This Super Bowl Sunday I’m breaking from tradition. Even though the big game will take place less than an hour from my house, I will not watch it. Neither of the teams playing really interest me. I don’t care for the Half Time show either… unless U2 decides to show up at the last minute. Finally, it’s a sad commentary on how much time we spend in front of the TV when commercials are viewed as entertainment.
So what will I do instead? I will attend the ballet for the first time in my life! That’s right, the ballet. I am so excited that I’m afraid I won’t be able to sit still in my seat during the performance.
Why the ballet? A few years ago I went on a behind the scenes tour of the local performing arts center. I loved the costuming shop. But the last stop on the tour is what really stuck with me. We walked into the practice hall for the ballet while a practice was in progress (unknowingly). I was blown away by the grace and athleticism of the dancers! Amazing! Ever since then I wanted to attend a performance but could never get anyone to go with me.
Then one day out of the blue, my Mom suggested that we go to the ballet. I think she's trying to make up for dragging me to my sister's house on Christmas. I didn’t hesitate and purchased tickets right away. This will be a new experience for the both of us. In case you’re wondering we will see Les Sylphides (plus two other pieces). Below is a link to a YouTube video to see Mikhail Baryshnikov perform Les Sylphides. Unfortunately, we won’t see Baryshnikov dance on Sunday.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EksWfYycnnI
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The Joy Luck Book Club
I joined my first book club and I’m very excited. I never wanted to join a club before for two reasons: 1) I didn’t think I could find a club with similar tastes in books and 2) I read really fast and thought that I would get bored easily. I was the person in high school that actually read ahead in literature class.
A few of my co-workers and I discovered that we have similar interests and we have been swapping books for the past couple of years. One enterprising young woman decided to get organized and suggested that we form a real book club. Several people signed up and we all put a few suggestions of titles in a cup. A book will be drawn once a month and we’ll meet over brown bag lunches at the end of the month to discuss the book.
The first book drawn was The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. I was thrilled because it was one of my contributions. I hadn’t read the book before or seen the movie. I ran out and bought the book at the local bookstore (Goodwill didn’t have it). The book sat on my shelf teasing me for a week before I couldn’t stand it anymore. I picked up the book and read it in three evenings. I’ve also finished several other books since The Joy Luck Club.
Our first meeting is tomorrow. Some people are still walking around the office reading the book on their breaks and at lunch. It’s driving me nuts! How can they not be finished yet???? This is all so exciting and frustrating at the same time. Maybe I’m really not cut out for the book club scene. I’ll know more after Thursday.
A few of my co-workers and I discovered that we have similar interests and we have been swapping books for the past couple of years. One enterprising young woman decided to get organized and suggested that we form a real book club. Several people signed up and we all put a few suggestions of titles in a cup. A book will be drawn once a month and we’ll meet over brown bag lunches at the end of the month to discuss the book.
The first book drawn was The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. I was thrilled because it was one of my contributions. I hadn’t read the book before or seen the movie. I ran out and bought the book at the local bookstore (Goodwill didn’t have it). The book sat on my shelf teasing me for a week before I couldn’t stand it anymore. I picked up the book and read it in three evenings. I’ve also finished several other books since The Joy Luck Club.
Our first meeting is tomorrow. Some people are still walking around the office reading the book on their breaks and at lunch. It’s driving me nuts! How can they not be finished yet???? This is all so exciting and frustrating at the same time. Maybe I’m really not cut out for the book club scene. I’ll know more after Thursday.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Shutterbug Part II
This last weekend Mr. A and I went to a small rural town in the center of Florida. It's a rather depressed area. Not much around except a few antique shops in the "historic district". This is what we found...
Oak Street
The Pink Building
The Opera House
With the above photo I was practicing shooting through glass without getting a reflection.
Mr. A... very serious
Mr. A after lunch and a few jokes...Sunday, January 25, 2009
Shutterbug Part I
Years ago I used to love taking pictures with my 35 mm point and shoot camera. I also think that I took haflway decent photos. As we came into the age of digital cameras, I used my film camera less and less.
The point and shoot camera my Sweetie and I received a few Christmases ago is a good one but I can never get the darn thing to take a clear photo. Too much lag time before the shutter actually clicks.
Neptune detail
Lamp post
Fountain
Fountain Detail
Flora
The point and shoot camera my Sweetie and I received a few Christmases ago is a good one but I can never get the darn thing to take a clear photo. Too much lag time before the shutter actually clicks.
The past couple of weekends I've borrowed my Sweetie's digital SLR and went out shooting. The photos below were taken in the local area.
Neptune
Neptune detail
Lamp post
Fountain Fountain Detail
FloraSaturday, January 24, 2009
It's My Party...
For the past five years or so I've wanted to host a party for family and friends. Life has been so wonderful the past several year that I just want to share it. My Sweetie and I keep talking about a party but we always seem to have at least one home improvement project in some state or another of unfinishedness (is that a word???).
This year I will celebrate a milestone birthday. I won't say which one because I can't yet form the words in my mouth. I have decided that I want to plan my own party. I have planned many parties over the years but they have always been for someone else. I may have come up with ideas and suggestions but someone else always had the final say so.
This may sound selfish but for once I want everything to be the way I want it. I figure my birthday is a good reason to do that. I can already picture the cake in my head. I have the guest list written out. I've even complied 80% of the music for the party. The music spans all the decades (ouch) of my life. The only things I can't decide on are the food and decorations.
Good news though I still have 8 months to make those decisions and help my Sweetie finish all the home improvement projects around the house.
This year I will celebrate a milestone birthday. I won't say which one because I can't yet form the words in my mouth. I have decided that I want to plan my own party. I have planned many parties over the years but they have always been for someone else. I may have come up with ideas and suggestions but someone else always had the final say so.
This may sound selfish but for once I want everything to be the way I want it. I figure my birthday is a good reason to do that. I can already picture the cake in my head. I have the guest list written out. I've even complied 80% of the music for the party. The music spans all the decades (ouch) of my life. The only things I can't decide on are the food and decorations.
Good news though I still have 8 months to make those decisions and help my Sweetie finish all the home improvement projects around the house.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Swimming, Pilates, Yoga
Swimming has always been my physical activity of choice. I was a competitive swimmer for 13 years and I feel more natural in the water than I do on dry land. The cardio workout from swimming is excellent for my asthma and the stress is very low impact on the joints.
I got back in the pool over Christmas break and it felt wonderful! Kicking on my back really strengthens the lower back muscles. I can only do about 300 yds (that's 12 lengths of the pool). Two years ago I was doing 3,000 yds three times a week. I have a long way to go before I'm back up to that level. Plus, I can't quite manage flipturns right now. Not enough flexibility.
Unfortunately, with this cold snap I haven't been to the pool all week. Yes the pool at the Y is heated but it's outdoors! When the air temp is 55 degrees, 12 lengths of the pool just doesn't seem worth it. It takes all day to get warm after swimming in weather like that. Been there, done that.
A new co-worker of mine suggested I do pilates to strengthen my back muscles. We all know how much I love unsolicited advice about my back. (insert sarcasm sign here) She even brought in a pilates book for me to look at. To be polite I looked through the book. I have to give her credit - her advice was good. All of the exercises I learned in physical therapy are pilates exercises (or vice versa). Just think, I learned one of the hottest exercise methods and my health insurance paid for it all. Cool!
My GP suggested that I sign up for a yoga class to improve my flexibility and balance. I need both! Because of my back injury, I favored my left side for many years. When I started PT my left leg was noticeably atrophied compared to my right leg. This has thrown off my center of gravity and balance. I found a beginner's yoga class at the Y two nights a week. I haven't tried it yet. I feel so uncomfortable about going by myself and trying something new... especially on dry land.
I got back in the pool over Christmas break and it felt wonderful! Kicking on my back really strengthens the lower back muscles. I can only do about 300 yds (that's 12 lengths of the pool). Two years ago I was doing 3,000 yds three times a week. I have a long way to go before I'm back up to that level. Plus, I can't quite manage flipturns right now. Not enough flexibility.
Unfortunately, with this cold snap I haven't been to the pool all week. Yes the pool at the Y is heated but it's outdoors! When the air temp is 55 degrees, 12 lengths of the pool just doesn't seem worth it. It takes all day to get warm after swimming in weather like that. Been there, done that.
A new co-worker of mine suggested I do pilates to strengthen my back muscles. We all know how much I love unsolicited advice about my back. (insert sarcasm sign here) She even brought in a pilates book for me to look at. To be polite I looked through the book. I have to give her credit - her advice was good. All of the exercises I learned in physical therapy are pilates exercises (or vice versa). Just think, I learned one of the hottest exercise methods and my health insurance paid for it all. Cool!
My GP suggested that I sign up for a yoga class to improve my flexibility and balance. I need both! Because of my back injury, I favored my left side for many years. When I started PT my left leg was noticeably atrophied compared to my right leg. This has thrown off my center of gravity and balance. I found a beginner's yoga class at the Y two nights a week. I haven't tried it yet. I feel so uncomfortable about going by myself and trying something new... especially on dry land.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Mommy Meltdown
This week has been very emotional for me and I’m not entirely sure why. Maybe it’s just a post-holiday catharsis.
One morning I had a mommy-meltdown on the way to work. With all the time I took off for my back surgery, physical therapy, and bronchitis, I don’t have a speck of vacation or sick time available. Luckily, my time-off accrues throughout the year. As long as I don’t take any time off between now and June, I’ll have enough time to go on our family vacation. Nothing to cry about, right?
Well, my son’s documentary won at the county history fair and he’s entered in the state competition in May. I’m very proud! Here’s the kick in the pants… The state competition is during the week and it’s in Tallahassee (5 hours away). I don’t have any vacation time available to go. The June trip is already paid for so we can’t change those plans. My Sweetie said no problem that he would go... that’s wonderful but I really want to go too!
My boys have reached the age where they don’t need Mom all the time. But I still like to be involved in their lives as much as I can (and they will let me). So for whatever reason, I cried all the way to work the other day. I would have turned around and gone home but a) I had one meeting I really needed to attend and b) no sick/vacation time.
When I got to work all bleary-eyed, my friend asked me what was the matter. So I told her. She said that it could be worse. I could need the time off to go to my son’s court date for stealing cars. I guess it’s all how you look at it.
One morning I had a mommy-meltdown on the way to work. With all the time I took off for my back surgery, physical therapy, and bronchitis, I don’t have a speck of vacation or sick time available. Luckily, my time-off accrues throughout the year. As long as I don’t take any time off between now and June, I’ll have enough time to go on our family vacation. Nothing to cry about, right?
Well, my son’s documentary won at the county history fair and he’s entered in the state competition in May. I’m very proud! Here’s the kick in the pants… The state competition is during the week and it’s in Tallahassee (5 hours away). I don’t have any vacation time available to go. The June trip is already paid for so we can’t change those plans. My Sweetie said no problem that he would go... that’s wonderful but I really want to go too!
My boys have reached the age where they don’t need Mom all the time. But I still like to be involved in their lives as much as I can (and they will let me). So for whatever reason, I cried all the way to work the other day. I would have turned around and gone home but a) I had one meeting I really needed to attend and b) no sick/vacation time.
When I got to work all bleary-eyed, my friend asked me what was the matter. So I told her. She said that it could be worse. I could need the time off to go to my son’s court date for stealing cars. I guess it’s all how you look at it.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Cranky
My week really hasn't improved all that much. It's still lousy and I'm cranky. So rather than whine, I'll post a photo of the cheerful flowers sittinig on my messy desk.
Monday, January 12, 2009
First Time
I’ve always said that what my Sweetie lacks in romance he more than makes up for in practicality. He is my anchor and he keeps me grounded in the toughest of tempests. But today he did something unexpected… he sent me flowers FOR NO REASON AT ALL.
OK, there was a reason… I was having a bad day and he sent them to my office to cheer me up. I won’t go into details but my day started off with a bowl of fruit salad falling out of the frig and onto the floor. That required cleaning all of the shelves in the frig and mopping the floor. All before breakfast.
It only went downhill after I got to work. I hit the office stash of chocolate by 9 am.
But now that I have a bunch of daisies smiling at me my day is much better. My Sweetie loves me like daisies… bunches.
OK, there was a reason… I was having a bad day and he sent them to my office to cheer me up. I won’t go into details but my day started off with a bowl of fruit salad falling out of the frig and onto the floor. That required cleaning all of the shelves in the frig and mopping the floor. All before breakfast.
It only went downhill after I got to work. I hit the office stash of chocolate by 9 am.
But now that I have a bunch of daisies smiling at me my day is much better. My Sweetie loves me like daisies… bunches.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Been There, Done That
I saw this on Uncommon Blonde’s blog last month and I wanted to do it but at the time it didn’t fit in with the holiday theme. So I’m giving it a try now.
The basic premise is that you highlight what you have done, italicize what you’ve sort of done and just leave the stuff you didn't do plain.
I did this.
I sort of did this.
I didn't do this.
My version isn’t as pretty as Uncommon Blonde’s blog because I don’t have all the cool photos. I’d be here until spring if I wanted to hunt down photos, scan them, etc…
I’ve done 40 out of 98 of the items (two are missing). Maybe I need to get out and do more.
1. Started your own blog. You’re reading it now!
2. Slept under the stars. Yes, in the next door neighbor’s backyard… until it got too cold.
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii.
5.????
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland: no, but everyone else in my family has!
8. Climbed a mountain. In New Mexico.
9. Held a praying mantis. Yes, and I’ve held other cool stuff… a live puffer fish, a sick pygmy whale, and a conch “walked” across my palm.
10. Sang a solo. As my kids used to tell me in the car. “No, Mommy, please don’t sing”.
11. Bungee jumped… with my back???
12. Visited Paris. Let’s get this out of the way, I haven’t been to Europe.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea. I wasn’t at sea but the storm was over the ocean.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch. Yes, quilting.
15. Adopted a child. No, but my dog thinks she’s my child.
16. Had food poisoning. Unfortunately, yes.
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty. No, but I’ve seen it from New Jersey.
18. Grown your own vegetables.
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France. See #12.
20. Slept on an overnight train. No, but my kids have with my parents!
21. Had a pillow fight – Of course!
22. Hitch hiked – Yes, I was stupid and lucky.
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill.
24. Held a lamb
25.???
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice. See #12
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run.
32. Been on a cruise. Does a dive boat count? I really don’t ever want to go on vacation with 2,000 other people.
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person. At night even!
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors. How many generations back??? I’ve been to Louisiana.
35. Seen an Amish community.
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied.
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person. See #12
39. Gone rock climbing.
40. Seen Michelangelo's David. Does a bronze cast of the original count???
41. Sung karaoke - See #10
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa. I haven’t left North America.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.
46. Been transported in an ambulance. Twice more than I would have liked.
47. Had your portrait painted. Yes, an oil pastel when I was three.
48. Gone deep sea fishing. Lots of saltwater fishing but not DEEP SEA.
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person. See #12
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. See #12
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling – Absolutely! I’ve even seen black-tipped reef sharks from a distance… a very loooong distance.
52. Kissed in the rain.
53. Played in the mud.
54. Gone to a drive-in theater. I saw Pet Cemetery. The scariest movie I’ve ever seen in my life!
55. Been in a movie.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China. See #44
57. Started a business.
58. Taken a martial arts class.
59. Visited Russia. See #44
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies. Nope, but I sure have bought my share!
62. Gone whale watching. Did I mention that I got to hold one????
63. Got flowers for no reason.
64. Donated blood, platelets, or plasma.
65. Gone sky diving. NEVER!
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp – No, but I’ve been to the Holocaust Museum.
67. Bounced a check. But it wasn’t my fault, if you believe that one.
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy. Yes and book too.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial. I can’t remember but I have been to the Pentagon, Arlington Cemetery, and Mount Vernon.
71. Eaten Caviar – yuck, no!
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades. Via Alligator Alley.
75. Been fired from a job.
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London. See #12. But I have seen the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers.
77. Broken a bone. Foot and toes.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person.
80. Published a book.
81. Visited the Vatican. See #12
82. Bought a brand new car. Does a lease count?
83. Walked in Jerusalem. See #44
84. Had your picture in the newspaper.
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited the White House.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating. Does a fish count?
88. Had chickenpox. No, but I have the anti-bodies! Cool, huh?
89. Saved someone's life.
90. Sat on a jury.
91. Met someone famous. George Michael… give me a break, I was 14!
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one.
94. Had a baby. Twice!
95. Seen the Alamo in person. I talked to my brother on the phone when he was there.
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake. Does a Great Lake count?
97. Been involved in a law suit.
98. Own a cell phone. (Doesn’t everyone?)
99. Been stung by a bee.
100. Read an entire book in one day.
The basic premise is that you highlight what you have done, italicize what you’ve sort of done and just leave the stuff you didn't do plain.
I did this.
I sort of did this.
I didn't do this.
My version isn’t as pretty as Uncommon Blonde’s blog because I don’t have all the cool photos. I’d be here until spring if I wanted to hunt down photos, scan them, etc…
I’ve done 40 out of 98 of the items (two are missing). Maybe I need to get out and do more.
1. Started your own blog. You’re reading it now!
2. Slept under the stars. Yes, in the next door neighbor’s backyard… until it got too cold.
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii.
5.????
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland: no, but everyone else in my family has!
8. Climbed a mountain. In New Mexico.
9. Held a praying mantis. Yes, and I’ve held other cool stuff… a live puffer fish, a sick pygmy whale, and a conch “walked” across my palm.
10. Sang a solo. As my kids used to tell me in the car. “No, Mommy, please don’t sing”.
11. Bungee jumped… with my back???
12. Visited Paris. Let’s get this out of the way, I haven’t been to Europe.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea. I wasn’t at sea but the storm was over the ocean.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch. Yes, quilting.
15. Adopted a child. No, but my dog thinks she’s my child.
16. Had food poisoning. Unfortunately, yes.
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty. No, but I’ve seen it from New Jersey.
18. Grown your own vegetables.
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France. See #12.
20. Slept on an overnight train. No, but my kids have with my parents!
21. Had a pillow fight – Of course!
22. Hitch hiked – Yes, I was stupid and lucky.
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill.
24. Held a lamb
25.???
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice. See #12
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run.
32. Been on a cruise. Does a dive boat count? I really don’t ever want to go on vacation with 2,000 other people.
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person. At night even!
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors. How many generations back??? I’ve been to Louisiana.
35. Seen an Amish community.
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied.
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person. See #12
39. Gone rock climbing.
40. Seen Michelangelo's David. Does a bronze cast of the original count???
41. Sung karaoke - See #10
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa. I haven’t left North America.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.
46. Been transported in an ambulance. Twice more than I would have liked.
47. Had your portrait painted. Yes, an oil pastel when I was three.
48. Gone deep sea fishing. Lots of saltwater fishing but not DEEP SEA.
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person. See #12
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. See #12
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling – Absolutely! I’ve even seen black-tipped reef sharks from a distance… a very loooong distance.
52. Kissed in the rain.
53. Played in the mud.
54. Gone to a drive-in theater. I saw Pet Cemetery. The scariest movie I’ve ever seen in my life!
55. Been in a movie.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China. See #44
57. Started a business.
58. Taken a martial arts class.
59. Visited Russia. See #44
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies. Nope, but I sure have bought my share!
62. Gone whale watching. Did I mention that I got to hold one????
63. Got flowers for no reason.
64. Donated blood, platelets, or plasma.
65. Gone sky diving. NEVER!
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp – No, but I’ve been to the Holocaust Museum.
67. Bounced a check. But it wasn’t my fault, if you believe that one.
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy. Yes and book too.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial. I can’t remember but I have been to the Pentagon, Arlington Cemetery, and Mount Vernon.
71. Eaten Caviar – yuck, no!
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades. Via Alligator Alley.
75. Been fired from a job.
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London. See #12. But I have seen the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers.
77. Broken a bone. Foot and toes.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person.
80. Published a book.
81. Visited the Vatican. See #12
82. Bought a brand new car. Does a lease count?
83. Walked in Jerusalem. See #44
84. Had your picture in the newspaper.
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited the White House.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating. Does a fish count?
88. Had chickenpox. No, but I have the anti-bodies! Cool, huh?
89. Saved someone's life.
90. Sat on a jury.
91. Met someone famous. George Michael… give me a break, I was 14!
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one.
94. Had a baby. Twice!
95. Seen the Alamo in person. I talked to my brother on the phone when he was there.
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake. Does a Great Lake count?
97. Been involved in a law suit.
98. Own a cell phone. (Doesn’t everyone?)
99. Been stung by a bee.
100. Read an entire book in one day.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy 2009
The house is quiet. I've had my breakfast. I have my cup of tea and Molly is spread out on the floor at my feet. What am I doing up so early on New Year's Day? First of all, routine is a hard thing to break. Second, my text message alert was beeping on my cell phone. My 18-yr-old niece decided to wish me a happy new year at 1:22 a.m. Third, I was lying awake thinking about if I should make any New Year's Resolutions.
I've only made a resolution once before and sadly I didn't keep it. A few years ago, I promised myself to go to the theater more and enjoy all of the performing arts that we have in the area. The closest I've come to that is giving my parents theater tickets as Christmas presents. At least I'm still patronizing the arts, right?
Anyway, I believe that I have three for 2009 and ironically they are all a result of my back surgery and recovery.
1. Get back into a swimming regime to strengthen my body and keep myself healthy. I actually started on Tuesday. That's right, after two weeks of 80 degree weather, I picked the day it was 65 degrees to go to the pool! If I work hard, by the end of the year I should look like this:
I've only made a resolution once before and sadly I didn't keep it. A few years ago, I promised myself to go to the theater more and enjoy all of the performing arts that we have in the area. The closest I've come to that is giving my parents theater tickets as Christmas presents. At least I'm still patronizing the arts, right?
Anyway, I believe that I have three for 2009 and ironically they are all a result of my back surgery and recovery.
1. Get back into a swimming regime to strengthen my body and keep myself healthy. I actually started on Tuesday. That's right, after two weeks of 80 degree weather, I picked the day it was 65 degrees to go to the pool! If I work hard, by the end of the year I should look like this:
OK, Fantasy... er... I mean resolution #2....
2. To keep better in touch with my friends. I feel like I'm so out of touch with everyone. If you read my blog, you have an idea what is going on in my life. But there isn't enough exchange and I don't know what's going on with you!
3. My last resolution is the hardest one for me to verbalize. I have a gnawing feeling that I can't explain. The past year and a half I've focused on myself (and for good reason). But now I feel that I should focus my energies on helping others whose lives aren't as blessed as mine. But I'm not sure what to do. Yes, my family already does a lot throughout the year: food bank, Toys-for-Tots, donating to charities that give families a hand up, making blankets for hospitals and chemo caps, and various volunteering events. But I feel like should do something more. Does anyone have any suggestions???
Now it's time to fill out my "Mom Calendar". Happy New Year everyone!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
