true comic relief ...

This morning, I had the guilty pleasure of reading the newspaper (and sipping a non-fat latte) while my children play capture the flag and learn to identify animal poop at camp. Okay, it was the Indy Star, so it didn't take long -- so I glanced at the comics to prolong the bliss ... And, out of the mouth of Peanuts came some words I needed to hear and share:
Charlie Brown is snuggled in bed with Snoopy draped over him. "Sometimes I lie awake at night and I ask 'What can I do to keep my life from going by so fast?'"
His answer to himself, as Snoopy slumbers on" "Then a voice comes to me that says, 'try slowing down at the corners.'"
I am so grateful for the time I have had this month away from work - so spend with my children, Matt, friends ... to slow down, even if only a few miles per hour, (for me, progress) ... to wonder/question "what is next?" And I think that whatever is ahead, part of the answer is slowing down at the corners -- the pointed places where changes and challenges abound.
So, next week -- when school starts (can you believe it?) and work resumes, I'm going to try keeping it in first gear, at least for a while...

...the best laid plans ...

After yoga class last week, Matt and I headed to Franch Lick, for a night away and the Lyle Lovett concert. (Got the babysitter, the directions, the non-fat latte for the road ...) We got to West Baden Springs and Resort and were treated like royalty from the second we stopped the car. The valet parking, the bellhop with our bags, guiding us through this AMAZING domed atrium and telling us the history of the restored resort. Matt and I were entranced - remember, we don't get away much! :)
We get to the reservation desk and the smiling clerk says, "Oh, I am sorry, you are not booked here, you are booked at French Lick resort, down the road ... " We are quickly whisked around and back to our car and headed to the "other" resort, which reminded Matt of Wishard or Methodist Hospital. (For me, a night away is a night away, but I will admit some disappointment) ... When we get there, our reservations are screwed up and we are in a smoking room! No can do! It took awhile and we finally got a room with two beds and no smoke (very romantic, eh?)
We decide to bring some relaxation to us by checking out the spa and trying out a "mineral" bath from the famous Pluto spring at French Lick. (supposed to cure what ails you, and then some) ... It was actually a 20-minute soak in water that smelled like rotten eggs and looked worse than my well water - but we hadn't showered after Chris' class, so really it was all good ... :)
Next up, fancy schmancy dinner before the show ... we got to the fancy part, but never got to the dinner! We were seated at 6:30 and by 7:45 had to ask for the check (for drinks, bread and butter) and run to the show!
Okay, if you are a Lyle Lovett fan, the show made up for everything! He played for hours and he played blues, folk, gospel, bluegrass, all his fun stuff - I tried to attach a video, but no luck...
The rest of the weekend went off without a hitch! We worked out in the cool fitness center on Sunday a.m., and enjoyed the long ride home together. The kids were happy, and it was good to be home.

seasonal sentiments ...

As I read Rob's blog about his mother turning 80 and heading East to celebrate, I was struck by the realization of how seasonal my memories are -- how the changing seasons can stir up so many emotions. Two years ago, I drove Route 80 to NJ for a family beach vacation. All six of us children and families, plus mom and dad, stayed for a week at an amazing home in Long Island, in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. It was the last time I had with my dad, as he died very unexpectedly in August 2007. I miss him everyday, but more so in the heat of July, when the world smells of BBQ and chlorine, and the sun beats down until 9 p.m., and then the fireflies take over. It's like the bittersweet memories of my dad are captured in July - playing badminton, flying paper airplanes, drinking red wine and singing off-key - and I can feel them again, like a warm breeze. Dad would have been 75 this October and I am blessed that my last memories of him are so peaceful and fun.
I took a lot of time off this July, to reconnect with my kiddos and rejuvenate and ready myself for another year with IPS! Thusfar, I have fought the urge to fill every moment with action-packed adventures for the kids and long overdue home projects. And still the days whirl by, don't they? ... making way for more seasons, more memories ...
... so I've been swimming a bit to get ready for the Go Girl - how is everyone else doing? And I can't seem to get enough watermelon or tomatoes! They are both so delicious right now!
... time for bed, thanks for reading ...

Where have all the (cowboys) bloggers gone?

Where are you, fellow blogmates? I am loving Chris's salad ideas, but it also would be great to hear from anyone out there and how things are going ... ok,ok. I'll start ....
Today is my daughter Emma's 8th birthday! Just typing that fills my heart and eyes. Can she really be 8 already? She is so excited, a few girls are coming over to sleep over, and that is a big deal for Em! (along with making sure her little brother is kept busy during her girl party!) ... This weekend, we hosted a reunion for many of the families we adopted with from China. It was crazy fun: Picture 11 girls running around the house all weekend, creating "shows" and playing basketball , painting the fence with chalk, and eating s'mores while the moms and dads cook, catch up and relax. I got a lot of questions about my weight and wellness -- and a lot of teasing, too! For the most part it was all in fun, but sometimes it felts like folks who are not happy with themselves were throwing some pretty pointed barbs! Mostly, I feel grateful for the folks I have in my life with whom I can share my passion for exercise, nutrition and overall well being. Thanks to all of you! :)