Time to catch up

 Logged in to this platform and was a bit shocked that I haven't posted since November 2022.   Two teens, two teenage kitties, two different sports and two jobs = that sums up Jan - March 2023.  

These two kitties continue to bring so much happiness within our family.  God knew Hawkins and Hilda were to join our family.  Hilda, crazy smart, aggressively loving if she is in the mood, will play fetch with a plastic spring for hours and is truly lovely.  Hawkins remains aloof, highly tolerant of the human teen shenanigans and feels like a rag doll when picked up.  He is always purring, never looks annoyed and allows Hilda to have a tiny amount of dominance over him.

The purchase of my Honda was complete in early February.  Such an ordeal from start to finish - not all bad, but it was a lot of decision making that I wasn't always prepared for.... but anyway - I absolutely love it.  The safety features are amazing.  Heated seats are so incredibly nice and great gas mileage with the hydrid.  Two months in and I have already had to replace a tired due a wayward nail that found its way in to the sidewall.  That was fun. 🙁

This is Percy

Mid-winter break was a staycation.  I challenged the kids to keep our cost to $500 for the week.  Sounds like a lot of money, but outside the cost of the Space Needle, most of the money went towards food.  Kudos to them. They accepted the challenge, budgeted at restaurants and outings; we came within $15 at the end.

Highlight of the week was the Space Needle on an amazing clear winter day.  The Chihuly Glass museum is a must see.  Road the monorail, the light rail and metro to our destinations. We also tried a Vietnamese coffee shop that was outstanding.  We went twice.  Second time I was putting my backpack on and my arm slipped, hitting Kathryn's nearly full drink to the floor.  We were all sad to see the beautiful coffee go to waste!

Oh, and I turned 52 

Ryan tried out for the Ingraham High School baseball team and unfortunately he was one of the few freshman that got cut.  Unbeknownst to me, he emailed the coach and asked if he had any tips for what he could work on over this next year so he can try out again next year.  The coach was impressed with his initiative and offered him the chance to join the team to practice and possibly get a chance to play.  Ryan was so happy and eagerly accepted the offer.  He's gotten the chance to play in a few games.  The freshman team is a bit rough, but lots of potential.  I am very proud of Ryan for the courage to speak up and the courage to show up after being cut.  He's worked hard to improve his skills and I'm so happy he has a chance to play.  Kathryn is participating on a YMCA volleyball team. Three of her teammates are from her school.  Her skills have improved tremendously since the fall volleyball season.

We are approaching the end of the school year quickly.  We'll say goodbye to Shoreline Christian after 11 years.  I thought I would be sad, but it's time.  We've outgrown that little school.  Both kids need the space to have diversity in friends, activities and a really nice perk is they can walk to school.  No more daily Mom taxi or trying to figure out who can drive them to or from school any more.   Two teens, two high schoolers.  This next stage in life will begin soon.  Oh, and Ryan will get his drivers license this fall. 😬

Upcoming: a trip to Nova Scotia 

October 2023

I've been given the amazing opportunity to travel to Nova Scotia for a Pediatric Pain Symposium through Seattle Children's Hospital.  All paid for by the Pain Clinic and Nursing Professional Development.  When my manager told me and my co-worker it was an option for one of us, I was shocked.  My co-worker is a single Mom to a  4yr old and has no desire to go.  Me - I jumped at it and said yes!  I cannot turn a trip like this down!