Can you teach an old cat new tricks?

You see that handsome fella there?  That’s Henry.  He’s 18. 

4 thoughts from week #1

First week done! I’d like to say that it went by fast but really, it went by … oddly. I learned a lot, though.

Here are a few thoughts on the week:

1. Communication — in any form — is the glue. With a NY-to-CA distance between us, it would be easy to let it slide or to save the details for later. Already I can tell that this would be a bad idea. Talking back and forth on the phone, by text, via video chat, by email or even with Facebook, Twitter or a blog is key. A combination of many of those would be even better. We use every one. Which leads me to …
2. The small things matter. That hilarious thing your 9 year old said? Share it. Your obsessive watering of the flowers? Share it. Video of the kids dancing? Commentary on enchilada day at work? That photo of nearby Facebook headquarters? Share it! Those are actual interactions that we’ve had this week.
3. Remember that we’re apart but in it together. This gets me through.
4. It takes a village.

Do you have any other suggestions, experiences or pearls of wisdom? Please share below! I’d love to hear from you!

To my village …

We are so lucky. I am bolstered and moved by the outpouring of support from friends and family, far and wide. And I don’t just mean here on the blog, either. Thank you, all of you. Your kind words and gestures mean so much. I’ve told you and will keep telling you. Thank you.

The big picture and pre-birthday pictures

Tomorrow is Lindsay’s 7th birthday.   I went shopping for her gifts today (thankfully, I knew just what she wanted).

I am usually way ahead of the curve on these things but given the chaos lately, I am out of my element.  Life right now is just strange. I’ve mentioned before that routine is going to be key in making our commuter family arrangement work. So far, we’ve had the most success with evenings. But there’s an unsettled feeling as I continue my job search. I am this close but still, not quite there yet. Then, of course, there will be a whole new adjustment and a whole new daytime routine. I try not to think about the BIG picture. It freaks me out.

First stop in my shopping trip, this place.

A little shop in town