Why Cats Can't Be Trusted

______________________________________________________________
Things that make today great: BSC with Lindley and Maribeth; porch sitting with Lindley; talking remodeling with Steve, Molly, and Remodel Dudes; Friday boot camp

Happiness in a Stroller

This is Lindley going on a stroller ride. I'm not sure what is making her happy - perhaps it's her stylin' hat. Or maybe it's the thought of going outside. Or maybe she's just happy, period.

Maybe that's all it takes to be happy - just be happy. It doesn't have to be a big reason - even a little one will do, like just going outside.

So tomorrow, find your reason for being happy. Find a hat, or a stroller, or just be happy. It will be a great way to spend a Friday!

__________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: getting lots of errands complete; planting flowers; Logans lunch with Maribeth; remodeler talk with Molly; Grayson and the dead bird

Cats Is Cats

These are pictures of Maggie The Cat sleeping/sitting in Lindley The Granddaughter's Bumbo. I'm not sure why Maggie does this, except that she's a cat. Cats seem to think that anything and everything is theirs to use in any way they choose. They don't care what the thing is used for, or to whom it belongs, or where it is. If they choose to use it, they will.

Some might think it is the cat's ego that entitles him to free reign on anything and everything. I think it is creativeness. So, in the spirit of the cat, here's my offering:

So maybe it's not as cute, but it's the only body part I could fit in the Bumbo!!

_________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: Front porch rocking with Lindley at BSC; new partner at boot camp; MB's summer job decision; cute slarty pic from Lyn and Lin

Hoop Dreams

It probably started in a weak moment. Maribeth sent out an email about a coupon for hula-hoop class at Hooprama. It was one of those "why not" moments, or maybe it was a "Whu-uut" moments, or maybe it was a "passed out on the couch" moment. All I know is that in the next moment, I was signed up for a hula-hoop class.

Just to refresh your memory, I am middle-aged, in need of a massive weight loss, and uncoordinated. Add to that a waistline that hasn't seen a belt in decades and two hips that prefer to remain inactive, and you have an unlikely candidate for hula hooping. But ignorance is bliss, and hope springs eternal, and it is what it is - so I happily ignored the whole thing until this evening when Maribeth and I drove to West Nashville for Hula Hooping Level 1 (I looked for a lower level, but there wasn't one).

We found the location (after a few misfires), parked the car (hopefully not in a tow-away zone), and went in the door. We were met by the two leaders and eight other women. Some are young, some are thin, some look like they've done this before, and some look like me - bewildered. We all chose a hoop and class began.

First we're told about hoops - apparently we have the adult version (that cost around $40, quite unlike the $3.99 version I bought back in the 60's). There are little hoops, medium hoops, and one humongous hoop. The first thing we did was hold the hoop and let it drop to the floor - something I figured I would be doing a lot during the hour. Next we learned how to sway - first side to side and then front to back. Soon we are released to actually turn the hoops using the sway technique - and miracles of all miracles - I managed to get all the mechanics in order and the hoop stayed on and managed a few rotations before it fell to the ground.

The rest of the class was spent walking with the hoops (frontward and backward), trying to knock down the hoop of another person, dipping and swaying to keep the hoop from dropping, and learning that we will probably have stomach bruises from all our hard work.

So, I would say my first class was a success. I wasn't given a refund for lack of ability to hoop, I wasn't in a class with little girls who pointed and laughed, and I managed to keep the hoop spinning a decent length of time. I'm even thinking of buying my own hoop for practice at home (maybe I should warn my neighbors first).

Between boot camp and hula-hooping, I have hopes of locating my waist again. At least with the bruises, I have a general idea of where it is!

_________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: BSC with Lindley; hula-hoop class, ladies, and leaders; Demos dinner with Maribeth, Molly, and Steve; remodeler chats

Well, It Started Off Decently ...

... for a Monday, that is. I started a new session of boot camp joined by Molly and Tammy. Although it was a tough first day (since I basically eat junk and veg on the couch during the week off), I got through it and met a few new people.

After that, I came home, had my post-camp chocolate milk, and fixed my breakfast of brown rice, spinach, and Mickey nuggets (okay, so maybe that wasn't the best protein source). Anyhoo, I checked my email and found a nice comment on my blog. I made an appointment to get my car's oil changed and called the roofers yet again to try to get the problem spot fixed. I confirmed flights and hotel reservations for our NYC trip in June.

Then it went a little awry. Here's why:

Maggie the Cat apparently prefers indoor bathroom use rather than use the great outdoors when she is roaming around. Hence, we have to utilize the lovely litter box. Over the years we have tried every litterbox known to cats (well, except the ones that teach cats to use the human toilet - since all our cats have brains the size of a pea, that alternative was out). Our current litter box is one that you roll and the offending parts get rolled into a "take-out" tray that you empty. The problem is that the cat still tracks litter all over the floor.

So, I decided a few months ago to go back to the electric one that scoops the poop and deposits it into a plastic bin. Once the bin is full, you dispose of the ick. I bought one when it was on sale. The only problem is that the litter is out on display, not hidden like in the rolly bin.

So, I decided to create a hidey place in which to put the new litter box. I had seen several used with IKEA products. When Maribeth was in Atlanta recently, she picked up a piece that I thought would fill the bill.

After my other successes today, I started on my project. I cut a hole in one end for the cat to enter. I screwed in brackets to give support to the part I cut out, adding gorilla glue to boot. I assembled the structure. All was a go, until I unpacked the new litter box to place in the new kitty bathroom.

It didn't fit. It was too big.

So, now I have a new litter box that I can't return because it's been so long since I bought it, I neither have a receipt or even remember where I bought it. I have a litter box contraption that has a hole in one end with metal braces on it. I have a rolly litter box that needs new litter. And I have a cat that is going to start making deposits on the carpet if I don't get this thing rectified.

It was all just too much to deal with, so I spent the rest of the day eating yucky leftovers from the frig and watching Law and Order. So, in addition to a headache, I also got a stomachache.

At least my litter box flushes!

__________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: getting a lot of stuff accomplished; new ladies at boot camp

Little Hands

This evening as I lay lolling on the couch, I reached over and grabbed Maribeth's hand. I was amazed at how large it seemed. I even commented on how gargantuan it seemed and wondered why.

Then it dawned on me. For the last three months, I've been holding Lindley's little hand. Even as her hands grow bigger, they are still tiny compared to adult hands.

But it wasn't so long ago that Maribeth's hands were little, too. To remind me, I have an much-used oven mitt that she made over 20 years ago (unbelievable). That hand, which seemed so little then, is now all grown up.

But the best thing about little hands grown into big hands is this - we never forget how precious they were when they were lost in our big hands. We never forget how we held them to cross the street, or to play patty-cake, or to kiss and make better. No matter how big they get, they're still the little hands they we love so much, because for every little bit of growth those little hands made, our love for them grew ever so much bigger.

__________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: Shoney's breakfast and Targeting with Steve, Maribeth, and Molly; William at Massage Envy; Maggie the Cat sitting in the Bumbo; evil Girl Scout Thin Mints

Running In Music City

Today was the Country Music Marathon and Half-Marathon. For once, my family had no runner in this race. I volunteered at registration on Thursday, but that was the extent of the Davidson family's participation.

This was a good year not to be running. The weather was potentially terrible, with severe thunderstorms, hail, and tornadoes possible. With this in mind, the race committee decided to start the race 15 minutes early. They also determined that if runners were not on pace to finish the full marathon in 5 hours or less, those runners would be directed to the half-marathon finish at Mile 11, where the full and half parted ways. While the morning started off with fairly decent weather, it got worse around 10am. Runners were diverted at Miles 20 and 21, and even spectators were urged to take cover. Nashville was spared of severe weather, and eventually the event ended.

The race course comes fairly close to our neighborhood. Steve and I went over early this morning to watch the runners at they passed the 6-mile mark. After watching for awhile, I went over to Sam and Lynnette's, where the runners pass the 11-mile mark headed out for a down and back, returning at the 18-mile mark. I saw some of the same runners three different times.

I enjoyed watching the runners. These were some of my favorites:

*Barefoot dude - yes, he ran sans shoes. Apparently he wasn't the only one. While I do love barefootin' it, I just don't think I could do 26.2 miles of it. Although I do think it's pretty cool.

*Juggling dudes - I saw two of them. I have to admire their ability to do two things at once - or is it four, since they were juggling three balls? Technically, I guess I do two things at once during a race - run and look at the road in front of me so I can avoid stepping in a hole (or on a pebble or on a crack) and falling down. And since I can't always master doing those two things (resulting is falling), I guess I'll leave the juggling to the juggler-joggers.

*High fashion men - these are the dudes today who wore the colorful shorts, or the wetsuit-style outfit (not my favorite as a spectator), or ran without their shirts (some of whom needed to keep them on). Bravo for not sticking to convention when it comes to your running attire. However, the dude who ran in a running skirt - I just want to know if you did it for comfort, or because you lost a bet, or because you're trying to make a point.

*Seemingly unfit women who obviously are fit - your gait looks weird, your body looks un-athletic, and your age appears in the middle-age range. And yet you are knocking the socks off the marathon - running for a finish in the 3-hour range. You give me hope.

*Sad weeping young woman at the 18-mile mark - your husband was walking with you, encouraging you to finish. I hope you did. I wanted to tell you that you would catch your second wind, if you kept going another mile or two. But ultimately I knew it would have to be your decision to keep going or not. Either way, you win, because you have the support of someone who loves you no matter what.

*Half-marathon woman winner - I saw you at Mile 6, and you were clearly in the lead. At Mile 18, you were second, but we could see that you were pumping to catch up with the woman leader. You caught her somewhere, because you won. You taught me to never give up, because it's not over until it's over.

*Runners who encouraged the spectators to cheer for the runners, or slapped our hands in a high-five, or who looked up and said, "thanks" when we yelled encouragement, or who smiled like they were having fun. You have the right idea - and I appreciate your spirit.

In the end, around 27,000 people finished either the marathon or the half-marathon. Each had his or her story before the race, and each now has a race story. Their life stories are different because of the hours spent one weathery morning in Nashville. And for the runners whose stories I was privileged to share, my life story is different, too. I guess that makes me a winner, too!

________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: Watching the CMM with Steve and then with Lynnette and Lindley; observing runners and spectators along the way; seeing the Crimms and Matt Self; taking Sam, Lynnette, and Lindley to the airport; chatting with Marilyn on the phone

Brownies and Cheetos

The other day on The Today Show, or GMA, or The Early Show, or whatever, an "expert" was on to tell us how much sugar we consume each day. I figured she'd talk about processed sugar in Ding Dongs and soft drinks and the like. I was wrong.

She started out by telling us how much sugar is in grapes. A lot of sugar. But not as bad as it is if you wait until they are raisins - more sugar. But that's not as bad as grape juice - more sugar. So, the lesson is that fruit has a lot of sugar.

I was somewhat disheartened because I thought eating fruit was a good thing. Certainly better than Twinkies. She went on to talk about other foods, but I opted out of watching - I mean, if I can't eat healthy fruit, then what's the point?

Yes, I am taking this the wrong way. But I am getting tired of the "experts" telling me what to eat and what not to eat. I have been on many diets - most of which are not healthy dieting, according to another diet's expert. One told me to eat certain foods - none of which are easily obtainable in my part of the country. Another says to eat only their food - which is probably full of preservatives and bad sugar and a ton of sodium. Still somebody else says I should drink cans of their stuff. Or eat their pills. All of which are bad. At least according to the person not associated with this way of thinking.

So, in protest, I spent most of today eating Cheetos and brownies. Not healthy or on anybody's diet.

At least it wasn't those evil grapes.

__________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: BSC with Lindley and Maribeth; Firestone tire dude; remodel dude; "Say Yes To The Dress" marathon; "The Blind Side" with Steve and Maribeth

A Rose By Any Other Name?

As humans, sometimes we work hard when we have to name things. We look on the Internet and buy name books. We try to choose a name that won't be associated with something or someone disagreeable. But no matter how hard we try, it would seem that someone is always going to have something to say about the name we chose.

For my own children, it went like this: God told me Sam's name, so there wasn't much comment on it. When I announced Maribeth's name before she was born, one person said, "Well, let's hope it's a boy." When I announced Molly's name before she was born, one person said, "But that's a boy's name." Whatever - I still named them the names we chose.

Teaching in an inner city middle school introduced me to a whole new world of names. I had students with names I couldn't pronounce. Even when I attempted to sound the names out, I still had it wrong - and was promptly corrected. For the first few weeks of the school year, I would have names phonetically written beside the name so I could remember how to say it. My students were named by embellishing the name of someone else - sometimes with very creative results.

We've had pets with a huge variety of names. We've had an Opie (short for Oprah) and her mate Andy (from the Andy Griffith show). We've had a DD (for darn dog), a Dixie, a Hoytense (because Hoyt, the man who gave her to us told us she was a he), a Steve McGarret (back in the Hawaii 5-0 days), and others names too ridiculous to remember. For a while all our cats' names had to begin with an S.

But with all the wild and crazy names that I've come across, today topped the list. As I was working registration at the Country Music Marathon, a lady handed me her form. I looked at her name on the sheet and on her driver's license and tried to sound it out. I looked and looked again, and finally figured it out - her name was Tarantula. I confirmed her name, and she said that I was correct. Tarantula. As much as I wanted to hear the story behind her name, I decided to leave it alone - I'm sure she's told it enough.

So, keep naming those kids and pets and whatever else you wish to name. You can even try to be creative. But I just don't know you will ever top naming your sweet baby girl "Tarantula."

__________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: CMM Expo and co-volunteers; helping runners at registration; seeing Neighbor Ned; picking up Lindley at daycare; burgers at the Doik with Steve, Maribeth, Sam, Lynnette, Lindley, Brad, and Matt; meeting with remodel dude and Molly

Happy Wednesday!

_____________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: BSC with Lindley and Maribeth; contractor talk with Molly; semi-workout with Molly at 6am; new pictures of Morgan

Reality TV and Me

Tonight I have been watching two "reality" television shows - "Dancing With The Stars" and "The Biggest Loser." Spoiler alert - Kate and Victoria go home. Both deserved it, in my opinion.

As I watch these shows, and read about other such shows, I think about which ones I would consider being a part of - or not. So, in case any casting directors might be reading, here's my list:

Dancing With The Stars - sure, I'll do it. But I don't think my mandatory ankle braces will go with the sparkly outfits.

The Biggest Loser - My ankle braces will go quite well with the workout clothes - but I'm not sure if I can wear makeup and work out in a sweatily way. And I'm not sure if I could take Jillian yelling at me.

The Real World - maybe when it actually becomes the "real world." Every season it seems that the most immature, idiotic, alcoholic young adults are recruited for this piece of crap show.

Survivor - Nope, no way, no how. Eating, sleeping, pooping in the nowhere/wherever is not for me.

19 Kids and Counting - I quit counting at 3. I know the Duggars are going to have as many kids as God gives them, but He gave me three, for which I am grateful. End of story.

House Hunters - We have purchased five houses in our married life. For most of them, we didn't care the color of the appliances, or whether it was an "open" plan, or if we had room for entertaining. All we cared about was if the bank would loan us some money. I especially don't think anyone would want to see how we decorated the house after we moved in, since we had no money for decorating once we bought the house.

The Apprentice - I don't want to be fired or deal with Donald Trump. If I'm going to be an apprentice, I want it to be for something useful, like plumbing or carpentry.

Real Housewives of Orange County/NYC/Atlanta/New Jersey - First of all, these are not housewives - they are witches who argue and snipe more than any adults I know. I got over that behavior in sixth grade. Now, if the show is about calling the plumber or rearranging the furniture or trying to cook dinner when all I have is a pound of hamburger and a bottle of ketchup, I'm in.

What Not To Wear - That would be everything in my closet. But if I am given a $5000 charge card for clothes, I'm headed to Old Navy and Target, not to buy a $500 blouse. I don't think Stacey and Clinton will be impressed. And I really don't think Carmody and HairDude will be able to do much for me. And I don't wear anything higher than a 1/4 inch heel on it. So maybe when they have a "Fine, Just Wear It," I'll be called.

Any cooking show - oh please - I'll have to figure out how to turn on a stove.

So maybe I won't be a reality television star. There's always the movies ...

_________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: BSC with Lindley and Maribeth; getting stuff accomplished

Running For Cows in Boston

Today the Boston Marathon was won by Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot. He set a new course record, earning him an additional $25,000 on top of the $150,000 he received for winning the race. He owns a farm back in his native Kenya, and said "he was going to buy some cows" with his earnings.

I find his story intriguing on many levels. First of all, he ran the Boston Marathon in the same time it takes me to complete a 5K. The fact that he ran it in record time is amazing.

But the most interesting thing is his decision on what to do with his winnings. Or maybe it's not. Maybe buying cows is the same as buying a car or a house here. Or maybe he's looking to his family's future and investing as we might invest in the stock market. While it may seem odd to me, it makes perfect sense to him.

Maybe that's the lesson to be learned today. Every day we're running for our own "cow." It's different for each one of us, and probably doesn't make sense to someone else. But it's what keeps us doing what we need to do.

___________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: BSC with Lindley and MB; chicken noodle casserole for dinner; chat with Matt and Mary Beth

Perspective

Sometimes the bow is too big for your head, or the box is too small for your entire body. But if you're happy, it doesn't seem to matter - you make it do and go on with your day.

Now if I could only convince my jeans of this theory ...

___________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: brunch with the family; sink drips and Hiller plumbing dude; Home Depot-ing with Molly; an hour with Reginald at Massage Envy; Steve cooking Bubba burgers on the grill

Judgement

Today while I was shopping in Walgreen's, a man came up to me. He was dressed in clean clothes - jeans and a t-shirt. He was probably in his 30's. He started talking to me, but most of his conversation was unintelligible. About the only words I really understood were "grandmother", "need money", and "help." I sort of surmised that he wanted me to give him some money for his grandmother.

I told him I couldn't help him today. It's not that I haven't given money before to strangers who have asked me in the past. Once I even gave a gas gift card that had a little bit of money still on it. This was to a man driving around the Home Depot parking lot, asking people for cash to buy gas to go see his grandmother/take his wife to the hospital/go to the grocery store to get food. He wasn't as pleased with the gas card since he wanted cash, but that's another story.

Anyhow, today I just didn't feel the urge to give money to this man. It wasn't because of his speech impediment. It wasn't because of his race. It wasn't because I didn't understand and wasn't convinced of the story he told. I didn't give him money because it just didn't feel right.

I thought a lot about him as I finished my shopping, paid for my purchases (and listened as the man asked the clerk at the register for money), and went to my car. I wondered if I should have given him the $2 in change I received at the register. I wondered if there indeed was a grandmother and if she did need help. I wondered why he was in Walgreen's asking for money. I wondered if I did the right thing, and I wondered if I refused to give him money because I was judging him.

But in the end, I decided that I had done the right thing. Maybe it was a judgement call - not about the man, but about whether or not I should have given him money. Maybe it was realizing that I don't have to give money to anyone who asks - just the ones to whom I feel drawn to help. That draw won't be what they look like or the validity of their story. It will be that God-given feeling that this is the person I'm supposed to help in that moment. Today wasn't that moment.

I don't know if the man got money or not. But I was able to let him go and not agonize over him and his grandmother. Maybe today wasn't about him, but more about me. Maybe it was about knowing when and who to help. Maybe it was about being a little more discerning and invested when asked - to see if I'm the one to help. Maybe it was about not avoiding something by quickly dispensing some coins, but instead looking at someone and deciding if it's my day to help.

Maybe it is judgement - but at least I'll know that I made the right decision.

__________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: Costco-ing and Target-ing with Steve; overeating at JAlex with Maribeth, Sam, Lynnette, and Lindley; chatting with Molly at the Doik

Three Words ...

'nuf said!

__________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: BSC with MB and Lindley; chatting with Marilyn on the phone; movie on tv with Steve; last day of boot camp with prize bag and tshirt

Huge Mistake

Of course, I'm not sure what exactly tipped the scales (literally). Was it the Laffy Taffy and peanut M&Ms? Was it the crab wontons and Dr Tso thingy? Was it the potato chip sandwich? Was it the granola bars? Was it the two helpings of chicken sapa and salad? Was it whatever else I ate today (and there was plenty)?

The answer is yes. And here is a picture of how I feel (I can't fit into the wide-angle lens of my camera so this will have to do).

Here's hoping to a more-controlled tomorrow. And that I will be able to turn over and get off the floor.

___________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: Chatting with Shirley at Chesley's; picking up Lindley at day car accompanied by MB; lullaby Beatles and Beach Boys music; final remodel dude; picking up Molly at the airport

For Those Days You Hate Parts of Your Body

You know you have them - the days you hate your thighs, or your flappy upper arms, or your jowls, or just whatever part you hate. This kitty knows how you feel and shares your pain!

____________________________________________________________________________________
Things that make today great: BSC with Lindley and Maribeth; Maribeth bringing lunch; more remodeling dudes; chasing Rambo in his neighbor's yard

Pretty in Pink

Sam had a really sweet post today about babysitters and debts and payments. What you see is what I get for babysitting - it's pure gold in my book!

__________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: BSC and new swings with Lindley and MB; Sam's post; Cook's dude; g-chatting with Molly and Marilyn; CPK with the family

Somebody Needed A Nap

Because somebody was full from lunch and a little cranky. No names need be mentioned!

_____________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: BSC with MB and Lindley; contractor dude #2; visiting with Rambo; hill running at butt camp; Molly's update

The Young and Old of It

This is a picture of Lindley and her great-grandfather, GDizzle. I'm not sure who is holding on to whose hand and why. But there does seem to be a connection.

They're both too far apart at their respective ends of the age spectrum to fully understand each other. Lindley knows he makes sounds that makes her smile. GDizzle knows that she cries when she's unhappy and in need of something. Other than those basics, their communication appears limited.

But maybe it isn't. Maybe communication doesn't have to be all about a complete understanding of each other. Connection doesn't have to be a match-up of commonalities. Maybe all it has to be is one person holding on to the hand of another person - just because they want to.

_________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: Sunday brunch with the family; morning Kroger trip; remodel dude and dudette; visit with Rambo and Blackie; watching Phil and Tiger and KJ and Anthony and English dude at the Master's on tv

Finding Your Quiet Place

Every afternoon, Maggie the Cat has a lay-down on the blue love seat in the den. When she first started doing this last week, we thought she was deathly ill - maybe in a coma. But she wasn't, and has taken to this spot every afternoon since. She doesn't care if you sit beside her - as long as you leave her alone.

We like to think of this spot as her "depression spot." We think she goes there to decompress (as much as a cat can decompress from the self-absorbed life they lead). She spends her therapy time there and then moves on to the next thing, having had her Zen time.

Sometimes I need that spot, a place to go and be quiet and let my mind settle. I need peace and quiet and time for my brain to zone out. Of course, if I do, people are usually wondering what's wrong with me, too.

But I think Maggie has it figured out. We need that spot to claim as our "resting spot." Once everybody around us recognizes it as sacred, then maybe we'll find that peace we seek.

Of course, if my lips turn blue while I'm in my spot, somebody needs to call 911!

___________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: Shoneys with Steve, Gdiz, and Maribeth; feeble attempt to repair vanity mirror with MB; shopping with MB at quaint little shoppes; prizes for and from Molly

It's Friday

... so take the night off. I am!

___________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: BSC with Lindley and Maribeth; Steve grilling Bubba burgers for the family; cute GDiz and Linders pics

For The Person Who Has Everything

No longer will I have to search for a clean restroom - apparently I can carry one around in the trunk of my car. My only question is - where does one put this item in order to utilize it?

___________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: Choosing sleeping in over butt camp; termite dude; picking up Lindley from daycare; picking up GDizzle; dinner with Sam, Lynnette, GDiz, Maribeth, and Molly

Best Buds

I probably blogged about this when it first came out, but I thought the update was sweet - especially the last scene. It sort of sheds a new light of "being in someone else's shadow!"

________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: BSC with Lindley; Molly's twisted ankle at boot camp and chewed up shoe

Buzz and Me

Buzz was eliminated from "Dancing With The Stars" tonight. Truth be told, he was out of his element. I believe he tried his best, but his dancing just wasn't there. Although he wasn't the person I would have preferred to leave, Buzz was voted out by the convoluted procedure contrived by the producers of the show.

Some might say he was out of his element. But so am I, in my boot camp class. And I will probably be out of my element again when I start hula-hooping class. And I definitely am out of my element in just about every race I enter. But these little details don't deter me and Buzz. We go ahead and try just like everybody else - and try to have some fun along the way. Buzz said it best tonight when he said, "I'm glad I took the risk and I'm thankful for everyone who voted for me."

So maybe we're not always in "our element." Maybe we're the slowest or the heaviest or the clumsiest for the "whatever-ist" and we don't quite fit in. But if we try our best and make sure we have fun along the way, it's worth the ride.

After all, if anybody knows what it's like to be out of your element, it's Buzz Aldrin!

___________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: BSC with Lindley; pizza with Maribeth, Molly, Sam, Lynnette, and Lindley; Matt finishing the landscaping; dirt pile moved to back neighbor's;

What Works For Me, Works For You?

Today while the plumber dude was at my house repairing various problems, he tested the water pressure. Ours is at 45, while normal is at 78. In other words, I can probably spit with more water pressure than that which comes through my kitchen faucet.

Having lived in this house 15 years, I've gotten used to the lack of water pressure. We installed two highfalutin spigots on the shower heads, so we have the water pressure needed to get clean. The dishwasher gets the dishes clean and the washing machine gets the clothes clean, so I rarely notice the lack of force in my water flow.

That is, until someone else comments on it. Maybe it's because you need a little patience if you're filling a bucket at my sink. Or if you're trying to wash a dish. Or if at your house, you need to wear a face mask because your own water pressure is so fierce. For whatever reason, some folks feel the need to disparage my water pressure. But it works just fine for me. Maybe I've gotten used to it, or maybe it's because it's not a big deal for me.

Ultimately, we have to decide what is acceptable in our lives and what isn't. We have to decide if someone else is correct when he or she says our "whatever" isn't up to standard. We have to decide to make it a big deal and change - or not. And then we have to turn around and accept some one's decision when we make the same "acceptable" judgement on them.

__________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: BSC with MB and Lindley; taking the car to the dent repair shop only to discover another dent; Targeting with Maribeth in my sweaty boot camp togs; yellow knockout roses and more plants from Home Depot; nice plumber fixing stuff; new bbq place

Three Generations of Easter

The 60's - purses, sweaters, gloves, the works!

The 80's - matching dresses - not everyone was a fan!!

2010 - Cuteness in bunny ears and a bib!

Sure, styles may change (as does picture quality) but every generation celebrates the same Easter - the resurrection and promise of life eternal. Thank you God, for the gifts of divine love, of families, and hope in all things. Happy Easter!

__________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: Easter with family; promise of eternal life; God's love everlasting

Easter Hope

The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances.

~Robert Flatt

___________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: Morning rain followed by a beautiful afternoon; playing with Rambo and Molly; new Old Navy shirts via Molly; pictures of baby Morgan

Good Friday

There are countless blogs and sermons and opinions and essays one could read about Good Friday. As for me, I think of today as the day when all hope seemed lost. There were very few who believed any good would come out of this day. And yet, God changed it all in the space of three days. He changed death into life, despair into joy, and finality into eternity. All He asks is that we believe and trust.

It's the same with every day in my life on Earth. God can change it all - in three days or three hours or three nano-seconds. All I need do is believe and trust.

____________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: BSC with Lindley; lunch with Molly; Demos dinner with Steve, Sam, Lynnette, Lindley, Molly, and Micaela

It's April 1!!

If you are a aficionado of April Fool's Day and can't think of any good (or stupid) pranks to play, here are the Top 100. You have a ways to go to make this list - good luck!

_____________________________________________________________________

Things that make today great: Killer cardio boot camp and Tammy joining next session; 2 miles in the 'hood; picking up Lindley from day care; Baha Burrito via Sam for dinner (sorry Molly!); Maribeth's Hertz silliness; more Matt landscaping