Tuesday Update

So how did I do on the list?

1. Butt camp - went. I also found time to donate a pint of blood to the Red Cross.

2. Bills - paid. Certainly sobered me up for vacation shopping!!

3. Carport - clean. Plus, stuff was taken to store in Maribeth's garage (does that mean I got a 3a?).

4. Grocery store - went. Plus, stopped by library to pick up book that was on hold, but they didn't hold it long enough, so it got put back on the shelf somewhere. So instead, I found two more books to checkout to read. Another 4a?

5. House - sort of picked up. Or maybe shoved into corners to give the impression of picked up.

6. Dishwasher and washing machine - done and in progress.

7. Pack - yeah, no so much. But since our departure time is 6am, I think I've still got time!

************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: fun at butt camp (and a week off); donating blood and coupon for Edible Arrangements; successful errand run; chicken sapa dinner with Sam, Lynnette, Steve, Maribeth, and Molly

Tomorrow's List

In light of yesterday's non-motivational lecture, I thought I would try the list thing in hopes of getting something done tomorrow. To make it even more concrete, I decided to post it here - maybe it will shame me into getting it done!

Here's my list:

1. Go to butt camp. It's the last week of this session and the day before I leave for vacation, so yes, it's really hard to make myself go. But I'm going. I'm pretty sure.
2. Pay bills. Since many are due the week we're gone, thought paying them would be a good idea. And it would clear off the credit card. Not that I'm going shopping or anything.
3. Clean out the carport. Why the day before I leave town? The better question is why not? Okay, so it's not a better question. It's just gross and I want to clean it up.
4. Go to the grocery store. I am making dinner, so I need some ingredients. The 6 cans of peas and the Cherry Coke in the pantry will not make a complete meal.
5. Finish picking up the mess that is my house. Again, why the day before we leave? Because I like a fairly picked-up house (notice I did not say CLEAN) when I return.
6. Run the dishwasher and washing machine/dryer. See reason #5 above. Also because in the summer, dirty clothes and dishes take on a life of their own after a week.
7. Pack my suitcase, hoping that I can pack the things that I need. Which rarely ever happens. Maybe because then I will have to go shopping?

There - I have seven things to do tomorrow. I'll let you know how it turns out!

******************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: Tuesday butt camp with my boot-ies; Michael's sale shopping; one task finished; Maribeth's visit after her sub job; successful early check-in at WDW Beach Club

Pass the Motivation, Please

As usual, it seems I have tons of little projects on my list. As usual, the motivation seems to arrive just after I've gone to bed and had a cat nap. I wake up and think of all the things I need to do and how I'm going to do them and what I'm going to do once I get all those things done. Last night I was awake until after 1 am, which resulted in my less-than-stellar performance in butt camp this morning (at least that's the excuse I'm using today). So, being sleep deprived, I didn't have the motivation to get everything done that I had hoped for today.

I wish motivation could be bottled so I could take it as needed or at least regulate my motivational cycle. I wish there were a pressure point that I could hit so that motivation could start to circulate through my body and I would get the "hop-to-its." I wish there were a Motivation Channel that would get me going in the right direction. But there are no quick motivational triggers.

Once upon a time, I made lists of everything I wanted to accomplish on any certain day. That helped, but these days I don't even seem to be able to get that done.

So what shall I do? Maybe start the list making again. Maybe set a small goal and not stop until that goal is complete. Maybe get a big boot and apply it to my backside as needed. I know I've got to get something going - waiting on that bottle of motivation certainly isn't working!

************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: Monday butt camp with the girls; clearing out shirts; walking with Maribeth, Molly, and Michelle; pizza night at Molly's with Steve, Maribeth, and Molly

Why I May Smash My TV One Day

Sure, I watch too much TV. Sometimes I watch because I'm busy and I like background noise. Sometimes I need to sleep and need something to occupy my brain so I can doze off. Sometimes I want to be entertained or informed. Unfortunately, sometimes the following things come on when my television is on, and one day I've afraid my Diet Dr. Pepper is going to end up in the middle of the screen. My Top Five TV Hates are:

1. The current commercial where the woman is talking about colon health during the toast part of wedding reception. Really? What ad agency thought this was a plausible idea?

2. Sixteen and Pregnant. Should be named Stupid and Pregnant. I hate it the most because MTV does absolutely nothing to help these dumb bunnies work things out in their lives. Also, because the last episode I watched showed the pregnant girl spitting into a Pringles can because she produced too much spit. Made me have morning sickness.

3. Just about anything on TLC. From "Kate the Shrew Plus the Innocent Eight" to "Hoarding: Buried Alive and Staying That Way" to "Toddlers and Tiaras and Total Terrors, Oh My!", it's all about voyeurism. It's not about learning anything (The Learning Channel?). It's about finding the craziest people and exploiting them.

4. Weathermen who are going to be right no matter what. "We're expecting a flood but it also may snow unless the sun comes out." They're in the same category as golf commentators who say, "Golfer A is on his way out. He's just not the same as he used to be." Then on the next hole when Golfer A hits a great shot, the commentators will say, "There it is! Just like the old Golfer A! Never count him out!" Note to both types - less is more. Weather people - give me the facts as you know them. Golf people - just shut up and let me watch the game!

5. Just about any infomercial, because (1) does using this project REALLY make you that happy cooking/cleaning/organizing? and (2) have you had your EKG checked since you lost 38 pounds in 24 minutes eating your "nutritional supplement?". In other words, I think the biggest thing infomercials sell is the idea of "let the buyer beware."

So there you have it. One of these I may actually give up television altogether. Until then, I'll just keep my soda can in check!

************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: First Watch breakfast with Sam, Steve, Lindley, and Maribeth; reserving fireworks cruise for Princess weekend

Dreaming

Tonight I watched the movie"Tangled." One of the best parts is when Rapunzel finally gets to the place she wants to be, yet wonders this:

Rapunzel: I've been looking out of a window for eighteen years, dreaming about what I might feel like when those lights rise in the sky. What if it's not everything I dreamed it would be?
Flynn Rider: It will be.
Rapunzel: And what if it is? What do I do then?
Flynn Rider: Well,that's the good part I guess. You get to go find a new dream.

I know how she feels. I've had a lot dreams as a little girl, a college student, a newlywed, a mom, a teacher, and just at any time in my life. Some dreams have come true and some haven't. Some have been broken and some are still out there, somewhere in the future. Some dreams didn't come out as I expected or hoped, and some went far beyond what I dreamed in the first place.

I guess at my age, I have to wonder if I can still dream. I have to wonder if dreaming is for the young, or the idealistic, or those not mired in reality. Is it too late to really dream, and dream big?

Maybe it's time to start dreaming again. After all, life's not over yet, and there are still many big dreams still out there to be found. Dream on, friends!

********************************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: Sleeping in a tiny bit; birthday dinner by Molly with Sam, Lynnette, Lindley, Steve, Maribeth, and Molly; homemade pimento cheese sandwich

Fridays ...

... are good things.

*********************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: Friday butt camp with my buds; Red Robin and shopping with Molly; gift card from the Lewis family

Another Year

So another year begins for this blog. I finally got a new template installed, although it's still a work in progress. So what else will change for the blog?

1. There will be no posts about diet, starting over, blah blah blah about losing weight. If I'm still drawing breath, I'll be starting over in an attempt to lose weight. I now have a goal of 50 pounds, but that may be a different blog. The only weight-related blog posts will be big weight loss news. In other words, no time soon!

2. I will still blog every day, simply because if I didn't, I probably wouldn't blog at all. So you may still get a picture instead of a blog, or a quote. I do hope to try harder - we'll just see how the days go.

3. I will still list blessings from every day, because I truly believe that there are blessings even in the worst of days - you just have to find them and be thankful for that tiny spark that makes the day worthwhile.

I think that's about it. Welcome to Luanne @ 54!!

*****************************************************************************************

Today's blessings - Butt camping with Nikki; dinner and men with the Karens; phone chat with Kay

A Great Day

It's been a great day. It started with butt camp and a card signed by all my butt-ies. I've received so many great wishes from facebook friends, both old and new. I received a card in the mail, a caramel cake, and roses with a card. It's been a blessed day.

******************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: Friends, both far and near

Perspective

This morning I was out of butt camp again due to my lower back. While it had improved significantly since Monday, it was still too achy to tackle a cardio/abs day. I have to admit - I've done a lot of internal griping about getting older and all these random aches and pains, hair growth where you don't want it, difficulty in losing even a pound or two, and just all the stuff that comes with each passing year.

And then I shut up. Because I thought about all those people I know who would like to have my paltry list of aches and pains and gripes. There's my friend from grade school who is in the middle of chemo and will be talking to doctors soon about a bone marrow transplant. There's the father of Sam's college roommate who is battling diseases that have robbed him of his health as well as his kidneys, and who goes to dialysis three times a week. There's the blogger whose blog I read who today talked about her mom who died from Parkinson's disease at age 54. There's Pat Summit who faces an uncertain future. There are facebook friends who have battled all kinds of diseases, much more serious that I could imagine.

I realized that whatever I have to deal with should be a joy, because it means I am still here, alive and able to enjoy all the blessings that my life gives me.

Thank you, God, for these and all my gifts,

and please bless all those who carry much greater burdens than I.

******************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: Red Lobster with Maribeth and Molly; ToysRUS/Target with Maribeth; picking up Lindley at day care with Steve and getting us some Pinkberry; babysitting Lindley tonight with Steve and Maribeth

Still A Twinge Now And Then, But ...

Here's hoping Tuesday means back to business!!

******************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: Wal-Mart shopping; picking up Lindley from day care and going to Pinkberry and the park with Lindley and Steve; dinner with Steve and Maribeth; back pain improvement

Tonight's Post Has Been Hijacked ...

... due to my lower back, which has an invisible knife stabbed in it, which twists and turns every time I move. So, instead of hunching over my computer, I am going to try to find some position to assume in my bed in an attempt to get my back back to normal. It looks like butt camp is in jeopardy tomorrow, and we all know how important that is to start my day!! This pain is not a pain in the neck, or a pain in the arse, but somewhere in between.

And while I thought the first picture was plenty to illustrate a back issue, my friend Gloria found a much better one:

***************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: spending the day with Steve, GDiz, Lynnette, Lindley, Maribeth, and Molly; an hour with Gina at Massage Envy; Pinkberry and the park with Lindley and the crew; Steve's hot dogs on the grill

34 Years and Counting

******************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: Still married after 34 years; walking 8 miles and stopping for breakfast with Molly; afternoon time with Lindley; Molly's delicious homemade dinner with Steve, Sam, Lynnette, Lindley, Maribeth, Molly, Adam, and GDizzle; watching "Unstoppable" with Maribeth

This Is Why I Don't Have A Paying Job

Today started with Friday butt camp. After yesterday's stair waddle, one would think I had no leg muscles left. Apparently Butt Boss doesn't believe that, because he had us running and jumping and fast-footing, and push-upping, and mountain climbering, and other stuff that I don't remember because by that point my oxygen level was low and my brain refused to remember. But we all got through it and said farewell - at least until Monday when we return for more.

I got home in time to change my sweat soggy shirt, eat breakfast, and recover until I volunteered to go help Steve move to the street the branches that he cut at Maribeth's house. Since he cut the bushes pretty much to the ground, there were a lot of branches. But I gotterdun and returned home in time to shower and get ready for my next gig.

I was to go to Molly's house at 10:30 am to wait for the maid service that was coming to clean her house for GDizzle's visit this weeked. Molly had to work and then get the stitches removed from the back of her ear from last week's procedure. She was a little vague about exactly when they would arrive, so I made sure that I got there a little early. I had enough time to put her dirty dishes into the dishwasher and plop down on her couch to watch a little TV when I heard her doorbell ring. Unfortunately I could not get the deadbolt to unlock, so I had to yell through the front door for them to come to the side door. They came in and proceeded to work. Feeling in the way, I went to the deck to assemble the lounge chair she bought a few weeks ago, the deck being in direct sunlight. More sweat ensued. Naturally, I put the wrong legs on the wrong end, and by the time I got it all straightened out, Molly came home. I babysat Molly, who didn't want to hang around while the cleaning ladies were there, so we sat outside until they were finished. Then we drove around for about 30 minutes trying to decide where to eat, and ended up at the place we were going to anyhow.

Eventually I returned to my house and took a nap. Maribeth came over later and I watched the movie "You Again." I liked it - cute and mindless, and there was no bad language or explicit sex acts in it. Score!

So anyhow, that's how my Friday went. I probably should have cleaned the house, or swept out the carport, or gone to the grocery store, but I didn't. I gotta save something for the weekend!

*****************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: Working the circuits with Jo at butt camp and chatting it up with Michelle, Tracy, and Gloria; getting all the branches moved at Maribeth's; Baha Burrito with Molly; watching a movie all the way through

Running the Stairs

This morning in butt camp we did an activity I like to call "Kill your thighs one way or another." This was thanks to an overzealous butt camper who weighs about 49 ounces and has more energy than a jumping jelly bean, who mentioned to the boss man that we hadn't done this particular activity in awhile and she really missed it.

Anyhow because she also gushes daily about how wonderful butt camp was that day, and how great that day's workout was, he must have listened, because the last thing we did for the day was this thigh killer. I would probably hate her guts if she weren't so darn sweet. She can't help it if she briefly lost her sweet little mind.

Anyhoo, here's how it goes: Basically, you have a partner, and one runs (well, not exactly in my case - more like stumbles) down and back up the 3-floor stairwell of the parking garage (we meet on the top floor). The other partner is doing a wall sit thigh burner until the stairwell runner is done and then they switch places. We do this for a certain time limit - Boss says it's only for four minutes, but I really think it's more like four hours.

I wasn't exactly looking forward to it. Especially at the end of butt camp after doing all sorts of other stuff. But I found a partner and started. Sure I was slow as usual, but I gotterdun. I found that once it was over, I didn't hate it. I didn't love it, either, but if truth be told, I kinda liked it.

Dang that little jumping jelly bean - she's got me gushing now!

*****************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: making it through butt camp cardiac day; picking up Lindley at day school and having a Pinkberry treat with Lindley, Steve, and Maribeth; Las Palmas dinner with Steve, Maribeth, and Molly; Demos gift certifs from Marilyn

Me. Post Wednesday Butt Camp.

Oh, but tomorrow is "Cardio and Leg Day."

Be still, my heart.

REALLY - BE STILL, FOR TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY!!

******************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: Chibatta bread day at butt camp; optometrist visit; hair trim and stylist; accomplishing a few tasks; seeing Kat's first 5K entry; Chic fil A delivery via Steve and Molly; afternoon visit with Maribeth; butt camp fb silliness;

Tonight I Went To A Nashville Sounds Baseball Game

So I'm going to say that I have an excuse for no thought-provoking blog. But I will review my night for you, in hopes that you too, will want to be taken out to the ballpark.

In short, the hot dog was adequate (never count on eating dinner from the concession stand), the popcorn was chewy (but came in a plastic baseball cap), and the funnel cake was delicious (even though Steve and I chose to share one rather than get one each).

Last year's free parking went up to $3, and the only flavors of Dippin' Dots were cookie dough and chocolate mint (neither of which are my favorites), so I did manage to resist that temptation. I did not catch a foul ball, but I also was not killed by one, so I am content with the outcome.

I sat across the aisle from a very loudmouthed man who came with his mother (I hope she was his mom - they had on matching team shirts). He insisted on commenting on every pitch, every play, every player, and every thing that went on. And, he insisted on commenting VERY LOUDLY so everyone in attendance (including those in the press box) could hear his illuminating thoughts. After three innings, we went in search of the aforementioned funnel cake, and found seats across the stadium from him.

It was "Kraft Wrapper Buy On Ticket, Get One Free" night, so after a quick trip to the grocery store, we got a sweet deal on tickets. The national anthem was sung a cappella by a men's quartet and the crowd participation antics were very entertaining. In the end, the Sounds won, and it was a great night for going to the stadium.

******************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: another butt camp day with Karen and the girls; getting caught up on bills; going to the game; afternoon Maribeth visit

Hello Monday!

As usual for me lately, today's blog has been pushed off until the evening, when I can think of nothing to write about. My fellow butt campers and I did come up with several reasons for missing butt camp, and published those on facebook so that we won't have to think so hard the next time we would rather sleep than sit-up/crunch/plank. I also managed to add another cruise reservation for next May. I watched an episode of "Teen Mom" with Maribeth until I thought my head would explode. I went with Steve to Home Depot in search of some bricks to line Molly's sidewalk. I watched a cute doggie video. All this to say that apparently my brain has been busy today and has decided to turn in for the night.

So, in lieu of a thought-provoking blog post, I shall instead leave you with this thought:

For today and its blessings, I owe the world an attitude of gratitude.

Clarence E. Hodges

And in response, to anyone who reads this - Thank you for your part in my life. *****************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: Monday butt camp partnering with Karen and the Wonder Twins; beautiful August day; afternoon and Kroger with Maribeth; Home Depot with Steve; getting cruise ressies made

It's Sunday

Hope you had a great weekend!!

******************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: Davidson/Ogle donut brunch at Lindley's house; Target and HHGregg shopping with Sam and Molly; hot dog and mashed potato dinner with Steve and Maribeth

So I Went To The Movies ...

... to see "30 Minutes or Less." I went with Steve, Maribeth, and Sam. I knew it was supposed to be a comedy. And there were funny parts. I guess I liked it as much as I liked "The Hangover," which would be - not a whole lot. I think this review from Rotten Tomatoes says it best:

"It's sporadically funny and it benefits from a talented cast, but 30 Minutes or Less suffers from a disjointed narrative, and too often mistakes crude gags for true lowbrow humor."

I'm planning to see "The Help" tomorrow afternoon. Somehow, I don't think tonight's audience will be there for that one (particularly the lady who sat behind me tonight and howled with laughter throughout the entire movie).

Oh well - I watched "Pollyanna" on television earlier this afternoon. Guess everything on the movie front got pretty much balanced out ...

****************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: two miles in the hood with Molly; McAllister lunch with Molly and Maribeth; Logan's dinner with Steve and Maribeth; movie with Sam, Steve, and Maribeth

Today's Picture

Something cool for a hot August Friday...

And no - I'm not there.

Yet.

**********************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: Fun and treats at Friday Butt Camp; visiting Lindley's new school; Dog of Nashville, Ben & Jerry's, shops and Whole Foods with Maribeth and Molly

A Thursday In The Life

This morning I went to get the hairs on my chin laser-ed off. On the way there, the person driving the car in front of me had a particular style of driving. He/she would slow down and put on the brakes, stare at the cross-street road sign, then drive a little more, often drifting toward the center of the road. He/she kept this up for several miles, until eventually the correct street was found and a left turn was made. Hopefully into the correct lane.

I made it to the hair zapping place and pulled Steve's white tank into a parking place. I noticed the car next to me, because I thought its teal color was kind of cool. At least until I noticed the elderly lady in the front passenger seat with her eyes closed. I wondered whether an EMS should be summoned, but then she moved her head and opened her eyes. Guess Granny's taking a nap in the car was preferable to someone who was inside getting some hair zapped.

Once I got inside Zap-It-Now, I listened as Zapper lady told me about her belly pain and her upcoming colonoscopy/endoscopy. And then she explained how she gave herself an enema - step by step. I would have been grossed out, except for the zings that she was applying to my chinny chin chin were sort of claiming my direct attetion.

Granny and the teal car were gone by the time I returned to the white tank - I guess either back to the senior citizen center or to the emergency room. I proceeded to Target, where I purchased a cheap stapler and an even cheaper 3-hole punch. I live large.

Once I returned home, I managed some domestic duties - catching up on facebook and taking a nap. Eventually I made a grocery run, in which I remembered the paltry grocery list I had made but forgot the reusable shopping bags.

Steve and Maribeth made it back from their road trip from Denver and Steve made hamburgers. Now that I'm finished with this, I think I'll go drink a glass of water.

Your Thursday should be so exciting!!

*******************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: Cooler morning for butt camp; chin hair zapping; Target and Kroger shopping; Maribeth and Steve's safe trip; Molly stopping by for a chat; Steve's Bubba burgers for dinner

One Of Those Posts ...

Whatevs ...

********************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: Chatting with Carol at butt camp and seeing Super Glo in her cape; road reports from Steve and Maribeth; diet drink delivery via Molly

Just A Few Words

He asked to be my friend on facebook. He is actually my younger brother's age, but I knew him and his family. If we ever had a conversation, I don't remember it. It has probably been 40+ years since I've even seen him.

With facebook, you never really know why somebody is friending you. Maybe they really want to reconnect, or maybe they did a mass friending with friends of friends. Whatever his reason, I got the notification that he wanted to be my friend. I sat on the request a few days, and then accepted the invitation.

I went to his profile page to catch up on his life. And that's when I read this:

My lovely wife of 24 years died today suddenly. We can use all the prayers you can send our way. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter and sister. She saved me from myself and helped me become a better person. I miss her so!!!!

In just a few seconds, I knew everything that I needed to know. In just a few words, he became real again, in spite of the miles and years that separate us.

It's amazing, this power of words. They can hurt, they can heal, they can make us laugh, they can make us cry. They bring us together and open our hearts. And that's when we realize the words that mean the most - those words prayed to our Heavenly Father on behalf of those who need Him.

Just a few words can change everything - here's hoping that mine will always change things for the better.

***********************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: Safe travel for Steve to meet up with Maribeth; cookie basket from the Simmons; sweet delivery lady

Excuses

So I have tried really, really hard to think of something to write about tonight. But since it's Monday and I started a new session of butt camp today and Molly and I walked 2+ miles tonight, my brain seems to be uncooperative and refuses to think of something to write about.

Except to say that I hope to be asleep within the next 30 minutes.

And that while I probably have plenty to write about, I need to write it earlier in the day, before my brain goes to sleep, which appears to have happened about a hour ago.

I'm going to get better at this. Really.

***************************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: Back to butt camp; making WDW arrangements; sweet fb message from Kat; dinner with Steve at Dairy King; 2 mile slow walk with Molly; signing up for the 3-Day and Molly signing up, too

The Blog Week That Was

Okay, so it was mostly pictures. Looks like today won't be any different. Let's just say that it's been hot, and that affects my thinking process. Also, it's been butt camp's off week, so along with my body, my brain decided to take a week off.

Tomorrow morning butt camp starts over again, so maybe great thoughts will be forthcoming. Or I will be spending the day resting up from getting back with it.

After all, isn't that what Mondays are for?

*****************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: Sunday brunch with the Ogles and Davidsons; burgers at Bobbie's Dairy Dip with Steve; meeting the new neighbor

What I Planned To Do Today ...

What I did instead ...

*******************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: 6-mile challenging walk and Starbucks with Molly; Jo-Anne's shopping with Molly; afternoon time with Lindley; fresh peaches via Steve

You Know It's Time To Go To Bed When ...

... you fall asleep watching television, and then you wake up and think to yourself, "I need to take out my contact lens." Then you go to the bathroom to take them out, thinking, "My contact lens aren't bothering me," only to look at your contact case and realize that you never put them in today in the first place!!

'Night, all!!

*****************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: spending the day with Lindley; Molly bringing lunch and teaching Lindley to march

Today's Lesson

Just because something tastes delicious and you have plenty of it, you should not eat as much as you think would be a good portion - because later on, after you have stuffed yourself with the "delicious" food and your abdomen is swelling up and causing you distress from eating way too much of the deliciousness, suddenly it is no long delicious but has now become atrocious and you hope you never eat it again.

Geeze, and I thought I learned it the last time this happened ....

*******************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: breakfast at Frothy Monkey with my butt camp buds Karen, Karen, Nan, Gloria, Kathleen, Jo, and Josh; spending the day with Lindley; Edible Arrangement from Mathieu; visit with Mary Beth and Mathew; ressie made for Lucy's wedding; brief visit from Molly

Me. Right Now. 'Nuf Said.

******************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: Week-off butt camp; spending the day with Lindley; getting stuff mailed; huge vine-ripe tomato via Molly

Good People At The Checkout

This week we get to have Lindley all day because of the gap in between day care. Since she has shown a distaste for swimming pools, naturally we decided to attempt to change her opinion. Of course, it helps that Pawpaw's second home during the summer is at the YMCA pool.

Yesterday we made some success as Lindley decided to stand in the baby pool and splash around a bit. Encouraged by this milestone advancement, we planned to give it another go again today. However, we were missing one valuable piece of equipment - swim diapers - since she had used the last one yesterday. If you don't know the value of a swim diaper, find a baby. Put a regular diaper on him/her and go dunk her/him in the water for a bit. Once you call a forklift to lift said baby and said diaper out of the pool, you will realize the genius behind the swim diaper.

Anyhow, this is about the kindness you find in the least expected moments. Since we were in desperate need of swim diapers if we were to accomplish our mission of getting Lindley to like swimming pools, I went to Kroger to purchase some. I quickly found the baby aisle, saw the swim diapers were on sale for one dollar off the regular price, and grabbed two packages. I proceeded to the self-scan aisle and started my scanning (I also needed to pick up a few other items). After I had scanned the second package, I realized I had gotten a size large package - too large for Lindley's little bottom.

A Kroger clerk happened to be walking behind me, and I asked him if I could return the large diapers, since I didn't need them. He signaled to the head clerk, and she said to just to exchange the large for a medium. Mr. Clerk walked with me, and said, "Here they are over here on the close-out aisle." I told him that I had gotten them on the regular baby aisle, but went over to the close-out aisle anyhow, and saw that the same diapers were REALLY on sale - like half of what the sales prices was.

Well, both clerks helped me find the size I needed (two packages), and then we went back to my register (my stuff was still there). Ms. Clerk took off both the first two diaper packs, and then I scanned the new big-sale ones.

I think I was most impressed that two people would be so helpful. Two people that work really hard and probably have to deal with a lot of people and their grocery problems. Two people that could have made my life difficult, but instead made it much better than I could have hoped.

Maybe swim diaper savings aren't huge deal, but today it was an affirmation of the goodness in people. Sometimes you just have to look for it wherever you are. Today, it was at Kroger.

*****************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: Helpful clerks at Kroger; swimming at the Y and in the backyard with Lindley; getting a project complete; chatting with Molly after she walked to our house; chatting with Maribeth on the phone; Steve bringing me a Sonic drink

It's Monday AND August 1?!?!?!

Lindley seems pretty stoked about it, so I guess I will be, too!

********************************************************************************************

Today's blessings: 5 miles in the 'hood; spending the day and going to the pool with Lindley; Steve's ham/cheese sandwiches for dinner; telephone chat with Marilyn; quick visit with Molly and Rambo