SAHMom-ing is going… Well, it’s going. Wonky weather has passed, and in the past three days we went to the beach (twice), hit a couple of playgrounds, a local park, and went to the library. Plus, the kids came with me to do grocery shopping. Highlights are definitely our visits to the Jersey Shore! Went to the beach on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Yesterday, in spite of all the haze, the ocean was still beautiful.

L frolicking mid week. R will NOT go anywhere near the water (says it’s too cold for him lol). He is right.

Books. Almost finished with David Ambroz’ memoir– it’s inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time. As I’m reading it, some parts make me smile and other makes me cringe. A big minus: I got the book through Libby and it is only available to read through Libby (not Kindle). That means I am reading on my phone. Not ideal.

Movies/shows. 1.”The Lookout” – a woman becomes a fire watch tower volunteer (liked it, eerie); 2. An episode of “Black Mirror” with Aaron Paul (amazing and 1.5 hours long, essentially, a movie); 3. “Run Rabbit Run” – an Australian film, moody and scary, liked it very much). All in all, three high quality movies. And yes, thriller and horror is my thing (thanks honey 😉

Town and garden. Our town has a garden that is tended by garden society volunteers, and it is just lovely. The kids and I went there to sit and contemplate some flowers as well as insects. It smells amazing. L is fearful of flies and such but seeing busy insects, in their natural habitat, going about their business, is great for her. If you don’t bother bees, they will not bother you (or so we hope).

Mood and the upcoming trip. After getting over the PMS symptoms earlier this week, I feel better. Having mixed feelings about our upcoming family trip (Portugal and the south of Spain); we are leaving next week. While traveling and learning is my life goal, things can go wrong. Need to remind myself about a couple of things, so why not here?

1. Things will go wrong
2. You will handle them
3. If you forget something- just buy it when you arrive
4. You are privileged to be able to take such a trip
5. You speak the language (for Spain)
6. Airbnbs have good reviews
7. R is potty-trained; L is adaptable and a social butterfly
8. You will have a reliable car with road-side assistance, a cell-phone, and a GPS
9. Roll with the punches
10. The trip will be long, you will get bored
11. The concept of slow travel is better for the kids (and you)
12. The house will be waiting for you when you come back.