fine art and thrift stores

I have had a really productive week. I swear this feels like the first work project week where we actually accompliahed stuff. There is still more to do but I think we did a great job and I'm just really proud of everyone.

I was awake to late last night. I was struggling to turn my brain off. I was just texting Jess and bopping around. But eventually I did get some sleep. And woke up to my toddler blasting into the room saying hello. How lucky am I.

James gave me kisses before they left. Sylvia followed them downstairs and said bye but then as soon as they left and closed the door she started sobbing. I came downstairs to get her but James came back inside for another hug and she calmed down and was okay coming back upstairs with me.

Sylvia was in a good mood. I got cleaned up and dressed and we played. Went downstairs to put my bad together and wait for Anne. And when she got here she rang the bell like always. And Sylvia ran (as quick as she can toddle) with her arms up in the air. Yelling at her Grammy. It was so sweet.

I left for work. They heat was intense again today. 105 index. I was glad I was able to spend more time working on things in the office. Because every time I was outside I had literal beads of sweat running down my back. My hair was wet. It was not fun. I become stupid and evil when it's this hot.

When I got to camp I picked up Mikael again. We went up to art to go over what needed doing. We were getting to the end of the list and that was really exciting. They (Mikael let me know they are using that pronoun at camp) would go off to start their tasks and I would call them later when I had specific things.

I had lots to do. First I stopped at the lodge to talk to the kitchen staff. Specifically Chuck, about a mini fridge. Talked to Sarah about the school for the blind training and meeting with the staff to show them the lessons I have planned for the time they are there. And some ideas for adaptations. I am excited to work with them again.

After that I would work on emails and organzing the office. Went through collecting things and telling staff where things need to go. I made a document for food restrictions and allergies at camp. Explained what ARFID is. And emailed staff to double check if anyone needed anything special for food. Trying to do my very best to be helpful and make this a good summer.

I would make a trip up to stockade to work on some stuff for SarahMarie. I made contact with her and we have a half a plan for her set up. I was glad to be in the basement because it was so nice and cold down there. It was stupid hot walking around. I was STRUGGLING. But I would go back to the office to continue working.

I went through all the packages and sent things off to their proper locations. Chatted with international staff. And at lunch I went to get a grilled cheese and a salad and it was perfect.

I went back to the office to continue my work. Building small birdhouses. Pulling together archery tag arrows. There was a lot to do today to finish up before everything starts. I cannot beleive how fast this week went. Like in the best way.

I went to the art building to set up the projects for next week with Mikael. We talked about musicals and theater. Got the plastic off of the metal tags we are using to make pendants with staff. And eventually I went down to the field to collect plantain leaves and clover for Crabcake.

While I was down there Mario and Willow asked me what I was doing and I got to talk about my turtle. Mario invited us to try a Spanish omelet (which was more like a hashbrown casserole) he made. And in that we discovered thag Willow doesn't eat eggs. I was like. Allergy?? And she said no, she's just picky with textures. And I said oh like ARFID! And she was shocked I knew what it was and seemed worried I would make fun of her. But of course I didn't and I told her I would make sure the kitchen knew and we would make sure she was fed.

We would all go to the kitchen to try the omelet and it was very good and Mario was so sweet to share with us. I told them my favorite thing to do with internationals is to bring them local sweets and treats and they were all excited to get to try things. So now I gotta make it extra special. They are all so sweet, we got such a great crew this year.

I finished collecting greens for Crabcake. And then it was time to go home. I wpuld say goodbye to everyone at picnic grove and just told them I was proud of them and all the work they did this week. Ray said that the appreciation was appreciated. And it really is a deep appreciation I have for everyone this week. They truly did the best job I have seen in years. I am so proud of them.

I went home. And was back by 415. I got inside and it was quiet. Anne and Sylvia were outback. And when I went out there Sylvia reached for me and it was so sweet.

Anne told me about their day. Going to port discovery. Having muffins. I'm glad they had a nice time.

Anne would leave and I asked for Sylvia to come with me. She took my hand and we walked together. I have been dreaming of that. It is truly the best feeling. And because I'm so short it just feels right. No need to bend. I'm thrilled and so happy.

I started cleaning out the fridge. A BBQ sauce container had fallen out and spilled so I was cleaning and just getting rid of stuff. Sylvia was having juice and walking around. Eating pretzel sticks. Rocking in the rocking chair. And then James was home. With music. And we were all standing in the playroom dancing for a minute. I love our little life.

We had some time to play together. Outside. Inside. I went to work on a few things upstairs. James made us dinner. We all ate together. And Sylvia went to bed.

I would sit out front with the neighbor kids. Ms Mary's granddaughter told me that she witnesses the ice raid at her elementary school yesterday. Horrifying. I let her and the other 2 children go through my sticker box and decorate their notebooks and also themselves. Small moments of joy.

Back inside I did some refreshing of Crabcake's enclosures. Inside and outside. The plants are coming in great outside. Lots of tomato plants and they smell great. Crabcake was not thrilled being moved. But was happy to be back under his heat lamp.

I came upstairs to take my old nail polish off. Sent a message to a coworker thanking her for a kind gesture. Washed my hair. And now I'm sitting in our room. The sky got incredibly yellow so I came downstairs to ask James to come look with me. It was very magical.

Now I'm back up here. Painting my nails. I qccisen shattered a bottle of polish but it is all okay. I am ready for sleep.

I have been very stressed about tomorrow all week. I have a pop up market in the afternoon and the I immediately go to the museum for a wedding. And like obviously it will be fine. But man am I anxious about it. So wish me luck. And that I make any sales at all. Or at least some nice connections.

It was stupid hot today. 106 degree heat index. It was also stupid humid. It was hard to exisit. So I was veey grateful that I had a lot of office tasks to complete and was able to be in the ac with my little fan.

I slept really well. Which was really nice after having such a terrible head ache last night. James got my head ache cap from the freezer and it was the first time I've tired it and it was a little to intensely cold on my skin but eventually it got to a good temperature and I was able to sleep and my head ache went away.

When I woke up at 8 James and Sylvia came to get me. She looked so cute in her little outfit. And James was excited to spend the day with their little girl.

They made me pancakes for breakfast. I got cleaned up and dressed. I felt pretty good. I was just not excited about how hot it was going to be.

I shared my pancakes with Sylvia. She played the drums for us. And then I was off. As soon as I walked outside I was already sweaty. Disgusting. It was going to be rough.

The drive out was just fine. And I was happy to be at camp even if the humidity was very heavy. I met Mikael up at art. He was already started on tasks. And I got the stuff I needed to drop off. And then went to the office to start fixing my posters.

The laminator didn't seal them. Plus they got rained on. So I spent time drying them off and using an iron to seal them better. This took most of an hour. And once it was done Mikael would come down to grab them and install them around camp.

There was some small drama about people bringing friends to camp without permission. Which was frustrating because I had told them they needed to get permission first!! And put me in an awkward spot. I also have to keep reminding people they can't tell me anything they don't want the office to know because I will tell them everything. I am shameless in that!!

I would spend a lot of time working on an email with all the info I needed to get out to specialty staff. I wanted them to have access to folders and info and Amazon lists and anything I could think of that I have worked on. It took me a while but it was good to get it all in one spot. I also worked on adaptations for our special needs students. It was nice to have a lot of time to just focus on these tasks.

Minnie was in charge of the work projects today and he did such a good job. It helped that we had a really solid group this week. Everyone was clearly working really hard even though it was stupid hot and uncomfortable. I am really proud of everyone.

I would make some rounds to check on specialty. Nico was so cute and excited about the fairy garden they were making. And Aubrey was hard at work on her examples. I would text Kim to find out how we could best support her since she's still teaching. And then I went to nature to check on the turtles and give Ray some info. I would make the info sheet for Sandy. And went back to the office to continue my work.

Mikael and Aubrey started working on the awards and badges stuff. We need to update a bunch but it was a good start. They would also get more of the picnic grove stuff from the attic. I really pleased about the work we have done.

We got thr final word from the Y that we arent allowed to wear sandals anymore at camp. Which is insane. But that lead to my next task, which was compiling a ton of brands and options of sandals with closed toes to send to staff to give them some direction. I found myself 2 pairs on ebay. But man is this frustrating. I get it but toe booboos is not high on the injury list!! And to not decide until the week before camp is crazy. My new ones won't be here until til Wednesday.

I would have some conversations with Alexi and Heather about tomorrow. Alexi asked me to please not bring Sylvia. So I let James know and they would call their mom and Anne said of course. It is. Very appreciated.

I would check in with the girls up at art who were cutting cardboard for me. They got to use my new electric cardboard scissors and they work so well so I'm thrilled about that. I texted Mikael some updates. And then I was off.

I listened to a podcast and some music. And had a nice drive home. When I got back here I was thrilled to walk in to big smiles from my family. Sylvia came and hugged me. James told me about their day. They had gone to the park and playground and grocery store and played in the pool. A perfect little day.

Sylvia hadn't napped much. So she would get a predinner power nap while me and James tidied up. I would take a quick shower. And charged my phone. We laid on the couch. And chatted about the day. I love my husband so much and I'm so glad they are going to get to spend more time with babygirl.

At 5 after we got Sylvia up and ready, we drove to Matthew's for dinner. I would meet with someone from Facebook who was borrowing my balloon pump. And we had a really lovely meal. Sylvia got caprese toast. Me and James got a pizza. We all had fries. And we mostly just sat quietly and listened to the people around us. Sylvia was a very good eater but was also just very well behaved. She is a lovely lovely child. I was also just having a nice time being out with my James.

When we got home Sylvia got a bath and went to bed. I laid in the ac and tried to reset. James would go downstairs to do so stuff before they had their podcast recording. And I have just been enjoying not being needed and not needing to do anything. It is a good day.

I am going to go and take a second shower. And maybe brush my hair nice. And have more quiet time before bed.

Tomorrow is the last work project day!! I am excited. I'm really proud of everyone. And I just hope we can keep rolling the same way we have been.

I have a head ache again. I am probably just dehydrated and tired. Today would end up being really great but man it was not off to a good start.

I had one of the worst mornings I have had in a while. First I woke up basically every hour. I know it was because I was anxious because Anne hadn't texted me back about what time she was coming. In the end it didn't matter because my texts didn't send for some reason and so she didn't end up coming. But I think it was her phone because James's messages and phone call also didn't go through. So I ended up leaving an hour later then I had planned. And in that hour Sylvia was not being nice. She hit me in the face. She took my sandwich from my bag and threw it on the floor. I was stressed. I also scratch myself in the face with my thumb nail. I was not having fun.

I had wanted to leave before the rain started. But because I had waited and was unsure if Sylvia was coming with me, it started storming during the drive. I also grabbed a broken pacifier for Sylvia and forgot our lunch. I was not having a good time. Like we drove in silence. Which I never do. And I just tried to hold back tears because I was having such a bad time.

When we got to camp we saw Mikael walking so we picked him up and went to the art building.

Sylvia would wander around in the drizzle. And Mikael got started on the list of things to do. And because he was on top of things I was able to go to the office and get to work.

I tried to have Sylvia lay down but she freaked out and was sobbing. So she sat with me while I printed stuff and once everything was printed she w down upstairs while watching little bear. I'm so glad that she likes it. A nice calm show. And she fell asleep for 2.5 hours!! Which let me get so much done.

Me and Mikael worked on laminating and cutting snd piecing together the posters I made. These are place holders we can get them printed nicer. But for now it was a really good project.

Eventually I sent Mikael up to art to work on other stuff. He didn't have his phone today so we were on the walkies. Which was good practice for him to understand how to use them and our protocols. I am trying to be a good manager!!

When Sylvia woke up she was a lot nicer to me. We sat together. She sat at my desk and went through my stuff. I was on the porch and inside and upstairs and all around. And then Sarah and Elizabeth went and got lunch for the internationals and included us. And I included Mikael because he's my responsibility. I had mac and cheese and some fries. Sylvia had mac and cheese, some strawberries and apple slices, and some chicken.

We ate on the porch with the internationals and I absolutely love them. I think they are so sweet. I always love our international staff and I want them to feel comfortable. But I also know I can come on strong. We mostly talked about food and the things they are excited about. It's all their first time in the states and it was fun to hear about their first thoughts. Like we all know camp doesn't represent all of the country but it's nice that they get to experience a nice part of it. Especially our nature. We have such good nature.

After we were done lunch I asked Mikael to take Sylvia. Him and Aubrey took her to arts while I collected all the leftovers to bring to the lodge to put in the fridge. And then went back to art.

Sylvia was hanging with them. We'll she was upset because she had a mouthful of chicken she was struggling with. So I cleaned her up and we went to the spigot to wash our hands. And she loved splashing. And then was able to hang with us another back tables while we discussed what needs doing.

But then a storm very very quickly rolled in. I had hoped to leave before the rain but I would end up soaked. Honestly it felt good after being so hot all day. Me and Sylvia would load up in the car. I made a stop to check in with Heather about what we accomplished and tomorrow's plans. And then we went home.

When we got back home I was beat. We stopped to talk to Ms Mary and was very upset to hear that a landlord from the house on the corner screamed at her for organzing the trash cans. I told her that was unacceptable and would reach out to the group chat. A few people also went to check on her and when we figured out who's landlord it was they reached out to him to tell him it was not okay and demand an apology. Like Ms Mary just tidies the trashcans and tries to make the block nice!! Be nice to her!!

Me and baby hung out. She was fussy with me and was not be nice. So we came upstairs to be in the ac and try to chill. And when James came home she was happy to see them. And I was happy to have my husband back.

James made us early dinner. And played with Sylvia. I was starting to get a head ache, that would just slowly get worse as the night went on. But when the rain lessened up and it was just drizzling we went out front so Sylvia would push her walker up and down the sidewalk. And we would chat with neighbors. And wait for Brandon and his baby girl Amara to come visit.

And when they got here I was so excited to meet the baby!! She is so cute and tiny!! Huge eyes. Smelled like baby oil. And Brandon is so clearly a good dad. It is so sweet. And it was so nice hearing about the journey so far. Sylvia was a little unsure, but I think it was because she was tired and it was almost bath and bedtime. We kept her up an extra hour to visit. And James would put her to bed. And I would chat with Brandon and read Amara's horoscope. I am so excited to see her grow and change and be as great as Brandon is!!

After James came back from putting Sylvia down for bed I would leave them to hang out. And came upstairs to be in the ac and get some stuff together. And showered and tried to get my head to stop hurting.

Brandon and Amara went home. And James made us some food. Which did help the head ache. But really I just want to go to sleep.

Tomorrow James will be home with Sylvia. And I will head to camp. Where the heat index will be 106. Jesus. So I will do my best to stay cool and hydrated. Well see how long I can take it. Heather says we can maybe have a pool hour at the end of the day. But I probably won't stay that long. We will see how the day shakes out!

I hope we all sleep easier tonight. I love you all

I ran myself a little ragged today. I didnt mean to! But it was go go go!! I really accomplished a lot and it felt good.

James had gone to see a game with a friend last night. I tried to stay up but I was shockingly tired and was almost asleep when James got home. But I was aware enough to know they were back and was able to sleep.

I felt better this morning. My meds seem to be working already and my ankles weren't all locked up and painful. James and Sylvia came to see me. We brushed our teeth and we got ready for the day. James made me an egg sandwich. They left and me and Sylvia spent a little longer getting ready.

I had to catch Sandy the turtle and then bring a bunch of stuff to the car. And we were off.

We got to camp and I put her in the attic to nap. Two counselors were on the porch so I asked them to keep an ear out for her while I ran around.

I had to pick up stain and a few other things from the basements. I tried hanging the new bells for low ropes but the screws were so small and having my arms up that long gave me spots in my vision and I was struggling so I stopped that once Sarah and the new ropes people came to do training.

I would spend time directing the staining. Heather called (after Elizabeth texted) that Sylvia was awake and crying. So they got her until I was able to get to the office.

When I got back me and Sylvia had some donuts. And then Sylvia would hang with Heather while I went to get the staining crew started and then get Ray, who is leading nature, comfortable with the animal care.

I did some cleaning of Samson's enclousure. We also worked on figuring out a heating bulb for him. Once Ray was good I went back to the office. I made a stop at the lodge to say hi to our kitxhen staff and introduce myself to the new guys.

I got back to the office and Sylvia was spinning on a chair with Heather. We talked about what I've done and what I am doing. Then Bonnie, our cleaning lady, told me to stop driving so fast. Which is fair. I always go up the driveway to quick. Shea got me there.

Me and Sylvia went up to the art lodge. Mikael was here today for a few hours!! It was so nice to see him. Him and Aubrey would help build some stuff for the picnic grove playground. And just hung out with me and Sylvia.

Sylvia was such a good girl. She was climbing around. Checking stuff out. She was hanging in her chair. Having a snack. It was so nice to be able to have her be a little free. I want her to feel safe and be able to wander a little. It helps that everyone around me loves her and keeps an eye on her. We just keep joking that she's day camp zero. And that in a few weeks she'll do a great job pretending to be a camper.

They did not provide lunch today. Me and Sylvia would go to the office to check in again. Sat and chatted about some stuff I've heard around camp. Specifically about pay and some confusion some new people have about training next week. Sylvia was playing with crayons. Dumping the whole box on the ground and bringing us fistfulls of them. Shes so great.

Me and Sylvia would head out. She would nap on the drive to taco bell. I drove us to target to eat in the parking lot. Sylvia was upset when I woke her up but she enjoyed the taco bell togrther. Even if I forgot to get the sauce off the burrito.

We stuck to our list pretty well. Diapers and wipes and pizza and sour cream. But we also got 64oz of bubbles. And Sylvia chose a toy. And charmed everyone. Some teen girls were obsessed. The cashier was so sweet. And then it was time to go home.

When we got back here I unloaded everything and then Sylvia. Sylvia watched dancing fruit and had a snack. And I took a quick shower.

She would play and do her things while I put stuff away. I was watching her on the monitor just playing.

Eventually I came up and joined her. I laid in the papasan. I read Sylvie stories. We watched videos. And when James got home I was so thrilled to see them.

James took Sylvia to the park. And I laid on the couch.

I started not feeling good. I got very dizzy and felt very weak. I was just very dehydrated and once I drank water and had a snack I was better. I was not good about water today. I will make sure I have my water bottle full tomorrow.

James made pizza and salad for dinner. We hung out on the couch. Sylvia got a bath and went to bed. And eventually I pulled myself off the couch to go and wash my hair. And now me and James are getting ready for bed.

I think I will go and have a snack and go to bed. Tomorrow I am going to have an office day and try to get a lot of printing and laminating. I hope it is a productive day despite the rain!!