Suzy

I am having SUCH a fun summer at work. J and I overprogrammed ourselves, but every time we finish one, we beam and say it was the best program ever. It's hard to argue with that!! Our most recent best program ever was baby and toddler nature exploration--we did songs and activities out in the park to give kids a basis of science concepts and vocabulary. We sang about squirrels, watered flowers, used grass and double sided tape to create sensory boards, etc. I took so many pictures! And man, I love partnering with her on programs. She makes everything even more fun. I'm so lucky to work with her.

We also have done nature bingo, which was a super fun time and huge hit, and also made kindness rocks--we brainstormed messages of love and acceptance, then painted rocks with pictures and words that we left around the park outside. Plus we made notes that we hid around the library for people to find. Next up is gardening for the food pantry, then writing postcards to elected officials. I super love building a better world!

My cousin I. came to visit my parents this month, and spent the last two days of his visit with me. I was initially wondering what I'd do with a 15 year old boy, but dude, we had fun. He wanted to see Wonder Woman, so we did (I have now seen it three times, ack), and he loves gardening, so we hit the Botanic Gardens. I have been dying to go for months, so I was thrilled, and it was everything I'd dreamed. I wish I lived closer, I'd go SO OFTEN. I loved the waterfalls most of all, but there were several dreamy gardens to explore. We each took about 100 pics, ha.

We also got stormed and hailed on, which was a new experience. Oops. I had my eye on the sky, and we had been hearing thunder rumbling with with sunshine and birds chirping. Then there was less sunshine and I mistimed it just by a few minutes. So there was running, and laughing and also I took my inhaler after an attack started and it worked wonders, so I need to do that more. I've only ever used it preventatively, but now I know better! It works both ways! And you guys, the petrichoir smell was amazing, surrounded by all the plants and soil and rain. It was so delightful. Worth the hail for sure.

We then spent a great deal of time in the plant shop--he's been dying for a bonsai tree for years, and they sold a lovely little one there. He got permission from his mother and researched how to bring it on a plane, and was ecstatic to bring it home with him. I bought him a Bonsai 101 book and he spent the full 2 hours driving home reading it and telling me facts. I picked up a DIY succulent kit, which I've also been dying to find, as well as a cute little ivy plant.

We also stopped for Dole Whips, real live Dole Whips, at the yogurt place near the gardens, and that was just pure joy.

So I have been so busy but having fun. And that will continue! Definitely the busy-ness, hopefully the fun.

Saturday, I have a hair appointment to get my hair cut off and highlighted purple. I think I may go quite short. I think I will miss long hair, but it'll grow back, and it always does quickly. I've been doing all my favorite long hair styles in farewell--Heidi braids, fake victory rolls, braided pigtails, ponytails, etc.

Here's hoping it looks good, because right after, I have a date! I'm driving up to a mall near her, about an hour, for us to visit a book store and have tea before she goes to her dance program. She seems super cool--she's the WENN fan who loves theater, musicals, and old movies, and who adores the Gardens I just visited as well as museums. Even if there isn't a spark, I'm kind of really hoping we can stay in touch and be Broadway buddies. I miss having a Broadway buddy.

It is also a lot easier to explain plans with a woman to my parents--"I met a local Remember WENN fan online! We're going to hang out at the mall on Saturday. Isn't that cool?" Easy peasy. I used to call dates with guys "a RAP thing," but that didn't work after the RAP disbanded. I'll need a new line if I find guys to date, too. It's been such a long time since I went on a date, I keep trying to remember what we should be talking about and what to expect. I am not at all anxious like I always used to be, though that may change on Saturday, ha. It could be how much I've changed in the last few years, or the medicine, or that it's a woman and not a man. Or a combination! We'll see how it goes and how I feel before and during.

Anyway, then I work Sunday, and then pick up my friend Krissy for our annual visit! We are going back to the birthday spa, and I can't WAIT get back in that pool and under that waterfall and in that steam room. <3 And then massages on top of it all. Glorious!

Yay summer.