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

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!