fine art and thrift stores

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!!

I cant believe the first day of camp is already over!! Like yes the kids aren't here yet but our returning staff is and my specialty staff was half here. And it was such a productive day. I just wish it wasn't so muggy. I probably would have been in a better head space. But it was still a good day and I feel like we accomplished a lot.

I slept pretty well. I did wake up at 2 because there was an ambulance outside and then my phone was very hot. So I spent a few minutes dealing with that before more sleep. Long and active dreams. But I still woke up in a good mood.

We had to leave by 830 at the latest. I woke up and got dressed and felt pretty. James had Sylvia in an adorable all green outfit. Her little tummy was out a lot of the day but it was so cute. I was looking forward to having my husband and my baby with me all day. Made me really happy.

We had some traffic to deal with. But Sylvia held my hand and crossed the street with me for the very first time so I was really pleased. I felt so proud of her.

We got to my appointment exactly on time. James and Sylvia left to go to jiffy lube to get the oil changed and a few other small maintince things. And I waited to get called back.

I was a little annoyed because the first time I got the infusion they let me sit in the waiting room for 45 minutes before they were like oh you can go straight back you didn't need to wait. So then the next 2 times I went straight back. But this time they had me wait and it was almost a half hour. I checked at the desk again because I had timed this out to be at camp at 11. And telling them that worked because they finally said I could come back.

Of course the nurse was struggling today. With the patient before me. And after me. And also me. The valve on my iv sprung a leak and medication and blood got all over the chair and my arm. Thankfully it went fine after that and I was able to just zone out for the half hour the bag took.

James and Sylvia came back and were in the waiting room waiting for me. I was surprised because I hadn't head Sylvia at all. She was sleepy.

The hope was she would sleep on the way to camp. But she would barely nap for 15 minutes. All day. Poor baby girl. Thankfully she would mostly be in a great mood all day.

When we got to camp we stopped to say hi to Heather and then right to arts and crafts. James would try and take Sylvia to the office to nap but she wasn't having it. So they came back to help at the art building.

I had a whole crew helping me. And I was so pleasantly surprisined by how good and on task everyone was today. It was fantastic to see. And made me very proud of everyone!

I set up everyone to have differnt tasks. Setting up the tables. Hanging the hammocks. Sorting boxes. Putting away donations. And I went on a walk to the other specialty areas to check on them and give them some parameters for what I need from them and my expectations. And I am absolutely thrilled so far with their enthusiastic responses. It made me feel great. Like we really can have an excellent summer with fantastic programs.

At 1230 we had pizza lunch. Lilla invited me to her table when she saw me sitting alone. Which was super kind of her because I had literally just been falling into a sad moment when I realized so many of my friends aren't going to be here this year. It was nice to feel included. And then she asked me about parenting and everyone was legit interested and it was so nice. And then James and Sylvia, who had went to the office to see Heather and Elizabeth , came to the lodge and we all had pizza and I was really happy.

We had a few more hours of cleaning and organizing. I put music on and we cleaned and organized. Sylvia was toddling around. Moving bowls. Yelling and ringing a bell. Climbing on tables. James was outside cutting cardboard for our first project of the season. While Emily and Lilla sorted fabric and cotton and went through donations. There is still more to do but we really accomplished so much.

I would check on the other specialty areas. Made some plans for tomorrow. And checked in at the office to let them know what we accomplished. I also checked in with Mikael about coming to help tomorrow. And went back to art to finish up for the day.

James helped me with my to do list while Emily and Lilla played with Sylvia. Sylvie was being so sweet and cute. But she hadn't gotten a good nap. And was starting to get touchy. So it was time to go home.

After James took the trash out and we dropped off a box at the office, we went home.

I lightly dozed on the drive home. And when we got home the neighbor girl told me about her sewing practice. So cool. She's so sweet.

When we got inside me and James had some tasks to accomplish. I put an episode of Little Bear on the TV, which Sylvia loved, and she had a snack and chilled on the couch.

When we were done what needed doing, we all went and hung out in the backyard. Sylvia played and climbed on the chairs and stole my hair clip. James made us dinner and we all chilled together until it was baby bed time. She got a bath and went to sleep.

Me and James hung out in the livingroom until they got on a call with some friends. And I went upstairs to repair my bracelet and took a bath. Which was lovely and made me feel a lot more normal.

I am very tired though. And tomorrow will be a very full day. James will go to work and me and Sylvia will go to camp. And hopefully we get so much done. I am planning on having an office day Wednesday when Sylvia is with Anne. So I want to get lots of physical stuff done tomorrow. It will be fun. And then I have a dinner plan with my friend Kate.