The first day of school met all of us with new challenges from figuring out the bus schedule to making new friends to finding our way around unfamiliar hallways. These schools aren't as nice as our old schools, but after all they've been thru a hurricane and have experienced a huge influx of students. We have been spoiled! The cafeteria food isn't as good either, but hey, we're eating plenty well other places! Seeing just one familiar face in Ellie's class of a new friend we had met at a swimming pool made me so happy that I cried. It was tough on all of us facing unknown territory but it seems that the kids are probably doing better than mom. Jacob's 5-Finger Shoes got him busted by the dress code police. They technically met the code, but they are a bit different and I don't think the vice-principal understood the spirit of the shoes. So much for Jake's fashion statement. I didn't argue the point as I have finally learned to pick my battles. I just took him tennis shoes and was thankful that there was no school board connection and no local radio to sensationalize the silly story. Wonder what else we can get away with down here where nobody knows us?
Ellie Grace is continuing to kick the heck out of a soccer ball and has just been selected for a 'Developmental' Team which apparently is a real honor. Boys tryouts are this week. Kids are preparing for an Optimist sailboat race on Saturday in Gulfport and our sailing efforts on the Beneteau last Sunday resulted in a no-wind, dropped anchor, swim in the brackish water surrounded by mullet and an occasional sighting of a manatee but no gators.
We have enjoyed watching the Olympics this week and thinking about our own goals. Kids are loving life and are really making a splash here in Mandeville. Ryan, owner of runner's store near lakeshore, hosted a run on Saturday morning with an Olympic theme. Lots of costumes, including one couple in red dresses (both male and female) who were also doing the Red Dress Run in the French Quarter later. Kids took home medals, stood on podiums, and for just a moment maybe felt like they were in Beijing. Zeke hung out with his new cross country team friends and avoided his parents like any red-blooded teenager would do. However, the style, fun, food and colorful nature of the surroundings was typical 'all out' awesome. Whatever it is, the folks here make the most of it. They do a great job of drawing the line between work and play, and they do each one with equal gusto. Franco's, my new fitness venue, requires all of us who work there to memorize and demonstrate their credo at all times while in the club. The credo: 'Change lives, Build relationships, Love what you do, Show you care, Have Fun, Excel in Everthing, Do it all with Passion.' I like it! Fits me just fine! So, to my Uncle Newt who chided me once for being a 'Pollyanna' living in 'Utopia', I guess I now must agree that I am just that. Utopia is what you make of your world wherever you are.
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