Sadness for Japan . . .

Stressful, fear, worried, risk of radiation exposure, limited communication, financial meltdown, uncertainty, evacuate, difficulties, panic, survival efforts, empty store shelves, mudslides, ghost towns, no gas, no available resources, devestation, scary ~ all the words I heard in less than 10 minutes regarding the earthquake in Japan. So sad.

After going to the gym this morning, I decided to go to the 99 cent store and pick up supplies for an earthquake kit I'm putting together for our son and ourselves. Bought bandaids, gauze, alcohol pads, etc. Good prices. I then stopped at the grocery store to do my weekly shopping and bought a lot of water. I don't know, but all these earthquakes have got me a little jittery. Living close to Los Angeles does not quiet my fears. I know that if we get a "big" earthquake, we will definitely feel it and possible receive some major damage.

I look at the lines of people trying to get water and food and I think about the fact that this is Japan and they were suppose to always be ready ~ like us. Earthquakes are unpredictable - worse a tsunami, nevertheless, we need to be ready to the best of our ability.

I need to get a crank-up radio and "stay calm."

GET To WORK!!!!

Interesting ... half the day is gone and I haven't made a dent in correcting my students' papers. The day is beautiful outside ~ came back from the gym and sat down to have coffee with my husband outside in the patio.

My intentions have been good as far as correcting goes, but I had a feeling we would have company this weekend and we did :). My best friend from college came by to visit, we were able to spend time with our children who also stopped by yesterday. Always love seeing them.

We received news that a friend of ours had passed away up north. He had been sick for a while and we knew it was a matter of time. He is resting now.

When I hear news like that, I have to stop and take a breath, stop and look around at all that I have, stop and appreciate all of God's blessings in our life together. We are in a good place. Thank you LORD.

Alright I really do need to get to work ~ correct, correct, correct!!!!!

"Home..."

I'm going "home." I have not been back for about 25 years. This is the area where I grew up ~ the Hagerman Valley. The reason for going is not exactly why we wanted to go. We had plans to go near the 4th of July for my little sister's birthday. We had planned to make it a family event with our children caravaning with us, but we will go sooner. My little sister needs an operation and this is why we are going ~ to support her and my mama.

I have to believe everything will be alright. She will be on the road back to health as soon as she gets this operation. Everything will be alright. It has to be.

I'm going home, hard to believe.

Why?

Sometimes I don't get it.
What do I do? Pray?
I will, but will it be enough?
What happened?
And why?
I was happy~
For a moment...

A Quiet Sunday Afternoon...

It's time for a cup of coffee. It's raining outside and it's cold. I've been correcting my students' work for most of the afternoon and feel like I've accomplished a lot. I am going to reward myself :). I've also have been doing laundry, putting away laundry, tidying up the family room and kitchen, cleaned the parrot cage and made a nice lunch. It's been a very good afternoon.

Yesterday I went to the gym and walked/ran on the treadmill for 1 mile. Pedaled the bike machine for 2 miles and went on the elliptical for .75 mile. I am getting better and better at exercising. I can now do 10 push-ups and doing better with the 5 pound weights. I have lost 11 pounds in one month. So proud of myself. And feeling much better as far as my health goes. I have started to like corn tortillas, grill/bake a lot of my food and eat lots of veggies. Let's see, what do I miss? Chocolate cake!!! Darn it!

Coffee - yummmmm!

My First Work Out!!

Today I went to the gym for the first time in like 25 years~ WOW! It was great!!! I really liked it. For my first day (and with the help of the work staff) I did 1.25 miles on the treadmill on a good incline. I did 1 mile on the bicycle thing. But I could only do .25 miles on the elliptical machine. That one was hard! I also worked out on two machines for my arms. By the time I left I had drunk a whole bottle of water, was sweating like crazy and was exhausted, but I felt wonderful! I'm really going to like this part of my "road back to health" -- my motto for this year which I am taking very seriously. Tomorrow I actually get to work out with my personal trainer :).

I have a lot of correcting to do so I'd best get started. Have a good week everyone!!!!

Happy!

Read my blog from yesterday ~ it was a long day! Today is Thursday, my husband's Friday and tomorrow he is off ~ that is my "woo-hoo!" I am no good at being alone! Just watched a dvr recording with Ricky Martin and Joss Stone singing "The best thing about me ~ is you!" Loved the song ~ fits my husband :). I have three days left of vacation to spend with him ~ very happy!!