Back in the water again ~

That's exactly where our swim team is, back in the water again! Wait, did you catch that? Swim TEAM! That's right! Last year, it was me and the coach, but this season it's a cooperative effort by a whole team! There have been 6-9 Masters Swimmers at each practice this week, and it's so much fun! I'm looking forward to seeing all my teammates get stronger, faster, and stay the course for the duration of the season ~ now through May... 9 months of chlorinated fun and fitness!

Speaking of fitness, and fun (NOT), I've also been running to train for that 1/2 marathon I let myself get talked into. I'm in week 3 of a 10 week training schedule for it, and today my schedule tells me I have to run 10 miles. WHAT???!!! I'm the girl who couldn't run 30 minutes straight without stopping just a while ago. But, I've come a long way, in preparing for this, and training to run longer and stronger. My biggest challenge has been in finding a running partner to train with here. I have my friend Sarah who cheers me on, as I cheer her on too. And I have my sister Kristen who also cheers me on, and guides me in my training. The three of us are going to be the trio to run the race in October together. I can't wait. But they both live further away, and I can't run with them routinely. So I'm on my own in these weekend long runs, and hope to find someone to run with me and help me out, and SOON!

The boys start school on Monday... WOW! Where'd the summer go? Not only am I amazed that the boys are entering yet another new school year, but I can't believe I have a Jr. in high school, and a 6th grader. Where'd my little baby boys go? Now they're growing up so fast, and one even stands taller than me! Life never stands still, but instead keeps marching forward in time.

With that, I wish you all to grasp the moment you're in. Find the pieces of positive adventure in this very moment, and LIVE LIFE WITH GUSTO!!! (not the guy, the feeling) ha

TGIF~ BUT IT'S "TDC"

"TGIF", we all know the typical meaning of Thank Goodness it's Friday, which is such a true statement today! But the "TDC" I've added today is "Too Darn Cold"! I think I almost spit my coffee out this morning when I heard the weather girl announce that just north of us it was a brisk 35 degrees this morning. WHAT???!!! Isn't it still August for Pete's sake?! Well, I suppose summer has to come to an end sooner or later, but for me, I'd vote for the later, than the sooner. Despite the cooler temps, and the return of college students to our campus this weekend, I still revel in the thoughts of warm summer evenings, bright sunny mornings, and hope I don't have to put my flip-flops away just yet.

As for the rest of my week, it's been another great time of learning new aspects of my job, and I've also kept myself busy with a few secret plans for a soon-to-be 40yr old in my life. (SHHHHHH). I'll write more about that next time, for reasons of keeping a surprise under wraps a little longer.

I'm running on a set training schedule now, and hoping to be ready for the 1/2 marathon I've registered for, to be run October 13th in Ashland, WI. I'm sure you're thinking "I thought you were a swimmer?" Yeah, me too. hahaha! I am not really sure what wild hair I had that made me think I could do this new challenge... probably the fact that my brother-in-law (yeah, you Mike) thinks he can be a swimmer, so I have to try to be a runner, to match his competitive spirit. But, regardless of the "why" of it all, I'm going to be running with my sister and my dear friend in roughly 8 weeks. That means that my weekends have to hold a long distance run, and this weekend's assigned distance is 8 miles (YUCK). I suppose I'll have to dig deep inside me, find the gumption to get 'er done, and just do it (Ok, so I quoted Larry the Cable Guy, and Nike in the same sentence)!

Well, whatever your weekend holds for you, I hope it's filled with relaxation, joy, and laughter! Live life zestfully, and go for it (whatever "it" is for you)!!!

One Week Mark...

Well, that's right, a week under my belt with the new job! And what a great week it's been! Of course the few days last week were filled with an enormous amount of information, orientations, and learning my way around my computer. This week has brought with it more applications that are relevent to the position, and I'm feeling a little less overwhelmed and more at home.

The biggest delight though, comes from the group of people I'm proud to call my co-workers! What an amazing department I work for/with! I knew there were nice people in the world, but this is phenomenal. There is a "culture" here, that is like none other I've had the pleasure to work with. A culture of family, support, and encouragement... a REAL TEAM atmosphere! How refreshing! Sure, there could be (and most likely will be) days with bumps and lumps in them, that's normal life stuff. But to know you're a part of a hard working, motivated, and professional team of individuals who value each other's strengths, and assist with each other's weaknesses, is something to behold.

I'm really feeling the thrill of this new adventure, and wish that all of you could be as lucky as I am, to work with people that appreciate you, inspire you, and welcome you into their culture, like the team here at UND has done for me!

One other funny note..... you know how I always say "Live Life with Gusto"? I was telling Matt (my teenager) that I want that phrase on my tombstone when I sadly pass away. He giggled and said "But mom, people are going to visit your grave and say 'Who's Gusto'!" We got a good laugh out of it, but I don't think I'm going to give that up as my personal motto. So.... LIVE LIFE WITH GUSTO (whoever he might be) hahahaha

First Day of my new Beginning

Yep, that's right, today's the first day of my new Job! I didn't really have too many apprehensions, since I actually started "unofficially" on Monday, when I attended a staff meeting with my department. That was a GREAT way to get to know everyone in my office a little better, in a less formal setting, and get to see them in a relaxed picnic atmosphere. But I was thinking that was only going to be the atmosphere of a special event/meeting... so far, not so. It seems the group of Continuing Ed professionals are ALWAYS fun, laid-back, and welcoming. Of course, they all work hard, and get the work done, but while enjoying their jobs at the same time. It's going to prove to be a good move, I just know it!!! The level of morale boosting elements are mind-blowing.... I haven't had so many people welcome me, smile, and share their cheerfulness, as I did today! Of course, as with anything and everything in life, surely there could be days ahead of me, that might not be lined with silver clouds... but I certainly have nothing to complain about after my first couple days!

I'm anxious to go back tomorrow... that in itself says a lot, in my mind!!! I wish all of my friends and family could/would work in a career or job that they LOVE and look forward to going to each day~ if not, maybe it's time for a change. As I always say..... life's too short to sweat the small stuff, SO DON'T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!