Yikes

Yes, our phone bill is about 260.00 a month cuz we "bundle." Supposedly we are saving money. Whatever.
Anyway, how dumb do you have to be to pay the same bill twice--on the same day--AT CHRISTMASTIME!!!!!! Yes, I will be accepting donations to get us off the poor farm.
Just thought I would share--and many of you thought my eye was my disability.

Merry Christmas

I was thinking today about the angels who sang at the birth of Christ. The thought of their joyful sound and the reason for it made me pause.
I was pondering how truly excited they must have been to know that with the birth of our Savior would come the fulfillment of the plan that would allow us to return to our Father in Heaven. My own dad was really sick this last summer and as I sat with him in the hospital, I couldn't help but think how I would miss him if he were to leave us. I really look to him for direction and help. He has been invaluable to me always, but especially these last few months. I thought of how much I miss my other Father, and how much I do want to see Him again.
I thought about that tiny baby in a cave wrapped in rags, and who He would become.
I thought of how he raised the dead, healed the sick, and an especially tender thing for me--made the blind to see.
I thought of that tiny baby held by loving mother's arms and looked upon by a man who would love him like his own. I thought of those first baby noises, and then the cry.
It was then that I think, that the angels began singing their Hosannas. The first sound of life on that night began the process of eternal life for all mankind.

Sorry, maybe I'm rambling. I went in for my temple recommend interview last Sunday, and that is what really started me thinking about this. The second or third question is "Do you have a testimony of the Atonement of Christ?" My eye issue really has strengthened my testimony of that. I have kind of always reserved the Atonement for when I need to repent, but these last few months have taught me a thing or two about how He didn't just suffer so we can make our bad choices all better. I have felt comfort and peace knowing he "gets it."

Anyway, I really am grateful for His life. What a miracle of a life it was, and it all started in a little cave with cows and horses and sheep standing around. AND angels heralding His birth. I kind of want to think I was there singing my heart out. I know I want to now!

Anyway, I wish everyone a happy holiday season. I love you all and I am grateful for my association with you.

Kathy

The BIG Question

Every year I have people I know from other cultures and countries come and tell about their December traditions. It is always fun to see what other people do. I have had people from Russia, England, Germany (that was a special treat when he showed up in his little leather pants), Peru, Bethlehem and since I teach in Idaho I always have someone tell about Christmas in Mexico. The customs are interesting, but it is sometimes scary because these people just come and basically tell their stories.
Today was our last day before break. It was the only day the lady from Mexico could come. She told me at Parent Teacher conference that she had a funny story and she couldn't wait to share it with the kids. She said she knew I would laugh. Her english isn't great so she brought her daughter to translate for her. She really went to a lot of trouble and even made tamales and brought Mexican soda and candy to share. She was fabulous, but her story was...well, lets just say we had some issues to deal with.
She starts by saying that where she comes from they have Santa like we do, except that he puts the toys by the children's heads instead of under a tree. She told the kids in Spanish, which was then translated, that one day she snooped and found some toys in a closet. Wow, she thinks, Santa has already been here. However, she isn't 100% on that so she doesn't say anything to anyone--just in case. Christmas Eve finally comes and she lays in her bed and waits and waits to see who will put the toy by her pillow. (I am now waiting and waiting hoping she is not about to say what I think she is going to say.) She says that she lays there until she hears someone come into her room and she opens one eye, just a little. (I am now praying that she is going to say something about a jolly little elf, all dressed in red and white.) She tells the kids (and can I say that some of my students are hearing this twice because she is telling it in Spanish and it is also being told to them in English) that when she opens her eye, she sees her dad and he is holding the presents she saw in the closet. He saw her and made her promise that she would never tell or she would not get any presents, then to bring his point home--she did not get anything that year. I did laugh, only because of the looks on the faces of my students. You know the one. Remember when that kid in "A Christmas Story" gets told by Santa that "you'll shoot your eye out, kid." Thats' the one.

Fabulous, I thought, she just told my students 6 days before Christmas that there isn't a Santa. Luckily, we were able to convince them that her dad was helping Santa. I think (hope) they believed us.

Eye Update

Today I went to the doctor for an eye checkup. I was able to go three whole weeks this time.

I am happy with the news that my eye has stablized and that my retina is FINALLY laying flat. In five or six months, I will be scheduled for another surgery where they will take out the silicone and replace it with a bubble--if it stays flat after removing the oil. Yes, I will have to keep my head down again, but its ok because if I get the bubble, it means he thinks I'm getting better. (He said that if my retina looks like it will peel, he will put silicone back in.)

The best news is that I can go back to Gold's. He said I can do Pilates, yoga, bike arc machine, eliptical, treadmill (if I don't run) and even weights. Turns out he's been going to the gym too, so we had quite a conversation about how much weight, reps and so on. He said I can do any amount of weights that I can lift or rep on 20 times with ease. No straining. The bad news is that I can't find time to go until after we get out for the break, and I am a scary driver on the slick roads--having only one eye that sees. I'm just excited that maybe for a while I might get my life back. Yay for me!

Ho Ho Ho

For a little holiday mirth, check out the link to Pam.
It will make your holidays merry and bright.

BARF Week

Our ward has had a tradition for the last 2 years to do random acts of kindness for an assigned family. We call it BARF week which stands for Be A Real Friend. We didn't sign up this year because we didn't know how the eye would be, and I didn't want to get a family and not be able to do them. Anyway, BARF week has begun and we have received something for the last two nights.
It is really touching to us that someone thought of us. If any one of my blogger friends knows who is doing us, please let them know how grateful we are.
Have a good week!
Loves,
Kathy

December 1, 2008

Yes, this thankfulness thing just continues and continues...
Just kidding, something blogworthy happened today:


I taught reading. The whole lesson, including read aloud and worksheet!

Today reading, tomorrow the world!

Thanksgiving Day

Today I am grateful for the day I have had with my family. I am thankful that all of my own kids came to dinner, and that all of my extended family on my side came but one married couple and two boys serving missions. I am grateful for the blessings I enjoy as a member of the church, of knowing my wonderful family will continue on after this life. I am thankful for a husband who hangs in with me, even in bad times. I am grateful that I have parents who have always shown me the way to be happy, who have guided me and taught me how to return to my Father in Heaven. I am thankful for the gospel and the many blessings I enjoy from its membership, the temple, the prophet, modern day revelation, the scriptures.
I am grateful for the prompting to write each day the things I am grateful for. It has really helped my attitude and changed the way I think about things. I am grateful for the challenges of my life. Every one of them has brought me to a better place emotionally, mentally and most importantly spiritually.
I am also grateful for turkey stuffing, cranberry salad, and sweet pickles. I am glad that I was able to pay attention to the Food Channel so that I could make fabulous sweet potatoes.
I am thankful for leftovers and backrubs.
I recently read this and wanted to share: "Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and vision for tomorrow."
With all of my love,
Kathy

11-26

Today I am grateful that my head is up. Its true, its been up all day.
I am thankful that the doctor said that everything looks really good. He asked if I could stand to go three weeks before I see him again. I wanted to say that I haven't really "seen" him in about three months. I refrained, even though he told me that instead of patching, I could just put a kleenex in between my eye and my glasses. I think he doesn't care if I look stupid. Actually, that would be an entertaining picture for the bulletin board at Wal-Mart. Maybe I'll try it.
I am thankful that I have alot of my Christmas shopping done, and that I saw Jessica and Ann and they told me about fabulous deals at a store in the mall.
I am thankful that Charlie didn't mind running me all over Idaho Falls today and carrying all my stuff around. It was fab to have a helper.
I am thankful that in about 18 hours I will be enjoying the love and friendship of my family. I can't wait.
I am thankful that we get really good days...they more than make up for the ones that make you want to dig a hole and crawl in. This was one of those days.
Loves,
Kathy

11-25

Ok, for the first time in almost ten weeks, I can put my head up. Is that not reason for gratitude and celebration? Well, it makes the number one spot on my list, even though putting my head up makes me a little sick.
Number two, which could probably be number one because I would love to have this experience again was Charlie's indoor soccer game tonight. Two players on the opposite team were wearing read tights, blue shorts and read shirts, we lovingly called them Santa's helpers. One kid was wearing daisy dukes, yes you read that right, daisy dukes. His tan line was about six inches below the bottom of his shorts. One kid wore some really sexy, bronzy, silky shorts with his soccer tee. The bottom line was that it was hilarious. They played like they looked. It was the Harlem globetrotters of indoor soccer, except they lost. So I guess the thing I am thankful for here was the laughter. I haven't laughed that hard in a few months.
Number three, Amazon shopping. My dad casually says the other day he really wishes he could get a particular CD. Being older and not so computer literate, he has never heard of Google. Anyway, I got the CD today and I will get the movie tomorrow. Yay for perfect Christams presents!
I am grateful for chocolate covered raisins.
I am grateful I got to sit by Joyce Lamb and give some kids from Groveland a hard time. I just really miss doing that.
Anyway, loves to all!
Kathy

11-24

This has been a pretty good day. I spent the first six hours flat on my stomach, but it felt good. My house was warm and the game shows were particularly funny. I got to take my eye patch off, and I was able to finish my visitng teaching and laugh and cry with women who have become my friends. The great thing is, that these are not even the five things I am thankful for.
In case I haven't mentioned it, I am grateful for my family. Family life these days can be so difficult, and yet nothing is so rewarding. I love my family, my parents, my grandparents, brothers and sisters, Mark, my kids and my sweet grandbabies. I am grateful for the challnges my family faces because while I hate the challenge, I love the blessings that come from standing up to them.
I am glad I can wear my glasses today and see out of my good eye, I am also grateful that scientists can fashion a lens that improves my vision from a simple piece of glass.
I am thankful that I can stay close to people through the miracle and mystery of technology. I just don't get it, but I love it.
On a similar note, I am grateful for online shopping. Whoever invented that was a genius!
I am thankful for the diversity of my ring of friends. I get so much from all of you and the many who haven't caught the vision of blogging.
I am grateful to whoever brought dinner over. Thanks.
Loves,
Kathy

11-23

Today was a pretty good one. I was able to stay at church for all of the meetings, but I am kind of tired. The kids all came over and there wasn't any bloodshed, so I call it a success.
Today I am grateful for:
My brother John. He is such a good guy, he gives me so much hope and helps me to handle some of my hard times. Once I told him something hurtful someone had said and he laughed. It was a good lesson for me. I am always thankful for him, but today is his birthday, so I thought I'd mention it.
I am thankful to be able to know and see people who have "special" personalities. I think they come to earth to bless those around them, that that is their purpose. A girl approached me at Relief Society today and asked me in her childlike way what was wrong with my eye. I told her that the doctor had to do something to fix it. I could tell she was worried, and she paused for a second and said "I love you." What a blessing she must be to her family.
I am grateful for my Relief Society sisters. I am grateful that they care for me, set examples for me and love me no matter how weird I am. I love going to classes and feeling the Spirit and sitting by women who could be my sisters and who I love as though they are.
I am grateful I have never been bitten by a shark, bear or rattlesnake. Really, think about it, aren't you thankful for that too. I am just saying, we take too much for granted. It could happen anytime.
I am grateful for the well thought out home teaching lesson Charlie prepared and discussed with me. It added so much to my Sabbath day.
Loves to you all!
Kathy

Oops, I almost forgot, I am grateful for good friends who say, "What can Ido to help?" and then don't wait for an answer but just do--in this case we got some of the best cinnamon rolls ever!

11-22

Hi!
I guess you know that Thanksgiving is creeping up fast. Each night as I drift off to sleep, aided by a little green pill, I think of all the things I am grateful for that I will write the next day. Then the next day dawns sunny and beautiful and I can't rememeber what I thought of. The moral of this story is to write them when you think them, or don't take that little green pill.
I am grateful to know that in the resurrection I will be made whole. Not perfect the way I think I should be with flowing gorgeous hair and skinny little body--but whole in the way that I will be able to function as a queen (if I am worthy).
I am grateful that my visiting teachers brought cookies and that I found them before they were yucky.
I am thankful that my family will be able to come for Thanksgiving.
I am thankful that when I make mistakes and act in an irrational way that I can be forgiven.
I am thankful to live in a neighborhood with so many of my friends.
Loves,
Kathy

11-21

Yesterday was probably the hardest day I have had yet. I find out today at the doc that the "block" he used wasn't working very well so when I said, "I can feel that," and he'd say "what?" I would respond "you poking my eye," and he would apoligize. I had a headache the whole day and by noon my eye hurt like it was going to fall out of my head. I also learned that when I am all better, I will have tunnel vision in my right eye because all of the previous surgeries have burned around the outside of my retina.
But today was better. When I went in for my post op visit the nurse asks me how many fingers I can see and I say four and it was like I really could see them. The doc told me I would be blind until they take the silicone out, but it turns out that things will be hazy or blurry. I can handle that. There are still two surgeries left, but it helps to know it and not have my hopes up and dashed like they have been so many times this last couple of months.
Today I am SO grateful that I saw four fingers.
I am also grateful that my school family and the support they have offered me throughout all the hard stuff.
I'm grateful for my fab dad again. He took my to breakfast so I could just come home and lay down and not have to fix myself anything. He is so thoughtful.
I am grateful to all of your who volunteered to do drops, you may have to help me out again.
I am grateful for Sarah's sense of humor. It has kept my grounded. I laughed out loud at her comment yesterday.
Loves,
Kathy

11-20

Today I am grateful for kind nurses, a new beautiful baby niece, Loratabs--I know I said that before, but today I am really grateful for them since I just got home and have been gone since 5:45 this morning and part of my fun day was being poked and prodded A LOT. I am again grateful for priesthood blessings and good men who give them to me. And I am grateful that maybe in a few days I will be able to put my head up.
Loves, Kathy

11-19

Ok, this is the day before surgery, and you might think I am really nervous, but I'm not. Today I am thankful for:
A doctor who was patient and answered all my questions about the risks and issues related to doing this surgery again.
Butt warmers. Those of you who have a car with heated seating know what I am talking about, and the rest of you, well, I'm sorry.
I am stealing part of Jenny C's: I am so grateful for the girls camp experience I had this year. To say it was the best, most awesome, fun and fantastic camp would be a gross understatement. The friendships I made with the girls and the leaders will last forever.
I am grateful for the chuckle I had when a player from the other team ran into Charlie. It's something you have to see to appreciate--try to envision Wyle E. Coyote running into a mountain he drew a cave entrance on. They pretty much bounce off Charlie the same way. OK, maybe I had my eye up a little to much at the game, but I AM having surgery tomorrow.
The calls and concern once the word got out.
Visiting and getting strength from my visiting teachers. There are more, but there are still 8 days until Thanksgiving.

OK--I told Sarah I was going to write Monkey Bread--I just love the stuff. I am willing to eat at Chuck-a Rama for the Monkey Bread.

Loves,
Kathy

11-18

I really thought I would not be able to come up with five things each day to feel thankful for. And I thought I would run out of things, but as I think each day, I realize new blessings just for that day.
1) I am grateful for Marva Lu Kelser who visit teaches with me and her fun sense of humor and giant spirit.
2) I am grateful for my sweet little friend Vi Kimmel who has so much to worry about but always wants to know how I am.
3) I am grateful that people in this world are creative and then post their ideas on the Internet so I can steal them.
4) I am grateful that when I pray for my students I receive answers specific to their needs--like, "speak to her in Spanish and ask her if she understands English." Nope would be the answer. Yep, she has been in public school for three years now.
5) I am grateful for the piece of mind that comes from faith. Really.
Loves,
kathy

11-17

Today I am thankful for funny people in my life, you know who you are. I am also grateful for the knowledge and testimony I have of the Plan of Happiness, that when I go to see headstones, I know where our loved ones are and can get peace from that knowledge. I am grateful for my job, and that its one I love. I am thankful for the proximity of the temple and hope to be able to go inside soon-I am worthy, its the eye thing (why do I feel like I have to explain?) I am thankful that I was FINALLY able to help someone else, you know--give back?
Loves,
Kathy

11-16

Here is my list for today:
!: A talk on gratitude that reminded me that thankfulness is best shown by practicing the thing you are grateful for, for example, I am grateful for my temple blessings, and so I should go to the temple. I am grateful for prayer, so I should pray, etc.
2: Listening to the choir in my ward.
3: A nice neck rub during church.
4: Whoopers
5: People who are honest.
Loves,
Kathy

Ever think about how blessed you are on Saturday?

Here is a recap of this month's daily blogs, I had a bishop who told us that we should concentrate on how blessed we are instead of what we want in our prayers. Elder Bednar gave a talk on the subject in last general conference, so all this month I have been trying to think of how blessed I am and write at least five new blessings a day. Some day s have been easier than others to think of my blessings. Satan has a way of making us feel overwhelmed, sick, sorry for ourselves, afraid, etc. etc. until we finally find ourselves feeling ungrateful. Today was an easy day.
1. Having a son who can give me a blessing and a faith promoting experience all at the same time.
2. Charlie chose to stay home with Mark and I tonight and have a good old fashioned movie night.
3. A friend brought a movie camera to Tristen's game so I could watch the game up-side-right.
4. Mark is making a mondo batch of his wonderful salsa.
5. The sun was shining and felt warm on my back.

I really have listed things every single day, There are only 11 days until Thanksgiving. I feel that having a grateful attitude has really helped me handle these kind of hard days I have had lately. I challenge all my blogger friends to think, and maybe list each day from now until Thanksgiving all the blessing they have.

Love you all,
Kathy

11-14

Today I am thankful for the comfort and hope of the Atonement (I just read a very inspirational posting on myspace), thankdul for my oldest son who had a b-day today, grateful for advice from mydad to "not let that kid get to you," kids who bring a piece of paper for show and tell and think its the greatest thing in the world, and I got to give a spelling test and work with kids more directly than usual.
Love,
Kathy

11-13

Today it is a little bit harder to think of things to be grateful for. I just came from the doc, he says my retina MOSTLY looks good, but is lifting a little at the bottom. He mentioned more surgery, but I am praying and hoping for none.
But at least I have, a great dsughter who has taken me to all of my appointments but 2, my other fab daughter who took me shopping last night for groceries--this is a big deal, cuz she has to lift it all and carry it all inside, a son who will read the New Testament cuz I am not supposed to strain my eyes, good friends who took me to lunch today, and eyes that can and have seen. There is so much more, but there are 14 days until Thanksgiving.
Love,
Kathy

11-12

These are the things I am thankful for today:
gummy worms, a good laugh and wisdom from my dad, texting-even though it annoys me, the smell of wet leaves, someone to put my drops in.
Loves, Kathy

Veteren's Day

I remember that as a little girl, every time a flag went by, my dad taught us to stand and put our hands over our hearts. Every single time. I am grateful that from the time I was tiny, my dad set an example of patriotism. I am grateful that he, along with others in my family have served to preserve our freedoms. I am grateful to soldiers who died defending those who were unable to defend themselves, and those who didn't and don't appreciate their sacrifice. I am grateful for democracy and the freedom to choose.
I am grateful and thankful to live in the greatest country on earth.
Loves,
Kathy

11-10

Students who take responibility for their own actions-its a trait many adults could learn, fall in the air, my dad came a little bit later than normal, and I don't have to share my trail mix with bears--I know its a stretch, but we watched this informative show called "Feeding Frenzy" and they gave grizzlies several food choices and not one bear would eat the trail mix, more salty raisins for me!!!

Sabbath blessings

The talk on Henry B Eyring's conference address, "Remember, Remember" and dinner with my family, primary programs, hugs from students on Sunday, long talks with sisters.
Love ya all,
Kathy

Blessings

I found my black Skechers, music, Jessica didn't get pulled over, potatoes in the back of the pickup, tomorrow is Sunday

More blessings

Today's bessings are Fazoli's Cinnamon sticks, sense of humor, good talk with a good friend, and outstanding deals at Kohl's!!!!
Love, Kathy

Things I am thankful for

I have decided I need to be more grateful. Maybe its that I have come to think that we take WAY too much for granted, and that we need to remember from whom all blessings flow. Anyway, I will add to this draft until Thanksgiving as I think of things I am thankful for. This will end up being VERY long, did you know that if you really THINK about things to be thankful for, there are really too many to name? Maybe as time goes on, I will have a harder time thinking of things. In no particular order:
Nov 4-The Atonement, my Savior, a wonderful hubby, five great kids and six awesome grandbabies, 24 students, the fact that they help me be a better teacher, Debbie Peterson, Loucee's toothy grin, Tristen's unconditional love, the fact that the grandbabies don't want to leave and Becky gets mad about it, the fact I can breathe, my vision, a warm home, friends in my ward, friends at school, the smell of soup when I came home late last night from school-brought in by a friend, my blogging friends, Loratabs, talking to Cami on the phone, quiet pencil sharpeners, Parker who reminds me of his dad, Jessica-the best daughter in law I have, grandparents who still live, parents who will do anything for me including get up early to drive me to school, hugs from students, kids being careful in the hall, rain
Nov5-Marva B, wrapping paper, sugar cookies, socks, peach jam, answers to prayers, freedom to vote, onion rings at Rupes, former students who still like and defend me, prop 8 passed, sisters, new babies, chocolate,
Nov 6-knowledge, free agency, passion, candy corn--did you know its fat free? gas furnaces, Mark working closer to home, an iron, involved parents, friends who say it like it is-even if I don't want to hear it, cards in the mail

Read them all!

I have posted ALOT this week, OK this is only the third one, but I think they are especially fabulous this week. Anyway, here's one more. Since I have not been able to go to the gym, I have something to confess: I eat Schwans frozen chocolate chip
cookie dough for breakfast. The only reason I bring it up is that you all should try it. It is quite good.

One more thing--while I have been "blind" the one thing that has kept me in touch with the outside world has been those of you who are my blogging friends. I appreciate knowing that even though I can't see you I can know you are alive and well and that your kids are doing fun things and that--well, life goes on.

Anyway, try the cookies--and don't bake them. They are awesome cold!

Sweetheart Post

Thanks to Harmony for this fun tag. I don't normally do these things, but this one was fun.

The Rules are posted at the beginning
B) each person answers questions about their sweethearts
C) at the end of the post the person than tags 6 people and post their names, then goes to there blog and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they are tagged!

WHAT IS YOUR HUSBANDS NAME? Mark Jay
HOW LONG HAVE YOU GUYS BEEN MARRIED? Almost 22 years
HOW LONG DID YOU DATE? five months :)
HOW OLD IS HE? 48
WHO IS TALLER? Mark is
WHO CAN SING BEST? The ONLY thing Mark can sing is really old rock
WHO IS SMARTER? Mark was smart enough to marry me, wasn't he?
WHO DOES LAUNDRY? We both do
WHO PAYS BILLS? Me again, or we would be in the poor house!
WHO SLEEPS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BED? Mark sleeps on a mattress on the floor in the room where I sleep on the sofa
WHO MOWS THE LAWN? Mark, he loves the rider more than me
WHO COOKS DINNER? Me most of the time
WHO'S FIRST TO ADMIT THEY ARE WRONG? Since I am never wrong, I guess Mark does.
WHO KISSED WHO FIRST? We kissed each other.
WHO WEARS THE PANTS? We both do.

I want to tag Pam, Katie, Jenny C, Briannia, Sarah, Rozzie

Life

OK, so life is kind of getting back to normal. Kind of, I still can't drive, my head remains down, I sleep on the sofa on my left side and i have a pretty big gas bubble in my eye. I do think a gas bubble in my eye is better than other places I could have one. Gas by its nature is not a pretty thing.
I have been going back to school a few days a week, and I even went to church all three hours for the last three weeks, except conference when I sat with my head down and listened to 8, yes 8 hours of conference. Amazingly, I did not sleep at all. I prayed that I would be touched and learn "that lesson that is just for me" and as it happened, it all was. I pretty much bawled through the first session. Did anyone else notice how much they talked A LOT about handling lifes challenges? How to gain comfort in our trials? How just a little faith is enough. Because I couldn't see, I had to really focus and listen with the Spirit to get the spirit of what they were saying.
Here are few things I want you to enjoy for me:
How blue the sky is in the fall.
Looking into your spouse's eye and putting your head on his shoulder.
Reading anything longer than a few paragraphs.
The colors of the trees.
Sleeping on your back, or right side, or however you want.
Watching TV with your eyes, not a mirror so everything is backward.
Baking and cooking.
Holding a baby, or a toddler.
Unloading a dishwasher.
An eagle flying over the river.
Vacuuming.
Sitting down at the computer to check your email.
Being able to help people when they need it.
Walking down an aisle in a store and not worrying about being knocked over.
And here's a few things I will enjoy for you:
Having 24 "bodyguards."
Getting lots of yummy baked goods from caring friends.
Looking down into the face of beautiful grandkids, or kids at school who really want to know if everything will be OK.
Feeling the effects of prayer.
Understanding the comfort of the Atonement in a different way. (What a deal that my Savior even understands how it feels to be blind in one eye.)
Having people get close enough now for me to feel their loving hands on my back.
Having an 88 year old grandma who brings me lunch--that is more than one thing for me to enjoy!
Getting a priesthood blessing from my 90 year old blind grandpa who has empathy for my plight.
Looking down out of my laundry room window to see my fabulous hubby make an enormous pile of leaves for the grandkids and neighbor kids to jump in-on purpose-before he burned them (the leaves).
Having the same fab hubby work four 10 hour days and come home and clean the house cuz I can't.
Having a daughter drop everything when I need her.
Watching things on TV that no one else will cuz they are kind of "dumb," but that brighten my mood for days after. Example, there was a recent question on Family Feud that asked, "Name the top six reasons you are glad you are not a cow." Just think about it.
Anyway, sorry for the rambling, and I really am a happy girl. I have high hopes and faith that my eye will get all better and that everything will work out OK.
Hopefully, next time I will have a funny story from school. There have been a few, but I have been going to school under the influence of Loratabs, so I don't really remember them very well.
Have a Happy Halloween! I was thinking of going as the Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Update

It "appears" that my eye may finally be getting better. I still have to keep my head looking down for at least 3 more weeks, maybe more. The doc says it is coming along and I may even be able to return to work. I'll give it a try next Tuesday.

Thanks again to all of you who have called, prayed and brought me things to make it easier. This has been a hard month, but I really appreciate all of your help and concern.

I am spelling better this time, don't you agree? I stepped back a little this time.

Have a good weekend!
Kathy

Eye Sore

I am typing this without the use of one of my eyes. And I have to type it from above the keyboard-and computer since I have to always look at the floor. Tomorrow I will hve my third eye surgery in a month. Not trying to get sympathy, but I am only 48 and I have a detached retina. You only get htat is you were born with an eye issue, an eye injury or a head injury or if you are OLD!!!
I am known around my docs office as the preemie. Kind of nice at my age, but I am kind of getting sick of it.
Thanks to all fo you who are caring for me, Nalani who offered me her retina (what a ascarifice) the many who have brought good stuff to eat, Sarah, who ahs mother hened me--in a good way. I have really liked it! And those who have offered prayers for my recovery. I really hve apprecitated it. Hopefully after tomorrow, I will be on the orad to full sight. I hope you can read ihis and understand, I read it from above too.

I think I hav the most fabulous friends, If you didn't know me, you might think I am "slow", I just checked and I see boo boos, but I can't see the boo boos and fix at the same time. This is so annoying.

Pam's blog

OK, my sister is writing again. For all of you young moms, you have to read her potty training entry. You will all enjoy. All to all of you not so young moms, or shall I say those with older kids, read it. You will get a chuckle.

Im not saying you're old, you not so youngs, I am referring to the age of the kids.

Love ya all!
me

Tagged by Rozla

THE FIVE

10 years ago I:
1. Was in college
2. Had all but one of my kids living at home
3. Was less than 40
4. Had no grandkids
5. Had no gray hair

5 things on today's "to do" list:
1. Create math lesson plans
2. Paint
3. Begin the Book of Mormon again
4. Quit worrying
5. Spend time with my hubby

5 snacks I enjoy:
1. No bake cookies
2. Salty raisins
3. apples and peanut butter
4. tootsie rolls
5. ?

5 things I would do if I were a millionaire:
1. Pay tithing
2. Pay off our house
3. Help kids buy house
4. Contribute to the Perpetual Education Fund
5. Save it

5 places I have lived:
1. Blackfoot, ID
2. Thomas, Idaho
3. Morland, Idaho
4.
5.

Five jobs I have had:
1. Aunt Fanny (Don't even ask)
2. Indian bead sorter (again, don't ask)
3. medical receptionist
4. teacher's aid
5. The best job---teaching my sweet "babies"

I tag...Whoever wants to and
1. Sarah
2. Nalani (I know you look)
3. Briannia
4. Pam
5. Jessica

Rules: Each player answers the question themselves. At the end of the post the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment letting them know that they've been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person that tagged you know when you've answered the questions on your blog

New Template

Hope you like my new template. I have lost some of my info in the transition, please give a short comment--or a long one if you feel like it--so I can make your blog a link. I am selfish, it makes it easier for me to read yours.

Also, I burned the hamburger helper in the process of the updated look. Oh brother.

Mark says he still loves me. I'm glad.

Don't skip the blog below. I love the poem.

Just a thought

I went to Mark's cousin's funeral last weekend. It was the kind of funeral that you wish sincerely you knew the deceased better. He was such a great guy. I always take the great things people say about their loved ones at times like these with a grain of salt because it is human nature to not be perfect, but Danny seemed pretty much nearly there. I was touched by so many of the comments of his family and friends, the many stories they told, and just the general spirit of the event. One of the best parts was the poem on the back of the program folder. It was written by Marianne Williamson. Please indulge me while I share.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
People won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

I feel so blessed to have friends and know people who are like this for me. Just know I apprecicate you all.

Cousins Camp

I visit teach a very cool woman who told us a few months back about a family tradition they have called "cousin's camp." They get hotel rooms, send the grown-ups on their way and do things like Build a Bear, the zoo, museums, fun places to eat and other things. I thought I could do that, so this weekend we did our own version of cousins camp.
We played with bubbles,

roasted hot dogs, ate watermelon and chips.




Burned a few marshmallows,

had root beer floats,

then slept in a tent in our own backyard (except for us, the grownups stayed in their own beds).

Today we had a fabulous breakfast, we needed the energy so that we could go four wheeling all afternoon.



Here is the cousin club 2008. Being the grandma to this bunch is the best!

I couldn't have done it without my wonderful, handsome hubby.

I am so blessed to be married to this man. Every wife should have a husband this good, every kid should have a dad this good, and every grandchild should have a papa this good.

Girls Camp 2008

I just got back from Girls Camp at West Piney. This is a church owned camp near Swan Lake that is beautiful and has many amenities. I recommend it for reunions, and ward parties. Amoung other things, it has tetherball, volleyball area, baseball, a fun hike, and the biggest slide! Before we went, we had been told to warn the girls of the dangers of the SLIDE!!! Under no circumstances were the girls to touch the slide with hands or feet while going down because if they did they might be seriously injured or worse. So before we left, I had decided not to go on it. The first night I watched twelve girls face plant at the bottom and I knew I had made the right decision. On the second night two girls from my ward begged me to ride it. After 30 minutes of cajoling I had the nerve to sit at the top and clutch the bars on the side for five minutes. I have taken classes at the gym that have not revved my heart rate like that. Finally I went

and screamed the whole way down.



I did live to tell the tale.



When Mark came last night I told him about it and even though the merry go round at public parks makes him sick he surprised me and went down THREE times!



The girls certified every requirement for their age, played games, laughed and best of all bonded with each other. We ate well. We tried so many different approaches to outdoor cooking like foil fajitas, bacon and egg in a bag, brownies in a relfector oven and in a few weeks we will try making cupcakes in orange peels. The girls made stronger friendships with each other and went on the most hilarious snipe hunt of all time. This is a quote that will live forever in our memories, "GET OUT OF THE WAY!!! THERE ARE SIX OF THEM AND THEY ARE CHARGING US!!!!!" The older girls even convinced the others to put toothpaste on their faces so that the snipes wouldn't catch their scent. This was on the SECOND night!





On the hike I fell down the hill, but since I am in such great physical condition I came away with only a few bruises.

Memories

I got this idea from Sarah and thought it might be fun. (Plus I was kinda bummed by only 2 comments on my last post. So play, okay???)

Here are the directions:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

911-What is your emergency?

Today a woman called and told me she needed an ambulance.

My phone number is four digits longer than the one most people use for emergencies.

Well...I did pray today that I would be able to be of service to someone. Glad I could help. Hope everything works out OK.

Yea for me!

I just got back from running the green belt. 1.8 miles!!!!! The whole thing, first time ever! Maybe I can do the little 5k with my brother John, hmmm.....

Summer Vacation

OK, I have come to the conclusion that unless my life is chaotic I can't seem to get anything done. I did a few things, its just that I think I like the challenge of having bazillion things going on.

Today is the first real day of my summer vacation. This is what I have accomplished in the 16 hours I have been up:

I went to the gym--for 2 hours.

I did one load of laundry.

I warmed up a hamburger for Charlie's lunch.

I put some water on the lawn.

I watched two episodes of House Hunters.

I read two articles in the Ensign.

I showered at 3:30.

I am up at 11:17 writing this blog. I am kind of bored. I don't like it. I have been thinking about using my people skills to be a greeter at Wal-Mart.

Wait, I just thought of something. This must be why they call it a vacation. Except for the cooking and laundry, people go to far-away places to do what I did today.

And can I just mention--I really miss my second grade babies. Maybe I should have a picnic and invite a few over to play.

Tomorrow I think I will go to the gym, read the book Sarah gave me, do laundry, go to a baseball game, make dinner, clean the family room (maybe-maybe not) and catch two episodes of House Hunters.

Maybe I should learn to relax and like it.

Stupid Kathy Trick

End of year district teacher meeting-me running into the back end of my boss' SUV. That is all.

School Is Out

I know I say this year after year, but I am going to miss my students so much. These kids were just a different bunch.
They are kind. I could give many examples, but one just happened Monday at our buddy activity. I have a student who has a disability. The kids were playing "Duck, Duck, Goose." This student tapped a boy and he ran just slowly enough that she was able to get in his place. They really look out for each other.
They were funny. I think back on the frog incident, the stories they told, the books we read, the stories they told, show and tell, and oh yeah, the stories they told.
They worked hard. I can count on one hand the number of times they whined about doing something. They were troopers, even with the boring stuff like subjects and predicates. We finished our math books. First time ever.
This will sound weird, but they liked me--maybe alot. I got so many love notes. Second graders are not phony. They tell little fibs once in a while, but they are as real as the day is long. So anyway, when I get love notes telling me I am full of boloney because I love them more---what can I say?
So, it is the time when we put the desks out in the hall, take stuff off walls, find lost items, file away reports and close up shop until fall and the whole process is making me a little weepy. I love every class, but I haven't felt like this since my first year. This year has been hard in some ways, but I don't know if I have ever been so attached to my students.
Monday a boy comes in and tells me he's tired, do I want to know why? Sure I respond. He says he was up all night feeling bad and missing me already since school is almost over. He hugs me twenty times a day, and doesn't let go. I know just how he feels.

TV

Mark and I feel that our TV is costing us WAY too much. We are currently with Direct TV, paying an embarrassing amount of money each month, (And we don't even get to watch local news or the Wheel of Fortune-hee hee). I am looking for some direction and advice, should I choose Cable One, or Dish--or nothing at all. I welcome all opinions and will use them to make an educated decision. PLEASE HELP!!!
Love, Kathy

Food for thought

A few posts back, I wrote how Angel at Albertson's had a plan that involved me telling the parents of my students that they should be waiting at Albertson's on Wednesday mornings to get ME the deals to "ensure their student's academic success." I thought it was cute and sort of funny. I jokingly say that because today a mom comes to school to get her child with a case of canned meat and other items and wouldn't let me pay her. GEEZ.

Cereal update...

Ok, I got the cereal deal. And the free milk deal. And the Kraft foods deal.
It's a good thing, too. The girl who sold me chicken last night at Ridleys said that she has been reading the writings of the seers, and well, anyway, apparently the world will end in the year 2012.
Are YOU ready?
Love, Kathy

50 cent cereal

Six days ago Charlie said, "We need good cereal."
Five days ago Becky told me about her 50 cent cereal buy at Albertson's.
Yesterday, Jessica told me that you can get fruit snacks at Albertson's for 50 cents.
Today, I go into Albertson's to get these fantastic deals, cuz who knows how much longer we will be able to put things like cold cereal and fruit snacks out there for the family's eating pleasure. I went in with high hopes. Angel, who really is one, then tells me that no, in fact, there are not any of those neat coupons left. The cereal will cost me---yes---$1.00 a box. Unheard of! Then he told me that he will save me some coupons tomorrow that will give me the same 50 cent deal. "Angel," I say, "you are fabulous." Angel, then comes up with what I think is a brilliant plan. He thinks that I should send home a note with all of the students stating that to "ensure a quality education, each parent should buy me two boxes each." He explains that it would only cost them a dollar and would go a long way towards the educational goals they have for their kids. I told him that he is already doing a lot to ensure a good education for his kids who will come to Groveland in a few years.

AND, just in passing, where is that little cent sign that used to be on keyboards?

New Template

I am so excited that I figured out how to change this layout. I have been working on it for a few days. Thanks Amy.

Parent's 50th Anniversary

This weekend was filled with fun and food and love as my family all gathered to celebrate my parent's golden anniversary. The festivities began with a dinner at the Shilling house and a lovely roast beef dinner.
Here is the happy couple:




Later we all came over to my house for an ice cream party. It was fun to have all the cousins here and a good time was had by all. Sorry, no pics.

Yesterday was swimming and dinner with all the family. The kids loved the pool and the sloppy joes, hot dogs and salads were a huge hit!



Here we are at the dinner.


We had it at the Senior Citizens Center because we have a hook up. Yep, my grandparents arranged for us to eat there. (By the way, how lucky am I to have grandparents at my age?)


Today we went to stake conference with my parents--all except Pam and Tim's family who unfortunately got the flu on this visit. Then it was lunch at my house and family pictures.
Here I am with all of my first family:


The weekend was filled with lots of laughter as we remembered what we could of the first 50 years of our parents marriage. We feel so blessed to have been born into this family that is not perfect by any stretch of the the imagination, but is as close as it can get for us. We were raised well, loved always and given the best blessing of all, an eternal family.

The Prophet

I am not going to lie. I loved President Hinckley and I wasn't sure if I could get used to President Monson. I have loved Pres. Monson as long as I can remember, but I LOVED President Hinckley. I was looking forward to conference, but I knew it wouldn't be the same, and I was kind of sad about it. I sustain, support, snd pray for him, but it was sad for me because I miss President Hinckley.
However--and this is personal for me--at the end of Sunday afternoon's session, when President Monson spoke, the Spirit bore witness to me that he is the prophet. Then I was touched by how tenderly he spoke of his wife, how he admonished us all to be better, how he was funny and spoke with the Spirit--and I was OK with it. I look forward to following this prophet.

More on mating

ON Tuesday three of the students came in and excitedly told me that they had caught a frog, the genuine deal, an actual amphibian. They put it in a jar that had previously been used as a spider urn--I couldn't bear to throw it away, the spider was found while we read Charlotte's Web and the kids were kind of attached to it. Anyway, they cleaned out the jar and put a rock and some grass into it and placed the frog gently in.
They were so happy to have a classroom pet, I was a little sickened.
Yesterday, one of the kids came in after school and took the little guy home to his "frog habitat." First thing this morning, I learned he was in fact--a she. BIG NEWS!!!!!--to be shared at show and tell. They told me the happy details before music. It seems that when the frog was placed in the habitat, it became personal friends with two other frogs this student's brother had captured. Later that day, this student drew a visual aid for show and tell. Very interesting, indeed.
The big moment finally arrived and all three of the frog finders came up and shared their news. The student doing the "tell" was very scientific to say the least, with just a hint of joy in his voice.

Student 1: We found out that the frog---was---a---girl! I know because last night when I went into my room---it was MATING!

Class: OOOOHHHH!!!!! or maybe EEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!

Student 1: I drew a picture of how it looked. (I could not make this stuff up. It was a pretty good depiction of things I have seen on the Discovery channel or National Georaphic Explorer.)

Student 2: Mrs. Behrend said we can take pictures when it makes eggs and tadpoles.

Student 3: I also drew a picture. (Shows a picture of two frogs on a branch.)

Me: Wow, it looks like they are getting ready to go on a date.
Then, just in case they get the idea that it is customary to "mate" when one dates, I try to fix by saying: But you shouldn't mate until much after you date, like after you are married.

Student 3: Why? What is that?

Now I realize that I shouldn't have said that, and I try to explain that it is just "like a lot of kissing."

Student 3: Oh...I get it, you don't have to worry...I will NEVER, EVER do anything like that.

Ok, maybe I snickered.

We have a lot of fun in class, I have just been so worried that this will be used by some of them for future moral choices. Hopefully, they will remember the part about mating AFTER marriage and not that it is just a lot of kissing. Sometimes there is pressure being a public educator.

(Additionally, Carter told my aunt Sharon that sometimes I dance on the table--for the record, I don't, I never have. We do dance, but I never have on the table. I am serious about education. That statement alone sends the students falling all over themselves on the floor.)

Spring Break

This has been, so far, one of the nicest spring breaks for me. I have slept in--one day until 8:30--worked out in the morning, watched TV and just basically vegged out. I needed that. Can I just say.
I am, however, living vicariously through the Wheeler family who are in sunny (emphasis on the word "sunny") California. It is not sunny in Blackfoot. And it is not warm. Just knowing that somewhere in the world there are people who don't have to still wear coats outside is so cheering to me.
Easter was fun, the little kids ran around looking for the eggs that were not too hidden. Everyone came over and ate, and worried that I wasn't.
I'm so excited that all of my grandbabies will be here together this weekend. That will be the icing on the the cake.
Weird as it is, I look forward to school. I really miss the kids. I went to work today and my room was all clean and I could sit and plan and look at their desks and write objectives on the board. It made me miss them even more. They are so fun to be around. I joked with the parents at conferences that I was thinking of holding them all back--well, it was only kind of a joke.
Tomorrow Kelsey and I will go try on more dresses. Maybe we'll be able to find just the right "mother of the bride dress." She wants me to be conservative, but when the colors are hot pink and hot orange, there is only so much I can do.
The next two days I will just hang around the house and then on Saturday we will go to IF to the man store and look at bathroom stuff. YAY!!! More remodeling.
Like I said, this spring break has been really good!

Pride

As I have heard, pride goeth before the fall. As I have documented many times, I have fallen down a lot. But right now I am proud. We finished Boot Camp last weekend with a graduation ceremony. They gave awards for stuff like most improved time on the treadmill, most weight lost, most improvement in sit-ups and push ups and most body fat lost. Yep, that one was me(4% if anyone cares.) Just boasting. That's all. It's a sin and wrong and everything, but dang...it was hard. Tough to think there is still some to come off. Too bad I LOVE the gym.

Insert Pictures

It took FOREVER for me to make the next (this is really confusing, I wrote the "next" post last night and tonight, so technically it is the previous post, but it appears after this one...geez) post, but I totally believed in it, so I persevered. This is how I looked at the end of the many hours I spent finishing it for the public viewing enjoyment:



Check out how fast I am now...This whole thing took less than 3 minutes. Thank you Google images :)

Fun in Utah

This weekend we went to Spanish Fork for the blessing of my new baby niece. She's a keeper, very cute. Kind of tiny, she started out bigger--almost 10 pounds, but she doesn't seem much bigger now, and she is 3 months old. I wonder if that will happen with Nalani's new baby, Cash. He's a big one, but so cute with those cheeks!

Anyway, my sister, mom, niece, and engaged daughter went to try on wedding dresses. Actually, only my daughter tried on the wedding dresses. I tried on "Mother-of-the BRIDE" dresses. We had so much fun we lost track of time. After three hours everyone was calling to see if we were coming back for dinner.
Here are a few samples. Vote for the one you think is cutest.
(And by the way--can you believe I am attempting to add pics?!?!?!)

Kelsey really likes this one:


She likes this one, too. I like the lacing up the back. (She said it is her favorite.)



And here is another choice.


I have two choices for my mother of the bride dresses:


MY favorite:




A good time was had by all. I actually don't like Kelsey in any of the dresses. She is my little baby, and babies don't get married and leave their mothers... Just kidding.

More fun at school

Me: Can anyone remember what a plural is?
Kid waving his arm excitedly and making the "OO-OO" sound of complete understanding: I KNOW!!! It is that thing that comes out of a clam shell.

True story.

Another true story:
We are really hurrying to get our cute craft ready for Doughnuts with Dad. I am explaining the order of things and same afforementioned kid asks if I will be using a Xyron. Yeah, right. The only way I even know what that is, is once I was making something crafty with Elisa Miskin, and she has one. I do know what a Cricut is, and secrectly I think it would be fun to have one, but let's get real. Seriously, let's get real. Right now I am having a chuckle explaining the whole process of these nifty gadgets to Kelsey, who surprisingly has no clue what they are. It feels so good to the the fountain on information on the latest scrapbooking technology. I can't scrapbook. I have issues with cutting pictures. I can't do it.

Just one more thing:
Today when I was fighting the crowds at Wal-mart, I went to the Kleenex section to get some soft tissue because the tissue I am currently using is not soft. It is hard and I think I will have scars on my face from its roughage---anyway, I found a box of Kleenex that has the scent of Vicks. I am not using it for its intended purpose. I am using it to clear my nasal passages. It works.

I just re-read this, and I am pretty sure that not breathing deeply has had an adverse affect on my brain. Sorry.

Gum

I am not a big fan of chewing gum. Just thought I would share. It might be that my grandma, who lived with us almost my whole life, would take hers out and place it on the edge of her dinner plate. Then, after eating whatever it was we had for dinner, usually a cassarole, she would pop it right back in and continue chewing. I am getting goosebumps just thinking about it... (You wish you could see me cringing.)
Anyway, I just heard an interesting fact. You burn 11 calories an hour chewing gum. There you have it, the chewing gum workout. If a person was to chew gum for 8-10 hours, they would burn the equivalent of one apple. But then, when would you eat the apple? I can't bear to think about it.

Hinckley Challenge

To honor our late prophet, someone has set up a website to challenge us to read the Book of Mormon in 97 days. It starts tomorrow. Take the challenge.
Go here to log in: http://www.hinckleychallenge.com/warriors.php

The Good and the Bad News

The good news is Jimmy Johns gourmet sandwiches. If you haven't tried them, you can't believe what you're missing. YUMMOOOOOO! My first was a tuna, yes, tuna on whole wheat. Can we say "Fabulous?!?!?" Saturday I ate a veggie on whole wheat, it was better than fabulous. Next time I think I will try a pickle with my sandwich. They have signs all over the walls, you could just go read them. One says, "If walls could talk, we wouldn't need all these signs." The people are friendly, and the food is made almost before you are done ordering it.

The bad news is President Hinckley. I am just so sad. I knew he wouldn't be around forever, but a side of me hoped. He had a way of speaking that made me want to be better. He seemed approachable. I was watching this program on BYU TV about him last night, and it occured to me that he was always a prophet. The man practiced what he preached. One story was that a newspaper was publishing a story that put the church in a negative light. He was working for the church then, a very young man and was asked to go and talk to the publisher. The FIRST thing he did was go somewhere private and ask the Lord to let him know what to do, and help him do it. Such humility. He talked to the man, and not only did the publisher not publish the story, but he remained friends with Pres. Hinckley for the rest of his life. He worked for the church all of his adult life, except for about 3 years when he worked for the railroad during WWII. I did chuckle when one of his childhood friends referred to him as "Gordy." It just didn't seem right. The church is true, President Monson is great, but I will miss President Hinckley. I just will.

Oops.

Yesterday was my off day. I fell down and SLID across the floor in aerobics on my BUTT--in front of people.
Today is Marki Poo's. The garage door opener wasn't working. Now the door is broken. I feel really bad for him, he can usually fix anything. He doesn't feel really great right now, maybe that's why. HMMM.....

The Reason I Teach

Today I was teaching new vocabulary for the story we are reading. The word is "taxes." I always ask if anyone knows what the words mean, kids can teach kids pretty well. Anyway, I asked, "Does anyone know what taxes are?"

"They are these cars that you can call to come pick you up."

I said, "No, that is a TAXI. Does anyone know what taxes are?"

"It is a place where the Cowboys play."

I had to take a moment to write it down, only Carter knew why.

Boot Camp

OK, I have been trying really hard to change my lifestyle and get some health into it. I have been eating well, excercising and getting plenty of rest. However, I have been at essentially the same weight for the last month, give or take a few pounds. So my gym, yes, it feels like I own it, started a program called Boot Camp. The oreintation was today. I did it after doing a class called Boot Camp, that I think would give any soldier a run for their money. Anyway, Marki Poo was so supportive of my desire to do the gym's boot camp that HE signed me up. So after going to the class, I was subjected to--horror of horrors--the measurements and fitness tests. Yikes! I had to weigh myself, have my fat pinched, do sit ups and push ups and see how far I could go in 10 minutes. Did I say Yikes!? I don't know which was worse, the fat pinching or the sit-ups. I am happy to report that through the encouragement and competition with another camper I was able to go .88 miles in 10 minutes. I hope I can hang in, how embarrassing if I end up dishonorably discharged. I like to point out to anyone who will listen that I am, in fact, probably the oldest one there. It's all just an excuse, I really love it. Booyah!