We’re adapting to this new Gig Harbor lifestyle and how we’re spending our time.
On my end, working from home has become the rule instead of the exception. I can’t quantify how huge this shift is. No, wait, I can. I’m spending about 500 more hours at home annually by not commuting to an office. Some of that time is shifting to working hours, which is why companies are so inclined to embrace more remote work, and a majority of that time is shifting to more time hanging out. Of course, during my breaks I can also check in with you, go for a neighborhood walk, grab a coffee upstairs and just be more present with myself and with you. It’s a major shift and largely beneficial on all accounts.
You started a first summer camp. This one is focused on pottery. Mom signed you and Matteo up for a string of camps to help get you out of the house and connecting with more kids. That’s a good transition for you in absense of completing a school year. The pandemic created an academic “skip year” of sorts for you, so it’s good to get you back on track. Yesterday you realized that you’ll be a “new student” again at your new school, Artondale Elementary, and equated that to being welcomed by a lot of new friends. That’s exactly the right mentality. So far as this pottery camp goes, I look forward to being the receipient of some new plateware. I like these camps where I get something at the end.
Although we’ve only been in the new home for a month, we had our first chance to entertain guests this past weekend. The VanOrder famiy arrived in an RV from Indiana, by way of Denver, to visit for a couple of nights. The parents, Ben and Gwen, go way back with your Mom and we always love to host our Indiana friends. The youngest, Trevi, is a couple of years older than you, and you two hit it off. All of the kids got along well and we made maximum use of our big backyard, rain or shine. We also took the around the neighborhood, exploring Bella Bella beach and eating at Gourmet Burger Shop in downtown Gig Harbor. The dads peeled off to Heritage Distillery for some drinks.
You had such a big first day with them, you woke up the next day feeilng a little overwhelmed that our guests were still at our house and went back to bed to process it. That was the first time I saw you express your feelings about how people effect your energy — some introversion. That kind of self-awareness gets to be more important as you get older, and it can change. I personally feel like I’m getting more introverted over time, preferring smaller groups to socialize and more alone time to feel productive and recouperate.
Maybe that’s another benefit of being in Gig Harbor now: a lot more personal space. Use all of it!
Love, Dad