I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship. - Louisa May Alcott

I've been a little scarce today, and I'll tell you why.

I slept very little last night. Mostly in the company of a cranky kidlet who cried out a lot in his sleep that he wanted...ready?... a cold shower on his hair. 

Yep.  That's my boy. 

Today has been spent doing the marketing at Albertsons and Costco, as well as getting stuff ready for Cyclone to go on his first youth group mini-retreat. It starts tonight and ends Sunday afternoon.  So, of course, we had to do some packing.  And make sure to provide munchies.

Today has also been spent walking a lot.  Now, that's just lots of fun because sciatica has reared its painful head again. We haven't spent meaningful time together since I was in my sophomore year at Cal State Long Beach, so you can imagine my surprise when it showed up last night. 

When not shopping, packing, putting stuff away, whining about my leg or waiting for CR's bus, I tried desperately to take a nap.

I should know better. <smile>

I am currently re-reading Patrick, by Stephen Lawhead.  Not my favorite of his novels (Merlin would have to be my over-the-top favorite of his) but it's seasonal and I thought I'd visit it again.

Back to the youth group thing...  See, it's his first time away from home overnight that wasn't at a grandparent/aunt/camping with Dad gig.  So it's needful for this Mom to know that she can send her son off for a couple of nights with folks from the youth ministry team.  I've been waiting, remember, my whole life for this time of his life, but that doesn't mean that everything is breezy for me!   He's standing here now, tapping a toe and sighing. Loudly.  Yes, it's about time to get on the road.

As soon as he brushes his teeth...!