New shoes!

Oh, how I love new shoes! 

I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new running shoes I ordered last week.  They're here!  They're here! 

Now, some of you may be thinking, "But Robin, those are just running shoes!  What's so exciting?".  Trust me - it's always fun to get a new pair of running shoes - especially when they are pretty and these are pretty!  I have them all specially laced and ready to wear tomorrow for my run.

I do hope they feel as good as they look!

I did it, but it wasn't pretty.

 Today it was time for  LSD.  Yep, LSD - as in Long Slow Distance.  Except that it wasn't exactly slow.  Actually, it wasn't exactly fast either.  It was kind of in between, I guess.  Whatever it was it was hard.  Some runs are like that.  Luckily, I had my running buds with me.

I didn't know it was going to be such a tough run when we started out, but I knew that I didn't want to lead the way.  I just wanted to follow today.  Good thing, because the running buds, obviously felt better than I did.  Whew!  Thank goodness!  They set a good pace and I just kept moving.

We finished the run and the above picture shows what I did.  I promptly found a spot in the grass and relaxed.  The buds, on the other hand, did what you're supposed to do.  They stretched.  So, I decided to take a picture of them as well.

I am so very grateful to have good running buds.  They can help you get through those miles that you need, but don't necessarily want to do - and at a good pace!

The picture here on the right is them laughing at me.  That's ok.  It's good to laugh.  I'm glad I could be of service.  ;-) 



I did eventually get up and do my stretching for a few minutes.  Then I decided that the grass felt better....

Week 1 - the first mile!

It was easy decision to pick my picture of the day. We began our marathon training in this area today.  It was our first group "run" together - one mile!  This is the first step towards a marathon finish for most of the people in this picture, so it is always an exciting day. 

This group is comprised of all sorts of folks, including teachers, doctors, lawyers, moms, dads, daughters, sons, journalists, nurses, students....the list could go on and on!  The great thing about it is that when we all show up on Saturdays, we don't wear those labels, we are just us.  That's one of the nice things about this group training.

The best part of being a part of this group is the people I get to meet that I probably would not have met otherwise.  I don't know many of them now, but I look forward to getting to know them as the year progresses.  You will probably get to know some of them, too.  I have a feeling I will be blogging a lot about them and the experience.

Out on a limb...

Today has been one of those days.  I felt like one of those birds out there on that limb.  I took the picture because I think it's the first time that I have seen two large birds just sitting there together on a limb.  In all of my rushing around, I didn't see any significance, at the time.  It just happened to catch my eye and I thought it would make a good pic of the day.  I had no idea what I would write about to go with it.

Now - back to today - It started out with my youngest daughter, Caroline, not feeling well.  I had a feeling I was going to be picking her up early from school.  With that in mind, I headed straight to the office after dropping her off to get started on my list for the day. 

I was doing well marking through those to dos on my list - even after I got the call to pick up the little one, but then the hours started slipping away.  One thing after another cropped up and it just seemed like there just weren't enough hours to get it all done.  I was feeling a bit overwhelmed with it all.  I continued to trudge through and keep moving.  I knew the only way to get through was to just keep going, so that's what I did.  Finally, I had done all that I could and called it quits for the day - well, almost.

I had finished most of my work, but still had a couple of errands to run and it was already after dark.  We picked up some supper while we were out and I decided it was going to be a good night to head to bed early after we ate and relaxed a little bit.  (I was really feeling quite lonely out there on my limb.)  As we were winding down and watching a little tv, a commercial came on about a 600 lb. lady and her journey to lose weight.  And all of a sudden, that little girl of mine crawls out on my limb with me and says, "That is why God put people like you in the world, Mama."  Wow.  Thanks, Caroline.  :-)

I think I'll be able to get out of that bed in the morning and face a new day, knowing that I'm not alone out there on my limb.

Bunko, bunco or buncko?

I'm not sure how to spell it and I barely know how to play it, but tonight I apparently won it!  ...or at least part of it.  All I know is, I got a prize and I got to wear a little pink tiara for some of the evening!  Yay!

I don't know what I was more excited about - getting bunko (bunco or buncko) or realizing that I would have this picture for my picture of the day.  Kind of sad, right?  No, not really, because I just spent a lovely evening with some old and new friends. 

This was actually only my 3rd time to play in the last 20 years.  My introduction to this funny game was about 18 years ago, but I didn't belong to a group then.  I have known a lot of people who played through the years and belonged to groups.  This seems to be a pretty close knit society and once a group is formed they stay together for years.  I had never been invited to join.  (Hmmm...I won't think about that too long.)  Until my sweet friend, Shannon, messaged me and told me she was reorganizing her group, would I like to join?  I didn't know if she knew what she was getting into, so I jumped at the chance before she could change her mind - and, boy, am I glad I did!

In just a few short months, I can already tell that this is fast becoming a highlight in my schedule.  We had so much fun sitting around and visiting for quite a while before we started playing.  It is always good to laugh, and goodness, did we laugh tonight!  What a blessing these ladies have become to me already.  I think we have many more fun times ahead of us - and more opportunities for great pics of the day! 

Let the good times roll!  ;-)  Sorry - I just had to add that. ;-)

A winter day in Mississippi

I started out with a very warm run this morning.  The weather was quite muggy.  By the time I got home, showered and dressed, the weather began to improve.  In fact, it was so nice outside, I decided to do my work on the deck and enjoyed the sunshine and nice breeze.  This continued until I took Caroline to church.  I knew it was coming, but was hoping we would get home before the heavy rain hit.  Nope, we did not make it.  We would have, but we had to make a stop by the store to get something for a school project.  While we were in the store the bottom fell out, so to speak.  by the time we got back in the car we were pretty wet and we arrived home damp and cold.  So this is where my picture of the day comes in - hot chocolate!  Yum.

Just another winter day in Mississippi!

Back to the books

I missed blogging yesterday, as I was up late last night STUDYING.  Ugh.  It has been quite a while since I had to study.  It is still not easy. 

It has been more years than I care to discuss since I took a science class and that's what this is.  Science.

I am studying to take the personal trainer certification exam.  Now I am beginning to wonder why I thought this was such a great idea!

No, seriously, I am enjoying it to some extent, but am not looking forward to taking the exam.  I didn't like them then and I don't like them now!

Winter in Mississippi...

After kind of a wet, muggy weekend, I woke up this morning to a beautiful day.  Yes, it's January and I feel like we should have colder weather, but when you look around and see this, it's hard to complain.

Here are a few pics of what I found in my backyard today.

Yes, that's an azalea blooming.  It's been blooming for over a month now.

Next up is the vinca and then the jasmine.

It does make me want to get out there and start getting the yard fixed up.  Then I remember the date and I know that this time next week, we could very well be waiting on a winter storm to move through.  So today I will just enjoy it.

 Since I ran long on Saturday and was still a little tired and sore from that, I decided to take the dogs for a walk and get in some mileage. 



Here they are below - Zoey and Daisy.  They do love our walks!

A look behind the scenes.

Today's pic of the day MUST be a look behind the scenes of our UStream show.  We don't usually stream on Sunday night, but tonight we are doing a virtual kick off meeting for Marathon Makeover. 

Mark has set up some new equipment and we will be using it for the first time tonight.  Actually, it's the second time - he had to try it out last night after he got everything figured out.  It is the first time we have aired together with the new stuff.

Well, it is about time to air and I need to get signed on, etc.  Until tomorrow -

Sometimes you just have to stop and smell the roses....

or take a nap in the grass.

 So I did!  I had a long run today - a very, long run.  My running buddy and I were running along and off to the side of the path, through a little stretch of wilderness, we could see a lovely patch of green grass.  I told her how every time I pass this lovely site, I have  strong urge to get over there and enjoy it.  Well, there's no time like the present, I guess.

This is me at between miles 14 and 15, I think.  (It's difficult to recollect, at the moment).  And yes, it did feel good.  :-)  I may have to sneak over there again sometime.

I hopped up, ok, so my friend pulled me up, and we finished up our run.

And that's where my second pic of the days comes in - a cupcake!  I figure if I can run those kinds of miles, I can have one cupcake, every now and then!

Yep, this was quite enjoyable as well.  ;-)

"In remembrance and celebration..."

I don't know why my picture is blurry on here, because it's clear on my phone.  I can't seem to get it right, but I'm just going to have to post it anyway and carry on...I think Mr. Rankin will be ok with that.

My picture of the day comes from a funeral service I attended today.  It was a lovely service - a tribute to a great man.  I had a deep fondness for Mr. Rankin, who passed away this week after a long illness.

I first met Mr. Rankin at my parents' church, now mine, and at Walmart when my girls were little.  He was a greeter and always seemed genuinely glad to see ME.  That is such a gift - to be someone who is glad to meet everyone.  Someone who makes you feel welcome, even just walking into the grocery store with 3 kids in tow, hoping you will get through this trip without incident.  I don't know how long Mr. Rankin was a greeter at Walmart, but it seemed like a long time, yet not long enough.  I still think of him and miss him when I make my "every other day" visit. 

Although, I haven't been seeing Mr. Rankin at the store, I have been seeing him somewhat regularly for over a year now.  When my husband, daughter and I began volunteering at the nursing home once a month, guess who I found?  Yes, it was Mr. Rankin.  We showed up one Sunday a month and take the residents to the church service that is held in the dining hall.  I was delighted when, during my first visit, I found Mr. Rankin.  After that visit, he became the first person we would check in on and take down to church.  He was always delighted to see us.  Our visits blessed me much more than they could have blessed him. 

Of course, by the time I met Mr. Rankin, he had lived the vast majority of his life.  It was a life well lived.  He served his country well. He served his family well.  He served his state well.  He served his community well.  He served His God well.  I am sure that He is well pleased with Mr. Rankin.

I am better having known him, even as little and for as briefly a time as I did.  He gave me the gift of feeling special and he did that simply and honestly.  He believed it himself, which causes me to believe it, too.  Thank you, Mr. Rankin.

There she goes....there she goes again!

Oh, how time does fly!

My picture today tells you that one more chick has left the nest, once again.  Kate has been home with us for a few days between terms.  Her visit was short, but it was so good to be able to spend some time with her. 

That's it.  That's all I have today.  It's been a long day and I am tired.  ;-)

Running for a view

I love Wednesdays!  Why?  Because it is one of the days that I get in a good run with one of my buds.  We run on some local trails and it is always beautiful!  When we get to our turnaround spot, this is our view:

 Isn't it beautiful?  We usually stop for a few seconds, take in the view and go back the way we came.  I am always thankful for this spot because it always brings me some measure of peace.  Nature can be like that.  That's one of the reasons I love to run outside.

It's getting late (for me) and I am tired.  Enjoy the view!

Some random thoughts about light.

Yes, I missed yesterday.  Oh, well, I'm glad I got that 1st miss out of the way...

Due to my personality, I will feel a bit of guilt about missing a day,  but I will work to get over it very quickly.  ;-)  Life is just a bit overwhelming at the moment.  This is a very busy time of year for our household.  We have 2 of our children in college.  One just went back after being home for the holidays.  The other went back for a winter term and is home for a few days before the spring term begins.  Having kids in and out always adds to the busyness around our house.  Along with that, we are about to kick off a new training season with Marathon Makeover, so we are working, just about non-stop, on that.  These are all good things, but nevertheless, they are things that make life hectic right now. 

So about this light.  Oddly enough, I've been coming across this subject a lot over the past few days.  I don't know why.  I suspect, it is to remind me to stay focused on what is important.

Here are my random thoughts:
Light is a beautiful, powerful thing.  When light shines, it crowds out the darkness.  It can also create darkness, making things more difficult to see.  It is because of light that we can see beautiful colors and shapes.  It is also because of light that we can see textures and depth, created by the mixture of light and shadows (dark).  Light can be blinding.  It can be so blinding that we don't see the things that surround us and we must shield our eyes so that other things (like oncoming cars) can be seen.

Like I said, these are random thoughts and I'm not sure of the purpose, but I am sure there is one. 

Without light, nothing can be seen in the darkness.  Nothing. 

Have you ever started out in the dark and you can't see anything?  You are riding down the road and it is dark on either side.  Then, as the sun comes up, you begin to see shapes and can make out the trees along the side of the road.  As the sun rises higher, and sheds more light, you can see the colors of the trees, grass, buildings, etc.  You can determine distance and depth and texture much better as the light shines down.  Then, as the day continues and the sun begins to sink down, it shines right into your eyes (if you're headed west, that is) and nothing can be seen.  Then as it makes its way further down, you can see a little better and then it all fades to black again. 

Without light, there is no beauty - or none to be seen.  There is no depth, no shadow, no texture, no color.  Without light, we cannot find our way.  Light shows us what there is to be seen and determines how we see it.  In fact, the kind of light determines how we see things.  The appearance of colors and textures can change, depending on what kind of light is shining on them.  That has always fascinated me, for some reason.

OK, I promised random thoughts, so here you go!  That's all for now because it's time for a run!

A beautiful gift at the end of the day (or daylight).

Today, I was fortunate to be able to enjoy an afternoon run with my buds.  We had a great time and enjoyed the warm weather.

We ran, we talked, we laughed - just like always.  As I was headed home, I enjoyed a beautiful view of the coming sunset.  This picture doesn't do it justice, but I remember it's beauty.  I enjoyed my ride home and just soaked in the wonder of the sun shining through the trees as it set. 

It's always nice to just take a few moments and take in the simple beauty of our world.

Good times with my girls

 I had all of my girls home with me today - what a treat!  So, off we went to see Beauty and the Beast!  This is one of those movies that they watched over and over when they were growing up.  It was just as good this time, as it was in the theater the first time.

I cherish the time I get to spend with my girls and am grateful that we enjoy many of the same things in life.  As I get ready to ship them off to school again, it makes these times even sweeter.

As we were leaving the theater, I made them stand by the sign for a photo opp.  Caroline was absolutely horrified!  It was quite funny to the rest of us.  Then a couple came by and were doing the same thing.  They offered to take our pic and we took theirs - everyone left happy - except Caroline, of course.  There's no fun quite like embarrassing your 12 year old in public!  ;-)

A beautiful day for a run with friends.

I started today with a run with friends - a great way to get going.  We ran one of our usual routes and here are a couple of things we saw along the way.

Here are my running buds at our first turnaround point.  We ran the trail for as far as it goes - for now.  Pretty soon, we will be able to continue, but until they build a bridge, this is as far as we go!

This is our 2nd turnaround point - the turtles.  But there are no turtles because it is January and they will not venture back out for quite some time.  This is a highlight of our run, because we usually stop and see if we can spot any turtles - even when we know they won't be out. 

This is a pic of my running buddies moving on - we were almost finished and I think they were ready to go get something to eat!

And, so, here we are after we got something to eat (Anna and Caroline joined us today), enjoying a few last minutes of visiting before we have to venture back into our own worlds.  It's always nice to enjoy some time with good friends.

Thank you, running buds, y'all are THE BEST!

My favorite time of the day.

Now that I have posted this pic, I see that my fingers are in the way, oops!

It's been a long day and I am tired.  This is one of those days that I would have opted out of doing this, if I didn't have people keeping me accountable.  I sure don't want to fall off of the wagon this early (at all, really).  So here we go.

This pick shows one of the things I love doing.  I love to cook dinner, especially when I have help.  Together, Anna and I cooked up a wonderful meal tonight, if I do say so myself.   She fried up some eggplant and I made some sauce and pasta.  Yum!  This is one of my favorite times of the day, because I'm doing something I enjoy, everyone is gathering around and starting to wind down their day (sometimes), and I'm about to be able to sit down to visit with them for a while.  It's usually the only time of the day when we are all gathered together in one place, without phones, tv or radio.  It's just us.  I like that.

I love a bargain!

And a bargain is what I found today!  Yay!  So that's my picture of the day.  It's my new quilt that I found on major sale.  I've been wanting a new bedspread, but am unwilling to spend the money.  Every time I go into a store that carries linens I look.  I look and look and look, determined to find what I want on sale.  FINALLY, as I rushed into Target - yes, again - I walked past that aisle and there it was - a sale!  A major sale!  I found a neat looking quilt and shams.  It didn't take me long to decide to snatch them up. 

I can't stand it, so I'll tell you that I spent all of $42 on it.  All of it.  Yay!

Do you pass it over or under?

This blog might be a bit of an "overshare", so consider yourself warned.  ;-)

It's been a very busy day in my life - lots of things to do, lots of places to be.  In the midst of all of this, I had to make a pit stop in the ladies room in Target.  See, I told you there would be too much information.  But you can't stop reading now!

Back to my story and explanation of today's picture - so there I am at Target.  I go in, I take care of things, reach for the roll and there is none.  Empty. 

Well, thank goodness, Anna was with me.  As she heard me exclaim, she told me she was coming to my rescue.  So I waited.  And I waited. 

Just as I was about to ask what was taking so long, she says, "HERE!".  I say, "Where?".  She says, "Up here!".  I look up (difficult to do when you're squatting!) and I see her waving the roll at me.  Gee whiz, are you kidding me??  ( I think I said that out loud.)  I quickly told her that couldn't reach it!  So she moves to the side.  And waves it again - from above!  We both get tickled, I reach for it and then tell her that you pass it UNDER not OVER!  Crisis is averted and we move on with our day...I hope the other lady in the restroom thought it was as funny as we did, but I doubt it.  ;-)

So here it is, my picture for the day:

For future reference, if you are caught in this situation, or are with someone who is, pass it UNDER! 

;-)

Inspiration in an unexpected place.

For my picture of the day, I'd like to introduce you to Tabatha from "Tabatha's Salon Takeover".  I have seen the ads for this show for quite a while, but never thought that I would enjoy watching it.  I thought it was just another reality "junk" tv show.  However, for some reason, I landed on this show while I was folding some towels and discovered that it is really quite interesting - especially if you are a business owner. 

On each episode, Tabatha comes into a failing business and take's over.  She talks to the owner, manager, employees.  She evaluates the way the business is run and makes necessary changes.  The episode I watched took place over a week.  It was fascinating to see why the business was failing, what it took to turn it around and the reactions of the owner and employees.  The owner found her passion for her business again.  The employees, who were incredibly resistant all week, eventually found their passion, too, and became better employees.  It is amazing what happens when we lose sight of what we feel like we are "meant" to do.  It is also amazing what happens when people are called out on their "stuff" and are held accountable for it. 

Stepping back and taking a good look at our work can be very helpful, especially when we have fallen into a rut.  A rut can cause us to forget what it is we're doing.  Our passion can fade when we just go through the motions. 

Sometimes we have to be reminded about our passion.  When we are doing something we believe in, we are passionate about it.  To be passionate about something feels good.  It causes us to move forward with a mission, no matter the obstacles.  When we pour ourselves into something with passion, we take pride in it and care about the outcome.  Our belief in what we are doing gives us ownership in something - whether it is a job, a relationship or a particular goal. 

Sometimes it may be necessary to step back and evaluate ourselves.  As we like to say around here - plan, do and review!  When we reevaluate, we can get back on track and get on with life and the things we want to do.  I am the only one who can determine my actions and my actions are determined by my beliefs.  Every now and then, I need to get them out and look at them to make sure I'm headed in the right direction.

Thanks for the reminder, Tabatha!

What is stressing YOU?

 Here is a picture - two actually, of some things that have been stressing me!  But guess what?  They are stressing me NO LONGER, woohoo!!  That is why these pictures made it into the blog today.

So, what is this, you may ask.  This is a storage unit filled with race supplies (some of them).  For the past 3 years, my husband and I have organized and managed 7 distance races for runners.  This is one of the most, if not the most, stressful experience I have ever had.  Race organization and implementation is a full time job.  For several people.    We did this in addition to managing our wellness program (another full time job) and Mark's full time job as a marriage and family therapist.  The races all went well and were successful, but something had to give.  It is tough, in this economy, to find enough sponsors to back a race and make ends meet.  Put that together with the 10 weeks per race that it takes to put on a race and you have stress, stress and more stress.  It was a good run, but it's time to let it go.

The races will be missed, but I think we are moving on to better things, overall.  We've made a lot of changes in the last year to move towards a less stressful and more effective life.  This is a positive change for us.  I knew this for sure last night, as we had to go over and move a lot of stuff out of there and organize what we were selling.  When we raised the door and all of that stuff was just staring at us, all of the anxiety and pressure that comes with putting on a race event, came pouring out on top of me.  I was reminded of how much time, effort and hard work it takes to do what we have done.  I felt overwhelmed and sort of frozen.  I felt the exhaustion I would feel with each event.  I don't want to feel like that again.  I am happy to be moving on to a different place.

I didn't realize that I hadn't fully recovered from the races.  I am still tired.  I am starting to feel better now, knowing that this week that storage unit will be EMPTY!!  I will not have to go back over there, stand in front of that door and wonder how we are going to get it all done.  Whew!  That feels good :-)

Sunday Dinner with the Family

My picture for today must be dinner with the family - one of my favorite things to do.  After going to church, we came home and had lunch together.  I love cooking for my family - especially when they enjoy it! 


Ever since our girls were small, I've worked quite hard to have a sit down dinner most nights.  It gives us a chance to catch up with one another, find out about what's going on and stayed plugged in as a family.  Now that our older two are at college, when one or both of them are home, it makes these times all the more special.

And the best part (next to the family) of having roast, gravy, rice, green beans, corn and biscuits?  

The answer is in the next picture.

Dessert!  My favorite thing to do is get one last biscuit (or two) and pour syrup on them (preferably molasses) and eat!  Yum!

So this was definitely the highlight of my day and one worthy of my picture - Sunday dinner with the family!  (We sure did miss you, Kate!)

Have you had dinner with your family lately?

One of my favorite views

I thought for my picture of the day, I would share one of the amazing views I have as I run on the trails in our area.  Isn't it beautiful?  One of my running buddies and I set out for a run this morning and enjoyed a great run and a gorgeous morning.

We are very fortunate to have running/walking/biking trails within a short drive of our home.  It's so nice to be able to go out and not worry about road traffic.  My buddies and I hit the trails and go!

More often than not, we spot some sort of wildlife.  We've seen deer, raccoons, possums, turtles, frogs and, unfortunately snakes.  Oh, and we have been known to find a stray kitten or two.  Lately, we have seen a good many deer and it never gets old.  The site of them always stops us in our tracks.  I hope that one of these days I'll be able to get a picture and post for my pic of the day.  We'll see.

Preparing for Marathon Makeover Kick Off!

Our 2012 season of Marathon Makeover for our area, kicks of on January 21.  That means most days between now and then are spent preparing for the year.  This morning we met with one of our sponsors, our local Clear Channel Radio Stations.  Pictured here with me is Kim Allen (left).  Kim is a much loved radio personality and a 3 time Marathon Makeover participant.  Kim helped us cut some ads that will be running for the next several weeks leading up to the kick-off meeting.  It is always interesting to watch how all of the "behind the scenes" stuff works. 

Visiting with Kim reminded me of one of the many reasons I love my job - I get to meet so many people that I would not otherwise know.  That's a true blessing in my life.  For some reason, each year we have a wonderful, diverse group of people that gather together to work towards a common goal - to train for and finish a marathon. 

Cutting those ads made me wonder about who I'll meet this year.  What kind of year will we have?  Who is that one person that will leave such a lasting impression that I won't be able to remember what is was like not knowing them?  There's always at least one!  We'll see...

What are YOU reading?

This is what I'm reading.  So far, I'm enjoying it.  I like to read biographies because it reminds me that everyone has a story and it all matters.  It is impossible to travel through this life and not touch other people.  We all have an effect on the people whose paths we cross - for good or for ill.  It's always interesting to see what circumstances have come together to make someone who they are. 


I am reading this one on the recommendation of a friend.  I'm always looking for something good to read and I'm always reading something.  I have always loved to read, but haven't always taken the time.  Then, about 17 years ago, someone challenged me to read a book a month.  So that year, for my resolution, I resolved to read one book a month.  I have been doing it ever since.  I don't think I've ever read less that 10 in a year. 

I read a little bit of everything - fiction, inspirational, motivational/self-help, instructional, biographical - whatever I come across that seems like it might be interesting.  I don't, however, like to waste my time.  I will not read trash.  Jim Rohn once said this,  "Some people claim that it is okay to read trashy novels because sometimes you can find something valuable in them. You can also find a crust of bread in a garbage can, if you search long enough, but there is a better way."  So true.  There's a lot of good stuff out there - I don't want to waste my time with the bad stuff.

What are YOU reading?
Leave a comment and let me know!

Can you relate?

I have a feeling that some of you can!  Have you seen something similar in your home?  :-)
Just for curiosity sake, this is a week's worth, for 4 of us.  (One has returned to school.)  Some has been removed, but this is the majority of it.  Does it look like a lot?  Does it look like a little?  I guess it depends on who's looking.

Does your laundry ever get out of hand?  Once upon a time, mine did, too.  But no more.  I promise, this is not out of hand.  :-) 

A long time ago, I did the laundry when I ran out of clean clothes.  Now, when it's just you, that may work just fine.  But when you have a child or two, or three, that can cause some serious panic.  If you know me, you know that I don't like panic.  That just won't do at all.

So tonight, my blog contains a tip to make your life easier.  Have a set day each week to do your laundry.  Run it straight through - wash, dry, fold, put away.  When my kids were little, I was home more and I didn't have as many interruptions.  Now that they are older, I am working (outside of the home) and we are running (literally and figuratively) in a few different directions,  there are more interruptions and "breaks", but I still go from start to finish without starting over. 

If it gets dirty after I'm done, it doesn't get washed until the next laundry day.  Too bad. 

Another laundry rule that makes life easier - if it's not in the hamper, it doesn't get washed.  If the hamper isn't in the hall at the start of laundry day, the clothes in it don't get washed.  Yes, my dad was in the military.  Do you think it shows?  ;-)

The fact of the matter is, it has made my life easier. 

Maybe this will provide you will a chuckle (or two), or you will try it and it will make YOUR life easier.  Either one works for me!
;-)

Last night of vacation and what are we doing?

Playing Farkle, of course!

Tomorrow, we officially return to the everyday routine around here.  But for now, we are getting in some family time and playing Farkle.  If you like games and don't have this one, it is worth getting. 

One of the things we enjoy during the holidays, is playing games.  Sitting around the table and passing some hours having fun with each other.

No deep thoughts, just a picture.
Now - back to Farkle with my girls...

Why??

 I have a couple of questions to go with my picture(s) of the day today.  Why?  and WHY????
OK, here's the thing.  Nothing deep tonight.  I sat down to relax and watch a little tv with the family.  We noticed that Fear Factor is back.  So we watched it.  No, that's not actually the first "why?".  The first "why?"  is, "Why would someone get into a coffin and have a bunch of snakes dumped on them?".

 I don't get it.  I just don't get it.  I can't even watch it.  It's a good thing the picture is so small because I can't really see it as I type.  Yay. 
Now for the second "why?".  "Why would someone pick up those snakes with their MOUTH and move them to another container?".  "WHY???"  Again.  I just don't get it.  Really.  I don't.

It is a bizarre what people will do to ......what?  Win money?  Get on television?  Prove something?? 
Wow.  Again.  I just don't get it.

Drink deeply in 2012

Happy New Year everyone!  Welcome to my year in pictures.  Here is picture number 1!  As you can probably guess, this picture was taken last night as we celebrated ringing in the new year - with grape juice, of course!  We had a fun time with friends and family - the things with which I'd like to fill the year.

So why drink deeply?  Because sometimes that's the only way you can get a good taste of something.  The thing we must ask ourselves is "Of what do I want to drink deeply?".  We have a choice in this life.  For the most part, we are not force fed.  We make choices every day that determine what we will drink.  What will it be for you in 2012?  For me, I will choose things like friends and family, peace, kindness, wisdom, graciousness, generosity, activity, adventure - and the list goes on and on. 

I will step into 2012 with intention and aware that it is a new year.  I have a chance to make a positive impact on the world and so do you - take that opportunity to learn something.  Spending a year blogging my life in pictures is going to teach me things.  I don't know what exactly, but I know I'll learn something because I will be challenged to find a picture every day that represents life.  I'll try to keep the commentary short, but we'll see...

Join me!