Hope ahead

A few things are turning my daily trudge through life into something more like a skip as I look forward to some lights at the end of the tunnel. 

(I love looking forward to things almost as much as doing them.)

• my friend Jen got us tickets to the U2 concert in September.  I've been a huge fan of U2 for ages but never been to a concert (unless seeing Rattle and Hum the movie counts). Can't wait to see them in person.  Plus the added benefit of a visit from friends. Thanks Jen--I couldn't be more thrilled!  

• we reserved a farmhouse on the Maine coast for a week in August.  We're not going west this summer but wanted to do something as a family to mark the summer holiday.  Greg and Sam loved their time in Acadia a couple of years ago so we're heading back there this summer.  Near Bar Harbor, Acadia, and Mt. Desert Island.  
  

Ah, it makes me relax just looking at that view. 

{By the way, have you tried HomeAway or VRBO?  We have had great luck finding wonderful places to rent in Denmark, Italy, Vermont, and now Maine (they cover just about any destination). It's like having a cabin of your own without all the work.}

• I'm heading to Denver on Wednesday for a child development research conference.  And I'll get to see my brother and a few other people. {Any child development topics anyone really wants to know about? Put in your requests now ;).}  While this is a school/work trip, I'm definitely looking forward to quiet reading time on the plane, seeing Matt, catching up with friends, and a hotel room to myself.  Kind of like living with the bears a la Grandma Brockbank.

• Spring!  A few days this week have felt a little springish. Even today, with its torrents of rain, made me hopeful for greenness soon. Hints of weather ahead--I'll take it.  Plus I've almost made it through March, traditionally my worst, blah-est month. Trudge, trudge.

What are your lights at the end of the tunnel?

Comments

[the wrath of khandrea]

i'll just live vicariously through you. i've seen U2 four times, and always came away wanting more. you will love it.
i used to go canoeing and camping with my dad in maine during the summer. i am envious. although you probably won't be stepping in any moose poop where you're at. ah, good times...
i will check out the links you referenced. we are still trying to figure out what to do this summer.

[diane]

The house rental idea reminds me of the movie The Holiday.

The anticipation of a great vacation is almost as good as the trip. We are going to the Bahamas and Texas this summer.

[calibosmom]

VRBO is the way go! We've rented many a place through them. Mmmm..Maine in the summer-lovely! U2 was my first BIG concert-I'll never forget Joshua Tree-AMAZING!!! I'm looking forward to a little Spring Break getaway w/ my kids-I take them up to Lincoln NH overnight-they have the hotel pool all to themselves. Summer-still making plans.

[Lindsay-ann]

Good to catch up with your news and plans. The house your are renting this summer is gorgeous. The inside look wonderful too. I look forward to seeing more pictures from your trip.
Only 5 more sleeps for us and we will be on our way across the Atlantic!
Best Wishes
Lindsay

[martha corinna]

I wasn't that much of a US fan until my husband's business's pay roll company rented the sky box for their concert a few years ago and invited us. They converted me.

Also, we are looking into renting in Italy next summer, thanks for the suggestion, it's a little daunting. By the way, I love Maine. If I could live anywhere in the country it would be Maine, I'm jealous.

As far as child development questions, how about if you find out how to handle Martha's 2 year old and now 6 year old? Seriously though, my 6 year old is in a dream land constantly, it is so difficult to get her dialed in. She is also slightly emotionally immature, she looses her composure at the drop of a hat. If you could just solve those problems? :)

Have fun!

[martha corinna]

I didn't mean US, I meant U2. I have issues.

[Christie]

That farmhouse looks FANTASTIC. Oh my goodness. Idyllic and beach-front. How can a family week get any better than that?

You will LOVE U2. Saw them when I was 8 1/2 months preggers with McKay. It was a little loud, but I think he became a fan that day, too. Loves U2 more than anything.

[Bridget]

U2 was my first concert. Sigh. So, so good. They are THE best. Your farmhouse could not look more perfect. Looking forward to something fun is half the fun of it.

My next trip to look forward to is the end of June.We're going to Utah for a reunion. Does that even count though?

[Matt]

My tunnel just arrived: back to school after two weeks of spring break! But the light in the middle of the tunnel is your visit, of course! (BTW, let me know which evenings are best for you - Wednesday's kind of busy for me, but everywhere else is pretty flexible.)

[Michelle]

ooh, thanks for the great advice on vacation rentals. I'm planning a dream trip for the whole fam(one that involves passports and travel dictionaries!)-- thanks for inspiring me.