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Whether it be the beach, the mountains, the desert, the snow, or your neighborhood pool, summer is beckoning you. It's whispering your name as you patiently wait in the grocery line with magazine pictures of crystal clear azure waters, white sand, tropical rain forests, mountaintops begging to be climbed, or even lonely snow-capped mountains awaiting footprints to be made on them. Ahh, it's right there. It all seems so dreamy, until you have to pack for it.
Those who know me well, know my passion for packing, is lacking. I don't enjoy packing. Perhaps it's the result of having moved so much while I was young, or the fact I have to think about what goes inside my luggage rather than spend time researching where's the best place to eat local food or what activities to do. Preparing a travel packing list is essential, especially if you're a parent and you're traveling with young kids. You can see my last travel packing post here.
This summer is no exception. Though each year I tell myself, we need to focus on a staycation, it just won't happen with me. I love to travel, I grew up with it in my blood and since having kids, has only fueled my desire to see more of the world. Traveling has become increasingly a bit harder and more expensive (extra baggage fees, meals, etc.).
I like traveling light. I have, in the past, overpacked a bit, but still traveled light. Even, with a toddler and baby in tow. I'm an expert when it comes to packing for my kids. As they get older, it gets easier to pack for them since diapers, baby bottles, etc. are not needed. For myself, I always struggle a bit when it comes time to pack my clothes and shoes. The dilemmas we women face. What to pack?! What to pack!
I found a few sites, you ladies, might like, that cater to us traveling females. I want to befriend the authors of this blog, you gals make me smile. They give great information on what to pack, and even review luggages and backpacks, all with a woman's needs in mind. This blog is laced with pretty pictures and ideas for outfits for all types of destinations. Just the kind of blog that I can lose myself in.
My bestie lent me traveling organizer bags for our trip to the Philippines two years ago. They were so useful and inexpensive (I have since bought some from the PI and this one). They kept us organized and doubled as a small bag. She also introduced me to fashionable reusable bags long before they were on the market, and my favorites are these, because they fit in any purse easily and just button up, no worry about losing its pouch.
It's obvious from the photo above that kids learn and do make the most of any situation. Take some cues, adults! When the sun's out, but it's a bit too cold outside to sunbathe, well, there are alternatives. Where there's a will, there's a way, folks!!
There haven't been enough of those moments above. This month of May has my head chasing my behind all month long. I can barely keep track of all the things we have to do. And, we're only halfway through. Micro is wrapping up the end of preschool in two weeks and next year he'll be attending Transitional Kindergarten five days a week (he can't start Kindergarten due to cutoff date in California). I'm super excited for him to be getting a more structured learning experience and it's FREE!! Next week Micron starts swimming lessons and her big brother will join her after preschool wraps up.
I've been busy keeping up with everybody's birthdays this month and attending a bunch of parties and get-togethers. Two weeks ago, we finished getting our DL trip in order, which will occur in a few weeks time. Aiya!!! I'm also trying to schedule summer activities to keep the wee ones busy, while making sure we've got things ready for next Fall in terms of school plans. I'm also helping my little sister look for her bridal dress, and so far it's been fun to see her play dress up. She looks AHMAZING in everything she's tried on, but she may have found the dress. Amidst all this, I'm training for my half-marathon in June (after a 8 year hiatus). Recently, we also planned a beach vacation for later on in Fall. I'm eager to get this bod beach-ready (ok, beach-acceptable ;) Please May wrap up so June can come. It seems I still have a lot on my plate. I can't believe the year is almost halfway done. Thank you Lord for your continued love and blessings. I'm a lucky Mama.
As any parent will soon find out, you wear many hats. You take on different roles, sometimes going through a dozen in one afternoon. My favorite and most challenging role I've played yet, is being a mother. A role, I truly cherish.
Other roles I play are, chauffeur, cook, laundress, mediator, game developer, style assistant, dog walker, house cleaner, magician, referee---ahh, the list endless. Other mothers can attest to this. It's the constant-changing of roles that keeps me on my toes, that keep me moving forward, and that keep my little corner of the world, somewhat interesting on a daily basis. These roles may seem unforgettable to many, but they are nonetheless, very important ones.
To all the mothers out there, young and old, big and small, I wish you a very Happy Mother's Day. One day is not enough to celebrate all the roles you play everyday. You are often the heart of the home, the CEO busily organizing, reorganizing, downsizing, and perhaps expanding, various things to keep "life happening." It's an exhausting job without financial rewards. Because, your rewards are priceless and cannot be quantified.
