Ruminations From a Cluttered Mind

We're back! We got an intensive, prolonged appreciation of a large portion of the state of Iowa over the past 60 hours. It's funny how just about every day for the past 6 weeks has been hot and dry, and the day of the family reunion was cool and stormy. Did I pack with that kind of anomaly in mind? Of course not! I did, however, pack exactly the correct amount of diapers for the trip, and when we arrived home tonight, we realized that we are still out of milk and diapers. Funny how they didn't replenish themselves while we were away. Fortunately, I had just enough diapers to go around for the night...until the 3 year old decided to poop himself between application of the bedtime diaper and actual bedtime. So...husband made a fun run out to Wal Mart for emergency diapers, and what the heck, might as well pick up the milk and some dish soap while you're at it, dear.

It's definitely more fun being the mom on these long car trips than being one of the kids, especially with today's technology. When things got a little slow, I whipped out the ol' laptop and watched a couple episodes of Scarecrow and Mrs. King with my ear buds in place. Absolute bliss! Only got a wee bit car sick.

I worked on my latest fanfic a bit during the trip...at night, of course, when everyone else went to bed. I accomplished...very little. Unfortunately, I'm stuck again. This time, it's because I can't find the right direction to go. The first couple of attempts don't quite satisfy, and the chances are good if I'm not riveted, my audience won't be either. It's like knitting. When you see there's a mistake in the work, you really have no choice but to unravel what you've done to that point and start over. So there we are. I'll give it another go tonight and see if I can invent a fun resolution to this stalemate.

And finally...just want to put a "thank you" out there to my friends in cyberspace for the well wishes. It's great to have a connection with people you share common interests with, even if you don't share a common geographical locale. My life is richer for knowing you. Good night!

We're off to Chicago! Finished the kids' school early, turned to my husband, and said, "Let's go to the zoo." So, we're packing the eight of us into the rusty old van, swinging by the sushi joint for spring rolls-to-go, and heading for the city. I needed a little spontaneity today. Maybe it will cause me to actually write fiction. We'll see...