a blended life

So Jacob is taking this prep course in Overland Park. That's right on the border of Kansas and Missouri ( I had to look it up). And when I did look it up, I thought, Seriously? Kansas? Missouri? Who goes there?! Last weekend I went to visit and surprise, it's actually a cool place. Kansas City has a lot of personality and some great food. Jacob was studying/testing for part of the time, so I had some free time to read, eat, read, sleep in, read.  They are taking the course right at the hotel where Jacob is staying. During one of the practice tests, the instructor put a kind reminder up to NOT do a big job in the closest bathroom since it would disrupt the test takers. I don't know if it's funnier that he wrote this sign or that he HAD to write this sign. Downtown Kansas City has several sections. One is devoted to kids--including a big Hallmark Center with TONS of fun stuff. We spent a little bit poking around here, looking at a Crayola store, Legol...

I like to speak with as few words as possible. I'll usually think about something for days or even months before I decide to say it, and even then, I will only say it if it's concise, true and efficient. I don't have patience with wordy books, friends, or students. Don't worry--none of you fall into this category. I could only make it through Lord of the Rings  by flipping past all those pages of elven songs. Sheesh. If something can't be defined in an exact way I get very frustrated. I spend a long time silently figuring it out. At the same time, I don't like rigid boundaries and don't want people to shove me into a category if I don't meet every single criteria. I feel like there are many things in my life that are difficult to define or classify. My relationship with my kids, for example. They are complex, fascinating little creatures that wear me out within 15 minutes of getting out of bed. Our relationship can't be summed up in a few words--...