Ten Days of October Fun Begins

It is either 9:41 pm or 10:41 pm, depending on which time zone you are in. I am in the 10:41 pm one, although I am normally in the other. I have been up since 5 am, which is early in any time zone. However, since today begins the Ten Days of Fun, I guess every hour is fun.

I am in Disney World with family. We are here for a variety of reasons - some fun, some family time, a 5K/half-marathon/half-marathon relay, and some serious eating. But mostly we're here because it's Lindley's First Visit. I mean, she's already almost nine months old and has not met Mickey Mouse!!

Anyhow, because I am tired and desperately in need of a shower, I thought I would start by introducing our cast of characters for the weekend (yes - the 10 days do not all happen in The Happiest Place on Earth - unless you count Springdoik, our house on Crestridge Drive as The Happiest Place).

First, there's Granny Lu and PawPaw. We were the first to arrive, and PawPaw went to the pool while Granny Lu went to Publix.

Next to arrive were Grandmom and Granddad Ogle. They came from Ft. Worth, and were incommunicado for awhile. Their exact whereabouts where unknown until they descended the steps of the Magical Express. I think there's a lesson to be learned there.

Thirty minutes later, the Magical Express spit out Ann, Lindley's diaper dash coach (more about that tomorrow). We are forcing a Davidson Disney experience on her - from which recovery is uncertain.

Twenty minutes later, the Magical Express plopped out Maribeth, who has just finished up her stint at Yellowstone, and who admittedly was "a hot mess." Some things one just does not inquire about. She is certain she packed enough underwear, but other wardrobe parts are questionable. Maybe she will find me a dress to wear to her wedding while she is out buying whatevers.

Finally, after dinner by all the above at Wolfgang Puck Express, Sam, Lynnette, Lindley, and Molly arrived via Avis Rent-a-car. Lindley had no pants on, just a headband, shirt, and diaper. Clearly she and Maribeth planned their packing together.

Everyone is in place, albeit a change of rooms which means I am now Lynnette, Steve is now Sam, and Sam and Lynnette are whichever of us they choose. Molly, Maribeth, and Ann are drawing straws as to who sleeps with whom, and Granddad and Grandmom are figuring out how to disappear tomorrow - with Lindley in tow.

I am off for a shower, because I certainly want to be fresh for tomorrow. The good news is I have clean clothes - all of them!

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Today's blessings: safe flight from Nashville; van availability; 5 Guys burgers with Steve; room ready upon check-in; checking in everyone as they arrived; Fantasmic with Ann

Taking The Night Off. Again.

Tomorrow is the beginning of "Eleven Days of Fall Fun." I figure I should have plenty to blog about for the next eleven days, so why work tonight?

Besides, today was a busy day and I'm sleepy. And I have to get up early for an early flight to Orlando (which means I have to cut butt camp, darn it!).

Finally, in case you're wondering, no, the lady to the left isn't me - although it may by the time "Eleven Days of Fall Fun" are over. So, stay tuned - it's going to get interesting!!

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Today's blessings: butt camp with the girls; backyard sod put in via Matt and friend and front yard trees clipped by tree dude and friends; Molly's floor installation beginning; picking up Lindley from day care and Steve from the airport; Sonic junior deluxe burger and strawberry limeade chiller

Previews of Coming Attractions

The next two weeks are going to be busy. There are many things that I have to, or want to, or need to do. I just thought I'd give you a preview:

*Complete the Wine and Dine Half Marathon. For one thing, it starts at 10pm. Usually at 10pm I am (or should be) in bed, snoring. I'm not sure how I will do in this half marathon. For one thing, I will be doing the Mickey's Halloween 5K earlier in the morning on the same day. Did I mention these races are at Disney? And that it is during the Food and Wine Festival? And did I mention that I have not trained adequately?

*Have a wedding in my backyard. Did I mention that the backyard tree went from having too many leaves to having no leaves (due to a massive pruning). Did I mention that the sprinkler system is getting redone? Did I mention that the back yard is being re-sodded? Did I mention that the paint is chipping off the cheap fountain thingy? Did I mention that the wedding is on October 10th?

*Get Lindley's flower outfit. Did I mention that since she is the flower girl, she is supposed to dress up in a flower costume? Did I mention that the first costume I purchased was 12-18 month size and too big (even Lindley is a very "healthy" girl for her age)? Did I mention that I bought another costume that was supposed to be 6-12 month size? Did I mention that when it arrived it was 0-6 month size? Did I mention that it took an act of Ebay before the seller would respond and promise a refund? Do I need to mention that it leaves Lindley with an oversize costume? Did I mention that I ordered another one that is supposed to be here by October 7? Did I mention that the wedding is October 10?

*Clean up the carport. Did I mention there is a wedding coming up in my backyard and people will have to see my carport? Right now it is very dirty and junky. There are towers of new sod. There are empty flowerpots from previously living plants. There are unused tools and unridden bikes and packages of roof shingles and bunches of doo-dads. Did I mention I am going to Disney World until Monday?

*Straighten up the house. Did I mention that Molly's house is getting remodeled and I have a bunch of her stuff at my house? Did I mention that Molly's house is not ready to receive the stuff that is at my house? Did I mention that I am going to Disney World and the wedding is October 10?

I would prattle on, but as you can surmise, I have things to do. Today I rearranged the laundry room. I just finished watching "The Biggest Loser" and now need to see which house this couple will choose on "House Hunters."

What???

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Today's blessings: Toyota Service Dude and customer lounge; bike shop people; front yard pine tree being taken down; Amazon deliveries; flower costume resolution; shrimp club sandwich and Cobb salad dinner with Molly; backyard returning to semi-normal; Home Depot dude; taking Rambo for his spa day

Monday Madness

Monday came and Monday went. It tried to kick my butt, but I persevered. I have a top-less tree, I have a rental car that I got a good price for but didn't necessarily think I would get (thank-you priceline for accepting that bid), and I have the bill situation resolved with the storage folks.

I also gassed up the car, picked up Lindley from day care and gassed her up, and took Sonic to Sam and Lynnette for dinner and gassed them up.

I took Sam to the airport for a trip to Chicago and will go back tomorrow night to pick him up. I switched cars with Molly so I can take her Prius in for an oil change tomorrow.

I balanced the checkbook so I could pay the rest of September's bills and get started on October's bills. I went to butt camp and tried to work off last night's ill-chosen dinner. I took a shower, hoping the tree butcher couldn't see through the hazy window film on the bathroom window (and if he could, it serves him right!). I viewed my lovely portrait from the 5K on Saturday and ordered a copy (since when does it cost so dang much to mail a simple 5x7 print?).

I emptied the dishwasher and filled it right back up. Ditto for the washing machine and dryer. I also finished a Sudoku and managed to get home to watch part of "Dancing with the Stars."

In other words, just another typical Monday. On to Tuesday!

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Today's blessings: butt camp boot-ies; tree dudes; picking up Lindley and her care givers; getting all the above accomplished

Was It Good For You?

It was for me. It was a beautiful day, with the hint of coming fall. It was a day spent with family and getting a few (okay, maybe one) things done. It was a day to chill and appreciate all that my life is. Thank you God, for it all.

Lots of things coming up in the next two weeks. Travel, family time, Disney World, races of all kinds, house remodel, cleaning, family coming in from out of town, wedding, laser tag, pottery painting, and butt camp, just to name a few. Lots of stuff to blog about.

But for today, I'll just take the time to relax before things get busy. Yay for Sundays!!

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Today's blessings: Krispy Kreme and Starbucks at Sam, Lynnette, and Lindley's house; Ruby Tuesday lunch with Steve, Sam, Lynnette, Lindley, and Molly; fixing Rambo's crate bottom; getting rid of grody rug in den; telephone chat with Marilyn; beautiful Sunday

The Cost of My Time

Okay, so yesterday I whined about my time being so valuable. As it usually always happens, my next action is to do something in my life that makes my rants seems inconsistent (at best) and incoherent (most probable). Here's why:

This morning I completed the Women's Running 5K. As usual, I was not properly prepared, due in large part to my lack of training. In fact, I really haven't done any kind of race since last March. So why did I do it? Simply this - it was free.

I got an email a week ago saying I could enter to win one of five entries to the 5K, and guess what - I won one. So I picked up my race number, got to the start line, and waddled along until the finish. While my time was certainly less than stellar, I did finish, I wasn't dead last, and I didn't twist my ankle and fall down. I got a race shirt and a finisher medal and felt a little invigorated about getting back into the jogging thing.

What does this have to do with yesterday's post about my valuable time? Yesterday I said that my time was worth a lot, to the point of skipping out on something I had paid good money to experience. Today, I spent my time jogging (okay, maybe ambling is a more apt term) for 3.1 miles - and I did it for nothing. I paid nothing and got some cool free stuff. So does this make my time worth actually nothing?

One would think that going to a musical would be entertaining and a night of enjoyment. One might also think that waddling along for 3.1 miles might be exhausting and an eon of pain. One cost money and one cost nothing. So exactly where is this "my time is valuable" connection?

I guess it all boils down to personal satisfaction. It doesn't have to do with the monetary cost to me. It doesn't have to do with entertainment value. It has to do with what makes me feel good about life. Today it didn't cost anything.

For some, time is money. As for me, time is priceless if it makes my life complete.

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Today's blessings: Women's Running 5K and meeting ladies from Alabama; breakfast downtown with Lindley, Sam, and Lynnette; another IKEA assembly party with Molly; Baha fish Burrito delivered via Molly; Costco-ing with Sam, Lynnette, Lindley, and Molly; more shopping with Molly; beautiful weather; quiet night at home

9 to 5 ... or maybe 3:30

Last night Molly and I went to see "9 to 5, The Musical." Before we left, Molly asked me my expectations. Having loved the original movie, I gave my expectations an 8. I should have aimed lower.

I'm not sure why I didn't care for it. Judging by the hoots and guffaws and belly laughs from the patrons around us, we should have been having a great time. Instead, I had Molly count up the songs in the program for the first act, so that I could keep track of how many were left. When intermission finally came, I had one goal - to leave. Molly reluctantly agreed, and we went home.

Molly said that she would have stayed for the whole thing simply because she would stay for anything if somebody paid money for it. As for me, maybe because of my age, I decided that my time is worth something. And last night, my time was worth more than sitting through a second act of something I was not enjoying.

I'm not sure what the moral of this story is. Maybe it's to spend time doing things you enjoy and less time doing things you don't. Maybe it's that time is short and to use it wisely. Maybe it's that not all entertainment entertains everybody. Maybe it's to know when to fold it up and go home. Maybe it's to say when enough is enough and mean it.

But I am sure of this: there is a lot of stuff in this modern world to take up precious minutes of our time. Ultimately, we're the ones who have to decide what is worth those minutes and what is not.

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Today's blessings: Friday butt camp; Wolfgang Puck lunch with Molly and Tammy; another IKEA furniture assembly party with Molly

Tonight's Plan

a girl can dream ... hopefully!

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Today's blessings: Boot camp with my buds; Molly's granite counter top installation; race expo and race bib pick up; picking up Lindley from day care; "9 to 5" with Molly (the first act, anyway)

What I Should Have Done ...

... instead of eating ALL that spaghetti for supper!! If I had done that, I would be in the shower instead of stretched out in the recliner! Think I'll go to bed now ....

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Today's blessings: intense Wednesday butt camp; finishing Molly's dresser; phone chat with Mari; picking up Lindley from day care; spaghetti dinner with Steve, Sam, Lynnette, Lindley, and Molly; morning chat with Neighbor Betty; Disney help with missing waiver

Back in My Day ...

... today would have gone like this:



Yeah, we got excited over just about anything.

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Today's blessings: back to butt camp; no cavity dentist visit; filling repair; pillow and baby bathing suit and grocery shopping; race waivers and hotel check-ins printed; Logan's dinner delivery via Steve; assembling Molly's dresser with Molly

And Night Turns Into Day

Just about the time the poison ivy itchiness goes away, something else tops the charts on my hate list. That thing would be insomnia, my nighttime nemesis.

Last night Mr. Somnia decided to pay me a visit. I went to bed on time, thinking I would sleep slap through until my butt camp alarm went off. Not so fast ...

I woke up around midnight, having had a couple of hours sleep. But that was it. I began tossing and turning and contemplating all the issues of the universe. Pretty soon my brain could not be turned off and I knew I was done for. So, I decided to go watch TV in the den (thank goodness for Law and Order - on somewhere every minute of the day). Midnight turned into one, which turned into two. Finally, the last hour I remember was three, which was minutes before my alarm went off at 5am. Needless to say, since Ike doesn't count napping as an aerobic activity, I skipped butt camp. Actually, I slept through butt camp.

The worst thing about a night with insomnia is the recovery period. At my age, it takes me a week, and I am still not caught up with my lack of sleep. It sucks. If there was any good thing about another sleepless night, it would be this - at least I wasn't scratching.

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Today's blessings: training wog in the neighborhood; Molly's walls being primed; chatting with Jason about Molly's house; chatting with Scout at Target; picking up Lindley at Vandy day care

There Goes The Weekend!!

I'm not sure where it went, but it seems to be quickly coming to an end - the weekend, that is. From traipsing around yard sales to assembling IKEA purchases, it was a full weekend. It was full of furniture and doo-dads and shopping and time with family. It has been a good one.

If only I had gotten in that training jog ...

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Today's blessings: brunch with Steve, Sam, Lynnette, Lindley, and Molly; Rambo's lucky interaction with a car; seeing Nan on the road; putting Molly's bench together; Cracker Barrel with Steve; seeing Plates' new car

Butt Camp - Part Quad - The Sum of It All

By now you might be asking,

"Why do you do this? It would appear that you are not the star butt camper. It would also appear that you are putting your life (and the lives of your boot-ies) at risk. And we won't even get into your outfits."

You would not be remiss in asking - I ask myself the same questions nearly every morning before I arrive at butt camp. Luckily for me, my brain is too asleep to answer the questions with actions. So, I continue to go to boot camp and attempt the maneuvers and sweat copious amounts of fluids.

Therefore, in order to explain myself, I shall summarize why I butt camp, even though sometimes we all are wondering why:

1. My boot-ies. They are my pals, my inspirations, my affirmations, my partners, my encouragers, and my teammates. Through them, I see what I can be and what I have become. Because of them, I continue to try a teeny bit harder and push myself a eensy-weensy bit further. I am blessed by them and learn from them. Just like finding muscles I never knew existed, I find friends I might never have met. They are the bonus I never anticipated.

2. My body. Yes, it hurts sometimes and revolts sometimes and quits sometimes. It's still not in the shape I desire. But I know it's in a better place and hope springs eternal that with continued work (and getting that eating thing under control), I will eventually find that shape. I believe that I am better than I was, and will be better with every session. With every gasp of breath during the 7-minute run, with every struggle to lift that weight, and with every push to complete that set of whatevers, I know I am one step closer to my goal.

3. My attitude. Yes, it sucks from the time my feet hit the floor at 5AM. But it gets better every minute until 6:45 - then my attitude is stellar (and butt camp is over). I am proud of myself for being at butt camp and trying. My brain is a little sharper and I know I've started my day in a positive way. I feel good and am glad to be a butt-er.

So there you have it. Nashville Adventure Boot Camp is early (although I could go to the evening class), it is sweaty (thank goodness for extra-super-duper deodorant), it is challenging (and that would start with my getting out of bed), it is exhausting (which I understand means I am making progress), it is rewarding (better body, good friends, AND a t-shirt at the end of the session), and it is worth every sweaty, straining, struggling, successful moment.

Welcome to the World of Wonder Women!

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Today's blessings: Garage-sale-ing with Molly; chicken taco salad from Las Palmas for lunch; afternoon visit from Lindley, Lynnette, and Sam; pedi flip flop bargains from Old Navy

Butt Camp - Part Tray - "Whutchu Talkin' Bout, Ike?"

So now you know all about the "who" and "how to get there" of butt camp. Now comes the important part - what goes on. All the following information is probably confidential and highly classified, and I am probably risking my reputation as a highly trained athlete for giving you the low down on boot camp. But I do believe in sharing the wealth and disseminating knowledge, so here it is. Besides, I need some new boot-ies, and after reading this, I'm sure you'll want to join me.

I could probably categorize all our fun activities into three groups: "Difficult," "Impossible," and "Are You Kidding Me?" But that might be somewhat daunting to the novice butts out there. So instead, I shall break down our hour into three parts: Stretching (meaning getting ready to exert yourself or recovering from over-exerting yourself); Aerobic (meaning make sure you breathe so you don't pass out); and Strength (meaning once you're done you will be walking around with your arms hanging down all day). Now that you know, let's gitterdun.

Upon arrival at the torture chamber, I mean gym, I put my equipment down and start walking, which Ike tells us to do to warm up. By the time I get there, Mitch, Track, U-K, and Day-Glo are already there. (Apparently by this time, U-K has already been to Starbucks and caught up on email.) After a lap or two, Ike tells us to start jogging. The above mentioned boot-ies jog about 28 laps while I am still finishing my first. After a few minutes of this, Ike gathers his chicks together and we begin.

First we have to officially warm up, which involves the stretching. Most of the time this involves bending and turning. This is sort of a zen, chilling out approach to stretching. However, sometimes Ike likes to mix it up and have a moving warm up. I hate moving warm-up. Basically we have to jog/waddle/whatever down the floor, pulling your knee to your chest (mine aren't on good terms and prefer not to touch), or skipping (which I gave up in 6th grade), or slinging your knee up and over (I think I saw a award-winning college marching do that once), or whatever maneuver Ike has come up with that day. At some point, Ike decides we're all warmed up and ready to go. Lucky for him he gets to decide and doesn't ask us!!

The rest of the session is divided up into various maneuvers depending on Ike's discretion. Some days his discretion is better than others. Here is the menu from which he may choose:

Aerobic:

• 7 minute run - some people run a mile, some run nearly a mile, and some run a lap. I'll let you decide who does what.
• Hurdle jumping - it has only taken me a year to jump one. Unfortunately there are about 7 in a row to jump over.
• Jump roping - it only took me 4 months to relearn rope jumping. I probably would have more success with calf roping.
• Agility ladder - a rope ladder on the floor that you're supposed to use "fast feet" (Ike's term) to step in and out in a variety of dance steps (my term). The problem is when you have big feet, they tend to step on the ladder and sling it out of line, which makes it difficult for the boot-ies who are behind you to fast-foot it through.
• Stairs - go up and down really fast. I would, if there were pancakes on either end.
• Sprints/Suicides - funny how these are put together. 'Nuf said.
• Resistance Band Partner Drills - one of you is the horse and the other is the driver. The horse is supposed to run/skip/wander (that would be me) down the floor pulling the driver, who has a resistance band wrapped around the horse's waist and is supposed to be using a "Whoa, Nelly" approach - holding you back. Yep, it's as fun as it sounds
• Basketball drills - there's some dribbling, some bounce passing, and some bounce on the wall and jump stuff. Since my basketball career ended in 4th grade, I understand none of it - I just try to be inconspicuous.
• I'm sure there's more, but I have to catch my breath now.

The other part is strength:

• Lifting those weights we bought - we lift with our arms, our wrists, our legs, and any other appendage that Ike deems necessary. We lift forward and backward and sideways and up and down and North and South and East and West. And then we lift in a circle. We are well rounded weight lifters.
• Push-ups - on the ground, on the bleachers, on the wall, on the floor - closed grip, open grip, gripey grip - just a plethora of options for Ike to put together.
• Crunches - legs in the air, legs doing scissor kicks to the side or up and down, knees to the side, knees in the air, elbows touch knees, arms lifting up - in other words your appendages are flailing everywhere, you just gotta use those abs to heave your torso to the desired location.

There are also games Ike likes to make us play on what he calls "fun day." These could include a basketball game (lousy at it), dodge ball (lousier at it), blog tag (ridiculously lousy at it), and relays involving going around and around (feel like passing out at it).

And then there are the ringers - the Plank Relay (you have to do a plank, a maneuver that defies description and do a relay with it), the Indian Run (a group of you run in a line and the one in the back has to run to the front and so on and so on - I know no Indians who do this), and the Hill Run (running up a blasted hill, down the stairs, and back up the hill).

There are many more things that are involved in our hour of fun, but I have to leave something for you to look forward to. So the question remains - why do I do this? Is it fun? That depends on your definition of fun. Is it rewarding? Starbucks rewards me with a free drink, so my perspective might be flawed. Is it worth it? I guess it depends on what you base its worth on.

I can tell you this - I appreciate every effort, every strain, every breath, every step, every lift, every lunge, every movement. I appreciate it because I know I'm working toward a goal of feeling better, looking better, and moving better. And a better me makes it a better world for everyone.

So that's a basic look at Butt Camp. But I can't leave you there, so tune in tomorrow for Butt Camp Part Quad - The Sum of It All

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Today's blessings: Friday butt camp with the girls; Sonic breakfast; picking up Lindley from day care; flower costume delivery/order; brief drive-by from Molly and Plates; phone chats with Anne about wedding/Disney and Aunt Laura about wedding

Butt Camp - Part Duh - Getting There

I'm sure you probably are thinking, "How can she ramble on about getting to boot camp? Don't you just get in the car and go?" Well, that's what you get for thinking. It is very involved, especially for people in my condition - old, out of shape, and overweight. It requires a lot of preparation - mental, physical, emotional, financial, spiritual, and geographical (it takes a lot of effort to move large heavenly bodies through space). So, here is your primer on getting to boot camp. Once you have digested all the information, I fully expect you to use your new-found education to become one of my boot-ies.

First you have to know that such an institution exists. I had read about boot camp in The Tennessean, but like you, thought that while it was a good idea, it was certainly not a good idea for me. Instead I enrolled in a ladies-only exercise place - we'll call it "Bends in the Road." I did as instructed and really thought I was getting a workout - I was a bit delusional as I would soon find out. Many moons later I got an email from Maribeth suggesting we do boot camp together. Still delusional, I agreed and we signed up - first for three days, then later signing up for all five days. After getting measured and weighed in our pre-camp orientation (the results of which I can only hope have spontaneously combusted), we were on our way.

Next, we had to procure our equipment. We needed weights - two 5-pounders and two 8-pounders. Apparently the extra poundage I was carrying around in my butt cheeks wasn't enough. We also needed a mat, which I thought would be for the naps we would take in between exercises. Of course later I learned it would be for attempting to locate my abdominal muscles that Ike seems to think still exist in my body. We would also need a flask for drinking - well, at least something like it - for when we sweated off the water in our bodies. And finally, in direct relation to the sweating, we would need a sop cloth to keep our bodily secretions from warping the gym floor.

Of course, there is the obligatory exercise outfit. For me, it consists of (a) locating a t-shirt large enough to cover my mid-section, (b) capris (and later during the Nashville heat wave, shorts made by Nashville Tent and Awning), (c) running shoes (or in my case, waddling shoes), (d) ankle supports (which became necessary after my ankles staged several protests by twisting and landing me on the floor), and (e) my bondi-band headband (to give my sop cloth relief from my head sweat). So, being fully equipped and dressed, I was ready to go. Here's where the REAL effort starts.

My alarm goes off at 5AM. I am not a morning person, so 5AM seems obscene. I manage to get out of bed and find my way to the kitchen where I get my pre-butt camp meal. It is a granola square thing with peanut butter on it, followed by a few chugs of flavored water. I usually check my email to see if there is some holiday and butt camp has been cancelled, which has never happened - but hope springs eternal.

By this time, some of my body parts have decided to wake up and start complaining. It's always a treat to see which part is going to revolt. For awhile it was my ankles, but then I got the ankle supports. For awhile it was my knees, but they've been quiet lately. A few weeks ago, it was my left hip, which decided to go wonky. I sort of looked like Chester from Gunsmoke (if you're too young to understand that reference, you're young enough to understand google and youtube). These days, it's my wrists who hate me. I don't know if Arthur Ritis has moved in or what, but they are not happy when I attempt my push-ups (then again, who is?). Anyhoo, I attempt to placate my body parts, get into my butt camp togs, fill my flask with flavored water, and shovel myself into the car.

I keep waiting for snow to start and ice the streets, making driving dangerous, but so far this summer - no luck. I drive the five minutes to boot camp, usually managing to arrive on time. My good attitude arrives a little later.

The 30 minutes between getting up and arriving at butt camp are the worst - really. I'm usually arguing with myself about how I would rather be in bed and how I'm not going to be able to do anything without passing out or throwing up, or a combo of both. Thankfully, there is a still small voice inside me that says, "Go and do something- it's better than nothing." So far, that still small voice is winning, because at the end of the session, I'm glad I went. Maybe I didn't do it all like my fellow boot-ies, maybe I was last in every run, maybe I still haven't found those abs, but I did something. And for that session, something is worth celebrating because something always will get results over nothing.

So that's how I got (and get) to butt camp. Tomorrow - Part Tray - "Whutchu Talkin' Bout, Ike?"

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Today's blessings: beautiful breezy day; outdoors butt camp; picking up Sam at the airport and hearing about his trip; trim and paint dudes at Molly's; ordering surprises for baby girls

Butt Camp - Part Uno - Boot-ies

I was going to write a rousing, epic tale of butt camp and my efforts there. But I realized that the posting would be too long. And I got really busy today. And when I blog at night, my efforts tend to lack substance. So instead, I decided to put it into several parts - probably two. Or three. For tonight, I thought I would introduce you to my fellow boot campers, otherwise known as "boot-ies." Oh, and the names have been cleverly disguised. Unless you're one of my boot-ies. In that case, you know who you are!!

First of all, there's General Eisenhower, aka Ike, our leader. He comes up with the routine (which usually involves running, crunches, and other crazy stuff), he tells us what to do (which I rarely understand and do backwards), he tells us when we're doing it wrong (which is frequently in my case since I've adapted whatever to my age and abilities), and he chooses the play list (which apparently contains no show tunes). He is also a child, since he is the same age as my son, who should still be 10 years old. However, since that son now has a daughter of his own, I guess I should admit he is an adult, but by doing that what does that make me? Anyhoo, Ike is the Boot-ie in Charge.

Next on the list are Mitch and Track, the Wonder Girls. No, they're not related but they do the partner torture together and run together. They're usually on the 7th lap by the time I finish my first. I think they use 50 pound weights when we're using 5 pounders. Mitch wears a calorie counting contraption - I think she burned a billion this morning. Mitch and Track are both very smart and work in professions where you have to be very smart, they have kids, and they're married. Not to each other, but to some obviously very smart dudes who know quality when they see it. I think Mitch and Track are probably super heroes in their spare time. I would probably hate them if they weren't so sweet and friendly and nice and funny.

Next is U-K. She's a recent US citizen. She's had a bum foot all summer, which means she can only lap me 6 times, because she's basically running on one foot. Today she was my partner for the partner drills - bless her bloomin' heart. I think she weighs as much as my left arm. She walks and takes care of doggies - so of course she has a heart of gold, too. Apparently mean girls must go to reform boot camp. Anyhow, U-K is always full of encouragement and laughter, which makes all those sweaty micro-seconds of boot camp go quicker.

Not to confuse you, but there's also B-K. She's tall and has very long legs, which means she laps me times 4.75. She has to travel a lot, so she's not there every day. Which means she's my partner on the days she's in town. Why? I don't know - probably because she's hoping I will pass out and she won't have to do the exercise since she is calling 911. She's always very nice about letting me do only 25 crunches when everyone else is doing 2 or 3 hundred. We're also the same age, but that year she got the lean, tall look while I got the short, wide look.

This is Day-Glo. She is in the negative numbers as far as body fat goes. On the weekends, she rides bikes for miles and miles - on purpose. For a while, her daughter, Baby-Glo came with her to butt camp. When Maribeth/Molly came with me, we called them the "good mother and daughter." Guess what we called ourselves. Anyhow, the Glo's run so fast, they race each other. Day-Glo does it all, too - work, teenage-daughters, husband, church - and she's a genuinely nice person, too. But the best thing is that she eats pancakes (something I'm trying to convince my butt-ies that is essential to strength training).

Of course, there are the toddlers, better known as the twenty-somethings. They're young, they're athletic, they're pretty - what else can I say? Oh yeah, they're nice too. They wheel my hoveraround to me after boot camp and turn up my oxygen tank for me.

There are many characters who come and go, sometimes for only one session of butt camp. Maybe it's because of finances, or because they lost that 75 pounds in four weeks and have no further use of an hour of misery. Maybe it's because my body odor destroyed their sense of smell. Maybe it's because they have opened up their own exercise studios. But for whatever reason, they were my boot-ies for awhile. They were understanding, and helpful, and kind, and a true benefit of coming to butt camp.

So those are some of my boot-ies. If there were no other benefits from sweating like a pig for an hour at dark-thirty in the morning, it would be simply from knowing all these women (and one dude). Somehow they make the 60 minutes not seem like 60 hours.

But there are other benefits to butt camp. I just need to sleep on those! Tomorrow - Part Duh - Getting There.

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Today's blessings: drop off/pickup of Lindley at day care; mailing b/day packages; consulting with Matt the Landscaper about our sad lawn; ADT dude; chicken sapa with Lynnette, Lindley, Steve, and Molly; cleanup and post-it-ing Molly's house

Sleep Deprivation and Blogging

... don't mix.

Tomorrow will be better. More than likely. Or possibly.

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Today's blessings: BSC with Lindley; stroller ride to Molly's and back; Molly's new kitchen cabinet install and installers; CPK takeout with Lynnette, Lindley, and Steve; getting Lindley's flower outfit

Monday Comes Early

I couldn't get to sleep until after 2am this morning. Unfortunately my boot camp alarm went off on schedule, at 5am. I half-heartedly debated with myself about going, ending up getting my butt out the door on time. At least I didn't fall asleep during crunches.

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Today's blessings: Another first day of a new boot camp session; picking up Lindley at day care; going with Molly to pick out granite for her kitchen; Steve's Bubba Burgers on the grill with Steve, Lindley, and Lynnette

A Picture For A Sunday

Sometimes grannies and aunties have too much time on their hands!!

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Today's blessings: Sante Fe pancakes at the Pantry with Steve, Lynnette, and Lindley; Krogering and Starbucks with Molly; an hour with Gina at Massage Envy; Molly's cocoa chili with Molly, Lindley, Lynnette, Plates, and Steve

My Saturday Evening

This morning started with butt-camp at 9am in the blazing sun. I quickly lost any vitality I might have had, and spent the rest of the session looking for shade. After getting home and regaining a little energy, I decided to walk 5 miles during the noon hours. I think perhaps the sun baked a few of my brain cells during camp this morning, since walking 5 miles during the hottest part of the day seemed like a good idea. Anyhow, I managed to make it home and into a nice cool shower.

I decided to spend the evening in the above position. I'm pretending it's a reverse plank position. It makes about as much sense as walking 5 miles in the sun after an hour of boot camp!!

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Today's blessings: 9am butt camp (and it certainly kicked mine!); 5 slow miles in the neighborhood; McD's with Molly and Rambo; Molly's new interior doors and door dudes; taking Sam to the airport; Olive Garden takeout with Steve, Molly, Lynnette, and Lindley

Friday Update

Mississippi State lost the football game. But the coach was safe because of his highway patrol state trooper escort.

I am still itching and scratching. It's not pretty.

I gave a pint of blood. Nobody asked about the bumpy rash. I got a Red Cross camouflage baseball cap, two cans of grape juice, and a bag of Nutter Butters.

I still have no desire for eating chocolate Cheetos or poison ivy. Does that make me a picky eater?

I was going to work out this week, since it is the off-week of boot camp. Didn't do it. Did manage to wog 5 miles, but that's not so great considering I have a half-marathon in a few weeks. I'll start over with training tomorrow. Again.

Boot camp is having a free session tomorrow. I guess I'll go since (a) it's free, and (b) I think I'm the resident "if she can do it, so can you," person. Does that makes me a role model?

Guess that's about it for Friday. On to Saturday!!

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Today's blessings: All the Red Cross workers whose paths I crossed while donating blood; shopping and lunch with Molly; Hiller Plumbing dude and newly reworked toilets; chatting with electrician; rainy afternoon; creating shirts for Steve's pool posse; arranging wedding pedi party

Randomness On A Thursday Night

Currently I am half-watching Mississippi State football. I have decided I hate all sporting announcers because they think I want to hear their inane banter and stories. I don't. Just explain to me what happened. And tell me why a state trooper has to escort the head coaches everywhere - are they in that much danger?

In my never-ending research on poison oak/ivy/sumac/whatever, I found out that when the poison oil gets in your system, it goes to the lymphatic system and can continue to break out for weeks. Lovely. I also read some doofus said to get immunity, you should eat some of the plant. As if the external itching isn't bad enough, I'd like some additional internal distress.

I learned that last year I could have purchased some chocolate Cheetos. I just had to make a run to Japan. I knew I should have kept up on junk food current events.

Boot camp is having a free session on Saturday morning. Still trying to determine if I should take advantage. Molly has decided not to take advantage of the free offer. She obviously does not know how to manage her finances.

I am scheduled to give blood in the morning. I'm wondering what they will say when they notice the bumpy rash on my arm. Maybe I will get an extra pack of Nutter Butters.

I think that's it. Time to go injest/slather some Benadryl. Go Dawgs!!

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Today's blessings: Talking with the tree man; Molly's interior door delivery and paint samples; baby bear costumes delivery; picking up Lindley at day care

How I Feel About Poison Oak

Today's mantra: I itch, therefore I scratch. So, since I have spent much of today taking or applying Benadryl, I can only hope that Rambo was attempting to exterminate poison oak/ivy/sumac/whatever. If I thought it would work, I would follow his example - except there ARE some places I would rather not expose (in every manner) to this stuff!

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Today's blessings: breakfast at Pancake Pantry with Michelle and Karen; deciding the wedding brunch menu with Maribeth and Jamie; chatting with Roger; phone chat with Marilyn; storage dropoff with Molly; picking up Lindley at daycare; Panera and errands with Maribeth; Sam's finalist status; watching "Killers" with Steve

The Good/Bad News

The good news is that I won't be working in Molly's yard any more.

The bad news is it's because it has poison oak, ivy, sumac, leaves, branches, and everything else.

The good news is that Dude the Fence Man pointed the above mentioned poison plants.

The bad news is that it was in a bunch of other plants, so I still can't pick it out.

The good news is that Dude the Fence Man thinks he can fix the fence and isn't affected by the poison plants.

The bad news is that I'm very affected by the poison plants.

The good news is that I took a shower as soon as I got home from Molly's so that any new exposure to the above mentioned poison plants would not exacerbate the already existing poison plant rash.

The bad news is that it's hard to tell if the shower made any difference since I'm still itching and rashy.

The good news is that the rash on my face is fading.

The bad news is that it's faded from bright red and puffy to medium red and puffy.

The good news is that I know a lot about poison ivy, sumac, oak, blah, blah, blah.

The bad news is that I was happier being ignorant.

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Today's blessings: BSC with Lindley (with a little help from Maribeth and Pawpaw); Dude from Brothers Fencing; chatting house with Christian; Molly's new house gutters; 7th Heaven dinner with Sam, Lynnette, Lindley, Steve, and Maribeth; watching "Date Night" with Steve and Maribeth

Happy Labor Day!

Sometimes it's important to work for that pot of gold.

But other times it's essential to take time off

and to make sure that your most important decision in the day

simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow.

~ Douglas Pagels

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Today's blessings: Labor Day afternoon with Lindley; five miles in the neighborhood

Patience Pays Off

Very few of my excursions end simply. Usually they involve a story, or drama, or aliens from outer space, or achieving the impossible. Today's adventure followed this pattern.

The mission was simple - procure a small freezer for Sam and Lynnette. After studying the Sunday newspaper ads, it was decided that Electronic Express had the best deal. So after family brunch and a nap, I headed off for the store.

I patiently waited until Lamar was finished with his current customer and came over to the freezer of my desire. He checked his inventory and then told me the bad news - the only one left in the store was the one on display. However, if I wanted to wait until Wednesday when the truck came in, I could get one then. I told him I'd let him know and then I left the store.

My next destination was the hhgregg store that was about six doors down. There I waited by the small freezer department until Earl came over to help. We discussed the merits of the various models, I chose one, and Earl went off to check inventory. Of course, none of them were available in the store, however if I came back tomorrow, I could have my pick because the truck would be in then. Earl said that he had a freezer that was promised to somebody, so he checked to see when Somebody was coming in to get it. Unfortunately that would be tomorrow, and Earl was afraid that if Somebody came in to get his freezer before the truck came in, Somebody might go all ballistic if his freezer wasn't there. I decided to go elsewhere, so Earl gave me his business card and told me not to give up on them.

I then decided to go to the Sears Outlet Store, which is about a mile down the road. Once inside I wandered around in the "returned due to cosmetic damage" appliances, finally happening upon the sole small freezer. Ruby came over to help me, and we discussed the freezer. Of course, it was the only one, and the cord looked like it had had the lid shut on it a few too many times, because the black cord cover had a few nicks in it. Not wanting to burn Sam and Lynnette's house down, I opted out of Sears and said good-bye to Ruby.

My last option was Home Depot, which was back a mile to my original address, just across the road. I strolled back to the appliance department and found a freezer. It was $20 more than the other freezers, but I did a quick cost-benefit analysis, and decided that it was worth the $20 in terms of my valuable time and gas money. Soon Fred came up and I asked him if he had this freezer in stock. He said he thought he had one left and thought he had just seen it. He asked me to accompany him to check, which I thought meant we would be headed back to some stock room. Apparently not, as the freezers are stored on top of the plumbing aisle. Fred tells me to go get a flat cart outside and bring it to the end of the aisle while he goes to get a cherry-picker to get the freezer.

I got the cart and return inside to my appointed spot. By this time, Fred had cordoned off the aisle and had the cherry picker hiked up to the top of the aisle. I wait around, then wait some more, and then wait some more. After a while, I hear Fred say, "Um, ma'am?" I look around the corner and see Fred and the freezer perched on top of the cherry picker. Fred says, "I'm stuck."

Fred calls several associates who punch certain buttons and turn things off and on. When they can't help, more associates come and help. At some point, Buford comes up and has to wait because he needs some plumbing paste (or something like that) which is located on the aforementioned closed aisle. He is very nice and waits until Fred tells Associate Joe to let Buford in to get his paste. If only he'd told Buford to pull his shirt down so I didn't have to witness his rather amply belly protruding from underneath his over-halls.

Meanwhile, Gertrude and Maxine, Home Depot checkout ladies, offer witty banter with Fred and with me. Finally Fred tells one of the other associates, "I'm on the clock, but this lady has been waiting. Go get another cherry picker."

They do, and before too much longer I have the freezer on my flat cart, remembering Maxine's admonition that if I lay it flat in my car to transport the freezer, then I need to keep it upright for twelve hours before I turn it on. I push the freezer to the checkout (along with the Paula Dean magazine I was reading while waiting, hoping that Molly will find some recipes to use once she has a kitchen).

Bobbie-Lynn scans my items and then asks if I have a Home Depot card. I explain that I did a few years ago, but cancelled it. She then says that if I apply for one (no annual fee), she will give me $50 off the freezer. Done. I now have a Home Depot card. I pay, Dude loads it into the Sequoia (on the side which means letting it sit for twelve hours before I turn it on), and soon the freezer is at its new home.

So what did I learn from today? That sometimes it pays to be patient. For today, I met a lot of nice people, I ended up with a quality freezer, and I got a great deal that I wouldn't have had if I hadn't waited.

Oh, and I'm a Home Depot card holder. I'm moving on up!!

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Today's blessings: Family pancake breakfast at the Doik; salespeople at every store; afternoon nap; Logan's dinner brought by Steve, Maribeth, and Molly

Mickey Busts A Move!

Mickey appears to have shed a few pounds - I think I know why!!

Just hoping Boot Camp Commandant Josh doesn't get any ideas from this!!!

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Today's blessings: pancakes for breakfast; McD's lunch via Molly; afternoon fun with Lindley; Pei Wei dinner with Steve, Maribeth, Molly, and Maribeth; Grayson coming to visit Maribeth

Aunt Mari's Back In Town

Aunt Maribeth came home from Yellowstone last night. The last time she saw Lindley, Lindley had no teeth, couldn't laugh or sit up, and slept most of the day. A lot can change in three months.

The last time Lindley saw Aunt Maribeth, Maribeth was single, unemployed, and had no intentions of being a cook. A lot can change in three months.

Two young ladies, who after a few minutes of becoming reacquainted, renewed their relationship that started on January 13 of this year. Two young ladies who have experienced many changes in the past three months. Two young ladies who bless my life every single day. __________________________________________________________________

Today's blessings: Maribeth home for a visit; Jeep fixed (again); Olive Garden with Maribeth and Molly; Dominoes dinner with the whole family; Sweet Ceces with Steve and Molly; Friday boot camp (and a week off)

Playing with Paw Paw

He stacks blocks.

He takes me on stroller rides.

But he doesn't change diapers.

Two out of three ain't bad!!

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Today's blessings: Thursday boot camp; chatting with concrete dude; Wal Mart shopping; Molly's driveway torn up; helpful Home Depot dudes

I Need To Get Out More ...

The other day when I was driving around town, I saw a sign for Korean BBQ tacos. Frankly, I was mystified - was this going to be the new trend? A United Nations of Food? What would be next - Italian tater tot egg rolls? I drove on, chuckling to my self-righteous self about how long that food place would stay in business.

Then in today's Tennessean, I read all about Mr. Chinn and his contribution to the Nashville culinary scene - Korean BBQ tacos. Who knew? That which I thought was odd, is actually quite desirable. I stand corrected. Again.

It wasn't the first, nor will it be the last, time that I have been proved wrong in terms of current trends. Guess I'll just have to go try some tacos - just as soon as I put on my jeggings!

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Today's blessings: Hump day butt camp with sweet words from Paige; picking up Lindley from day care; light shopping with Molly; 600 naps to make up from the lack of sleep last night; nalgeen delivery; chatting with Rich the electrician; Molly's shed gone