Life is learning to fly by the seat of your pants

I am a planner. I like to know the who, what, where, why, and how of everything in my life. You would think after 40+ years that I would have learned that nothing EVER goes as planned. As my sister, Jul, will tell you--I am a worrier. There is a perfectly good reason for that, you see, if I look at every aspect of my life and plan for every possible outcome then I will be ready for anything. Unfortunately, I usually don't think of the very outcome that happens.

So, I have decided the reason we are here on earth is to learn to fly by the seat of our pants, you know, improvise. One of the many artists that I enjoy is Phil Vassar. He has a song that describes my new philosopy:

It's a crazy life

It keeps you on your toes

You never know what lies in store for you or

where it's going to go

Hellos, Goodbyes

You laugh, you cry

You're free to pick and choose

You win or lose

You're either wrong or right

It's a crazy life

So, when I get all flustered because something didn't go as planned, I shrug and say "It's a crazy life." But, you know, I have decided I like not always knowing what is going to happen. It makes life an adventure and I'm always up for an adventure!

College Craziness

Today we met with Cole's high school counselor to start the process for college applications, scholarships, ACT, AP, NCAA and on and on. I left his office with a major anxiety attack (worse than normal for this habitual worrier)! Why would this stress me, you ask? Isn't it Cole's job to put in all his applications? Yes, of course it is, but this Mom knows the fullness of his schedule. I know his Dad and I will have to do the majority of the typing. Not to mention, we are much faster typers! Those who know I graduated in December with my Bachelor's would be surprised to discover that I began my Master's right after so we now have two parents working full-time, two parents working on Master's degrees full-time, three kids with lacrosse, music lessons, and homework, a house and three dogs who need care. That is why I am having anxiety!

This too shall pass! I just need a day to have anxiety, worry about getting it all done and by tomorrow I will have a plan in place to accomplish it all. In the meantime, stay out of my way!

Me with my teens!

I love my teenagers!

Life is never dull with them. They are smart, witty and a delight to be around. Here a just a few reasons why:

1. 
   I loved them with they were little and they would crawl on my lap and cuddle. They don't cuddle so much anymore (besides, they are all bigger than me so it's harder) but they each take the time at night to come and "tuck" me into bed.
   
2. I loved when they were little that they wanted to share every little thing that happened in their day. I love that they still want to share every little thing.
   
3. I loved when they started school and were learning new things every day, they couldn't wait to tell me what they had learned. I love that they still want to tell me everything they have learned (even when they think I don't know).
   
4. I loved it when they were little and wanted to be with me all the time (and yes, sometimes I had to give myself a timeout). I love that they want to be independent but still love to be with me when they take the time for me.
   
5. I loved that all their friends wanted to hang out at our house. I love that their friends still like to hang out. (and that we are not embarrassing).
   
6. I loved the sweet, compassionate children that were always so concerned about others. I love that they still look out for the little guy.
   
7. I loved the delightful, little kids that they were--so full of energy and life. I love that they haven't lost that energy or love of life!

In case you couldn't tell----I love my teenagers!