The Story Makers.

The Story Makers.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

F.R.I.E.N.D.S...

A few years ago Tina and I were asked to speak 
at our visiting teaching conference.
It was held at Dana McArthurs house....
remember that T?
Vanessa, I think you had just moved into the ward....
that was the first night we met.
(so it had to be more than a few years ago.....maybe 5?)
I remember being super excited to meet you,
I think you had some kind of monkey watch on, 
it was red,
and I made fun of you for standing like a ballerina.
remember?
Tina and I had fun that night,
we planned and really got into our assignment.
I have always loved visiting teaching,
being one, and having them myself.
Sure sometimes it is an added pressure and a hassle 
to get the monthly visits in,
but for the most part I truly enjoy the journey of getting
to know the other sisters on my list.
When I get changes I can't help but think in terms of 
oh boy, oh boy......who is going to be my new 
FRIEND??
Some of my very dearest friends have developed 
because of our simple beginnings as visiting teaching partners
or assignments.

I have kept our little handout on my inspiration board 
ever since our presentation...
We had fun coming up with our favorite words that
describe what visiting teaching means
to us - 

It means FRIENDS....
our friends are FUN...duh, 
we learn to RESPECT 
those that we visit and get to know....I find that I am 
constantly astonished when I take the time to get to know others.
My preconceived notions are always flying out the window 
and my eyes are opened to the person that they really are.
I love the IMPRINT that we can make on each
others lives.
Nothing is better than EXPANDING our circle 
of friendship.
My NEEDS have been met on numerous occasions
by my visiting teachers...
i.e. rides to the airport...I love you Nancy!  
there have been times I have needed to 
 DEPEND on my visiting teachers,
my friends, I want those that I visit to be able to trust 
and depend on me.
They are my STEWARDSHIP....
my sisters are in my care.

I almost missed this months temple visit....
that would have been a bummer,
on my sixth month running streak!
It was trickier than usual to match up our schedules and
get ourselves out there.
Yesterday a few of us managed it.
I fought tooth and nail trying to stay awake during the session.
......I later heard I was not alone in that fight....
but we made it, did our best,
 and I am happy we did.
Maria, Christi - who is brand new in our ward!! -
super stoked to have her, Colleen, and me.

"Visiting teaching is a relationship, 
not just an assignment;
it's a search for new ways of 
strengthening and developing a friendship."
Ensign, June 1978

Monday, August 29, 2011

Forced Quit.....

Ever since our trip to Utah I have not gotten on the scale.
Big whoop, right?
Well, before that, for many months prior to July 4th 
I was a "Weigh In Nazi Freak".
Every morning....go pee, get naked, weigh in.
Will I start my day out totally stoked??
feeling skinny and CONFIDENT?
or be down in the dumps, disappointed that I am 
not hitting my ideal number....again?
Would I look forward to a relaxed eating day,
or would this be a make up day for my freakish indulgences 
of yesterday?

This is kind of an embarrassing post.
It is personal, and I am admitting my imperfections
and personality flaws and the rigid
pressure that I occasionally indulge in....
I imagine it could be very annoying to read.
There are certainly bigger issues in this life.
I share this because I know I am not alone.....
and because I have been implementing changes in my 
attitude and behavior that feel more healthy and 
realistic to maintain.

So, back to the scale thing.
I really loved not weighing myself in Utah.
There was a scale in the bathroom,
but I never stepped on it,
not once.
I was on vacation for crying out loud.
I never stopped working out, I continued planning 
my classes and pushing myself physically.
But I didn't want to invite my own criticism into my 
time off if I found I was over 120lbs.

That is my number of choice -
120
I pick that number because that was my weight in high school.
....and because it looks good, I like that it is even,
and ends in a zero.
I can tell you now that I did not have a single muscle in my
body at that time.  
I may have looked slender,
but I was completely out of shape.
So today, knowing what I know about 
fitness, and the ABSOLUTE FACT 
that MUSCLE WEIGHS more than FAT!!!
......but takes up less room.
That is the important part.
IT TAKES UP LESS ROOM!!
Whoooohooo!
I still am driven to that stupid number.

Since I have gotten home, 
like I said, I have not taken my scale out.
It has been a month now.
Yowsa!
At first I was too afraid.
I did not want to face any disappointment.
but now..
I like not having to be driven by that stinking scale!
at first I loved it so much.
I really felt like it helped me stay in control,
gave me a guideline.
But I would be lying if I said it did not play a part in 
my daily highs and lows.

I have finally taken a look at where I am now.
I like where I am at.
I like my body.
I am proud of my efforts.
I like my strong shoulders....I work hard for the shape I see.
My guns...I see the definition,
and it is beautiful.
Slightly narrower hips....thank you running.
My abdominal muscles are strong and support my back.
My core is powerful.
My knees are well oiled and comfortable.

I am not skinny.
I am not going to be skinny....ever.
My goals for myself include being fit, healthy and STRONG.
Not even in the same category with skinny.
I am removing that word from my vocab.
I will always maintain the goal to not have a muffin top.
I guess I feel like I need to put this out there.
When I am standing there teaching a class I feel like 
people expect to see a certain body and level of fitness.
I want to deliver that.
I want you to see a healthy example and a fit person
that can potentially inspire and motivate you.
You will not see a skinny one.
I am ok with that.

In the  August SELF magazine there
is an article about Alison Sweeney - the host of the 
Biggest Loser...
I am not really of fan of hers, or really even the show,
but
She had had the same hang up....
really focusing on the scale.
She finally made the shift in her focus....instead of a number
on the scale,
she made it about being healthy and that made 
all the difference.  
I like her tips and her attitude and feel like I am 
finally on that track.


My Mac computer has something called a 
Forced Quit.
It is used when a program will not shut down on it's
own when told to do so.
It gets hung up for one reason or another, and I have to go 
in and command a Force Quit.
I have implemented a Force Quit on my unhealthy 
obsessive weighing in.
I recommend it.
It has made a big difference in my state of mind,
and helped me to recognize more of the positive
attributes about myself and my body,
rather than focusing only on the 
one negative, unrealistic goal I was 
unable to maintain. 

Any thoughts?

Friday, August 26, 2011

Conversation.....

Last night was Satellite High Schools open house.
I got to go meet all of Ethan's teachers for his freshman year.
I thought it was great.
I really liked following his schedule and being able to see 
how each day plays out for him.
The school is pretty cool,
nothing like we had in Utah.
All of the different buildings surround this big open courtyard,
you get to each building under covered walkways.
I like it.
Lately conversation with this kid has been tougher to come by.
He is getting lock-jaw or something.
I am always excited to find out how his day went....
and express an interest in his life and activities.
He however,
 is not very forthcoming with the goods I am seeking.
I ask him stuff like, How was your day?,
Was lunch good?, Did you guys go out to breakfast or 
eat at the cafeteria?, Who went?  Was it fun?
Who did you sit by?, Tell me about your homework, etc.....
Maybe I bombard him w/ TOO many questions.
But if I am not getting more than an "I guess,
yeah, fine, not really", it does not satiate my need for 
information.  
I finally got him to answer this question:
What was the best part of your day, and the worst?
Best
He kinda lit up yesterday;
The best part was in band when a wasp landed on a kids back.
We kept telling him he had a wasp on him,
but he thought we were kidding so he didn't do anything
about it.
The rest of us were all scrambling to get away from him.
Then it climbed up into his hair.
Finally he freaked out and it flew out onto another kids
foot, who then wigged out.
It was pretty cool.
Yeah.
That's what I'm talking about.
The good stuff.
The juice.
The crazy happenings of High School Life...
of your life.
 I can't remember the worst....
 but I'll tell you what I can remember,
I remember my mom always asking me tons of unending
questions after school.
I remember getting super annoyed and thinking,
who cares?
Get a life mom...
I really didn't know at the time, that I was her life.
That my coming home and sharing my 
experiences was a huge highlight of her day.
One way she could stay connected with me and 
be my support and biggest fan.

I wonder if I had known, 
would I have given her more of the good stuff?
I like to think so.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

SOS.....

I really liked this little book by 
John Bytheway.
I purchased it for our kids, but have gotten a lot
out of it for myself.
I love it because it is the perfect book to have
beside the toilet.
(just keeping it real....you know you do it to....
it is not like you are a famous movie start and do not 
go to the bathroom ever!!  duh)
It's perfect because it is not a book with long chapters.
He has it broken into small snippets.
He gets right to the good stuff and it leaves you with something
to ponder and think about until your next break,
and beyond.
Here is a quick overview to see it this book would be 
a good fit for you.

You know how we are always praying,
"Help us to get home in Safety"?,
Bytheway focuses on that, but getting us safely back
to our celestial home.
He relates everything around the "high seas"and our voyage.  
Using the Gospel as our map, and the Holy Ghost as our 
compass we learn to navigate effectively 
through the many dangers in our earthly life, 
and to better anchor ourselves in times of storm.
I loved it and am "climbing aboard" 
for round two.
It is an enjoyable read because Bytheway has a great 
sense of humor.  He has the ability to make sometimes heavy 
boring subjects light and easy to comprehend 
for everyone.
I always feel like I am nodding my head in agreement
and thinking, yeah, you are right,
and yes, that is totally how it is,
I have thought that to.
He is relatable....I guess that is what I am trying to say.
Big Brother Calvin and Claire Quigley
 One of my favorite passages in the book reminds me 
of the sweet baptism Cauley and I 
attended this past weekend.

"All the water in the world,
However hard it tried,
Could never sink the smallest ship
Unless it got inside.
And all the evil in the world,
The blackest kind of sin,
Can never hurt you the least bit
Unless you let it in."

Keeping our covenants helps us remain seaworthy.
Our covenants are a watertight protection,
so long as we keep them.


Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Yeah, like she said....

Here is a little quote I just got off my FB,
in regard to not being sure about
wanting to get up today....


No sleeping in!

Like my running partner

says,

"If it was easy,

Everyone would do it!"
thanks, Meisje

That's it!
It is not easy....that is what makes it so hard.

That is also what makes it so 
darn irresistible.

I am so glad I ran this morning.
Thank you Christi!!

It was tough,
I am pretty sure we were both completely
spent for the day.
We reached our goal of 6 miles.

I was reminded that for me there is no better feeling than getting up early, 
sweating, working hard and getting it done.  

When you debate your workout, 
remember that euphoric post workout feeling. 
Make a decision and follow through. 
I bet you will be happy you did!

Whoohoo!

Go do something HARD TODAY!!!


P.S. would love to hear what you do.


Tuesday, August 23, 2011

I got nothing.....

.....soooooo I decided to go with this table dancing video 
to inspire you today.
HB....didn't you originally send me this?
I will have something fresh for you tomorrow.
(turn off the blog music!)

Seen this before?
How do they not smile?
This couple must rule, don't ya think?
This is really what they do in their spare time?
OMGosh....I don't know how to feel about that....
envious?
...they are the ones with the problems?
I think I would like to see more....
wouldn't you?


What do you know....I found more...
what the heck am I doing?
I really need to be in bed, not searching for "finger dancing" on Youtube.
These two are truly idiots...
reminds me of K and I.
If you have 4 minutes to waste and never ever get back,
then I recommend watching this second performance.


You gotta admit they are definitely enjoying themselves.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Strength.....

"Strength is the ability 
to break a chocolate bar
into four pieces with your bare hands,
and then eat just one of those
pieces"


...as if!

Saturday, August 20, 2011

All Failure is Fleeting.

I did it!!
I embedded a video into my blog!
I am blowing my own mind.
I have tried so many times but could never crack the code.
Today I implemented using my brain -
 got on Youtube and
typed in "how to upload a video to your blog".
WHAT DO YOU KNOW....there are zillions of instructional
videos to teach just that.
SWEET SUCCESS.
I am so pumped from my class this morning that I wanted to
put this Mindy Gledhill video on.
(may have to mute the blog music)

I love the message in this song.
It is inspiring....see what you think.

take a chance....
live a crazy impossible dream.....
you tell me don't try it.....I'm not buying...
All Failure is Fleeting.....I trust it always has its meaning. 

I feel so happy today because I overcame an obstacle for myself.
I feel the high of accomplishment and success.

The first time I taught pilates at our club was a few 
months back, I was subbing for another teacher.  
I had put quite a bit of time and planning
into creating a challenging workout routine.  
Carefully selected just 
the right songs for my class.
I was nervous and really wanted it to go well.
It didn't.
It was a flop.
Several things went wrong....
I couldn't get the music or mic to work.
The class was very full.
They had not expected to see me....
they were not thrilled.
I moved through the routine but maybe didn't pay close 
enough attention to my participants, or give enough 
modifications....
it was so silent.
All I heard at one point was a muttered,
"What happened? did we land in advanced pilates or something?"
At the end no eye contact.....it felt really awkward and I felt 
so deflated and embarrassed.

Today I got my second chance at it.
I was very excited. 
Yes, a little nervous, but in a different way.
I have put more time in at the sound system,
figured out some trouble shooting,
and become more confident in how to run the mic.
I have tested out the moves I planned to try on my 
wonderful early morning sculptors.
I made a few modifications to my class bassed on how things went 
with my practice run.
I was comfortable with several modifications for every move
so that the whole class, regardless of their
fitness level, could participate.
I got there early.
Started on time.
Used the mic.....only the second time in my instructing career,
and it really was not that bad.
Vanessa...it was kinda fun.
The class was a blast.
This time I asked for their constructive criticism so I could improve
for the next time.
They said forget about it....
You're a KEEPER!!
YES!
OMGosh.....I nailed it.
Eye contact....HAPPY Faces.....I took it all in.

If at first you don't succeed.....fail, and try again.

Friday, August 19, 2011

U.C.M.L.

OK....I am giving these big boys a go.
 - fingers are crossed -
Kevin asked if we were fonduing tonight...
I guess these look like a 70ies or 80ies throw back?
I would love to fondue!

Ta -Da!
I really liked them.
The goal is to be able to do my hair and use less heat.
My hair tends to be dry, so using the flat iron, curling iron,
and blow dryer regularly is bad news.
These may be the ticket.
(the last ones were too ringlety) 
They were fast, actually stayed in (I was very still with my head)
I used only a little bit of gentle air just to make certain
all of the hair had dried before I removed them.
I only used the flat iron for my bangs.
Plus I get to look totally awesome wearing them around.


U.C.M.L.
Upper, cardio, middle, lower

I really liked this tip from Tony Horton from the P90X Series
(which lamely I have never even seen....I want to!)

He says there is always time to work out.
On really busy days take 10 minutes and do U.C.M.L.

Do as many pushups as you can do with good form.
Then do any kind of cardio -
(mountain climbers, jumping rope, running in place for 60 seconds.)
Then do 30 reps of an abdominal move, 
finish with 20 - 30 reps of a squat and plyometric jump.
Do 3 - 6 rounds.


I think that is a great plan.
Maybe we will keep it simple at sculpt on 
Tuesday and do several sets of
UPPER
CARDIO
MIDDLE 
LOWER
!!!!!!!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

No Better Days Than These......

Yesterday I was getting ready to read over the 
visiting teaching message for the month 
when I remembered I had recently let my Ensign 
subscription lapse.
Next months is on its way now, 
but I was in a hurry and needed to scrounge up an
old issue fast.
I grabbed the first one I stumbled upon....
January 2011.
I stuffed it in my bag and the kids and I headed to church for scouts.
Once everyone was settled, I sat down to flip through
the articles to find one I thought might be applicable 
to our sisters this month.
I quickly chose 
This was such a sweet find.
I guess I skipped it the first go round through the magazine.
Paul V. Johnson is the speaker,
"Your future is not determined by the 
conditions around you.
It is determined by your faith, your choices, and your efforts."

He spoke a lot about the strong examples of
different people and times that have come before us.
He mentions many historical accounts of challenging 
times and circumstances when others lived, and went on 
to fulfill their destinies.
None of these people allowed the challenges they faced
or the conditions of their world to determine the trajectory
of their lives.  They went forward with faith, 
and through the blessings of the Lord, they all
became what they were meant to become.
 Your individual future is either bright or cloudy,
depending on YOU.
I guarantee that you will face challenges.
That is part of mortality.
It is expected.
It is OK.
In fact, it is necessary.
 From Howard W. Hunter - 
"I am here tonight to tell you that despair, doom, 
and discouragement are not an acceptable view
of life for a Latter-day Saint.
Knowing what we know, and living as we are supposed to live,
we really have no place, no excuse, for pessimism and despair.
(love this next part)
I have worked my way through the depression and managed
to go to law school while starting a young family
at the same time. 
I have seen stock markets and world economics go crazy......
So I am frank to say tonight that I hope you won't
believe all the world's difficulties have  been 
wedged into your decade, or that things 
have never been worse than they are for you personally, 
or that they will never get better.
There are no better days than these days,
because "these are your days" (Helaman 7:9)
You are on the earth at this time for a reason.
You have what it takes.
I think I love this so much because -
 A. I know it is true, that thought is comforting, and exciting.
B. It feels like tough love, and I am all for that. 
He is like wake up folks.
Come on....dig in and go for it!!
C. It reminds me of the baby blessing Kevin
gave to McCauley.  The only words I remember of 
any of our four kids blessings he gave are these -
McCauley, this is your time,  this is your turn on Earth.

It's our time.
I hope you go enjoy the full article.
It is definitely worth a second glance and 8 minutes of your time.
Have a wonderful day!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

A new discovery....Texting......!

Last Saturday the boys and K went shark fishing 
from 7:00 - 11:00pm.
While they were gone M and I did girl stuff,
which included watching "Little House on the Prairie".
I have her pretty much hooked.
At one point I took my leave and had a quick bath,
while I was in there Cauley heard my phone get a text.
She was quite anxious, it was from dad.
I said just read it to me....
what if I don't know all the words,
it will be ok.
Just spell them out to me and we will go through it 
together.
She proceeds to read the urgent message....
here's a small snippet - 
"........he had his b-o-s-s'-s (space) k-e-y-s (space)
we had to go back to w-h-e-r-e (space) he 
works to t-u-r-n (space) them in....."

Ok, good job.
Go ahead and text him back if you like....
or just wait for me, I will be out in a few minutes.
I want to,
But what about my spelling?
It is ok, he will be able to figure it out.
I told her the ins and outs through the door and she
was off....
I will translate....I thought
this was too cute and special not to hang onto and share.

Hav you cot ene fish god nit i lov you.
pes. Wen are cumen bac?
(Have you caught any fish? Good night, I love you.
p.s. When are you coming back?)

11:30...Mac T, is that u....?

Babe. Is. Giten rile. Tird. And so am ie.  And bie the 
wae. It is McCauley.
(Baby is getting really tired and so am I.  And by the way,
it is McCauley.)

Sweet...!  Good texting Mac T.

The.  Cucedow. Wus. Gud.

Sweet girl....! I love cookie dough....!

Ples col me makte
(Please call me MacT)

I'm sure you get the idea.
She has been texting Kevin at the table, behind the couch.....
very fun.

......................................................


"Speak as little as possible about yourself.
Mind your own business.
Do not manage others.
Avoid curiosity.
Accept Correction.
Pass over mistakes.
Accept insults.
Accept dislikes.
Do not seek to be special.
Yield, even when right.
Be kind and gentle.
Choose always the Hardest."

 - Mother Teresa           
    

I copied this down while staying with my parents in Utah.
We had quite a few discussions about these recommendations.


Do you agree with all of them?
Is there one you know you want to do better at?
I know there were a few for me....

Have a great day!


Tuesday, August 16, 2011

AWARENESS.

I follow a blog called SHUT UP AND RUN....
each day I get an email with her words 
of wisdom, her training tips, and sometimes
really crude humor.
I skip quite a bit, but also take in much of what she 
has to offer.

I like this quote from one of her posts:

"I believe it's a lifestyle.
It's finding the connection between how you 
feel mentally, emotionally and physically
and what you put into your body.
There is NOTHING I eat in a given day that
I eat without being completely conscious
of how it is or is not contributing
to the well being of my body.
Awareness is Key.
When we get disconnected,
we make poor choices."

I have this taped above my computer by the light switch.
This quote is not magic,
I am not a fanatic health nut veagan...
(as if I could ever do that.)
but I do ask myself - 
Is this going to help fuel my body?
If the answer is no....
then I check and see if it will be worth it to me to 
continue on with the eating of this or that
piece of lard, or hunk of chalk,
or whatever is tempting me at the moment.
If my answer is yes, then I proceed....
like I did just now with two spoonfuls of cookie dough 
that I heated up in the microwave.

I did it.
It is done.
My conscious choice.
My splurge....
now I will make sure I give my 
body what it needs for the remainder of the day.

McCauley's Art work.
Check out 
today...she has a very good post that is worth reading
on how important it is to NOT be your own worst Enemy.

Monday, August 15, 2011

This thought MOTIVATES me.....

Man look at this INSANE Chick!
What is she like working out at the speed of light??
This is my Sista Amy.
This was taken during our last workout together while 
we were visiting Utah.
She has a sweet work out space in their garage.
We were dying trying to get through one of the "Insanity" DVDs 
after a 3 mile run.
I must say it is good to have workout buddies.
Seriously....I wanted to quit so bad,
but I watched Amy keeping at it, and of course I would not 
let her see me being a quitter.  
I may have been on the verge of blacking out, and possibly 
vomiting....but I am no quitter.
There are days that I don't feel like getting out there at 5:20 a.m.
and sweating my brains out.
I admit it...not too many, but when those days come
- I remember this:

"I have *never* regretted going for a run,
but I always regret skipping it"

it. is. that. simple.

That propels me day in and day out.
I always feel so good when I am done.
I am grateful that I have friends to share, and work on fitness
goals with.

Thank you.

One thing I have decided I really want to do with my blog is to post something each day 
that has inspired or motivated me one way or another.
Anything form quotes, healthy recipes, to a certain exercise
or challenge I think you might be interested in trying.
I am always pasting these kinds of things around our office, on the fridge,
in my planner, etc.
Well, I finally thought....what the heck?
I want to share these with my homies.
I have whole bunch stacked up that I can't wait to post.....
so check in my fitness friends.
You won't want to miss a DETAIL.
Oh yeah.....waaaaaay corny.
I will still do the family stuff as well when there is something to share
....but these will be an everyday nugget of knowledge.
Hopefully something to take away and use.
Now this is proof of an excellent workout.
I was surprised when I stood up, Amy had one to,
we worked hard that day.
What gets you up and out the door?

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Today's A New Day...the first, only 179 to go....

Good Grief.
Do all moms go through painful withdrawals on the first day?
Guilt.
Joy.
Sadness.
Potential.
Worthlessness.
A severe need for chocolate?
PS - there is none in the house!!  No chocolate chips even....I had to steal a 
mini Almond Joy out of McCauley's school survival kit.
I figure it was for someones survival anyway...plus she doesn't like coconut or nuts.
normal?
I remember last year....
it was very similar, but maybe worse.

The kids are gone.
They are off learning....I am very excited for them.
Man, they were so pumped last night.
Checking and double checking times,
schedules, and supplies.
Lawson especially.
We met he and McCauley's teachers last night.
He was sooooooo relieved to find that his home room teacher,
Mrs. Iocano does not specialize in Math,
but rather Science.
He admitted that he pretty much lucked out this year.
Not a bad attitude to start with.

I biked all the kids to school this morning :
Lawson 5th / McCauley 1st -  Surfside Elementary - 8:15 - 2:45
Ethan 9th - Satellite High - 8:45 - 3:30
Ryker 7th - DeLaura Middle School - 9:30 - 4:15

Pretty Amazing that they are all within biking distance!!
What a bonus that is.

 Here we go!
I love M's teacher's theme this year...
Camp IWANNALEARNALOTTA!
Her whole room is decked out....even down to the little camp fire
they sit around for story time, etc.

Lawson really takes this school business serious.
He really got into his new school clothes also.
(He is the only one of the 3 brothers that will wear a collared shirt to school, 
I still need to remind him to undo the top button.)
We had fun shopping together....
I never would have guessed it,
but that kid has a fun style all his own.
After we dropped M at her class, she is attending a "mixed"
class this year - 1st and 2nd graders....just two from her Kindergarten class got
picked for this opportunity, 
she and the "smartest kid" in her kindergarten class.

L and I were walking over to his room,
I reached for his hand, 
he withdrew his.
I was like, hey sir, we are Mother and Son...
we still get to hold hands mister.
He relinquished his hand to me.
(Sorry, but not yet my friend.
The older two never did really hold hands with me
....I've got to hang on to it as long as I can).
 This kid is in High School.
What? no. Yes really.
He said I didn't have to ride with him to school...
but what the heck?
Why wouldn't I?.....I will keep out of sight, leave before anyone cool
might see me.  
I just wanted to see the route he was going to take....
make sure he could find the building for his first class...
you know.
Ryker was gnawing at the bit to leave.
He is the straggler, the late starter like Ethan was last year.
He played us a few hymns to calm our nerves and
set the tone for the day.
I really used to love it when Ethan would practice his piano before school
last year.  Looks like I will get a repeat.
 There he goes.......look at him go.
 now here i am.

I have been wanting to try these rollers I got at Ross's for forever.  
Well, today is my lucky day.
I have all the time in the world.
No interruptions.
No one to need my attention.
Look, I made an amazing spinach, bean, egg, barbecued chicken salad
for lunch.....or brunch anyway.
I ate at 10:45.
I can eat when I want....no ones schedule to mind but my own.

 Hey....four eggs...why 4?  
I only needed one....just me, myself, and I.

I know I will enjoy my time and be productive....
give me a few days.
I need to get past all my...
"would-a, could-a, should-a's"

What-a-day!
How did your first day go?