The Journey Inward

This year I chose Make Room for my word of the year, and have found so many ways to do so...from reading more books and listening to more podcasts, to poop scooping my backyard oasis to make it less hazardous, to joining a Body Pump exercise class with some amazing women (and one guy!).

I've also made room for my family's expanding lives.  My youngest is well on her way to healing now after a Fall sports injury that robbed her of both her soccer and lacrosse seasons, the first time she hasn't played organized sports since she was 5.  The upside was the amount of time I got to spend with her.  She is poised to graduate in May and after some time at home and traveling, will drive cross country with her dad to become an ensign aboard a Coast Guard Cutter in Astoria, OR, her first choice.  She is over the moon...and also very nervous, all of which I adore for her.

My middle daughter is flying home from San Diego as I type.  Stationed in Miami for two years, she and her husband of 8 months got an assignment on the West Coast together beginning in June so that they will actually live together for the first time!  They are looking at different areas and types of housing and searching shelters for a dog to adopt.

My oldest is doing the Pro Tennis tour circuit with me and on her own (we are spectators and major fans, not players!!!), and making a beautiful home and fulfilling life for herself in Baltimore.  She has become a wonderful travel companion to me when she's not traveling with her friends, fiance or on her own!

My ex-husband has gotten serious about a woman he's been dating and the girls all like her.  I hope to meet her soon, but I can tell already that I like her, as well.  I am so grateful he has found a good fit.  

So what does all this have to do with my title?  I am California Dreamin' for all of us!! My ex is visiting in June, as I mentioned. My oldest and her fiance are booking a Fall trip to see sisters and cousin.  My friend and I are hoping to go for a long weekend in November.

But the most exciting room I am making right now is planning a three week trip out to the West Coast this summer!  I am going to fly to San Diego and spend some time there with my middle and her husband.  I can't wait for them to show me around.  I'll get to see my niece, too.  From there, I'll rent a car and start driving north on a beautiful route I've put together that will allow me to see SO MUCH!  I'll eventually  make it to Oregon, where my youngest will show me her favorites.  And then I'll set out one last time to continue my drive north to Seattle (visiting a childhood friend) before flying home.  My dear friend and mother of my son-in-law will join me for part of the trip, but I am looking forward to doing a chunk of this all on my own!  

I am California Dreamin' and excited for what lies ahead, even as I stay present to enjoy the busy time leading up to the moves.