What I Learned in June~2016

I hope you all enjoyed your 4th of July! We enjoyed a fun BBQ and then had friends over to sit on our deck and watch fireworks exploding all around us over the Puget Sound.

Here's a look back at some things I learned during the month of June:

1. Planning summer activities when I'm an empty-nester looks quite a bit different than back in the day... Case in point: I don’t have to go to the library this summer, I get to. I got a notice in the mail about the Library summer reading contest for students. They obviously don't know that ALL of our kids are now college graduates and out of the house and that I get to read what I want...when I want...how I want! (Paperbacks, Kindle, magazines, borrowed books) I also don't have to enroll kids in VBS, camps, lessons, etc. My summer will revolve around work, figuring out when I can SEE my kids, vacations and enjoying our deck! "Yes Sydney, I'll take you for walks."

2. The first Flight attendants were also registered nurses. United Airlines hired the first woman in 1930. Before that, men called Stewards served food on American flights. During WWII nurses were needed to help with the war effort so airlines relaxed the rule and hired women who could be trained in safety and emergency procedures. Another interesting fact...flight attendants used to HAVE to be single (available) women. The minute they became engaged, they could no longer work for the airlines. The history of this transportation career is fascinating and as with all things has changed a lot over the years. Do you have a favorite airline? Do you have a bunch of friends who are flight attendants like I do? Have you ever considered applying for the job?...

3. Facebook can be a little creepy and sometimes try too hard. When I clicked on my youngest daughter's name on Facebook last week "IT" decided to inform me that I had some things in common with her. Here's what I discovered:

You and Sarah                                                                                                                                                Also went to GHHS Senior Baccalaureate and Project Hope Benefit Concert Also lives in Gig Harbor, Washington Also visited Spokane, Washington, Port Townsend, Washington and 9 others Also listens to Cold Mountain Yeti Also watched Winnie the Pooh

Dear Facebook, 
I love my girl very much so you don't need to remind me what we have in common!
Yes, I went to her high school Baccalaureate! That was four summers ago since she just graduated from college! I don't remember the Project Hope concert, are you sure I attended?

She doesn't really live in Gig Harbor anymore since she has her own apartment in Spokane.

Yes she went to the Women's retreat in Port Townsend and many other towns with me. Are you stalking us?! I don't really listen to Cold Mountain Yeti. Name me a song...

Yep, we LOVE Winnie the Pooh.  P.S. Do you really have to show me pictures of all the items I look at but decide not to order?

Kind of creepy the way Facebook stalks us...

4. When you don't know, look it up! The entire time I was reading The Garden of Happy Endings by Barbara O'Neal, I was saying the Priest's name incorrectly in my head. (Somehow I forgot that my name in Spanish, Juanita, starts with the "W" sound...) Finally I looked up HOW to say the name Joaquin and I was WAY off. I might not agree with the author's theology, but I enjoy Barbara's stories; interesting characters, always a dog and yummy descriptions of food are in her books.

5. They're sisters! Did you know that the actress Rooney Mara who plays Tiger Lily in the movie Pan, is the younger sister of Kate Mara who plays Zoe on House of Cards? I thought Rooney looked familiar, but couldn't figure out how I knew her! These two sisters have been in lots of movies and shows and their family is well-connected. Don't you think they look a lot alike?

Rooney

Kate

6. Having all the kids in the same place at the same time doesn't happen often when they're all adults! My hubby and I went to Spokane the last weekend of June for Hoopfest. What is Hoopfest? It's the biggest outdoor 3 on 3 basketball tournament on earth! Our two sons and one of our daughter-in-laws were competing and even though they didn't win every game, they did great!  Our two daughters were returning from a 2+ week road trip so we had quite a fun family "reunion!" #happymama

7. God really DOES go ahead of us! My former Nashville daughter who is now back in the PNW arrived in Spokane the afternoon of Hoopfest. In less than a week she found a cute little apartment right across the street from her little sister. What are the chances? The Landlord had stopped by her little sister's place and informed them that one of his other properties had just opened up. It's in her price range and month to month. Such balm for this Mama's heart, and my daughter's too. Answered prayers are the best!

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Deuteronomy 31:8

In His Grip,

Jane

P.S. Here's a good devotional about Deuteronomy 31:8.

Photo sources:
https://us-east.manta.joyent.com/condenast/public/cnt-services/production/2014/07/31/53daa9fddcd5888e145c3b21_flight-attendant-uniforms-3.jpg
http://www.silence-action.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Rooney-Mara-3.jpg
http://images2.fanpop.com/images/photos/8000000/Kate-Mara-kate-mara-8028126-1920-1200.jpg