iWasn't Ready for Snow

Outside my Window:  Orange, yellow and brown leaves all over the ground, lots of wind, and today rain expected to turn to snow later in the day.....and now as I finish this post it is officially snowing.  Love Michigan!

What's on my Mind:  Grace.  How to guide teenage boys with authority and love from a mother's perspective.

Thankful for:  Rob having more time to deal with projects around the house due to his unemployment.  One deer in the freezer, hoping for another.  4 new tires on my van.

Creative Endeavors:  Putting together the marking materials for LCCC's December concert.  I think it turned out pretty awesome.  Now I'm working with the typesetter on the program.  Lots of work but always worthwhile in the end.

My Latest Project:  I am TRYING to do National Novel Writing Month  (NaNoWriMo) again but it is not going very well.  My word count is not where it should be but I'm not giving up yet. 

My 3 Sons: The cross country season has come to a close.  It was a rough go for a moment with Fox, he and the coach got into over some things at one point and he actually quit the team in haste and frustration.  After a cooling down period they made ammends, Fox had a week of suspension but then came back and finished with the team with a fabulous new personal record of 20:19.  Our Senior girl and Fox's CC buddy made it to State Competition this year at the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, MI so just about the entire team made the trek to cheer her on.  Now Fox is shifting into Model U.N. mode and is also participating in off season sessions twice a week after school.  Congrats also, he was inducted into the National Honor Society this month.

Benjamin's S.T.E.M. class is working on a robotics unit and will be going to Hartland in a couple weeks for a competition.  I am planning to go along and help as a team manager as well as just being there to support the middle school science teacher in this endeavor.

Ethan was awarded "Rookie of the Year" for middle school which I totally wasn't expecting.  Coach also gave all the ms kids an engraved medal for their amazing efforts.  Now Ethan is working on his piece for Forensics.  The kids stay after school as a group on Mondays then come in for individual practice one other day.  He is working on a group of Jack Pruletsky poems about wizards.  Their first tournament will be in a couple weeks in Hartland also.

The First Born:  Working like a dog but loving her two new work families.  She is also going to be helping with the local forensic tournaments as a judge.

Employment News: Nothing to report.  Although Rob has been fielding many calls nothing concrete has developed and it looks like he may be returning to his self-employed status as traveling CNC tech.  My feelings are mixed about this but I'm trying to stay positive.

Hoping to Improve:  My running schedule.  Right now I'm only getting out twice a week, once on my own for a brisk 2-mile then on Saturdays with the small group I run with.  Did 4.4 with them last week, need to add another loop before the New Year's Resolution race since I've set a goal to run the 8K this year.

Food for Thought:  Enjoying the final spoils of the garden, finishing the lettuce that I planted late, and harvesting the herbs (thyme, rosemary, cilantro, and parsley).  Put together a few bottles of herb vinegar to use during the winter.  Got the big garden rototilled, moved the carpet that was preparing a new area, turned that over and extended the plot once more.  Hoping to double my yield next year.

Last Words:

iGive

Outside my Window: Beautiful sunshine but crispy air temp.

What's on my Mind: How to parent teenage boys.  Mine have been a real treat lately.  And trust me, I know they are tame in their rebellions compared to what I understand some people have dealt with.  It's a delicate dance.  You know what they say, "teeangers are God's way of helping us let go." 

Thankful for: Opportunity.   And keeping the bills paid.

My Latest Project has been taken advantage of my employer's generosity and picking batches of grapes for jelly and juice which has also become my Creative Endeavors as well.  My friend Sarah offered her kitchen and we spent a day making several batches of jelly.  She stuck with the traditional Concord jelly recipe while I used some Canadice and Cayuga grapes with natural sugar, honey, and regular sugar (in various batches). 

She made two batches of Concord that turned out fabulous plus had juice to spare for another batch the next day.  I did four different batches with the two varieties, only one set of the Cayuga set, but it IS tasty!  The rest I'm using for a juice base and in granola bars.  Last night I juiced up some Stuebens, they are very similar to the Concord but slightly mellower.  The boys taste tested it and said it didn't even need sugar added.  Next batch is NO sugar, followed by a LOW Sugar, and one HONEY batch.  Fun times.  Also working on a round of Canadice juice.  Yummo!

My 3 Sons: The boys have started to push the boundaries a bit as would be expected with teenagers which has caused some tense days.  Not to mention their poor choices creating much unwarrented distress.  We had a week where it felt everyone lost their bloody mind and now after penanance and discipline measures have taken place we seem to be back on an even keel once again.

Fox recently subbmitted his application for National Honor Society.  Ethan has checked in with the middle school Forensics supervisors and is in the process of selecting a piece to work on.  Ben's soccer experience has been challenging with the rec program again this year but we're sticking it out and making the best of it.

The first Born: Still vegan.  Still working 2 jobs.  May help with some Forensics events with the North Branch School team since little bro is going to be competing.  Alex did in high school and really enjoyed it.

Employment News: Didn't get the position I interviewed for but found out I was second choice.  Not sure how I feel about that.  Probably going to continue working at the farm part-time helping fill online orders.  Still subbing as well, been in the middle school a few times already and high school special ed.

Hoping to Improve: My attitude.  Feeling very crabby and complaintive lately....could be hormonal.  Or that I'm a pink drowning in a blue world if you know what I mean.  Being the only female in the house can push your limits of grace to the brink.

Food for Thought:  Recipes made with love can never be fattening!  (Smile)

Last Words:

Make it a point to do something every day that you don't want to do. This is the golden rule for acquiring the habit of doing your duty without pain.

~Mark Twain

iHave no Expectations

Outside my Window:  We have been having the most wonderful weather lately, warm but not miserable, mixed with some cooler days that start you off with sweatshirts in the morning but by 11a it's t-shirt and shorts all the way.  The activity around the Buddliea bushes in the Gramma Garden has been crazy, very hard to capture these busy creatures on film.

What's on my Mind:  Mental health, forgiveness, family.  I just finished reading the book "Silver Linings Playbook" for our next book club meeting.  I had seen the movie in theaters but it had been enough time that I could forget what I saw and really get into the characters as written.  It really made me think more about the influence of family and relationships; when you need to forgive, let go and keep connection; and when you need to completely release any contact for the sake of your mental well-being.  It's a very fine line and a tricky road to cross. 

Thankful for:  A great first cross country meet at Croswell-Lexington High School this morning.  The weather was perfect, we had the biggest team since my boys have been involved, and Fox had his old mojo back, having fun with his running buddies and taking it all in stride.  Coach wasn't pushing anybody, this was an invitational meet and the goal was just to get a baseline time set to work off of for the rest of the season.

Creative Endeavors:  Putting together a Fundraising Packet for the Lapeer County Concert Choir 2013-14 campaign.  Rearranging perennials from various garden areas.

Latest Project:  Getting the donations to the 4H Feeds Families Committe delivered and/or stored until the organizations can use it.  Since there was so much meat donated I had to get resourceful and got a freezer donated from the Habitat for Humanity Restore.  We gave some to House of Hope which prepares hot meals weekly at various locations, some to North Branch Emergency Aid which distributes weekly food boxes, and some to the United Methodist Women for their shut-in meals that they prepare and deliver to the elderly in the community.

My 3 Sons:  Getting put to work around the property quite a bit, luggin tree limbs, raking grass clipping, push mowing, cleaning out and rearranging the back of the garage.  Still to come, closing down the piggie pen and making modifications for next time.  Went to Junior orientation with Fox this week and got his schedule. These his classes for the entire year:
AP Prep English, Pre-Calc, AP US Government, Economics, Physics, Drafting, 3D Design, Intro Stats, Current Events, You and the Law

Middle School open house is coming up this week for Ben and Ethan although they've already gone online and peeked at their classes.  E wanted to find out if he made it into PreAlgebra....he did!  He's also got Drama class for first trimester and Ben will be in the S.T.E.M. class again which he loved.

I've also asked all the boys to find a non-sport actvity or club to do during the winter months.  Ethan is going to try Forensics, Fox is thinking about Model U.N. and/or Legislative Debate, Ben is not sure what he'll do yet.  We talked about maybe trying F.F.A. (Future Farmer of America) but he's not that convinced.

The first Born:  Putting in applications EVERYWHERE, finally started getting calls for interviews.  Had a job offer today to start training next week.  Has another 2nd interview tomorrow and is hoping to be able to work at both places since they've been talking to her about different shifts.  Both are far closer to home so gas expenses will be extremely less plus no more BK drama.  You go girl!

Employment News:  Did my renewal tutorials for subbing but have also been putting in online applications looking for a regular secretarial or administrative assistant job in the area.  Also going to be working weekends at Honeyflow.

Hoping to Improve:  I've begun reading a very disconcerting book "Pandora's Lunchbox: How Processed Food Took Over the American Meal" by Melanie Warner.  My crusade to cut out processed food began awhile back, this information will certainly propel me to stay on track.  These food scientists are so proud of their preserving accomplishments but what has transpired in the meantime is not even close to real food any more, it's really just food representation.

Food for Thought:  Since our employment change we have been blessed with donations from neighbors' gardens and freezers plus our garden is coming in nicely.  It has been a joy to cook for my men regularly again with locally grown/raised produce/livestock. I've also been working on freezing zucchini, swiss chard, and apples.  From garden to bowl....quick and easy coleslaw!

Last Words: 

Life is 10% what you make it

and 90% how you take it.

~Irving Berlin



iWent to the Fair



Outside my Window: Now it is dark since I've been trying to complete this post for the past couple days and Blogger is being stupid.  When I began there were blue skies, little white clouds, slight breezes, sun, and an empty pig pen.

What's on my Mind:  Raising boys and the stupid things they do that blow my mind.  You think you know a kid's character and then a behavior arises that you never expected.  Not saying girls aren't like that too, but right now I'm dealing with boys.

Thankful for: A great week at the Eastern Michigan State Fair.  The weather was fantastic with just a little bit of rain one evening and for a while one morning other than that the temperatures were tolerable which is not always the case with Fair week.  Ethan did well in his first year showing rabbits, he needs to work on his showmanship (5th in age group) but his animals all placed well.  His meat pen weighed in at 20.10 pounds and he got $9 per pound at the auction, donating $10 of his earnings to the 4H Feeds Families Committee.  We have an appointment this week to take them in for processing, with small animals the sellers take care of the processing and deliver them to the buyer.

Ben did not get any ribbons this year, he was one out for placing in his showmanship age group and in his weight class.  No worries, he's got a plan for next year and is looking forward to having another chance at it next year.  I must admit it can be hard to compete against kids who come from large working farms.  Zelda weighed in at 275 pounds and he got $2 per pound again at auction from the same buyer as last year.  Fox held his own amongst some pretty seasoned showman but did not place, nor did he expect to.  His pig Dagney received a 4th Place in her weight class, tipping the scale at 286 pounds and bringing in $2.20 per pound at auction.  He donated $35 of his earnings to the 4H Camp Scholarship fund, which made me quite proud.  I give Fox credit for stepping up and trying pig raising and showing to support his younger brother who did not want to be in the project alone but understand that it is not his "thing" and he will refrain from showing again.  He is however going to apply to work at the Fairgrounds next summer since he'll be old enough. 

Also, Ethan got the prize for getting the most sponsorships for the Swine Department for the second year in a row.... a nice fresh Benjamin!  Cha-ching!  He's already planning to go for it again next year.

Creative Endeavors: This photo I took in Italy got 1st Place for Phototgraphy-Architectural.

My three Handicrafts-Paper Goods entries were the only ones in the category!  My Wildflower Arrangement and Perennial Arrangement both got 2nd Place.

But these two Handicrafts-Other made from scrap tile and molding that I spent the most time and thought on didn't get anything.  I was quite proud of how these turned out.  Go figure.

Latest Project:  Got the flashdrive of pictures from Ben's Space Academy week, put together a couple collages from the hundreds and hundreds of photos that their sponsor and the camp staff took.  Very, very cool.

My 3 Sons: High School Football starts this week for Fox.  Middle School Cross Country begins the last week of the month for Ben and Ethan.

The first Born: Officially engaged.

Employment News: Applied for another position in the Lapeer 4H Extension office, already spoke with the county coordinator, hoping to get a call for an official interview this week.  Also going to be helping a friend out, well we're helping each other out, at his vineyard and honeybee farm during the fall picking season.  Robert is also seeking employment after a devastating turn of events at his place of work.  Yes, the fun never ends.

Hoping to Improve: My resourcefulness.....

Food for Thought: Dr. Miracle's approach was much less confrontational and more civilized. According to him, there are two selves in each of us: the one who wants to be slim and healthy and the on who wants something else.  One sees the big picture -- well-being, self-esteem, fitting into the lastest fashions. The other wants pleasures aplenty, and now.  One is Narcissus leaning over his pool; the other is Pantagruel leaning over his table.  The key, he said, was not to conquer the second, but to broker a rapprochement: make friends of your two selves and be the master of both your willpower and your pleasures.  That was the French way.  ~French Women Don't Get Fat: The Secret of Eating for Pleasure by Mireille Guiliano

Last Words: 

iSee the Sun

Outside my Window:  A fantastic sun shiny day!  Perfect temps. Just lovely.

Pig pick-up and tagging went well this weekend. 

Above: Ben & Fox  greet their gilts and settle them into the Piggie Palace. 

Below: Sunny Girl getting to know the new arrivals.

What's on my Mind: Getting in the groove with all the outside projects and duties.  Rob has been working to get the push mower and tractor ready and running.  Fox did some push mowing this weekend.  The peas and spinach are just starting, need to get a plan for the rest of the garden.  List of tasks is to long to post, just need to take it one day at a time.

Thankful for: My awesome neighbor who has been there to help us out so many times in so many ways.

Creative Endeavors: Kind of creative....I framed out an opening in the back barn, extended the wall, and made a new door, turned out pretty good if I do say so myself.

Latest Project: Getting my mojo on for 4H Camp and coming up with some fun stuff to make campfire time more memorable.

My 3 Sons: Fox is taking the AP Psychology exam today and doing some grade clean-up before it's too late.  Can not stress the importance of GPA to him when it comes to applying for college and scholarships.  The last track meet he only ran the 1-mile and was dealing with some shin splints still.  Meeting with the doctor later this week to see what we can do to help him through these training pains.

Ben is having a great time playing soccer with his school buddies and the team does really well together.  They have two strings that take turns playing and both are very strong.  This is the best passing team I've watched play in a long time.  So far they've won one and lost one.  Ben had several goal shots this past weekend but none went it.  Doh!  Hopefully today's game he'll put some in the net!

Ethan did a great job getting sponsorships for the Swine Department again, not sure if he'll win the prize this year but he was glad to help out and generate some funds to go toward all the expenses at Fair.  His first baseball game will be on Wednesday, he's not a huge fan of his coach right now but I'm hoping things will turn around.  When it comes to rec sports and volunteers it's like a box of chocolates....you never know what you're going to get. 

The first Born: Not much on her lately, she's just looking forward to having a week long PAID VACATION in July....going camping with the Grandparents.  It's tradition!  Nice to see her and the bf at the LCCC "Cinema Sinfonia" concert yesterday.

Employment News: Nothing new on my end, have been getting a decent amount of sub jobs, was in the high school three days last week.  Fox and Ben are going to get two more weekends in at the Vineyard which is great because that means they can totally fund their swine project themselves and keep all profits after auction.  Ethan is already thinking about where he would like to work when he is a bit older, while he was out procuring sponsorships for the Swine Department he kept in mind that these would be good contacts for references and possible employment.  That kind of mindset makes me smile.

Hoping to Improve: My leadership and delegation skills now that, by default, I have become the President of the Lapeer County Concert Choir board.

Food for Thought: Every time you eat according to your natural instincts, it is an act of love and respect.  When you begin to recognize your body's needs and take the utmost care in satisfying them, the feelings of self-connectedness can be awesome.  ~Ten Habits of Naturally Slim People

Last Words:

iDk

Outside my Window:  Rain again!  April showers are in full force this year, nearly every day last week it rained, there were a couple days of sun and now wetness once again.  Booo.   Hiss.

What's on my Mind: To many things that are negative and frustrating, working hard to move past, not dwell, and find ways to stay uplifted.  How am I doing with that?  Depends on the day.

Thankful for: Baby bunnies and my doggies.  They're soft and fuzzy and love you no matter what. 

Creative Endeavors: Finished my first read and mark edit of my NaNoWriMo novel.  Now to pull it into Scrivener and really get busy.  I realized there is much detail I'd like to add.  When getting the idea out originally I just worked to get the basic concept down now that it is out, time to go through and embelish.

Latest Project: Still working on the Pig Pen, hoping to pour cement this weekend and got a lead on some used equipment.

My 3 Sons:  Track  -  Baseball  -  Soccer  ....  and away we go!  My spring trifecta is in full swing.  Fox did well in his first track meet. He got a 2:29 on his split in the 4x800 relay, not sure of his times on the Mile and 2-Mile.  Ethan's buddy on the next street is on his baseball team which is fantastic since we can help each other with the driving.  Ben and I went to the Space Camp meeting yesterday and got all the details about the travel and what to expect on the trip.  It all sounds super, I wish I could go with him.

Fox and Ben have been working at a vineyard the past few weekends pruning.  Great opportunity and for them, good money.  While they're gone Ethan is working with me around the property.  All three of the boys also spent two and half days working down at the shop with their dad during spring break doing some inventory and organzing of parts. 

The first Born: The second job idea didn't work out but she has been working fill-in manager shifts at various locations.  Fun.  Working on her first grown-up purchase on her own of some new/used tires for her vehicle.  More fun.

Employment News: Due to scheduling issues I am no longer at the greenhouse.  It's a good/bad thing.  I've been picking up substitute teaching jobs again but still looking and hopeful to find something regular.  Found out about a position that I would really love to do but the reality of it is the schedule would not work with my life right now, as it would entail lots of late nights and crazy hours so I decided not to even apply for it.  As much as I want regular work it is really important to me to be available for my boys since the time I have with them is getting shorter and before I know it they will be graduated and off on their own so I want to do as much as I can with and for them now. 

Hoping to Improve:  Ah, my life in general..... and my training schedule, got another 5K race coming up in a couple weeks!

Food for Thought: Being picky about what you eat is a sign of self-respect. Not only is it OK to be picky about what you eat, but it is also essential to the process of becoming naturally slim.  ~Ten Habits of Naturally Slim People

Last Words:

iNeed a Break

Outside my Window:  It has been rather dreary the past few weeks with the sun only making minor appearances.  Fortunately in the greenhouse you're in a weather-warp and only realize the chilliness when you're running from house to house.  Snow has melted and the driveway is finally beginning to get back to normal.  The muddy ruts were seriously getting old.

 What's on my Mind: Almost to much to put into words.  Fundraising for the 4H Feeds Families Committee, marketing for the Lapeer County Concert Choir spring concert "Cinema Sinfonia," trying to keep involved in the Wild Lapeer event, revising the animal barn, conducting a virtual schooling experiment with my middle school boys next year, and hoping that the sports schedules don't collide too much.

Thankful for: Hot baths, tequila shots, and Netflix on my Kindle Fire.

Creative Endeavors: Nothing lately, although I did lovingly caress my novel and read through a couple pages this past week.  Really need to get back to editing....... 

Latest Project: Benjamin and I are working on a plan to revise the animal barn.  We did some pricing at TSC to see what things costs retail, and are checking into buying some used equipment.  The goal is to have two areas set up, one for pigs, the other for lambs and we'd like to recycle/reuse materials we already have on the property as much as we can.  He has a budget of $300 to work within.  I'll keep you posted on the progress.

My 3 Sons: Benjamin was selected to go to Space Academy in Alabama this summer, all expenses paid!  One of the teachers has been taking kids to the space camp program, on scholarships collected from donations and fundraisers, for many years.  This year she expanded to include middle schoolers and have 6 students attend.  He, of course is beyond excited, the trip is the same week as 4H camp however so he will not be able to be a day camp counselor this year but worth the trade off.  :)   http://www.spacecamp.com/camp/sa

Ethan's report of 6th grade camp was not very favorable.  This kids acted terribly, there was a lot of quarreling among friends, the classes weren't that great, the food was awful, and nobody slept at night.  Total waste of my money in his opinion.  Got the call from his baseball coach, the first practice will be the second Tuesday in April.  No word on the game schedule or where we'll be playing yet.  This is a 'travel' team so it will all be new to me.

The younger two boys are also venturing into raising meat rabbits and plan to each have a pen of 3 in the auction this year.  We've got 12 on order, half of which will be ready next weekend.

Fox's first track meet was canceled.  So we'll do a restart the Wednesday after the kids get back from Easter break, North Branch is hosting.  He tried for time in the 800m and made a good showing but I've been told the time is not bloggable yet until he gets it down a little more.  He's hoping to run the 800m and 2-mile this year.  I think it would be cool if he got on a relay too but we'll see.  They have a lot of guys to choose from right now but we'll see who makes it through the season.

The first Born:  Finally pain free and feeling much better after battling an infected wisdom tooth.  Investigating extraction options with her funky insurance plan.  Dropped out of choir for now.  Looking into a second job at a place her friend works at.

Employment News: Well, I didn't get the other job I interviewed for.  Still hanging in at the greenhouse but not sure if he'll keep me through retail because I can only work mornings.  There's no way with everything the boys and I do after school and evenings that I can pull it off without losing my ever-loving mind.  So I'm sort of on hold again at the moment.  I can try and pull some sub jobs again while I revamp and figure out what's next.  Honestly I've got enough "work" to do around the house and property and would really rather concentrate on that.  Hoping the new expansion into selling machines at Rob's work will turn into some extra commission checks soon!!

Hoping to Improve: My sustainability factor.  When we first got this property I was huge into gardening, preserving, raising chickens, we also had sheep for years and meat rabbits.  It got to a point where I bottomed out with everything I was doing so I closed down the gardens and haven't done vegetables or fruits in many years, the orchard has been severely neglected and we're not using the land as we should.  I'd really like to get back to the basics like we were when the kids were little.  The boys are all big enough to contribute more and Fox for certain appreciates the concept of healthy food not processed so hopefully this time around we can work more as a team and have an even bigger impact.  This is my dream.

Food for Thought: To feel pleasantly hungry and to satisfy that hunger is a gesture of self-love we can repeat over and over. Hunger is not the villain; it is ignorance and fear of our hunger that lead us astray.  ~Ten Habits of Naturally Slim People

Last Words:

iSing for Joy

Outside my Window: The sun is shining, the snow is melting, everything is brown and dreary, but the anticipation of spring is in the air!

What's on my Mind: Getting my men (old and young) trained up to keep things rolling around the house and property since I am not always here to coordinate things while working full-time.

Thankful for:  A wonderful choral experience this weekend being part of the Flint Festival of Choirs hosted by the Carolyn Mawby Chorale with guest conductor Hugh Floyd from Furman University.  Ms. Mawby is an inspiration to so many people in so many ways.  She always has a smile on her face and encourages others even while going through some very challenging times in her life.  Being part of the Lapeer County Concert Choir has been such a blessing to me in a variety of ways, the music, the friends, the opportunity to grow administratively as Vice President, and the internal challenge of making time to have it in my life.  Very thankful.

Creative Endeavors: Nothing to much lately, other than putting together a quick display for the 4H Feeds Families Committee table for Spring Achievement.

Latest Project:  Committee and Board work mostly.  Getting marketing materials prepared for the choir's spring concert, moving forward with the new 4H committee, and getting ready to share some songs and games at the next Camp Counselor training meeting.

My 3 Sons:  Reports cards are in.  Everyone took a slight dip in their grades this trimester which seems to be typical.  Nothing terrible although I was I little bummed to see a C for Fox's AP Psychology class, other than that everyone pulled As and Bs.  Fox started track last week.  Got Ethan signed up for baseball and Ben for soccer.  Also, Benjamin applied for the third time to go to space camp and this time made it to the second step- an interview which will take place later this week.  All three boys also took a few projects to the 4H Spring Achievement event over the weekend.  Ben got an Honorable Mention for his wooden sword and Ethan took 2nd Place for his Science Project on electrical circuits.  Below is a snap of the boys walking up from the bus stop after school. 

The first Born:  Dealing with excruciating pain from her wisdom teeth coming in.  :(  Finally got an appointment with the dentist today, hopefully it will be remedied quickly.  She's also assisting me with the drama program and is going to take a part in '12 Angry Swine' for me.

Employment News:  I have been planting up a storm at the greenhouse and am dubbed the Geranium Goddess after potting up nearly 3000 of them.  Gotta love the trolley when you're hauling dirt and plants through the house.  Also had an interview for another position in a more "professional" setting which would extend past this seasonal work.  A decision needs to be made by April 1st but I checked in with them today and was told I'm still in the running.  Woot!

Hoping to Improve:  My training schedule.  Working such a physically taxing job has totally cut into my running routine.  I still fit in my yoga but have not been getting out for runs as often.  Did a 2-mile today and will meet up with the running group again Saturday morning but that's about all I'll be able to handle this week.  Hope I can still make a decent showing at the Spring Fitness 5K at the end of April.

Food for Thought:  You are not meant to live in fear of your own body. Know that your body, mind, and spirit are always working on your behalf. Even if you are deeply involved in emotional eating, it is not because your body is betraying you; it is because right now you know no other way to comfort yourself.  -from The Ten Habits of Naturally Slim People

Last Words:

iLove Change

Happy New Year Everyone!  Another 365 days to conquer. What will they hold?  I am a huge fan of change and the turn of the calendar can be a time of great hope and challenges.  Everything that came before is already done and you can't go back but now there is a new beginning.  This year I am going to change the format of my blog slightly and use a Daybook style instead of my normal journal style, hope it is still as entertaining and informative.

Outside my Window:  A crisp winter day, slight foggy, with a good covering of snow.

What's on my Mind:  A discouraging interaction with a family member.  Breaking bad family legacy is always a challenge and what I've realized is the only person I can change is myself even if others don't see it or acknowledge it.  I can not alter the functionality of generations past but I can do my best to make ammendments in my future generations.

Thankful for:  My health.  Many people I know were dealing with illness over the holiday and reading all the prayer requests on the weekly church program makes me realize how lucky I am.

Creative Endeavors:  Rewriting some parts for the Schoolhouse Rocks Live production since I did not have anyone come forward that could do the roll of Tom the new teacher so I'm working it out as if the kids are lamenting about going back to school and wishing teachers could make learning more interesting like in the Saturday shorts.  Also planning for sets and costumes.

Latest Project:  Just walked my first 5K in Flint and was so inspired by the age and variety of runners and walkers I'm considering moving up my 5K run goal to participate in the Hot Chocolate 5K Run in February, depends how training goes.  I am currently up to running 2 miles.  Ran into some North Branch ladies at the run and was invited to join them Saturday mornings to run/walk with them.  Sweet!

My 3 Sons:  Fox participated with me in the New Year's Resolution event doing his first 8K and coming in 3rd in his age class with a time of 36:44.  Ethan is in the Schoolhouse Rock production and will be featured as Bill.  Ben is planning to try for the Space Camp trip again this year. 

The first Born: Alex has decided to continue her college hiatus and has been working many hours at the BK lounge.  She is still trying to figure out what she truely wants to pursue and helps me out with various dramatic endeavors.  I'm enjoying this new stage of our relationship.

Employment News: Unfortunately I did not even get an interview for the non-profit job I applied for which was a bummer but I have been subbing quite a bit lately.  Put a few other applications in online however don't know if they made their way through cyberspace and into the right hands. The search continues.

Hoping to Improve: My reactions to negative situations and not letting other people's choices effect me adversely.

Food for Thought:  "The state of your mind is more important to reaching a state of health than diet or exercise. It is your subconscious and conscious mind working in unison that will either support you or sabotage you on your journey."  from Ten Habits of Naturally Slim People by Jill H. Podjasek, M.S., R.N.

Last Words:  Run happy - Live happy!

Love this photo from The Cancun Marine Park

designed to encourage coral growth to keep the oceans biological flourishing,

an amazing fusion of public art and environmental conservation. 

design-dautore.com