An eventful time.

I think Kirstin may be better prepared for camp than I originally perceived. When I dropped her off she was excited, but kept her cool, and didn't seem the least bit apprehensive. She wasn't shy with anyone, and was already making friends before she was even checked in. Camp is just as I remember it; a series of tiny cabins on hilltops, the lake down below, and a central area with a pool, dining hall, and administrative buildings. It's just the right size for little kids; all the important things are very close together, and then there are slightly longer trails for the more infrequent stops.

It was hard for me to decide when to leave. I stayed with her and checked her in, then helped her carry all of her stuff up the hill to her cabin. Some parents had left before that, but some were still sticking around; I wasn't sure what I was supposed to do. In the end, I let Kirstin decide. "Are you ready for me to go home?" I asked her.

She nodded. "But I'll miss you," she added. A simple statement, no whining.

"I'll write you if you'll write me," I said, smiling at her.

She agreed, kissed me, and sent me on my way, looking every bit the almost-4th grader that she is. You know, I joke about my 18-year sentence, and how I'll gain my freedom in 9 years when she graduates; but it can be really difficult to accept how fast she's growing and changing. Before long she won't be a little kid anymore. I'll miss that.

And of course half the discipline of parenting is adapting to new maturity levels. It was okay a year ago to treat her like a 3rd grader, but now I have to start treating her like a 4th grader, or she will act like a baby.

This was a great weekend to feel needed. I should never worry about that again. Frankly, if no one has great need of my comforts or listening ear, perhaps it's because many of them are stable, in stable relationships, and able to stand on their own two feet! This weekend our friend Will broke up with his live-in girlfriend, and he and I spent a lot of time talking it out. It felt great to be needed, but it reminded me that I'm glad many of my friends' lives are going well enough that they don't need that kind of support. Sure, I'd be glad to do it if they needed it, but they plainly don't. They aren't dealing with heartbreak and guilt on that level. It's a happy thing.

Well, except for Tiffiny. She's dealing with heartbreak for different reasons, and I grieve for her. At the same time, I'm really impressed with how she's holding together, and being so strong about her recent loss. I can see that she's in touch with her feelings, and understandably mourning, but I can also see that she's keeping her feet firmly on the ground and moving forward with her head up. I hope I'm that strong if I'm ever tested in that way. (God forbid.)

It's good to have friends who can experience things before you have to, and teach you things by example.

Tonight Yeffy and Reagan are having a small party to welcome Tiff back. Forest and I are both looking forward to going, and planning to head straight there after Taekwondo. I can't wait to see her pictures of her trip. It will also be nice to see Yeff and Reagan again. I've missed them lots, and this week will cheer me up tremendously. I saw them briefly last night, while I handed over my now-infamous taco salad recipe, will see them tonight, and will go over and game on Tuesday after closing the Store. It's awesome. Tiff was there last night too, and it was wonderful to see her again! We barely avoided breaking Yeffy's coffee table in our rush to hug each other. She looks really great, and her engagement ring is adorable. I'm so happy for her!

I'm also really glad to be working at the Store this week. Money's tight, and every night that I close the Store is at least a tank of gas. It's really quite handy. I know, I know. My money shouldn't be so tight; but I'm not throwing it away, I promise. I'm just in the middle of refinancing my house (still...) and I have no idea what fees or closing costs I might be about to incur. So I'm desperately trying to spend only the bare minumum until that hairy business is done.