What I Learned at Life Camp This Summer

I wonder how  many students will be writing an essay within the next few weeks about how they spent their summer vacations.  Or what they learned.  Most of them probably don't want to admit they learned anything over the summer.  I started and finished my summer Facebook statuses with those immortal words of Cheech and Chong: the first/last day of my summer vacation, I woke up.....and so on about looking for a job and the corner drugstore, but the truth is, this has been a good summer.  I don't always head back to school feeling that way.  Two summers ago I spent the majority of my time in hospital rooms with my mom.  Last year, though I don't have clear memories of it, summer seemed to fly by and I started the school year not feeling rejuvenated on any level.  So I thought I would share a few things I've learned while doing the things I did or did not get to do - (see Meaningful Moments post) this summer:

I learned that I actually did do a decent job of parenting - 14 years of it as a solo flight....and learned more clearly and painfully just how fast those years go by.

I learned that Point Park University is REALLY FREAKING expensive - at least by my 35 years ago IUP standards....

I learned that some people are just emotional bulldozers and the only way you can avoid being hurt by them is to just jump out of the way.  Because stopping them or changing them is about as easy to do as stopping a real one.

I learned that a dog can have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - my own diagnosis - when playing fetch - because she will relentlessly bring you the tennis ball, even when you are....let's say indisposed.  However, if there is any chance her precious paws will get wet in the grass, all play MUST be indoors.

I learned a whole bunch about Lake Erie which I have forgotten in the time since I've returned.

I learned a bit about sandcastle construction.

I learned a little about Bali....and yoga....and Italy....

I learned how to blog.  Well, maybe a little.  Still overwhelmed by the whole deal.

I learned that I'm a pretty big wuss when it comes to getting into the ocean on a New England beach. Not a big fan of being frozen alive....but loved the beach and grateful for the chance to be there.

I learned something of Leningrad in the pre and post WWII years.

I learned that there are some churches in the area that are really on the border of my comfort zone.  But glad I tried.

I learned a few things about setting up a private counseling practice (now known as Breakwater Counseling Services as part of Counseling Consultation & Psychotherapy Services - if I may plug so myself :)  )

I learned a little bit more about getting lost....and finding my way in downtown Pittsburgh.  The getting lost part is thanks to Mrs. Garmin (I call her Greta)....the getting found part was thanks to my own ingenuity.  and prayer.

I learned how to spell soiree'.  And how to get myself invited to one (badger your Facebook friends when they're planning something)

I learned that I should be thankful for our little central Pennsylvania parking garage and meter fees.....because parking in the city for 1/2 a day can cost what I spend on groceries for 1/2 a week!

I learned (again) who fought whom in the French & Indian War in the Battle of Fort Duquesne....and what Fort Pitt's role was in the Revolutionary War....and I also know that the next time I go there it will be as though it is all new to me all over again....because I already know I have a bad memory.

I learned that Andy Warhol grew up in Pittsburgh.....and that he did some really cool stuff ....and some really disturbing stuff.

I learned that The Cheesecake Factory is like a little visit to heaven.

I learned that when you eat the last of your Cheesecake Factory cheesecake at 11 p.m. on the day you visited the Andy Warhol museum you will have the most freakishly bizarre dreams of your entire life.

And I'm hoping that the new school year is nothing like those dreams.