Little darlin’, it’s been a long, cold, lonely winter (and spring), but look how happy I am to be back with you again:
Y’know, it’s funny. You think you’ve done pretty well surviving one of the most harrowing tests of your life, and then what does the universe do? Tests you again. And again, and again. Such has been the case over this school year, which, I’m ashamed to say, is thankfully, finally, mercifully over.
Shew.
This year (mostly since my last letter to you back in January) I’ve dealt with suffering colleagues, troubled kids, absolutely rude and uncaring people, a raging narcissist, shady businesses, friends and family in pain, and 16 kinds of bad news. Holy cats — what gives? You’ve been there, too, though, I’m sure. Just keep zig-zagging, right? Dodge them ray gun particle beams so it looks like you’re just dancin’ the Watusi. That’s what I’m doing, because it’s never all testing, testing (even though it sometimes feels like it).
Of course, the bad stuff fades a bit when I think about Odyssey 2019! In nine short days, I’m off. So thankful for my sis Mavis, who will take great care of Remington while I’m gone, and for my sons, who will see to it that the house stays in running order.
Watch this space (or, if you haven’t already, subscribe in the box up there on the right) and I’ll ramble about all things Netherlands, Austria, Germany, Italy, and Slovenia, as well as post some pretty pictures. And I’m going to do my best to forget (or at least file away) the unpleasantness of this year, and concentrate on what’s important: today, and what I can make of it.
Hugs to all my fiends,
RF
“Here Comes the Sun” was the song I danced with my uncle (a stand-in for my father who passed when I was 12) to at my wedding. An all time favorite. There is an ebb and flow to all of this life stuff. So glad to have ‘met’ you and follow along. Looking forward to joining you digitally on this next adventure! Bon Voyage!
Thank you, Darice! I’m so glad we found each other here — and how sweet that you chose a George song for your wedding! I’m impressed by the work you do, and by how much you love your family. You’re right about the flow of life…we’re shaped and refined by how we deal with it.
I’ll blabber on about the Odyssey here in a few days — stay tuned! <3
It’s been a tough year for sure, sis. You’ve blazed a trail through it all, though! Each test makes you stronger for the next one.
I can’t wait to see all the pictures of this years Odyssey! Leave all of your life trials behind and enjoy your new adventure! Love you, sissy! Happy to see you writing again!
I love you Mavis! Getting through these trials is always easier when I have you for a sounding board/mother confessor hahaha
Knowing you’re staffing the home front will make enjoying my Odyssey much easier — thanks for all you do for me and mine! *hugs*
L – you remain an inspiration to many. I don’t know what I would have done without you in my life throughout the turbulent years at SHS. You helped me laugh and keep the bullying at bay. I know you did that for many of us “misfits.” Keep that chin up; it’s always difficult when the wind is in your face, but you’ve proven countless times that the quality rests in how we pick ourselves back up and trek onward.
Thank God for your amazing sister and sons. I am so thankful and appreciative for all they do for you and countless others. Much love from your bald, Whitney-loving, black-wearing, coffee-swilling snarkster-in-arms.
I love you, JJ — and rest assured that I will always fight for the ones who feel left out or ostracized for their differences. You always got back up after being treated so poorly at times; we could all take a lesson from you!
—your partner in snark
It’s over, it’s OVER and you have a fun-filled summer awaiting!!! YAY it seems like forever ago that we started planning. H and I can’t wait to see you!
Snausages await haaaa
And I am close to counting hours and not days — I love you both!
Ewww I didn’t know Snausages were a thing haaaaa Leave those at home for Remy.