized, without actually taking the necessary steps to make it a reality. I am so proud of Weston, and I know there is no limit to what he can accomplish!

When I grow up...

During lunch today, the kids wanted to go around the table and tell the top three things they want to be when they grow up, in order. I pray they will always have varied passions, and that they would know that I believe they can be whatever they want to be. Here is where their employment desires lie right now:

Ruth:

1. Spy
2. Interior Decorator
3. Horse Trainer

Weston:

1. Professional Football Player
2. Secret Service/Spy
3. Chemical Engineer

Max:

1. Lemonade Stand Operator
2. Inventor
3. Spy

Clay:

1. Mickey Mouse

Maldives Dreaming

Back in January or February, Jeff and I booked an early anniversary get-away to the Maldives. Our plan was to stay in a water bungalow and go scuba diving and enjoy each other's company and soak up some sun and silence on the private island on which our resort was situated. But, as the countdown to the trip began and we thought about leaving the children for so long and going so far away, we began to get cold feet, and we cancelled the trip. And, filling in the gaps, as life does, work stuff came up for both of us for this week, and that seemed to confirm that we had made a good choice to stay around here. I haven't really regretted our decision to cancel the trip (except for the lost motivation to work out). But, today was a day full of regular life--sickness, crying, spills, broken objects, work, feelings of inadequacy, potty training, messes, technical difficulties, et cetera, et cetera--and a glance at the calendar told me it was a day when I could have been dipping my toes in the clear blue water of the Indian Ocean without any little people around to detract from the solitude. I will admit to feeling sadness and regret at the realization. I really do know it was for the best that we changed our plans, but just for tonight I will dream that I am sitting on this deck, sipping on a fruity little drink, with no house to clean or laundry to do or McDonald's for dinner or countless interrupted conversations. And, perhaps one of these days, the dream will become reality.