Right vs. Left

I remember in high school they were always trying to help us figure out what it was we should do with life. We'd take all the pyschology tests to figure out our strengths - are we creative or analytical, social or antisocial, service or not. Then they'd divide us into groups based on our score. I was always the odd man out - equal parts creative, equal parts analytical. Hey, I just like to use my brain equally - no bias here.

Lately, I've really been favoring the creative though. Not sure if it was all the home shows I watched last week when I was home sick or what. (Got to love HGTV.) But besides the knitting projects I've been piling on my to-do list, I've also had the itch to sew something. And this is regardless of the fact that the last time I used my sewing machine it ended with a string of obsenities and curtains that were too short for the window! Tack on the list of photos I need to scrapbook and whew! It's going to be a busy winter.

I already told Andy - next house we get, I'm so getting my own room. A nice comfy chair for reading all my books, lots of storage and shelves for all my supplies and little knick-knacks, and of course, plenty of counter space for working all my projects. Ohhhhh - I can't wait. I think I'm going to have to design it right now! See - there I go, another project......

A Little Thing

As any stepparent knows, the relationship with a stepchild is a rollercoaster ride. My eldest and I have certainly had our share of difficulties, but I've been very glad to be able to reconnect with her this last year. Who knows if it's been time, distance, or just circumstances, but our relationship seems to be on the mend.

She's had a rough time with her roommate since moving into college and it's really been leading her to the end of her rope. I had my own roommate issues my freshman year, so I've been sympathizing with her. Yesterday she was really frustrated so I wrote her a long email, telling her about one of my experiences, giving a little bit of advice, but mostly just lending an ear and sharing in her frustration. To my wonderful surprise she wrote me back that her Dad had been giving her advice but that my way seemed much more logical! I didn't even know I had offerred "a way". But she was so appreciative that it just made me feel so good inside to know that I was at least able to help her whether I realized I was doing it or not!

Breath!

Just when I've started to relax, life gets crazy again. But thankfully, in a good way. Of course it's the start of the new school year, so I shouldn't expect anything different right? Between running around to get school supplies, buying the latest and greatest in teen fashion, getting ready for a weekend trip of my own, and all the normal day-to-day errands I think I need a few extra hours in my day - if only to sleep!

However, I have really enjoyed helping out my eldest stepdaughter Brittany as she begins her freshman year at Rutgers University. While I'm very excited for all the wonderful times and experiences that await her, I also remember how scary it was those first few months of being out on my own. I'm hoping that I can do a few things to help her with her transition even if it's only as exciting as dealing with all the financials and paperwork that come with college. But seeing as Andy & I have already made several shopping trips and a few emergency runs to the college - to hook up internet access and drop off water - I'm sure there will be many more enjoyable times together than just figuring out financial aid.

Given the rollercoaster of step-parenting, this is definitely a big thing for which I am very grateful.