Gulp! Mt. Whitney!

It was one of those "Gulp! Am I excited or terrified that this is happening?" moments. Mark, Sean and a group of guys are climbing Mt. Whitney in August (highest point in the continental United States). My brother-in-law got a hair-brained idea that it would be so cool if he & I and a couple of other people climbed the mountain IN ONE DAY and met them at the summit, then turned around, and climbed down...all in the SAME DAY!!! It's very difficult to get the permit for the day. Many apply and few are chosen. I figured we would be denied, so why not? I could say, "Oh, honey, we tried and just didn't get in!"
To stack the odds a little, both Kevin and I applied. On Saturday morning, I received his forwarded email..".Unsuccessful in your lottery request". Oh, too bad. Not meant to be and all that jazz. But, wait, two emails down is one sent to ME and it's title is CONGRATULATIONS!! Your lottery request is granted for the date you have chosen. Ummm......yea!!
Now, I have to start training. I may even need to buy hiking boots. Be careful what you wish for as it may come true!!!

Routine vs Excitement

Sadly, this cartoon is so true for me. Routine can be so comforting, and, then, so boring! People claim to seek happiness, but I believe they are really seeking contentment. The trouble with contentment is that it can easily be overlooked. It is more often a calm breeze rather than an amazing rainbow in the sky. It's a summer evening in the backyard with your husband rather than a week's vacation at a five star hotel. Simple, not extravagant.
What I really want to know is, can I have both?!

What's Your Priority?

Just today, on the morning talk shows, they were carrying a story of how regrettable both women and men have found their lives to be when trying to balance work and home. We women have been master jugglers for years, scheduling kid's school and sports activities, while trying to maintain a foothold in the work area as well. Not to mention, meals, laundry, paying bills, etc. It all takes time and it seems to be in short supply for most of us. Now men are feeling the pinch as well. Be the bread winner, make more money, climb the ladder of success has been the primary focus for most of them. Guess what? Many have looked up and realized they have missed much of their children's lives as a result of this single-minded focus and they now regret it terribly.
While most of the "events" are small in nature, being there for the kids turns them into the star of the hour. They shine brightly when we pay attention to them and let them know how much they matter to us.
Today, two of our little stars were shining brightly and we got a chance to witness it. Abbey had a St. Patrick's Day parade around the school. Green was all around and they were all so proud. Then, we jetted up to Maddy's school to be there for her to receive an award as well. My husband was knee deep in breaking out concrete on a job, but he showed up, dirt and dust as well. Nobody probably noticed except me. Definitely not Maddy, who adores him beyond words and was just happy to have him there.
And, guess what? The concrete was still there when he got back!

Fearless Foursome

Looking at this bunch just makes me smile. It was taken last weekend after Jack won the championship game. Each face reflects their own personality. I especially love Jack's look. Is he even remotely aware what a heart breaker he is?! Maybe not at six, but, look out girls in his future! He's funny, kind and an athlete!!! What a winning combination! Can't wait to be on the sidelines of his life to watch.

Look Up!!!

Lately, I have been telling people that they should encourage their children to become orthopedic surgeons specializing in neck injuries. I am certain, ten years from now, we will see an increase in neck surgeries from the stress an iPhone places on the back of the neck. I don't mean to sound like an old lady, but, seriously, today alone, three people almost ran into me because they had their neck bent, head down, staring into their phone. We are losing some humanity in our abundance of technology.
Don't write on Facebook that you love me. Don't text me that you love me. Look into my eyes and tell me you love me!

Keep on Runnin'

I have been picking up my running more lately and I cannot believe how much it helps my outlook. Any physical exertion helps you to cope with everyday life hassles. I read a great line this week. "I started out running for vanity and soon learned it was more for sanity." Although there is no question that seeing a more toned bod in the bathroom mirror is gratifying, the effect it has on the inside of me is even more rewarding.
My running mantra remains the same: I am awesome. I am strong. I can do this. I GET to run this morning, injury free and healthy. Thank God. Thank you, Lord.

Light the Candle

I am always a bit amazed when I go to people's homes and they have never lit candles all over the place. I burn candles all the time and love the smell of scented ones. When I ask why they have never been burned, the answer is often that they are special or too nice to light. They seem to be waiting for a time, in the future, when lighting the candle will be part of an important event. It's just a candle, I think. Didn't you buy it because you loved it and wanted to use it? Aren't candles meant to be burned and used?
I was relating this "candle theory" to a lady and she stopped for a moment and got a little weepy. You see, her grandmother had died a few months ago and she and her sister were in charge of cleaning out grandma's things. They opened one drawer of her dresser only to find the most beautiful and elegant silk and lace nightgowns they had ever seen. Many still had the original tags on them. She and her sister looked at each other and said, "What was she waiting for?" Sometimes "later" becomes "never".
Why wait to use the "good" china, the "guest" towels, the "expensive" perfume, the "fancy" nightgown or the "special" candle. None of us are promised tomorrow. Using things up is not wasteful, it is living life to the fullest. Few of us can honestly say we live this way.
What is your "later" that could become your "never"? You still have time to change it!!