Week 25 Review

My aunt died this morning in her sleep.

When the phone rang, I knew it was my mother before I looked at the caller ID. There was nothing psychic in this. Three nights this week when I “knew” it was my mom, it was actually Stanford University calling to ask my husband for money. I just happened to be right this morning.

I’ve not yet figured out how I feel about the news of my aunt’s death. For now, I’m just waiting for the feelings to percolate up from wherever they originate.

This past week has been consumed by thoughts and emotions around my aunt’s situation. I backed out of evening activities twice. The candlemaking class I’d registered for on Wednesday was canceled due to lack of interest. The same thing happened with the Music and Totalitarianism honors course I signed up for in college. I still wish I’d had a chance to take that class. I’m not sure my regret about the candlemaking class will last so long.

Along with the standard tasks this coming week (homeschool, flute, gymnastics, aikido), we’ve got dental appointments for the three family members with teeth, as well as the activities we need to complete to prepare for our trip to Florida on February 1st. I haven’t decided what all this list entails yet. Every time we get ready to go on a trip, I start out by vowing I’m going to travel light and not worry about food and games and multiple baby carriers. One baby carrier is enough for the week, one bathing suit, one pair of shoes, apple slices, and some beef jerky, and we’ll be on our way.

But then I start envisioning the trip ahead of us and the possibility of getting stuck on the tarmac or in an airport terminal. The kids and my husband can eat pizza, and I could, too, if I wanted to spend the rest of the trip ill, but I’d rather have other options. I start mentally filling my backpack with TSA-approved foods. I want plenty of activities for the children to help us while away the hours somewhat pleasantly, so crayons, puzzles, games, and books go into my imaginary backpack. My son uses his little potty several times a day. Do I bring this with us, or just bring the fold-up potty seat, or buy a new little potty when we get there? He usually falls asleep with white noise. Should I bring some kind of noisemaker? We use cloth diapers and training pants at home. Should I buy disposable diapers or pull-ups or some of each for the trip? Do the kids need new swim suits? Do they sell swimsuits in Utah in January?

Recognizing that I’m on the verge of my traditional travel-related nervous breakdown, I plan to schedule myself for some pampering at the spa this week. I bought a Living Social deal for a massage, facial, and foot mask. I’m thinking this week is a good time to take advantage of this deal, if I can relax enough to let it relax me.

I just keep thinking, “Florida will be warm, Florida will be warm…”