A Year in a Post!

I have no excuse for not writing in almost a year! A year that was pretty much as perfect as the theory of Six Sigma Certification states. [My husband has been talking business with me. Proof that even he is bored.] We had a wedding back in June that I bragged about in the last post, and health for my husband and family members. We had many beach getaways right through Labor Day thanks to our Florida climate and even planned two vacations that involved wearing winter coats! 

The year got started in the majestic city of Porto, Portugal at a "chi-chic" boutique hotel all dressed up and fancy! Everything during that trip seemed so foreign and yet so familiar. The sights were almost like mirages that appeared before our eyes. We had planned this trip as a celebration for our 35th Wedding Anniversary by researching and listening to the advice of several friends that had visited in recent years. I suppose that's why everything was so familiar in a way, and yet so foreign. There we were after months of planning and plotting the points of interest standing together in awe of all the beauty. Truly an unforgettable trip! 

Soon enough we were back in the States and back to work. Pedro back to the family business and I to my grandma duty. We had no choice, we had to come back to reality and start anew. As the first month of the year passed, we got back into our routines and comfortable again in our fast-paced life. Then one day in February, right after Augie's 2nd birthday, my healthy husband complained of a backache. Not thinking much about it he endured the pain all weekend until he could no longer control thinking of it. It was intense and painful. Given his history of kidney stones, we decided to visit the E/R, just in case he was going to be passing one. It's a concern we live with since his kidney cancer diagnosis 7 years ago. Thankfully, it wasn't a stone, or a new lesion, it was a urinary tract infection that should clear up with a course of antibiotics.

Cake Design by: @dreamcakesbyliz

We left the E/R and started the treatment. I had a full schedule with the grandkids, Pedro was planning a trade show; we were busy. But you know that old Spanish adage, "Dios escribe derecho sobre lîneas torcidas."... then you know He had other plans for us. Days later Pedro's discomfort increased and his fevers and chills were constant. We headed back to the E/R where he was poked, scanned and placed in observation for days until the blood cultures proved the correct diagnosis, but it had also shown a very strong bacteria that was resistant to most of the medications they had been using. I won't lie, it was scary. He had constant headaches and chills and slept hours on end. He was tested for the Flu and at one point the infectious disease doctor decided to test for Covid-19. A novel virus that was beginning to make its name known to us. Thank goodness both tests were negative. His condition wasn't improving and he had all the doctors working hard to find the right treatment. After two weeks a PICC line was inserted and he was allowed to go back home with a home health nurse administering daily dose of the super drug Invanz.

It goes without saying that we learned a lot about the Home Health Care industry and the quality of care so many people depend on. I'm not saying it was negative, but I'm not going to say it was positive either. Another hurdle that we had to jump and surmount. I got trained as well so that we could have some privacy on the weekends and made the best of it. In fact, we had another trip planned to visit the newlyweds in New York at the end of the month and the training came in handy! We visited with Tari and Steven in their new place and walked all over Chelsea, and the Piers, the Hudson Yard mega-plex, strolled through the West Village and into Washington Square Park. It was a delightful short visit but filled with great conversations, meals and even better, hugs! They were happy and loving their new city! Momma returned very happy!

The night we flew in from NYC, as the plane landed and we turned on our cell phones, the first text message received was from Tari saying that the 1st Covid-19 case had been reported in NY.  Surprisingly, we weren't scared, we didn't think much of it, and we were certain it would be contained. How did we know this? We didn't. It's the false sense of security as Americans that we are an invincible society. Reflecting back I realize how naive we were. The next day Pedro went back to the office, I went back to the grandbabies, my girls and their homes. WE HAD NO FEAR OF HAVING BEEN IN NYC, IN A PACKED FLIGHT, AND PEDRO BEING IMMUNOCOMPROMISED.

The following week was business as usual. Babysitting, park strolls, and our Annual Catholic Church Festival. Still nothing to be afraid of and life continued until that frightful announcement that schools were closing. Being a private tutor and having so many family members that are teachers, including my very pregnant daughter, Tesi, I was beginning to think that our life was going to slow down for a bit. Never did I imagine that we would be in quarantine for 57 (so far) days! Never did I think that I wouldn't touch any other human besides Pedro. Never did I think that life had changed for ever for all of us.

But the title of this little blog is "Changes Bring Blessings" and so I plan to write a little more often about the blessings I've seen and am experiencing every single day. The resilience of the first responders in our country that are standing in the front lines caring for the sick and suffering. I will share the blessing of living through this pandemic and being aware of the kindness and generosity of so many people giving of themselves for others. I close today with a beautiful poem by Kitty O' Meara, an Irish-American teacher whose words verberate the sentiments we are all experiencing now after nearly two months away from our friends and families. 

And the people stayed home. And read books, and listened, and rested, and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were still. And listened more deeply. Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. Some met their shadows. 

And the people began to think differently. 

And the people healed. And, in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless, and heartless ways, the earth began to heal. And when the danger passed, and the people joined together again, they grieved their losses, and made new choices, and dreamed new images, and created new ways to live and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed.

 - Kitty O’Meara 

"In SUMMER!"

   OLAF

I can't believe that a whole school year has gone by and I haven't written once! I suppose it must be the fact that Augie keeps me busy during the day, and totally exhausted at night. Nonetheless, here I am, a quiet rainy morning, alone with my computer and my café. A much needed time off after the last couple of weeks! We've had pre-k programs, a kinder graduation, ballet recitals, swimming classes, and an amazing wedding, all in the span of four weeks! 

The twins, Remi and Addi, had a wonderful year at their little school. It was such a special place for them to learn and play. They made new friends and discovered their world through play and imagination. They learned to cut and trace, and the alphabet and numbers, and best of all....they are potty trained (well...#1)! I'm so grateful that I got to see so much of those firsts for them! I admit, that when I went back to the classroom after my sabbatical with Mila, I felt that I'd miss out on so much with them. Clearly, I wanted to go back to my class, but I also felt that void and was missing being with my new grand-babies. Little did I know that so much would change! I was able to take the twins to and from school, take them to swimming classes, take them to the park, put them to sleep and spend countless hours just being there as they learned and developed. Changes, that brought blessings!

Interestingly enough, this new hiatus has also afforded me several personal discoveries. I've joined an exercise group of strong mommas that get together to workout and play dates. These ladies have been gracious and always welcome me as one of them. The babies get to socialize and play while the mommies do too! Thanks to Rebecca and the mommy tribe for giving me a daily routine and help me stay active and fit! Augie really loves music and loves to dance every time he hears some heart-pumping tune and I think it was the early exposure to the play lists we listen to while our workouts!

Another new found love has been listening to podcasts! I've always loved talk radio. Perhaps it because listening, reminds me of how I was lulled to sleep as a child when my mom would play late-night talk shows. But honestly, it was hard to find a radio station that has both, positive and inspiring discussions and then... I heard my first podcast! Thanks to my dear friend, Eileen,  I heard Rise Together  with Rachel and Dave Hollis. Wow! What an amazing experience it was! I couldn't wait to finish that show and tune in to the next, and the next, and the next! Every show left me thinking of something else, and needed to continue listening. These podcasts also led me to get audio books, which obviously, became a bit expensive, but that led me to discover our public library online services which offers so many great titles! I reserved book after book and got caught up with some of the top-best sellers in no time. By the way, besides Audible, and books on Apple, there are many free apps available for those of us who devour audio books. My daughter, Leci shared an app named Libby with me and it's one of my favs!

So that's what I had been up-to this school year, working out, playing and commuting with my podcasts and audiobooks. All the while, trekking Augie and/or the Moochies (my twin grand-daughters, Remi and Addi) and Mila. Couldn't be more blessed! I look forward to having a few weeks of rest, sun and surf this summer and refresh myself to start it all over again in the fall!

Next post? I'll tell you all about the "kick-off" to summer. We had a huge family event and several other surprises!!!!

Back to School? Wait! What?

Ahh! My favorite part of the year! Sure some people LOVE the holidays; the rush and exhilaration of parties and shopping. It certainly makes that time of the year so, so very joyous, but for me, nothing beats getting a classroom ready for a new school year! 

There’s something about preparing a classroom for the new school year that gives me a charge! Perhaps it’s the hope of a new beginning filled with the excitement of meeting new students, or the challenge of helping students learn and enjoy the process. Whichever it is- "IT" invigorates my creative juices and allows me to bring out all that magic to share it with my new group of kiddos.  I know that I sound a bit "exagerada" and "dramática" to the average person, but I am being honest when I say that the "Back to School" season is my favorite part of the year! 

So as I watched my friends post all over IG and FB their dreadful complaints about the end of their summer, I was thinking of the fun I’d have setting up a classroom and how this year I wouldn’t; this year it would be different. I have traded off that joy for a greater purpose, and I will not be part of this year’s B2S frenzy. Let me clarify- I’m in NO way saddened by this, but instead, nostalgic for those feelings that I’ve experienced as a teacher. So then, what’s different this year? Why am I missing this BTS? Well, if you’ve been an IG or FB follower you know that I’ve decided to be my grandson’s full-time caregiver. Instead of prepping a class, I’m prepping for another round of  a "Grandma Sabbatical" with my precious Augie, my fourth  and newest grand baby!

I’ve often heard people say that being a grandmother is better than being a mom, and I cannot disagree. It is God’s way of rewarding us for all the tough work and the years we put into the raising of our children. It’s like your heart explodes and opens God’s Graces of Divine Love. This is why He made us to His likeness and image. We are given a glimpse of our Creator’s heart! Yes, being an abuela is better! It’s a do-over with the added bonus of an enormous layer of whipped cream and two hundred cherries on top! However being able to be a full time granny/caregiver? That’s just at another level! It’s like having the Kitchen Sink from Sloan’s Ice Cream Shop! There’s something to be said about getting to kiss and snuggle every single day with a grand baby! To hold your child’s- child! To feed them and dress them and play with them! The opportunity to watch every little milestone is magical! To relive and experience the moments that sadly, are hardly noticed when we are parenting is what makes this #grandmasabbatical2 such an uber-rific moment for me! 

I certainly remember the guilty feelings of being so busy and not always being present in my daily tasks as a young mother. It was hard! Really hard! Being a mom, a housekeeper, a nurse, a cook, a chauffeur, a wife, a daughter, a volunteer (add your own Etc.) made me feel guilty all the time. No matter how many To Do Lists I’d accomplish, or how many playgroups I joined, or how many delicious meals I prepared, I always fell short. I never did enough. Yet looking back now, I realize how I missed so many of beautiful moments simply because I was in the thick of it! 

So as I said already, being a Grandma is definitely getting a "do-over!" Not only do I get to enjoy all the little things, but I get to be part of the village that helps Augie grow! I get to leave the beds undone- drop the vacuum, pile the laundry, all the while I watch Agustin grow! I already have a Pinterest Board titled, "Augienator" which sounds like some form of prehistoric dinosaur  (according to his parents, he already loves dinos) filled with many ideas to do with him as we begin our journey. 

Another exciting change for me is the opportunity to also add some self-care to my new schedule.  My daughters are both members of a FB Mommy Group and they encouraged me to join a Baby Boot Camp that seems very popular with some of the moms. They felt it was good for me to get a little workout each day. This has been heaven sent! I am having so much fun! Meeting these mommies and working out while also playing with Augie! Jackpot! Rebecca Garay, the Franchise Owner, has been so inclusive of me in spite of me being an "Abuela!" She, and all the mommies are kind and very welcoming of this old girl!  !Muchas-muchas gracias! 

The beginning of this school year has gotten off memorably and marvelously! I’ll be seeing all my grandkids more than just once a week, and I’ll be available to help my other daughter with our twinsies, Remi and Addi (grandkids #2 & 3). I won’t miss any of Mila’s (grandkid #1) school functions and I’ll be able to do pick ups after school too. I will surely miss the classroom,  my colleagues, and especially the students, but I’ll be gaining so much more that will over fill any of the voids. I’ve recently started a new book by Bob Goff, titled, Love Does that has affirmed my Sabbatical clearly.

Most of our decisions are driven by love or fear; who we toss our keys to will determine where we end up.

-Bob Goff

As difficult as this decision was to make, the decision has already given me new hope and enthusiasm for a fantabulous new school year!   

Free-Lancer?

Endings and Beginnings

Last day of April. Good day to reflect on my Grandma Sabbatical Tour since the inaugural post (I'm sooo dramatic...). Augie is nearly three months old now and his mommy is taking very good care of him! He's growing and beginning to "coo" and laugh at all his fans. He truly is a blessing to all of us, and he's favored by his three girl cousins! The four of them have been enjoying playing at each others houses, having play and lunch dates and making Facebook and Instagram appearances daily! For the last three months, I've been very fortunate to be watching it all happening! Our not-so-little family is the center of our lives and the blessings that come daily immeasurably fill our hearts!

From L to R: Mila (4.5 y.o.) Addi (2 y.o.) Augie 

Mrs. Pelaez Teaches Lives On...

Screen shot of the first posts after decision.

Three Months Later...

A month after Augie was born, my husband suggested that I start a little tutoring- a few afternoons in order to get my teacher-fix. It was something I had thought of doing eventually, but his encouragement propelled me to consider it sooner, rather than later. He even offered a small conference room in his office building equipped with a nice conference table, comfy chairs (that can be adjusted and spin!) as well as a  yuuuuuuuuuuge TV (a little Trump-ee here) to use as a computer monitor. Furthermore, not ONE, but two dry erase boards! Let me just say that my heart raced immediately at the thought that I could create a little classroom in that space and continue doing what I was born to do. 

My head raced of all the materials that I had just sold (because I was NEVER going back into the classroom!) and remembered that I still had tons of stuff that I could still hold on to in case...this little tutoring actually took off! The rest of that day (did I say we were at the beach?) I was developing my business plan... How much would I charge? How do I build a clientele? How many days should I offer services? Will anyone come to the office? Should I visit student's homes? Yada-yada-yada....

All it took was ONE little nudge and,  ONE Instagram post, and immediately my business plan was put into action! ONE teacher friend contacted me ( you know who you are) and then another (you know who you are too!) and then, my ex-ex Assistant Principal (and you know who you are!!!) and then, a friend from my church- also a fellow teacher, called (yep! you know who you are too!), and before I knew it, my husband's little offer was beginning to come to fruition. 

As I started writing above, the last day of April is a good day to look back at the last three months and put in black and white how I’ve been reminded that there's always something to be grateful for. This crazy life that we all live (some run through) has to have purpose. I certainly know that it’s not always very clear to us, but we must always be grateful for the times of adversity and remember that we are being pruned. Made better, more like Him.

I believe that we (believers or not) must be vigilant, we must constantly be listening and allowing ourselves to grow. It just so happens that this past Sunday, once again, God was talking to me (He's in the habit of doing that!) through the Gospel.  What started out as an act of rebellion in my part, has flourished into the best-gig-ever!  Not only do I get to assist, share and be part of my daughters' mommy-hood (I keep making up words!) but I also get to be "Mrs. Pelaez" and still get my daily teacher-fix!

Sunday, 4.29.18 Gospel according to John 15:1-8:   

Jesus said to his disciples: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you.