2 Years & 128 Days and Another Year Older

So today I am 44 years old. For the most part, getting older does not bother me. At least that's what I tell myself. LOL. But it does make me stop and think. I wonder, "shouldn't my life be more in order than this?". But then I look around and realize, well, that's just life. It's not orderly or perfect, it's just life. Real life is real messy. There's up and downs, highs and lows, good days and bad days. I am grateful to be 44 years old today. I am thankful to have a wonderful husband, three wonderful children, terrific friends, and an exciting (sometimes too exciting) and fulfilling career. But most of all, I am thankful to know that Jesus loves me and that God made me who I am, warts and all. Have a wonderful day and a wonderful weekend, everyone!

2 Years & Days 126 & 127 and my brother Bill

Last night, I went to Stillwater with Tom & our friends to speak at a Victim Impact Panel meeting. The Victim Impact Panel is for people who have been arrested for driving under the influence, whether it be of drugs or alcohol. For those of you that do not know, my brother Bill was killed in a drunk driving accident on New Year's 1987. After I graduated from OU last December, I was wanting to do something different, something outside my comfort zone. I knew that years ago, my mom had spoken to panels about drinking and driving and I thought I might be able to do that. God led me to a new friend who does those talks and now I have been doing them for a couple of months. Last night was my 4th one. It is good to be able to talk about my brother. It has helped me deal with feelings that I had not been able to deal with and I hope and pray that I reach someone each time we give a talk. As I look out into the audience, it is pretty easy to see the people who are listening and are affected by what we are saying. Hopefully we plant a seed in each person's mind that next time they drink, they will make a different choice.

This year, my class celebrates our 25th high school reunion. That means that my brother's class will celebrate theirs next year. Bill will never get to go to a class reunion. He will never get to hang out with old friends and reminisce over old times. Instead of being a middle-aged man, Bill is 18 years old. Forever.

For those of you out there reading this: I'm asking you today to make wise choices. If you choose to drink or use any kind of substance, please do not drive. It does not matter if you have had one drink or several drinks, please do not drive. Call a friend. Call a family member. Call a cab. Call me. I will come pick you up. Believe me when I say that I do not want you or your family to go through what my family has gone through. That pain does not go away.

2 Years & 125 Days and More Updated goals

To continue my post about my goals for the next month:

Spiritual: I've been getting up earlier every morning, not just to exercise, but to do my prayer time and Bible Study. I will continue doing that. I'm pretty good at doing it Monday-Friday, but since my routine is different on the weekends, I don't do as well. So I will work on that over the next month.

Social: My groups (child care associations and mother's clubs) are all taking breaks for the summer. I'm glad for the break, but will miss hanging out with my friends. Tom & I have a couple we've been hanging out with and having a wonderful time with so I want to make sure that friendship gets nurtured.

Career: My next area of improvement is my outside area. I'd like to make it more fun and interesting to the kids, especially the bigger ones. Send me some good thoughts and prayers as I try to come up with some ideas that won't bust the budget.

That's it on the goals for now. I will keep you posted!

2 Years & 124 Days and Updated Goals

I've been trying to work on my goal list. The last few days have been crazy and hectic, but I think I'm finally done.

Financial: In our financial life, I plan to have $150 put into the baby EF by mid-June. To do so, I'll take $50 from each of Tom's May 28th & June 11th paychecks as well as $50 from drop-in clients.

Physical: I will continue doing the early morning walks and the Yoga for the Rest of Us DVD. In addition, I will check my blood sugar at least twice a day (early morning and evenings). I will also begin adding more fresh fruits and veggies to my diet. My goal to start with is to have at least 2 fruits and veggies per day.

Personal: I will get my Flylady control journal set up. For more information, visit:

Family: Tom & I will go on another date night alone by mid-June. We will also be spending Memorial Day weekend helping Serenity get moved.

Tomorrow, I will update on my goals in the area of spiritual, career, and social.

2 Years and Days 120, 121, 122, & 123 & Serenity's done

Well, Serenity is officially done with college! Her party went well and we had a fairly good turn-out, especially with everything else that is going on this time of year. Today was crazy and hectic and so I don't have much to say tonight. Let's just say I paid today for taking Friday off. LOL. I'll be back tomorrow to post some updated goals.