JulieLeung.com: a life told in tidepools

When I saw Ted’s post on packathon, I thought he was writing about our recent luggage lifestyle. Of the past 18 days, Ted has been gone for 10. I’ve been away for 3. Include the week we went to LA, and of the past 25 days we’ve all been at home for 5, a total of 20% of the time. All this time away is bit unusual for our family where we homeschool, homemake and work from home.

It is fun to travel. This is the first year where we’ve felt we had the resources to take trips. It’s amazing to admire a change of scenery and explore new territory as a family. Memories are made; for example, I think we all will recall Fort Clatsop from our trip there this summer.

Flexibility is an asset and it’s good to practice it from a young age. When we have DaddyCons or MommyCons the kids enjoy special opportunities, eating homemade pizza or learning turtle graphics.

Yet I find that unscheduled time and space are precious. There are conversations that occur, questions that are asked, hugs, cuddles and caresses exchanged when we are hanging out at home with nothing to do and nowhere to go. Adventures are awesome. But there’s a quality to our lives that is lacking when our calendars are crammed with commitments. Life happens in the living room, while lying among Legos on the carpet. From time to time this week, as our schedule has started to slow, I’ve found refreshment in the quiet moments that are occurring once again, as the blocks and Legos have begun to appear.

As I write this, I’m talking to Ted who is somewhere on the water making his trip across the Sound. I’m getting the latest scoop on the last day of ApacheCon, including Doc’s talk and hilarious hotel construction. Life is always exciting in Apache Land

Packathon ends tonight. As far as we know, neither one of us is going anywhere for a while. At least until the end of the year. I’m sure the suitcases will appreciate the Sabbath rest. Hurray for home!

p.s. – he’s here! 🙂