During orientation for the BFA program she got into, Naomi met a few people who thought she should run for president. She had already been considering it, and so she went for it and is now the president of her class for her program. She hit the ground running in September with her new duties, including running events, fundraisers, work groups, meetings with students and professors, and online meetings with the rest of the staff. She also seems to have become a den mother of sorts. She will have to run exhibits for the program and raise all the funds for it. Naomi also came home for a send-off party of sorts for her friend who transferred to another university. It was so hot that weekend, but they found a nice park with shade and a pretty view.
I also embarked on a new leadership role, my first year as a co-lead for Lucas's sports class. This included procuring equipment, budgeting, finding coaches, and setting up communications for the group. I am also the only person with a larger car, so I transport a lot of the big equipment. I was also the lead coach for all the sports first semester for the middle and high school group. Coaching was a challenge, but God gave us so much grace. For example, setting up the volleyball nets is a three-person job, and Lucas plus me does not make three. However, each week, someone would show up early and offer to help us. Also, I didn't know how to pitch a softball well, but there was a friend of a family who was able to help with demonstrating and pitching. The very last day of softball was also the day before he would start a new job. With basketball, there was only one court at the park. I did try to get there early, but there was no guarantee we'd get the court. God gave us at least a half court every week. So I coached volleyball, softball, and basketball. I will get a break when we do track & field to start the second semester.
Also in September, Manny's cousin got married. I wish I could have gone, but I had to stay back with the kids. Naomi had school and also couldn't make it. She's an adult now and gets her own invitation! I don't think she's been to a wedding besides my friend C's, when she was a flower girl, and she barely remembers that. My father-in-law got the shingles and also had to miss it. Manny said the wedding was really nice, and I'm glad he had a good time with the family.
Meanwhile back at home, I went to my friend and former colleague's twins' first birthday party. I don't think I've seen my friend's mother in almost 20 years, but she (the mom) still remembers me, and she looks the same. I got to meet a number of career women who'd worked with my friend at different companies. I haven't been around that environment in a long time. At this age, I don't feel "lesser than" women who work. I admire them. I do wonder sometimes how different life would've been had I chosen to or been able to stay working, but ultimately I believe it works out the way it should. I still do want to return to work full-time.
One of my homeschooling mom friends and her husband opened up a sort of Ninja Warrior gym. I took Lucas to the grand opening to support my friend and also to see if he might be interested, but it is only for children 17 and under, so he wouldn't be able to be in the class for long. He ended up not being super interested in it. The search continues for more recreational activities for him. At least he has his game meetup. On a day when Lucas had his game meetup, I went to go check out Keroppi month at the Hello Kitty Cafe. Everything was a little too sweet for me, but it was still really cute.
Also in September, Manny and I went to breakfast and then went shopping for some shirts for him. It was kind of funny for him to be in the dressing room while I was waiting outside. We actually hadn't gone out together in months, but it was a successful outing.
Isaac's tennis class also switched to a new location, so I was exploring the area and found a place I used to go with my coworkers. The ducks are still there, but the restaurant is now the apartment complex's office. So much has changed over the years. Sometimes I forget how old I am. I don't know if that's good or bad.
