Autumn is here...

Hey, can you even believe that it's already October (tomorrow)? Wow... where did the time go? Wait, I know the answer to that question... it passed in a flurry of chaos that left its mark on me by dusting my hair with gray strands and imprinting the lines of aging on my face. ha. Gotta love wrinkles and gray hair! Welcome to middle-age, huh? (it's only if you think of it that way, right?)

I have been loving my job, having two conferences under my belt now! The life in a hotel for a couple nights isn't even too bad, because it usually brings with it a QUIET night's sleep, and the bed to myself. But then again, when my family picked me up from a conference on Friday, so we could travel to Minneapolis to head to a family wedding, I was more than happy to share the hotel experience with them, and give up the solitude of a bed to myself. I had missed them, and judging from the hugs and kisses I received, they missed me too (good to know I'm still loved) ha.

The running and swimming is still a big part of my days, with the upcoming 1/2 marathon closing in faster and faster all the time! Last weekend, I was so thrilled that my friend and I ran longer than we'd ever run together before (she kicked my butt in endurance, though). And so tonight I did another long run, and had a fun time with a friend riding her bike alongside me. It was a great motivating factor, and kept me going at a set pace. Plus, it gave us the perfect opportunity to catch up on all the latest juicy news in our lives (as juicy as being a couple of moms can be).

As I stretch my legs (the run is already taking its toll on my old body), and try to keep my eyes open long enough for my son to finish his math homework, I wish you all a fabulous week, and a beautiful fall season! Just as the leaves change and fall, let your worries slip off your limbs, and make way for the change of seasons in your life. Rake up all the unnecessary stuff, and heap it in a pile (then either bag it, burn it, or at least walk away from it). Have a super fall!

A day of rest...

Hey there.... that's what today is for me, a day of REST! I was out of town all week at my first conference, and it was a great time! Well, let me clarify that.... it was great from the aspect that I learned a LOT, felt helpful and professional, and worked my butt off. But it was everything I thought it would be, and so much more. One of our special guest speakers was the Surgeon General of the United States. That was impressive and inspiring, and gave me a picture of the types of people I could be associated with in the future. No, not all the high-powered, big-shooters of our country will be coming to North Dakota for conference appearances, but there could be/will be some interesting encounters to be sure.

The exercise regimen, however, suffers from being on-site at conferences. Later evening wrap-ups don't really facilitate a long run, or a trip to the local YMCA for a swim workout. But tomorrow holds a longer run for me, so I'll put my energy into that. But for today, it's going to be "Destination De-Clutter" in my bedroom!!! I have a closet to clean, and a lot of "stuff" to put away and organize. I'll crank the tunes, have the coffee perked, and enjoy my day. I hope you enjoy yours as well!!!

Live life for today, and let the stuff from yesterday stay in the past. Tomorrow is always around the corner, and keep this in mind.... "It is what it is" (doesn't have to be anything more than that).
Ciao...

Busy, Busy, Busy...

That's what I've been lately! I noticed I hadn't written in quite a while, but it's been a "good busy" that's had me elsewhere. My new job has me hoppin', and that's a nice change, being "good" busy, that is. I have found myself deep in the heart of Conference season (fall conferences that is... it'll be like this once in the spring too). We have two conferences next week, one of which will have me out of town for 4 days. I still love it though ~ despite the deadlines, details, and days out of town, I love knowing that together with my co-worker we're providing a conference to professionals that will enhance their careers, fulfill their continuing ed. requirements, and we're doing it with all the bells and whistles to make it a top notch event.

As for my "free time" (that's pretty funny), I still am running in preparation for the 1/2 marathon in October, and have also been swimming in there too. Our growing swim team is so much fun, and I think everyone's enjoying it immensely. Today is a long run on the training schedule, so I'm going to head over to see my friend an hour and half away, so I can run with her, and have a partner to keep motivating me. I think as tired as I am, I'd be inclined to opt out of today's run, if it weren't for her. My sister is training along with us, but she boarded a plane yesterday bound for CHINA! She's traveling for her work, and I'm so jealous. For some reason, her professional traveling seems so much more glamorous, being to another continent, in comparison to my trip to Western North Dakota. It's all relative though, as we're both meeting neat people, and networking for professional development.

Tis the season for routines, schedules, and - - - FOOTBALL. Ben has a football jamboree this morning, and he whispered to me last night that he might see some QB action this year. So, before I head out for my long run, I'll be the ever-supportive mom on the football sidelines this morning.

Whether you find yourself on the sidelines cheering on the players, or in the lineup doing the work yourself, I hope your days ahead are filled with love, laughter, and joyful moments. Don't let yourself be bogged down with the mundane drudgery, but rather embrace each moment, throw yourself into the details and leave your mark on the world in a positive, loving way!