What's your wish?

I had a birthday this week. With that celebration came the annual ritual or option of blowing out a candle and making a wish. I thought about it for a moment and figured, why not? Suddenly the candle is being set into the frosting and the lighter is getting prepped. Instantly all kinds of thoughts swirled through my head. Is this wish supposed to be for something serious; good health, financial security, an end to pending wars and Covid? Or should it be more lighthearted and for something fun? Should I wish for good things for those around me for things they've been working towards OR should I allow myself to be selfish and think solely of me? 

I know; you're probably thinking 'it's your birthday, of course it should be about you'.

Does this wish have to compare to a New Year's resolution? Probably not, because resolutions require goals and agendas and motivation and usually A LOT of hard work.

A wish should be more of a gift, perhaps a gift you simply give to yourself. Maybe you'll get what you wish for and maybe not, but nothing ventured nothing lost. Maybe it's simply about giving yourself permission to think outside of the box, to step out of your comfort zone, and to simply GO FOR IT ... whatever IT is for you.

In that split second that seemed to drag into ten in slow motion, I decided to wish for something different. Nothing tangible or measurable; but something more like courage. I wished to tap into my inner creativity and challenge myself to try something new. Something I had thought about and envisioned doing, but then my head would overthink each step. I wished for the courage to just let myself try. If I fail that's okay, at least I tried. But if I don't try how will I ever know whether or not I was capable of doing it?

What is IT for me? What was my wish about? I'm not sure I'm quite ready to share that part. I will give it a try and then share my results; good or bad.

What will you be wishing for when it's your turn?

Are People Losing Interest?

It's been more than a year since everyone's lives changed dramatically due to the Covid pandemic. Our schedules and daily routines changed, where we work from changed for some (now the make-shift home office or dining room table), what we wear while we work changed (forget the khakis - it's all about jeans and leggings and t-shirts), our eating habits changed (with the occasional treat of picking up a carry out), and some of us saw some different numbers appearing on our bathroom scale. 

We've learned to adapt and adjust when necessary. We had to temporarily quit doing some of the things we always liked to do; social gatherings, going to church in-person, birthday parties, etc. Some things are starting to return to our routines, but slowly and in ways that seem a little different. Restaurants can offer indoor dining, but with a 50% capacity. We still wear face masks where required. We've started going back to church with socially distanced pews, but we miss sharing the peace and giving hugs ... but we'll get there.

As things have changed we have to wonder how much WE have changed in the process. I've heard it said that once you do something OR not do something for three weeks it becomes a habit. It makes you wonder if people will get too used to their new routines and the dos and don'ts that were thrust upon them. Will they lose interest in the things and people that once meant so much to them? Will previous extroverts now become introverts because it's easier? Or will we understand that the changes were merely choices we were forced to make and be willing to go back to our previous 'normal'?

Right or wrong, I have now had both doses of my Covid vaccine and waited out my two week post-shot period. I'm sure that the first time I meet up with other friends who are also vaccinated without a mask will seem a little apprehensive and risky; kind of like taking the leap into the deep waters of the pool. We'll just have to hold our breath and do it to get past it.

I have faith that with time we will get past it and remember our former selves. It's the only choice I have because I refuse to adapt to a 'new normal' with no timeline. I want more than that for all of us. We deserve more than that. I will continue to make the best choices I can for myself and my family and hope that it will be enough.

What is the biggest thing you've missed during the pandemic?

Have you resumed doing anything specific and how was it for you?

Choose To Be Positive

This morning I listened to a podcast that talked about when we feel that life is unfair. For some people that could be just about any day of the week. Others seem to have the golden life without ever experiencing complications or little bumps in the road ... or at least that's how we choose to perceive them to be. The thing is; you never REALLY know what is going on in someone else's life until you walk in their shoes for a day. They may have us all fooled into thinking they have no stresses and everything is going their way, when in reality they may be having to make some really serious decisions and life isn't quite as cozy and perfect as they would have us all think.

You see, everyone gets dealt an unfair hand once in a while. No one's life is perfect. No one gets a pass. The difference is in how we handle what we are dealt. Do we wallow in it and let the situation or circumstance dictate to us how we will let it affect us? Or do we choose to overcome it? Don't get me wrong, some of life's curve balls can't be taken back and we don't always have the power to change them. Someone will get a cancer diagnosis that is not treatable. Someone will be stuck in an abusive relationship where someone takes charge and leaves the other person feeling vulnerable and helpless. Someone will lose their job leaving them wondering how they will keep a roof over their head or food on their table. Some situations will require us to be humble and ask for help. Some situations will require us to do some heavy soul-searching and digging deep for inner strength.

Sometimes we have things happen that we feel are unfair, but all we can do is accept them and try our best to deal with them. We get to choose whether our proverbial glass is half empty or half full. Our attitude is sometimes the only thing we will have control over. When someone wants to remind you of the possible half empty version, tell them 'No thanks!'.

Whatever you are dealing with right now, know that there WILL be people in your corner ready to support you and lend you a hand or a shoulder to cry on when you need a release. There will also be people who you thought were there for you, but really aren't. And that's okay. It's sad and unfortunate, but ultimately it's okay. We can't tell other people what to feel and we can't always expect them to know what we need if we don't tell them. There may be times when we point blank tell them and they still won't understand; that we cannot change.

I hope that today and every day when you are facing an unfortunate circumstance or a question that needs answered, I hope that you can dig deep and choose to face it with a positiveness that comes from having faith. The faith of knowing that you don't have to go through anything alone. The faith of knowing that there are people who care about you, and the faith that in the end everything will be okay.

When you are faced with a sinking feeling and a weighed down heart, choose to be positive. It won't fix everything, but it will remind you that you are stronger and more resilient than you think. And that is no small thing ... it is pretty darn MIGHTY.

What are you currently go through and what can we do to lighten your load a bit?

When We Ignore The Signs

Some things in life are predictable; that most times we will buy a losing lottery ticket, at some point our fast food drive thru order will be incorrect, you'll undoubtedly get stuck some time in traffic behind a school bus or a cement truck, and yes ... you'll forget that the sun shines just as brightly on a 60 degree day as it does on an 85 degree day.

That last part about the strength of the sun would be for me. I spent my long Memorial Day holiday doing yard work; planting flowers, planting shrubs, getting our yard ready for summer. By the time Memorial Day came around I was exhausted. I woke up Monday morning determined to NOT do anything that involved physical labor. I opted to treat myself to sitting out on my patio listening to my wind chimes, watching the birds frolic in the birdbath, reading a new book, and just sitting there feeling the warmth of the sun on my face. The last month has had a lot of rain and grey skies; it's been gloomy to say the least. I think I truly forgot what an afternoon in the sunshine felt like. The temperature was only in the mid 60s, but the sun felt warm and the clear sky looked like hope ... hope that the gloomy rain might be behind us and hope that there was a promise of an approaching summer.

So how was my afternoon? It was grand. It was relaxing. It was quiet. I finished my book (something I don't often have the opportunity to do). It was everything I hoped it would be and more. Sadly, a few hours later I realized I had totally ignored the signs; the ones that should have been obvious to me. I'm still Irish and fair skinned, with more than my share of freckles. The sun on a clear 65 degree day was going to be just as powerful as a full out summer sun. Today my arms and legs are as red as a lobster. It will fade, but will I have learned my lesson? Gosh, I hope so.

Things happen when we ignore the signs. When a speed limit sign says 55 mph, it's more than a suggestion. When we go 70 mph in a 55 mph zone, we are asking for trouble. When we eat a food that we know will bother our stomach or we are allergic to, we are ignoring the signs and asking for something to go wrong. And yes, when the sky is clear and the sun is bright, we are asking for discomfort if we don't properly prepare ourselves. Obviously I needed to apply more sun screen than I did. Obviously I needed to pace myself more than I did. I really needed to pay attention to the signs. My only excuse was that 'the book was REALLY good', lol.

I will be uncomfortable for a few more days, but hopefully I will pay better attention the next time.

When is the last time you ignored a sign? 

What was it? 

Did you learn from your mistake?

You're Worth 39 Cents

Do you ever feel guilty for spending money on yourself? Do you ever contemplate whether or not a purchase is necessary or even too extravagant? Or do you never think about it and just say to yourself, 'I'm worth it!' Everyone is undoubtedly different in this respect.

As a general rule I never buy anything for myself that isn't at least on sale. Maybe I held on to the habit from when I was a mother of young children. I would always save what I didn't spend on myself so I could spend it on them. There was always the hockey equipment that needed to be replaced, or the new dance shoes and costumes ... which later became braces ... which later became musical instruments ... which later became college tuition. Don't get me wrong, I always wanted to put my family first; that's what I chose when I decided to become a parent.

Even after these expenses were no longer on the table, good or bad - the habits remain ingrained in my brain. Occasionally I will splurge on a manicure, but most often I paint my nails myself. I pay to get my hair cut professionally (because I stink at it lol), but I choose to do the color myself (at least for as long as I am able to, plus I like the color). I can afford these things, but some habits die hard I suppose.

Last week I went for a massage. I do this once a month, but at first I had a really hard time convincing myself to do it. At least until my husband reminded me that I needed to look at it a different way. As a 13 year breast cancer survivor I still deal with some long term effects of lymphedema in my right arm. It will never get any better, but it can be maintained to some degree by keeping the lymph fluid flowing (that's where the massage comes in). The physical therapy office where I go for it runs a special 4x a year; buy one massage and get the second one at 40% off. The receptionist asked me how many specials I wanted, to which I replied, 'Just one'. I know I will use them and I could afford to buy more, but I can't bring myself to justify purchasing more at one time for them to sit idly in the drawer waiting to be used. Silly, I know, especially since I WILL use them. The funny part was that when I told this to the receptionist she laughed and said, 'I know exactly what you mean. I went to a KFC once for the $5.00 box special because I wanted a pot pie with a drink and a cookie. I asked to get a lemonade. The cashier said it would be a 39 cent upgrade.' I said, 'Did you get it?' She replied, 'Yes, but sadly I contemplated for at least 10 seconds whether I should, but then decided I WAS WORTH IT.'

The moral of this little story? You ARE worth it! You are worth the 39 cents and a whole lot more. 

I am still a work in progress and probably always will be, but I'm beginning to learn that it's okay to splurge on me once in a while. 

What is something you choose to go without?

What is something you allow yourself to splurge on?

What helps you make the choice?

Does Your Heart Listen To Your Head?

We've all had moments when we had to make big decisions; those decisions that make you stay awake all night playing out every possible scenario in your head. What if I choose (fill in the blank) and it's the wrong choice? What if it's not the right time to (fill in the blank)? What if I choose one direction and find out later I should have gone the other way?

The thing is that none of us have a crystal ball. None of us have someone that can tell us what the right choice is. The choices we are presented with aren't always clear; we won't always know what to do or if the choice is really what is being presented. Maybe we think it is offering us one thing, when in reality it really isn't. Sometimes if an opportunity seems too good to be true, chance are it might be. It's always going to be difficult to know.

When you have to make a big decision or a choice, people will say to 'go with your gut', 'trust your instincts'. Then you have to ask yourself, 'Do you tend to react with your heart or with your head'. Those that react with their heart may be more emotional; how will something make you feel? Happy, sad, stressed, needed, appreciated? Some tend to react more with their head. They will look at a situation or decision and think about the pros and the cons. What will the job offer? How much time will I be on the road and away from my family? Will the choice they make get them where they want to be and doing what they what to do?

Choices can be about relationships, finances, starting families, choosing the right health treatment, new jobs, taking risks, going back to school, etc. We all make tough choices and make decisions each and every day. We need to have faith that whatever decisions we make are the right ones for us. Will we make mistakes? Undoubtedly, we are human after all. Will we learn from our mistakes? Hopefully so. Will whatever choices we make in our lifetime develop and define our character? You bet they will.

When you have a big decision to make do you tend to go with your heart or your head?

Does your heart ever listen to your head or vice versa?

Does making a big decision tend to keep you up at night?

The Dilemma of Gift Cards

Remember when gift certificates were all the rage? Restaurants, hair salons, clothing stores? It was exciting to give someone a day of pampering and a day of choices. Didn't know exactly what to give someone for a gift - let them pick it out themselves. Then technology and time moved forward and everything became more digitized. Now it's all about the gift cards. Some gift cards come in packages; dinner AND a movie, some are good for more than one restaurant or apparel store. Gift cards can make life easy (for the buyer and sometimes for the recipient).

A lot of places will offer incentives; buy multiple gift cards and get a coupon or small gift card for yourself, buy your gift cards in bulk at Costco or Sam's Club and get a discount, buy your gift cards at Kroger and you can earn gas points (sometimes even 2x or 4x the value). Yes, society makes it REAL easy to shop - what the heck, you can even purchase gift cards online and never leave the comfort of your laptop and pajamas.

My mother always had a problem giving gift cards as gifts. Sure, she loved the whole wrapping and presentation process of the package, but truth be told I think she also liked picking out the gifts. She would put a lot of thought into it and often start months in advance. Unfortunately, sometimes what SHE thought was the perfect gift for you wasn't necessarily something you would like or want to be seen in, lol. But the thought and the gesture were there. Eventually we would convince her that it would make her life a little easier and people could get what they wanted. After all, you can still find creative ways to wrap a gift card.

But, then there is the issue that recipients can lose the gift cards or just put them something place and forget that they have them. Or they have them at home, but not with them when they are shopping or out when they could actually use them. Sometimes, gift cards are received with enthusiasm and spent the way they were meant to be spent. Other times they are re-gifted. Other times they collect dust and sit in that special place everyone has, because for some odd reason some of us feel like we are being too frivolous when we use them, lol. Silly huh?

Yes, human nature can be just as unpredictable as gift choices sometimes. But since we are now in November and 'pre-' Black Friday sales are already starting to show up it's just one more thing for us consumers to contemplate.

Thoughts? 
Any stories of gift card mishaps that you can share with the rest of us?

Making The Quick Decision

Are you a good decision maker? Do you make snap decisions or are you a thinker; someone who analyzes every possible angle before choosing which way to go? Truth be told I am probably a little bit of both, just depends on the situation (and the day).

Having the ability to make a quick decision or choice is good if it's a life-saving reflex. We've all heard of the right arm 'mom seat belt' right? I've saved many lives in my lifetime, although I'm sure that the seat belt that came with the cars worked just as well as my arm ... but hey, better safe than sorry. If you see a child wander into the street while playing, you run and stop them, right? Doesn't matter if it's your child or the kid from down the road. Yes, some quick reflexes are helpful when it comes to making that split-second decision.

But making a quick decision about something that ultimately could change your 'big picture' in a way that's stressful or unhealthy isn't a good thing. That's when it would be a good idea to pause and think about everything involved before committing yourself to something. Sometimes we take the wrong job or agree to be part of a relationship because we feel pressured. I once held a job at a travel agency that dealt only with cruises. I agreed to give the job a try because the employer made it sound very enticing. After one week and finding out her expectations (and unhealthy demands) I decided I was not the right person for the job. Looking back I wish I had thought more about my decision before I accepted so quickly. If I had I would have had another 5 nights of good sleep under my belt, but lesson learned.

So why do we sometimes find ourselves making the quick decision that isn't necessarily right for us? I can only speak for myself, but I can admit that I am a people-pleaser. Maybe that's a good trait on most days, but some days it isn't. I often have a hard time saying no because I don't want to disappoint anyone. The fear of disappointment can be very daunting. I somehow convince myself that if I say no things won't happen or get done in a timely fashion and I will be letting someone down. It's hard to accept the fact that even I am dispensable; even I can say NO and things will still proceed without me. Who knew that the world didn't really revolve around me, lol.

We all make our own choices and must then accept the responsibilities that go with them; good or bad. If we all knew how to make the right choice all the time I'm sure we would, but we don't and need to accept that (sometimes daily, lol).

The next time you're faced with making an important decision remember that it's okay NOT to give an immediate answer. In the long run it's better that your answer is the right one for you, rather than just being the speediest.

What was the last quick decision you made? And no, I'm not referring to making a dinner or movie choice. :)

Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda

Do you live with regrets? Are there moments when you think to yourself ... If only I had done this or that? What if I had reacted differently? It's not often life gives us a Re-Do, but we do have opportunities to learn from our actions.

 

There will always be things we SHOULD do; like exercise and eat better.

 

There will always be things it WOULD be wise to do: vote to share our voice and obey the laws and the 10 Commandments.

 

There are the things we are REQUIRED to do; get a driver's license if you want to drive and have health insurance.

 

Then there are things it would be MORALLY right to do; be loyal, be honest, and be respectful of one another.

 

There's a lot to remember if you want to live a good life that both you and God can be proud of, but we're human and we're bound to make poor choices and bad decisions and even occasionally do or say things we wish we could take back. We don't get a 'rewind' button. We need to face our choices head on and deal with any consequences. But in the midst of trying to stay on track and remember all the woulda, coulda, shoulda scenarios we need to make sure we also honor the things we WANT or NEED to do. There are things that help curb our mounting anxieties like laughter (or ice cream). There are things that help us clear our heads like fresh air and taking a walk in the sunshine. There are things that help our minds stay active like crafts, crossword puzzles, and taking time for prayer or reading a daily devotional.

 

Life is full of big decisions and difficult choices, but it also needs to be about creating a healthy balance.

 

How do you balance your life? What WOULD you do if you COULD? What SHOULD you be doing differently?

Integrity: It's Not Just a Word

To some ‘Integrity’ is just a word, to others it’s a creed to how they live their lives; how they think and choose to behave. The dictionary defines ‘Integrity’ as the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; a consistency of actions, values, methods, expectations … Regardless, ‘Integrity’ is a BIG word with BIG implications.

I’ve noticed that the word is thrown around, sometimes carelessly, when naming companies or often when used by politicians and other professionals. It can be a big part of advertising to make you think the company (or individual) has morals above reproach, that they’re honest, reliable and trustworthy. Search the Internet and you’ll see companies using the word to name their operating systems, banks, staffing companies, and even office supplies stores.
 

We all know that using specific adjectives in marketing and advertising is all part of the business. They’ll use certain words, certain colors, certain music scores to target certain demographics. That’s common, but don’t be swayed. Don’t fall for the bells and whistles, the glitz and the confetti. Think for yourself and let people (professionals and businesses alike) know that if they’re going to market themselves using ‘Integrity’ as a ploy, they’d better be able to back it up. If you’re like me you’re probably starting to see a lot of political signs on the roads and getting assorted handouts in the mail on an almost daily basis. It’s as good a time as any to sharpen your skills and stay alert.

Hang in there; we're in this together!

Useless Words

The dictionary is full of words; some good some not so much. I've blogged before about the importance of words and the limitless power they possess. Words can build a person up, congratulate them on a task well done, or they can damage a self-esteem in the matter of mere seconds. Have you ever watched the movie 'Mean Girls' or seen a bridesmaid's episode of TLC's 'Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta'? The storeowner, Lori, will protect her brides till the end if the bridesmaids get too out of hand. I've seen episodes where bridal party entourages have been ruder to the bride than you could ever imagine because for some reason they believe their friend's wedding should be all about them. When the bridesmaid becomes the bride then they can have the spotlight, until then they need to be quiet and take a back seat.

Words should validate, flatter, and express concern when needed. They should never be cruel, wasteful, or ill-intended. At that point, they become useless. Words have a great deal of power and once spoken generally can't be taken back. First impressions and first words mean a lot, just ask someone conducting an interview.

My advice to you ... think twice and speak once (if necessary). Often by doing so you may change your mind and save yourself from embarrassment or saying something you'll later regret. In the words spoken by the Queen to the evil stepmother in the movie 'Ever After' with Drew Barrymore, "Choose your words wisely Madame, for they may be your last."

When was the last time you said something you later regretted?

CHANGE: Friend or Foe?

'CHANGE' ... Are you the kind of person who gets bored with things and is always seeking a 'change'? I don't just mean wanting a new hair style or new clothes for the next season. I mean bigger, more daunting life changes. Some people welcome change with open arms and actually go looking for it. Then there are others who work really hard to create a comfort zone; a place they can count on where they know what to expect, a place with few surprises. Life is always presenting us with challenges and change; sometimes good and sometimes not so good.

I guess I'm a middle of the fence kind of gal. Some times I welcome change, it can keep things interesting and fresh. Then there are those times when someone else decides to make a change for us because for whatever reason they get to dictate what is supposedly good for us (not that they always ask us). It's those times when many of us suddenly find ourselves on the defensive (like when the government starts to dictate our health plan choices, the economy forces us to make decisions we shouldn't have to make, or a school or job suddenly changes their expectations).

There are many things in our lives we can plan or try to oversee, but there are even more things in our lives that we have absolutely no control over whatsoever. That power is often just out of our reach and ultimately in God's hands. That in itself can be comforting, but since we're still human many of us are going to continue to struggle. We try to gain a better understanding of the 'whys' and 'why nots', but that can sometimes be really difficult.

So the question remains 'is change a friend or a foe?' Some change is healthy and some not so much. If a change has a solid purpose perhaps it stands a chance, BUT if someone presents you with a change just because they're bored or have their own agenda is that reason enough to force the change on you? I don't think so. I'm still of the mindset that God gave me a mind and voice. He didn't bless me with it so that someone else could choose how and when they would speak for me. Do I still want to hear the Pledge of Allegiance said in schools? -  you bet I do. Do I still want to hear people mention God in prayers in public places? - absolutely! There are a lot of 'changes' I see everyday that make me want to curl up and cry in disappointment, while fortunately others give me a glimmer of hope that there is still good out there in the world.

It's a Monday, what can I say? I blog, I vent,  I get to say what's on MY mind. Today, right now at this exact moment no one gets to speak for me, make a choice for me, or CHANGE what's in my heart. It's a good day.

Why are some decisions harder than others?

Today I entered a Facebook post that simply asked 'Why do we struggle with decisions some days more than others?' A friend responded rather quickly suggesting that it would make a good 'Insights Are Blooming' topic. Well, there you go ... talk about inspiration.

Decisions can come in all shapes and sizes and sometimes with a lot of strings attached. Some decisions are what I like to call 'no-brainers', while trying to make other decisions often cause us to lose sleep. Those are the difficult life-changing ones. I don't think there is a one of us who doesn't have to make at least one decision a day ... our lives are overflowing with choices. What should we wear to work today? What should we pack in our child's school lunch (that we hope they will actually eat)? Should we put time aside this week to actually call that friend or relative who is still waiting to hear from us? Should we plan a vacation or stick close to home? Should we downsize our home when our kids are grown and out of the house? Should we hold on to hope and try the medical treatment that might save our life? Should we retire or continue working for another year or two?

Everyone's 'choices' that are currently weighing them down may or may not be just like those of the person next to you. We often think we are faced with decisions that no one else could possibly understand. We often feel alone. At the same time, we just might be more like the person standing next to us than we thought. Making serious decisions can be difficult. Of course, we need to do our research and weigh all of our options. Be thorough, but in the end trust yourself.

What was your most recent decision (serious or trivial)?

Spring Forward ... Fall Back?

Tonight marks Daylight Saving's Time for 2012. Before heading off to bed tonight we will switch our clocks forward one hour. What does that mean for you and me? Well, in the mornings when my husband or I drop our high schooler off at the bus stop (6:45 a.m.) it will go back to being dark again. On the other hand, we'll have an extra hour of daylight in the evenings after work which is nice because I can stop off for groceries and get home without having to turn my headlights on. That itself is gratifying on many levels.

Let's take a moment and try and relate the whole 'spring forward, fall back' concept to our personal lives. It's not just about light and dark in the sense of sunshine and warmth - I think we can relate to it on a different level. Do you ever have moments when you feel like for every step you make going forward, life throws obstacles at you forcing you to take two steps backwards? I know I have times like that. Many in fact. I suppose it's normal and just a reality we all must face at one time or another. Is there anything we can do to prevent it? Probably not, but that doesn't mean we don't still have some level of control. We can control how we choose to deal with those times and we can control how long we allow ourselves to dwell on the 'backward steps'.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not insinuating that it's easy. I'll even go out on a limb and admit that I feel that way quite often. In my heart I know the positive, productive moments will return - so I try to hold on to that. I am human and have my less than productive moments like everyone else. I can get frustrated and angry and discouraged, but I can also choose to dig a little deeper and somehow find the strength to get going 'forward' again. What's my secret? Sadly  I don't have any real magical advice other than giving myself the grace and the time to get over and get past whatever I'm having a hard time dealing with at the moment. There's no set timeline and there's certainly no directions on how to live a perfect life, but I do think trying to find the positive in any given situation will be a good place to start.

Ultimately spring is a time of sunshine, warmth, blue skies, flowers, and singing birds. It's a time of rebirth and energy. Join with me and embrace life as we 'spring forward' together.

A Change of Pace

I haven't posted any entries in just over a month and I apologize. From my previous postings you know I broke my ankle. I've spent a good portion of my free time going to physical therapy. Things aren't 100% yet, but are progressing ... which is good. Ok, so much for excuses. It's not like I typed on the computer with my toes (as someone pointed out to me on facebook after my last post), so having a broken ankle shouldn't have slowed me down in that aspect. Well ... there have been some graduation parties and the end of the school year... those excuses aren't working either, huh? Guess I'll just have to take responsibility for my lapse in writing and say that I got distracted by 'life'.

I've been spending as much time as possible when I'm not working to read and work in my flowerbeds. Quite a change from last summer. This time last summer I was very tanned already, very limber, and was doing A LOT of walking as part of my training for the 3Day 60-mile walk in August. This year I decided to cross the event off of my bucket list ... been there ... done that. Instead I made a gift basket for a previous teammate who is walking again and having a fundraiser. I do plan though to be at a cheering station for this year's event. And for me ... I recently attended a cancer survivor's celebration luncheon.

This summer I decided instead that I needed to take a break (although I didn't think it would involve any crutches ...lol) and spend some time at home. I'm proud to say that my flowers have never looked better. I'm even playing Scrabble in the evenings with my daughter. I have 3 more weeks left of physical therapy and then I hope to be able to take some longer walks and perhaps go on some family bike rides.

A funny thing did happen to me though this past weekend ... as I was trimming a bush in my side yard I leaned over toward the bush and was surprised by a mother duck flying up into my face. Apparently my clippers upset her as she was sitting on a nest of 6 eggs. How was I supposed to know she was there or that she'd built a nest? Guess I should have known? I didn't think so. She flapped her wings at me, repeatedly quacked at me and flew off ... only to sit on a nearby rooftop and continue to quack at me. I quietly and discreetly cleaned up my mess and left her bread pieces as a peace offering. Apparently I've been forgiven because she is now back sitting atop her nest, but not without giving me the 'evil eye'. Did I mention I was REALLY sorry?