Thursday - Day 214 - TopTen

Most unusual things I have witnessed while camping. 

10.   Holiday weekend Transformation  

  9.   Big Nasty Bugs 

  8.  Creepy Little Campers

  7.  Ladders on TOP of RVs 

  6.  Rivers Emerging out of nowhere      

  5.  Fruit Salad Trees

  4.  Massive amounts of Frogs 

  3. Levitating Campers

  2. Santa look a likes

  1. A camper van full of dog kennels 

The camper full of dog kennels made it to my top ten list today.  I thought it odd when the owners spent a day cleaning and unloading trash from their large white van, (I could see them from my window) The next day I saw all the kennels stacked on top of one another in the back.  Truth is always stranger then fiction.    

This is the strangest thing I've seen in 214 days camping.   

Wednesday - Day 213 - Code Blue

I volunteered at James school today and it was an excellent experience.  Although, I was initially concerned it would eat into my study time, ultimately I was very happy I took the time to be there.

Watching James' good behavior with his class was reassuring, spending time with his classmates was refreshing and observing his teacher engage with her class was worth every minute of my study time. 

During my short time volunteering there was a drill.  Not a fire drill but a "code blue."  There are code reds and greens and yellows.  But, I participated in a "code blue."  No alarms, just an announcement over the PA.  The kids lined up, they did as they were told and were praised by their principal, when it was completed, for a job well down. 

When the children asked if it was a fire drill, the teacher reassured the kids, that it was not a fire drill, but instead there was something 'dangerous' in the building.  Our children were being trained to evacuate the building in case of a bomb threat.  Yes, A BOMB THREAT!

Times have seriously changed.   Although, school aged children use to be trained to hide under their desks in case of an attack; maybe it's not about times changing for the better or for the worse, maybe times have simply evolved into something different.

Cuban Missile Crisis - October 15th 1962

When I attended grade school I felt a sense of security.  I can still recall Ronald Reagan speaking on the television, interrupting my favorite sitcom.  President Reagan was an extension of my father, an older man, speaking with confidence, saying words I did not understand, like "Cold War".   I always felt my world was protected and I felt safe, because President Reagan was in control, he was in charge of whatever that "Cold War" was.

President Ronald Reagan,
made my childhood safe

John's childhood was on the opposite spectrum.  He has shared with me, when he was young, there was always a cloud of concern and fear that Russia would drop a nuclear bomb on America.  He remembers living in a time of fear.  How have his childhood perceptions and my own impacted our adult lives?

Standing outside on the field with James' kindergarten class, and all the other children from his school, I could not help but feel exposed.  Exposed with the knowledge, that I brought my children into an unstable world, a place where we simply do not know who we can and can't trust.  Our enemies live among us, we are unable to hide.

My only defense is to ask my oldest if he feels safe when I tuck him in at night.  I create a little bubble of safety and protection for the boys as reassurance.  We tell one another we love each other many times throughout the day.  We check in and are protective of one another.  I remind the boys to act with love and care when they start acting out towards one another.  It works, this works, I see it in their behavior, they care and they will trust and rely on one another as they grow older.  They will extend the bubble to their own family one day.   

I won't be able to protect my boys forever and I understand they will experience fear, mean kids, and difficult moments in their tender years, but empowering them to take care of themselves and the ones they love is all I can guarantee in a world filled with so much uncertainty.  

Today it is bomb threats, what will our children's children need protection from in twenty, thirty and forty years from now?  

Tuesday - Day 212 - tooth fairy

Regardless if you are full timing and moving with young children or simply full timing in your favorite campground long term, there will be a time when the tooth fairy pays a visit to your RV.  

A child's very first visit from the tooth fairy is always a big deal.  I imagine she ponders over and over how much money she should leave in exchange for that very tiny, very important gem of a tooth.  

James image of the tooth fairy,
from Rise of the Guardians

The first tooth symbolizes growth and maturity.  Many important years have passed since that tooth cut its way through sensitive newborn gums.  Loosing teeth is a right of passage through time, aging the young and old alike. 

My son was fascinated when he discovered his tooth was loose, constantly moving and pushing it forward until a week later it finally broke free, at lunchtime, during school. 

He beamed with delight, knowing his fairy friend would be paying him a visit.  James asked me how much I thought she would leave him.  I cautiously contemplated how I should answer his question and decided to play coy, and told him, "I don't know, one maybe two quarters? How much do YOU think she'll leave you?"  He squealed with shock.  "Two quarters!!  That's it!!?  I think maybe more." He quickly informed me with a big knowing grin.  When did our kids learn about inflation?  

Lucky for the tooth fairy she had some unexpected, left over laundry money and deposited a whole dollar bill under James' pillow that evening.  Maybe she set the bar a little high, but unfortunately the change bag with quarters was no where to be found.  

James was going to be sure the tooth fairy found his tooth:
in his hand! 

I calculated by the time James' molars begin to pop out the tooth fairy would be breaking out the big bills.  How does she do it?  This whole money for teeth thing is an unusual tradition, who convinced society this was a good idea?  

What I really want to know is, why are old people not cashing in for their lost teeth?  They have lived a full life, haven't they earned it?  We should be leaving old folk keys to new cars under their pillows. 

Monday - Day 211 - Droplets of Life

There's nothing like a lazy, rainy day to enjoy time, time in close proximity of our camper.  It is too wet for outdoor activities,  too dreary for the pool, so working, eating and playing in doors will do fine for the day.  

James had the day off from school, it was a teacher duty day.  We had no place in particular to be, no gas to waste, no set time to wake up.  A three day weekend in all respects of the word, and it felt great! 

That cozy feeling of being in doors, while enjoying the sensation of being out doors is unique to RVing life.  The rain is loud, so loud, it's practically inside raining on us.  The clouds are heavy, dimming the interior of the camper.  Tree branches hang low, as water droplets pepper the windows. 

"water droplets pepper the window"

Our little bubble of safety and comfort is the perfect escape to anything going on beyond our four protective walls.  The boys are content to play and watch movies. John and I work and study without interruptions.  

The love of being together in our small space, thoroughly enjoying our humble surroundings is captured. 

These are the days embedded deep in our psyche, memories transformed into emotions. These feelings will resurrect in our future, at the appropriate moments, relieving some of life's most vulnerable elements.  

Sunday - Day 210 - Bathroom Buddy.

Sundays have transformed into laundry and grocery day.  There's nothing like dedicating a day to take care of the family.

I wash everyone's clothes outside, carrying two loads of laundry to and from the laundry area and the RV.  I restock the snack shelf for James, I make sure my husband's belly is full for the next week by planning meals and I buy plenty of diapers and milk for the little one.

The only other family member left, who often fends for himself, is the dog.  Of course, he gets watered and feed in the bathroom, his bowls are strategically placed away from Ty.  However, the dog decides when he is going to eat and drink and finds the most inopportune times to do so.  

Does he take advantage of the times when we are away or at least not using the faculties? NEVER!  Our dog likes to drink his water while I'm trying to get in the shower.  He presumptuously lays down to eat exactly when I'm about to use the toilet.  And if there's a storm brewing outside, he deliberately  follows me into the bathroom, shaking like a little scared bunny rabbit.   Maybe that's how he got his name.  

I thought dogs were man's best friend, not "woman's best bathroom buddy." 

"He presumptuously lays down to eat"

Big Dog + Little Bathroom = PITA

Saturday - Day 209 - Wealthy Lives

I love the days when John and I connect with fellow campers, it is always spontaneous and off our radar. 

These are the days I know I was put on this earth, in this specific place, at this particular time, for a reason.   The coincidences that unfold are uncanny and it reminds me of the simple human connection we all have for one another.

John and I met Lee and Patty today casually at the pool.  Ty was lingering by the deep end and conversation began.  Our boys are always the ideal ice breaker when meeting new people.

Patty began the conversation, she was friendly and open.  A breath of fresh air to talk to.  We shared stories about life, kids, grand kids, different lifestyles, and moving all over the country. She was happy, lively and we shared common life perspectives.

Lee was down to earth, with a sense of humor and a warm personality.  He's a gifted musician and a talented teacher.  He has toured worldwide as a professional musician.  

I know most of this through a little research.  I discovered he played on an album nominated for a Grammy.  He also played the trumpet for Natalie Cole.  (I thought this was a fun find.)

Sometimes it's not what people tell you about themselves, 

it's what they don't say that's truly revealing. 

Like gems on our earth, good people, with a fascinating history are hard to find. 

My favorite story they shared with us was when Lee taught a new music program at an inner city high school in New Jersey.  Lee and Patty, now know the impact they have had on their students' lives, twenty years later.  All their previous students have reconnected with them on Facebook.  They have reached out and told them, "If it wasn't for you, I would not have known a better life".  Touching lives and changing lives is truly an extraordinary act.  

These same students were also faced with prejudices, especially when they performed in all white suburbs, they experienced prejudices many adults turned a blind eye to.  Patty and Lee were there for them as protectors and mentors. 

No one wants to see what they believe to be untrue. 

I learned something today, listening to what made Lee and Patty special.  They are true to who they are, they have paved their own path and continue to do so.  We all need our own path in life, it's what makes each of us unique and interesting.

The American dream is not about being rich with money, it's about having choices to live our lives how we choose to, seeking out a wealth of knowledge in the process.  

Friday - Day 208 - EndTactical

My stepson, Jack, spent some time with us after school today and stayed overnight.  He's a typical twelve year old boy, and although he enjoys his time with his dad, brothers and me, given the choice he would probably choose to spend his time making videos for his YouTube channel, EndTactical.  

Jack's YouTube Channel - EndTactical

He has 943 subscribers, which I would call impressive for a twelve year old and Jack is proud of his achievement as well.  

My favorite video is one with photos he took while touring Alcatraz.   He edited his photos with his Call of Duty game that also takes place in Alcatraz.   I know he worked hard on it. 

One of Jack's photos from our trip
Inside photos were used
for his video here.

I personally feel Jack will transform his talents one day, and be super successful at whatever he chooses to do for a living.  He will also have a beautiful wife or girlfriend who will adore him and maybe a few adorable kids. 

His sisters would beg to differ, but my faith in Jack is strong and true.  As quickly as my own little men are growing up, is as quickly as Jack is growing; he will soon be taller then all of us.  

Jack is his own person and stays true to himself.  He has a quirky sense of humor, a sense of confidence, (that his sisters don't quite understand), and he is smart, which will take him far in life. 

I write all this because one day I won't know my 12 year old stepson anymore.  He will be all grown up, living his life in his pursuit for happiness, happiness I absolutely believe he will find. 

How will these moments be remember?
RV Slumber party!

I hope one day Jack figures out, I always had faith in him, secretly rooting him on from the sidelines.  

Thursday - Day 207 - A child's creation.

Tonight was James' open house at school.  I will admit, I had not absorbed the full magnitude of all my child does each day, until I arrived at open house.

I am absolutely certain my own half day kindergarten class was filled with more playtime and coloring then actual academics.  My son, however, is on track to read, he has a writing and a science notebook, he has done multiple 'ME' projects, he is mastering lower/upper case letters and has a plethora of math homework identifying shapes and concepts.  

James attends a six hour school day, he is learning multiple subjects, he has music, gym and art staggered throughout the week and he also has centers each day.  Which I'll learn more about next week when I volunteer.  He loves every minute of school and adores his teacher.

My favorite discovery while visiting his classroom was seeing all the incredible art work he and his classmates have done in the short five weeks they have been attending kindergarten. 

James' self creation

My favorite was his self portrait next to his 'elongated'' house.  The average person looking at his work of art would think James lives in a very tall house, with lots of windows.  However, to anyone that knows where James lives, they would quickly realize the 'elongated', tall, house with all the windows is actually his RV.  I asked James, as I admired the picture, and he quickly confirmed this to be true.  

The artwork will be framed in the new house, without a doubt.  

In the meantime, I will take a photo next week and include it with this blog post. 

Wednesday - Day 206 - Did you know Verizon.....

Verizon is staffing a financial center only 40 miles from our campground.   A brand new 200,000 square foot, four story, facility is currently under construction to be completed in Spring of 2014.  

The center will include a cafeteria and a gym.  What more could a working mother of two ask for?  I felt extremely fortunate to take advantage of this opportunity when I was chosen to interview with them today.  

I had a two hour interview with four high level team members at Verizon.  It was an outstanding experience and I  learned a lot about the company.  

I researched Verizon before my interview and was offered additional information during the interview process.  

I now know Verizon has been named one of the best working environments for working mothers, it is one of the top companies for diverse managers and Latinas, best company for multicultural women, it is a top 100 adoption friendly workplace, best place to work in IT, and the list goes on and on.  There is an employee volunteer program and the benefits are exceptional.  

Awards & Recognition

I am hopeful positive feedback will follow and I will reap the rewards of working for such an extraordinary and powerful organization.  

Ironically, I have an AT&T phone and have had no prior knowledge of Verizon or their wireless services.  My husband's company recently switched over, and interestingly he would give his own perspective of dropped calls during important conference calls.  For now, we'll blame that on our campground site, and not on Verizon's local service.   

Tuesday - Day 205 - Little Long Island

I believe half of Long Island is migrating to Port Orange, Florida.  On the youth soccer field, at Sweet Frogs yogurt shop, at our future home being constructed, once while looking at a home to purchase, I have met New Yorkers everywhere.  The ironic piece is they are ALL from Long Island.

Is this just a coincidence?  Am I more in tune because I grew up on Long Island or are there actually more transplants from the Island I once called home?

I see it as the best of both worlds for me, I enjoy better beaches, constant sun and I can also share it with people who I instantly understand and relate to.  

Only a true Longer Islander knows what it's like to grow up on Long Island.

Long Island Fun Facts

Each time I meet a Long islander I feel as if I am speaking with a family member or old friend.  I instantly feel a commonality and connect with them.  

I personally do not stand out as a New Yorker, after living outside of New York for so long, (almost twelve years).  I don't sound or act "New York", but maybe in a heated debate I do.  However, the Long Islanders I meet are one hundred percent all New York, from their accents to their mannerisms to their strong, "I don't care what you think attitude."  I love every bit of it. 

I would bet this is how Little Italy in New York City started or Chinatown or any of the other strong ethnic communities in any area.  A few people relocate, they tell their friends and family how wonderful life is, maybe they visit, they too decide they to love the area and before you know it, more and more people follow.  An entire new community from one particular area has migrated and reestablished themselves.

Maybe I discovered Little Long Island in my Floridian neighborhood.  Maybe, I too, will run into my own family while running errands one day.  How ideal to lift them all from one Island to another in search of a new way of life, a fresh start.  It would be the best of all worlds, living on Little Long Island.

From Port Washington, Long Island.....

.....To Port Orange, Florida

Monday - Day 204 - Sailing thru storms

When Ty screams, he screams so loud campers all around us can hear him.   I think we are on the verge of the terrible twos?  

I'm not a huge fan of this label, as I am cautious not to preempt behavior, expecting my child to behave in a certain way.   However, I am an avid believer sometime between the ages of eighteen months and four years, our babies will morph into little, head turning, pea spitting, beings; who will fight for their independence and rightful place on this planet.  

They will scream and fight and stand their ground without any signs of giving in.  Nothing will subside their new found voice, but deep down can we blame them?  They only want to be heard.  

I use to think James was put on this earth to kill me the moment he turned eighteen months.  I felt little relief from his outrageous tantrums, until he magically calmed down at three.  Each year since, has become a little bit easier.  He is still spirited, but he expresses his emotions more constructively these days.  

On this day when I told him, "NO!" He understood.
There was once a day it would have been a crisis.

Every child is different and some may never go through this hair pulling, nerve shattering stage, but my own young boys have proven to me that the terrible twos are true and real. 

Ty will turn 22 months in 2 weeks and is having many moments of radical transformation.  I often wonder who and what he is, and where did my seemingly perfect child go?  I can sense, without fail, when he acts out due to bring tired or hungry, which are easy fixes.  However, when he is plain stubborn, and not getting his way, I work my hardest to maintain my composure and work with him to soothe his mood.  He has a temper and he is strong in his beliefs, even for a boy of his tender years.  

Sometimes, my little, multi-personality son simply needs a big bear hug and to be told he is loved.  Although, Ty does not communicate verbally, he understands and listens and needs reassurance that his feelings are important even if he is only a little guy.


As I navigate these mini storms, I can rest assure, this too will pass.  As a mom, I continually look for strength within to keep my cool, maintain control and take my time. 

Peaceful Ty, is not always peaceful.  

Ty and I are in this together, learning our boundaries and no matter what our moods, we will find a way to make it better.  Nothing is as important as my role in my sons lives and to ensure our time together is spent with care and love, instead of anger and frustration.   

Although, it is not always easy, each day allows for a fresh start, and amidst the mini storms is always beautiful clear sailing along the horizon.  

As we navigate through unpredictable waters,
my salvation is reassured, that this too will pass

Sunday - Day 203 - The Story of Ps & Cues

Once upon a time there was a baby and a boy and a man.  They all lived together with a lovely young lady in an RV.  

They had the most interesting days together in their quaint little home. Sundays were their favorite days.  They liked to eat breakfast together, practice music together, play in the pool and tell tall tales together. 

One September Sunday was a particularly charming day.  The lovely lady made pancakes for the baby and the boy.  The two loved to eat pancakes together. They ate and they ate until they could not eat any longer.

Later that day, after eating pancakes, the boy practiced playing his shiny new piano.  He packed a punch and produced powerful piano tunes.  The boy practiced and practiced until he could not practice piano any longer.  

Soon after pigging out on pancakes and partaking in piano practice, the baby, the boy and the man, left their home to play in the pool for a spell. They laughed out loud as they splashed all around.  They played and played until the sky grew dark and the rain poured down and they could not play in the pool any longer.

The lovey lady had just arrived to the pool before the rain poured down.  They all packed up and pushed the baby in the stroller as it began to pour.  

As soon as they arrived home, the lady pulled off the baby's very wet diaper. Unbeknownst to the lady, the baby had previously pooped his pants, and poop rolled all over the floor.  The lovely lady was shocked with surprise as she quickly picked up the poop piece by piece.  The man laughed, as he had known exactly when the baby pooped at the pool.  

They continued on this pathetic path, as the lady and man walked to dispose of their putrid trash.  What did they see, but a large camper, with a ladder tightly secured on top.  

Perplexed the man asked the lovely one, "How do they retrieve the ladder if it is already on top of the camper?"  

The lady was equally puzzled.  "How did they get down, once they secured the ladder on top?"  Hmmmm, they each pondered this picture and called it a peculiar predicament. 

This particular Sunday permeated Ps; from palatable pancakes to practicing piano, and playing in the pool to pushing poop in the pouring rain, and pioneering peculiar predicaments.

The moral of the story: 

Some days you must mind your Ps and your "cues".  

Especially the cue when the baby poops in the pool, 
you may want to let the lovely lady, by your side, know it.