Friday at the Beach
Friday was a great day. I escaped with the family to Cannon Beach. The beach pictures are up for your enjoyment. We had Nzhone with us and a great time was had by all.
Erica and Nzhone had alot of fun digging in the sand. When we finally made it over to Haystack Rock they had all sorts of fun playing in the little pools that surround the coastal monolith. The water was ice cold except for one stretch of water that got trapped as the tide went out and became a sun warmed little pool about 8 inches deep. The girls were absolutely covered in sand. And having the time of their lives.
Alex decided to explore Haystack Rock. I enjoyed watching him challenge himself with each new adventure. It was great to see the kid who until recently was very timid and shy, letting go of fear and seeking some adventure. Erica is our adventurous child, Alex generally doesn’t do something unless he knows he can do it to begin with. So watching him test himself and not be completely sure if he can do it was a fun thing to watch. Apparently Alex came to some decision a few months back and did an attitude adjustment, which means that he tries more stuff and doesn’t take everything as seriously, I also think that in some way he doesn’t treat everyone as if they are going to hurt him or tease him. (Gee, I wonder where he could have gotton that hang-up from.)
*rant*
I wish I could learn that lesson, however so far almost everyone in my life only keeps me around because I can do something for them. Like babysitting, helping in some emmergency, coming for comfort or conversation when none of their other prefered people are around. If you hang around someone and all you EVER talk about is what you do with everyone else who you hang out with and you never bother inviting them to go with you or do things with you or show real interest in the things they do, your using that person, not being a friend. I thought I was getting a friend who didn’t need me for anything, just wanted to be around me, but since she moved, she doesn’t call nor has she returned my phone calls. Not that I mind being the goto person when someone needs help. I just wish I was needed for more then just that. Oh, well.
*end rant*
Ok, back to the beach.*grin*
I let the kids soak up the sun rays for about an hour before applying sunscreen, especially for Alex who lives indoors more often then not. Then we went and ate lunch and I generously slathered everyone. Everyone, but me. (rolls eyes) Somehow, in some confused process, I just didn’t think to put suncreen on myself. And ,as one picture shows, I proceeded to lie in the sun like a beached whale and catch some rays which felt good against the cool breeze coming in off the water. I feel so stupid. I have a sun burn on my face, neck , shoulders and back. Fortunately it’s not a severe burn although it’s an extensive burn. I look like someone put way too much foundation on my face, or I’m just sweating really bad. *Laughter*
There was also a crustation that we found that apparently had laid alot of eggs in the sand. We thought it was a crab at first because it was elongated and we thought it looked like a baby crab. NOPE! It was long alright, just had no claws and spiky feet, I think they’re for digging in the sand. I know that they had sharp, spiky legs because one of the numerous babies that were swimming in the water and under the sand landed on my foot. IT STUNG! Like a needle prick, it hurt. Karel looks at me and chuckles, “well dear, you now have something to blog about.”
I so needed the beach day. I have been so overwhelmed lately. Just when I know what to think, I find out something new that blows everything I’ve learned or tried to believe out of the water. I don’t think I can take much more of this. I will be planning many more beach days in my near future, I’m almost kid free and I LOVE the beach. I lived in California for six years, since my b-day is in July, we always went to the beach for my birthday. However, I like my sand hot and my water a few degrees above frigid. Oregon beach water is just too bloody cold. However it allowed me the much needed break to just listen to the sound of the water and watch the waves break over the rock.
I said in an earlier post that I have this image of myself as a rock standing in the surf facing the waves and storms. It’s becoming my analogy of life. This is who I have to be. That rock that everyone can lean on, depend on and the one that the world can throw it’s worst storm at and still it stands strong to see the next sunrise. My heart has a few more bricks in it’s walls, and I don’t laugh as easily, and for some stupid reason I still trust people, I believe people can become better through their struggles and come out better, stronger and more confident on the other side.
This Rock is who I have to be.
I can’t count on anyone.
I can’t give up on anyone.
What a contradiction I am.
