Hunting Widow...

The season begins! Although it's been the season for Bow Hunting since Labor Day, it's now, in the fall, that I start to really feel the excitement in the house for the hunt of the great trophy buck. October used to bring with it cute little pumpkin pictures, cauldron of candies, and costume selections for the boys. Not so much anymore. Now, October means dusting off the camouflage, checking the hunting boots for decent laces, and setting up the targets in the backyard for improved accuracy. The guns get cleaned on the kitchen table, and the bows get adjusted for draw weight. The shower and tub used to have colorful bottles of kids' shampoo and bubble bath... now it has my shower gel next to a jumbo bottle of scent elimination hair and body wash. I used to feel left out when "let's go look for deer" were the words announced after dinner. Now I hope I hear the words, so I get the remote control to myself. ha

Ed went Elk hunting in Colorado recently, and had a fabulous time. The elk were elusive, and out of 9 elk tags, only one was filled. But the experience brought with it future hopes of taking the boys with him, into the majestic mountains, and share an experience of a lifetime in that amazing area in the country. The weekends now bring with them an evening of Ed taking Ben bow hunting, and Matt looking toward rifle season. He isn't as keen on bow hunting, because it would require sitting still, leaving the cell phone in the car, and keeping the conversation to zero. Heck, it's hard enough for Ben (he only lasts an hour or so). But for Matt, the cell phone can't be detached from his ear that long. But both boys are looking forward to the upcoming November hunting weekend with Ed and the Hippen boys. They'll go north for a 4-5 day hunting weekend, while I escape to a Scrapbooking retreat. The beautiful balance of family interests and solace, if you ask me.

In the meantime, between hunting excursions, I will be returning to the pool tomorrow. I had hoped for training again last week, but didn't make it there. The leg is healing nicely, and the pool is truly calling my name. I have Dara Torres in my sights (ok, so it's not likely I'll catch her, but I'm sure watching her amazing achievements in the magazines lately), and I'm going to give it my all as I go into this new season (again) and hope for some great times in the '08 meets.

No matter what you have in your sights, and regardless of what your goals are, take it all in pieces... one bight at a time. Don't fret over the whole feast, when you can only digest one small portion at a time anyway. Just do it day-by-day, and move toward the outcome that you know is best for your life! With determination, strength & courage, and the loving support and grace of God, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!!!!! So, GO FOR IT! And have a super week!

Up and Running... not really

Up and walking, maybe, but not running just yet. I did finally get rid of my crutches last week, and dumped the boot this weekend. I'm not running yet, and actually haven't been back in the pool yet either, but I am walking around (limping still a little) and hope to be mending and getting stronger with each coming day.

Last weekend I went to the Whistlestop Marathon with my friend, so I could cheer them on. The leaves of autumn were more than amazing! The hues of orange, red, and golden yellow were so vibrant that the scenery took our breath away. I have a new photo on my desk even, that has already stopped my coworkers and had them asking where the amazing photo was taken. I love fall..... the colors are such a mix of shades and adds dimension and depth to our surroundings.

Dimension and depth..... that is what laughter can also add to our daily lives. A typical day can be viewed as mundane, or routine, but if you add laughter and joy, the day can be highlighted and touched with the colorful hues of friendship and love. It's all in our perspective. There are so many different factors that touch people's days ~ bills that cause stress; struggles in a marriage; job stress; family opportunities; health issues; tensions with children; car troubles; home repairs...... regardless of the nature of the issues in a person's life, if laughter and joy are interjected, the affect from the situation can be improved and the harm and pain can be minimized. Just like my situation which being kept out of the 1/2 marathon ~ I could have sulked about it and had darkness and depression cloud my days. But instead I joined in the fun, made the best of it, cheered on the runners from the sidelines, and reveled in the beauty of the vibrant weekend!

I hope your mundane routine can come alive with the colors of love and laughter!
May God bless you with HIS vibrant Love and Grace!

Forced "Down-Time"

That's exactly what I'm experiencing right now... forced down time! I have a 1/2 marathon I'm registered to run in 6 days, and I've been training for it for 10 weeks.... and it's all coming to an end this weekend! I was running my training run yesterday of 6 miles, and after about 4 of those miles, something in my lower leg gave out............... I was reduced to limping home with my yellow lab urging me to keep moving. Normally, my old dog is lagging behind, barely keeping up with me, but yesterday she was antsy to keep running, and she would stop, look back at me, and come back to check on me. I was half tempted to hop on her back, and let her get me home. The pain in my leg was so persistent, that I headed into the ER last night..... they didn't opt to take an xray (I was thinking stress fracture was the cause) but thought instead that something could be torn or pulled. So, tomorrow I'll visit a sports medicine doctor, and see what we can do about this incredible leg pain. I am on crutches in the mean time, and lugging around an equalizing boot. I'm not a fan of "laying low", or "rest", but I'm finding I have no other choice in this case. I can't put any weight on that let whatsoever, and have zingers shoot up my leg from time to time..... I'm guessing the run next weekend is going to be out of the question. SIGH.......

Well, with that change in plans, at least I don't have to worry about which shirt or shorts I'm going to wear in the race. ha. I'll still plan to travel to WI for the event, as my friend and our kids have been looking forward to it for a very long time. Plus, I am so looking forward to seeing my sister, and will therefore limp through the trip, and hope my healing starts sooner than later.

If you are setting your sights on a goal, and have a freaky accident stand in your way.... view it as an opportunity to slow down, catch your breath, and enjoy life. There's plenty a person can do from the comfort of their couch. ha Make the most of unexpected down-time, and let yourself heal!

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!

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