Back to school, continued...

We took the long route, finishing up some summer fun things, but the deed is done and Elizabeth is back at school.

We went to the NY State Fair on Thursday. Its been a long time since we all went together. We did all the usual, traditional for us, stuff; pints of ice cream for lunch, oohing and aahing over the crafts and art work (including the inevitable talk of what we should have entered), seeing the food demo, the sand sculpture (we went the first day, so not much was done yet), and looking at the animals (cute baby llamas too). We ended by going to the concert in the Grandstand. It was fun taking the kids to the first major outdoor concert they've ever attended. We saw Joy Williams, Jars of Clay, and Steven Curtis Chapman. It was pretty awesome (and loud too), especially sitting just a few rows back.

On Friday we went to Dorney Park in Allentown. A sister park of Cedar Point, but not quite as large. They do have an awesome hanging coaster called Talon, which is where we started and ended the day (well, except for the carousel). We managed not to get rained on, or sunburned, but enjoyed an afternoon and evening of rides. Maybe enough to last til next summer?

On Saturday we hung out in Reading, doing a little shopping at the Outlet stores and some geocaching. We found 4 out of 5 caches we looked for (again without getting rained on too much).

Sunday was move-in day at Albright. We spent 45 minutes arranging and rearranging to get the maximum space despite minimum room and lots of furniture. I thought we came up with a pretty good plan (and I think E was happy with it too; Sarah...who knows?). I wish I could say it did not rain, but it did. We just unpacked between the pouring sessions and the light mist wasn't too bad. At least it wasn't 100 degrees, and there was A/C on in the room to fight the humidity, so that was good. And then we said goodbye. No tears, just a big hug and we were on our way. I guess it helps a lot that I knew she wanted to be there, and that she would be in touch when she needs to be.

Back to school, Part 1

So we are leaving in the morning to take Elizabeth back to Albright for her sophomore year. Who knew I'd feel so maudlin about it? I mean she was gone all of the last school year and I lived. (Albeit rather preoccupied with blogging and IM with her). I guess I was just enjoying her company so much that when the thought of her leaving hit me this morning, tears came with it.
:,(

The nighttime hip pain miracle cure

One of the most annoying parts of my life in the last few years has been the problem of waking up with pain in my hips; the part of my body most in contact with the mattress, and therefore supporting all my weight. This is a pain that has at times driven me from bed, unable to lie down on either side any longer (I can always sleep longer). I discovered last year that if I put my small foam lumbar cushion under my supporting hip I could often head off the pain (but of course that only works while it stays in place...which is surprisingly long. I think that I don't move around much because I'm more comatose than sleeping...but that's another story.) So, anyway, the point of this is that on a whim, while walking through Target last week, I decided to buy a mattress sized "magic" foam pad. I bought a twin since Steve did not seem interested in sleeping on one (yet), and besides for $18 bucks you are not going to get California King size. And then I folded it in half and put it where my body lies on the mattress (I already had magic foam pillows for head and neck). The incredible thing is that it really works. I haven't been wakened by hip pain all week. Even my sciatica seems better (but that comes and goes on its own whims anyway). So now, the next step will be to start looking at the "real" mattress pads or even the beds "designed by NASA", and of course, "selling it" to my husband. I think despite my cheapskate ways I have convinced myself that it will help me feel better. All I ever want is some restful sleep, is that too much to ask?

A work of Art?

I spent most of the weekend doing a long overdue cleaning project in Joshua's room. I have Elizabeth to thank for being my support and inspiration...because I could never do it alone. And unfortunately Josh just gets too distracted by "stuff" to see the bigger picture. There is way too much stuff in there anyway, some of it being remnants of hand me downs like all the Matchbox cars, Legos, stuffed animals, and little kid books from the older sibs. Not to mention outgrown clothes and shoes. But it is, at least mostly, accomplished. The reward comes in doing a project I proposed to Josh several years (?) ago ...turning one wall of his room into a collage. One wall is leftover paneling from a previous owner. And quite frankly, I've been afraid to remove it. So instead, and I love this, I am covering it with magazine pictures Mod-Podged on the wall. It is a lot of fun cutting out the pictures (finally a use for all the old National Geographics), and even adhering them. (So much that I might have to find another project too). And Josh thinks it is art worthy of a museum. That in itself is also a reward.