The Best Things in Life

To preface: I had another blog topic in mind when this one came to me. Since I scrapped what I'd written, started fresh, and had to write this entry with absolute chaos around me, I might ramble on for longer than necessary.

Sometimes the best things in life are those you take for granted. I realized this the other day when my daughter came to me and stated, “Dad said that you wouldn’t be working this summer and you’d spend time with us.” Up until that point I’d been balancing work obligations and commitments with the time I spent with my children. It hadn’t even crossed my mind that the calendar I’d slaved over prior to the summer worked my kidlets around my schedule. To my shock (after I took a real look at things) I discovered the little people I adore weren’t my most important priority, work was. I was so wrapped up in getting things done I'd taken my eye of the prize.

In a little over an hour my entire calendar was full of large, black X marks. I removed the things that can wait until school starts. I haven’t written in almost two-weeks (aside from blog posts, etc) and, for the first time, I’m not freaking out about it. Instead I’m using the next couple of months to give my daughter -- and the rest of the hell spawn -- what she asked for.

It’s been a lot of fun with a dash of crazy. We watch movies, play video games, and build fortresses from blankets. I listen to them talk about things I might have missed otherwise, even if it’s something silly, out of place, or makes absolutely no sense. In a way it feels as if I’ve connected with them on an entirely new level. Lunches are decided (and sometimes cooked) together. Dinner is now planned by all of us. They have a say in the decision making, and I can tell how much it means to them. It’s summer camp -- complete with impromptu and horrific haircuts, food fights, and petty squabbles -- only I’m a welcome part of it (which I’m appreciating while it lasts).

This isn’t to say I won’t be writing this summer. Much like an addict, I need my fix. It means that I'm going to be taking advantage of this odd form of vacation while I can. When the time comes I’ll return to work refreshed and ready to go. In a strange way, focusing on something other than writing creates an anticipation to go back and finish what I started. I feel recharged, with new ideas I've jotted down, and it's wonderful. When school starts I'm fairly certain it will be impossible to peel me away from the keyboard.

With that, I’m off. I’ve got lunch to make, an intricate train track to construct, and a movie date with four of the most amazing people I know. I hope all of you are finding ways to beat the heat and enjoy the summer!

Jaime