Making Connections

So, the last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind. Charley and I have been to the zoo twice, the school four or five times, the gym, the park, the splash pad…not to mention COUNTLESS furniture stores… Let's just say we've been pretty busy. I talked to my landlord last week, and he let me know I can move in this Thursday. It's a few days ahead of schedule, but I am SO ready to make the move. I know I've talked about a fresh start before, but it's felt like I've been stuck the last couple of weeks, halfway packed but ready for my new beginning!

With that said, the last couple of weeks might have been busy, but they've been really great, for the most part! There've been a few hiccups, due to my self-proclaimed ditziness, but all-in-all, I've gotten a lot done. I've been spending more time in the gym, and it just reminds me how much I LOVE coaching. The gym is really where I feel most at home. Funny story about the gym, actually… The other day I had just finished up a series of private lessons and was walking toward the door, when I saw a man from a distance who looked very familiar to me. He asked one of my co-workers if Lindsey Kaplan was in. I overheard him say my name, and realized he must've known me a long time ago, because he referred to me using my maiden name. Sure enough, as I walked closer, I realized that it was a guy I graduated from high school with. He wanted to get his daughter back in gymnastics, and knew (via FB) that I work at Kenwood, so he brought her in. I evaluated his daughter's skill level (and she is ADORABLE, I might add), and he signed her up for classes. It was really cool, actually. I haven't seen this man since high school, and even then, I never knew him terribly well.  But it was clear that he's really developed into a great guy, and a wonderful father. How cool is that?  I mean, I know I've changed a lot in the last few years, and I expect that everyone I knew in high school has changed, too. But it's rare that I actually see anybody from high school, outside of my close friends. It was kind of a fun experience for me!

So, I mentioned that Charley and I have been furniture shopping like crazy. Seriously, I think I've tested 20+ couches. I'm so picky… I know exactly what I want, but if I'm being responsible and realistic, what I WANT is probably out of my price range. Anyway, Charley and I have been in and out of furniture stores, and she's been quite a trooper… I mean, for a three-year-old, I'm impressed at how easily she can amuse herself in Ashely Furniture. Yesterday, I finally bit the bullet and made a purchase, because the idea of moving into my new place and being couchless for even one more day makes me shudder. So, I will officially have a couch again on Thursday. Woohoo! It's pretty cute, too. Score for me! Basically, the couch purchase means that the last major thing I have to purchase is a new TV. I'll decorate over time, but once I get the TV, I should have everything I need to make my new house a home.

Today was kind of a special day. It was my mom's retirement party, and we got to see some old friends.  It was great to celebrate my mom, who is one of the hardest working women on the face of the earth. Both of my parents are driven, and hardworking, but I know I get many of my workhorse qualities from my mom. Anyway, I also got a chance to visit with some family friends I've known all my life. Incidentally, they live in Lindstrom and Shafer, MN, both small towns fairly close to my new place. These particular family friends are really more like aunts and uncles to me. We went up to the cabin with them every summer when I was a kid, and I genuinely looked forward to catching up with them, today. It was so funny to sit with these people who knew me when I was Charley's age, drink wine, and get lost in conversation about work, life, friends, dating…it was like I was just chatting with my girlfriends. At one point I mentioned that my aunt is coming in town in August, just to visit, and spend some time with Charley to give me a break, and the stipulations around her visit. My aunt insists that I go out at least two of the nights that she's in town. "I won't have to worry about getting back at a reasonable hour, if she's staying at my house," I said. "If at all…" one of the women said. I cracked up. It was just so fun to have such a relaxed conversation with people who I consider to be extended family! Plus, they were very sweet, offering to babysit Charley anytime, because they'd be nearby. "You need to get out and have fun yourself, Linds," one of them said, "Being a mom 24-7 without a break is enough to drive you crazy!" She's so right. And wonderful. I'm looking forward to re-connecting with them in the next few months.

So, it's been a busy, but exciting few weeks. I have a feeling that this upcoming week will be a whirlwind, and I'm totally okay with that. I can't wait until a week from today, when I'm sitting on my new couch, in my new house, contemplating my new beginning. With that….have a great night!