It was just a blip on the Facebook newsfeed for most people, but the official switch to Pike was a big one for me. I’ve been waiting, sometimes less than patiently to use it. I didn’t even want to post on my blog until I was Pike. When I make a decision, it’s made. I might not know which way I’m going to go with something until the last minute, but once I know... I know.

This is how it went with my decision to “restore” (the legal terminology) my birth name. Birth name is a term I learned from a friend. I do like it so much more than maiden name. It’s my name. I’m Jena Pike. I am no longer married, and it just didn’t feel right to me to keep a name I took when I married. It is an important step in reestablishing my own identity. It was also important to me going into the summer with my name.

Summer. Oh summer. I do so love summer. But the last couple have been less than stellar. I went into each with a sense of adventure and hope and positive attitude. And they both held more disappointment and unease than I cared for. This summer I have decided to take a much more subdued outlook.

Summer brings an abrupt halt of routine and personal time. I have kids. And this is it folks, the last one as a stay at home mom. I’m going to soak up the bike rides and picnics in the park. But I’m also not intent on each moment being picturesque, perfect productions.

The first week of summer has already shown me I am on the right path. My 6 year old learned how to ride his bike without training wheels. He’s so excited and wants to ride constantly now. I enjoy those bike rides. I walk (or jog with gritted teeth on shitty shins) while he pedals along. And then after we get home and the teenager is grouchy and in my space and the brothers are quibbling over Legos I don’t lose my damn mind.

I’m Jena Pike. And I’m ready for summer.