Empowering.....

"Something that is empowering makes you more confident and makes
 you feel that you are in control of your life."
I am one week into my new Gleason Park 

"Sculpt Your ASSets" class.

2 sessions.
5:30am - Tuesday and Friday.
So far there are 12 of us.

Talk about loving life.

I don't know if it is as good for my attendees as it is for me.....

(hope so), but I am really enjoying it.

I do really enjoy my class at the club,

but it is different,  more pressure, numbers count, 

loud music, glaring lights, very obnoxious microphone, etc.

Don't get me wrong...I am thrilled to be teaching there,

and hope to add more classes in the future,

but as a comparison, our little out door body sculpt 

class is my preference hands down.

It is quite,

calm, and peaceful.

No music, just bird songs and our quiet voices.

It is just us.

It's mostly dark, except for the lights lit for us.

After the warm up lap around the track,

we meet in the middle of the pond on the big round dock.

The time goes by quickly, 

again, not sure if it is just me or the same for everyone.

We are joking around, 

laughing, whining, groaning, exerting,

encouraging each other to push a little further.

Stay up longer.

Making fun of Shelly's super human powers,

and my terrible counting

(that's what they think.....it is all for their good).

Attempting to avoid the little piles of seedy 

bird pooh our friends left for us the night before.

Enjoying each others company, and the start of a brand new day. 

It feels good being there....improving together.

It is a thrill to see my ladies 

(and Cy)

limping around at church a day or two later....

still working off the burn we created.

Knowing their muscles are coming back stronger and better

after only a few sessions.

That is satisfying.

....................................

Something else that is a super thrill is being able to generate 

my own paycheck.

This is my first check with my name on it.

 Man that was fun to pick up from the little check drawer at Our Club.

Every other Friday.

I know $60 is not a lot.....but it feels fantastic to have earned it.

Over the past 14 years as I have been at home with our kids,

for the most part I have not worked....(brought in any income).

Yes, I did have my little getting out of the house 

excuses and hobbies which were very enjoyable

at the time.....Partylite, SouthernLiving, and Layers,
at different intervals,

but truthfully they were not really money makers at all. 

(But heck yeah, I did acquire many fun goodies and lots of great clothing) 

These ventures required no skill on my part, 

and were possibly more irritating to my friends and family 

than I may have thought to guess.

(Please don't be discouraged if you are into home parties...

I did have a blast on many levels and wouldn't 

trade my time with them....

I am just noticing a difference in the way I feel now.)

(a time and a season for all things....no way I could have done my 

certification and pursued to do anything w/ it w/ all my children home)

The difference is that I worked for, and attained the marketable

skill I have now.

I have confidence in my abilities.

 I have seen positive changes in my body,
 and know how to help bring those changes out in others.

That is an empowering feeling.

I am $60 away from paying off the $409.56 cents I put into my certification.

I thought it might take me half the year to re-coup,
in reality... 

I will be less than three months into my fitness "career".

Again, I am not clueless to the fact that I am not bringing in 

significant amounts of cash,

but I am bringing it in....and it feels wonderful.

Yes.....it is gone!

Today was a satisfying selling day.

I re-posted on Craigs List for the remaining unsold motorcycle

earlier today.

I listed it at $500 for the cycle, and then I said that we

also have loads of new helmets, O'Neal boots, full youth outfits, etc.

I received several pathetic offers like,

um, will you take $400 for all of it?

Awww....get outta here.

Then late afternoon I saw this one -

please call 321-xxx-xxxx

I was like, are you kidding??  no way am I calling.

Well, then I thought, dang it why not, what could it hurt?

I used our long distance phone w/ Vonage, it always comes through

as unlisted....usually people (even my own family do not pick up).

Well, this gentleman did.

I told him I was calling in reference to the KTM Cycle.

He was like, wonderful!

(so far so good)

I am on Grant, where are you located?

Oh, we are two streets away from you.

I would really like to see the bike, when can I stop over.

Now is fine.

See you in a second.

I told him about the sticking float needle.

He got right on it, man handling it around like he knew what 

he was doing.

Said he was getting ready to start teaching his four year old to ride,

would I throw in a set of gear? 

If so he would pay me the $500 cash now.

You bet I will.

I ended up selling him a few other extra accessories we had in 

a box in the garage for $20 more and we were both 

pretty stoked.

I gave him the owners manual and title. 

(Kev disclosed the fact that these items were all out in the garage all along!!

the other guy didn't get the owners manual or title...
had no idea we even had them.)

The End.  

Hasta Lavista Baby.

It's been Real.

Good Riddance.

Sianara.

Hola...coveted garage space!

Hello Dillards additional 40% off for card holders tomorrow only!!

(Just kidding honey)

No I'm not....j/k...I am.

not.

really.

Now if I could just get my hands on those blasted unused jet skis!!!

Please......!

Say the word.

Let me at em.....you won't regret it.

P.S. I also unloaded two large boxes of books for $40 and all of M's old dance outfits for $20....
productive day I tell ya!

Last of the Derbys......

Over the weekend we wrapped up our last family 

PineWood Derby.

We (Kev and the boys) have made 9 cars.

They have participated in 9 events -
(3 boys x 3 Derbys each, some over lapping of course)
over the past 7 years.

We have cheered them on at each one. 

We felt the thrill when they won a race,
and 

the bitter disappointment when they won no races.
Man, I will tell you, these events can be brutal...
there is a lot of pressure to get a win under your belt so
that your son does not feel like a complete failure,
and so you don't look like a total looser parent (father).
We have had a race (first year) where the wheels go skittering off after the first
race...thankfully that was never repeated.

None of our boys have ever "placed"....

although many of the boys good buddies have.

It is an exciting event....albeit a long one....
I don't want to sugar coat it for those of you that have this
event in your future, but it is truly
a memorable time in a young boys life.
Something that is very much looked forward to and anticipated.

I remember growing up always hearing about pinewood derbys.....

but we never went to one as a family that I recall.

I always thought they were cars the boys actually rode in.

I had no clue they were these little cars on small tracks.

(Seth, Lawson, and Aidan)
 The boys have always done their own designs and painting,

Lawson's is the bird.

Ryker gave him a helping hand this year.

I have to say this is probably my favorite car they have come up with.

I really think it has personality.

 Here are a few others from different boys.

 Some of the cars you can see the dads were the driving force

behind them....but not so much in the photos I took.

These all look boy directed....which is how it should be,

and great to see.

Here are the highlights.

From the building, to the celebrating the success of fellow cub scouts.

So long Derby Days.....

Growing up...UP....and AWAY.....

Today was a lot of fun, and a lot of work.

Shelly, Vanessa, and I had a combined garage sale at our place.

It was the perfect day for it.

We had crowds of people....a pretty steady flow.

I had posted it on Craigs list, but I think what really brought em in by

the car load was that John, Shelly's husband, placed several 

signs in strategic spots for us.

I sold a whopping $503 -

I know this sounds outrageously high and amazing, 

but only because I was able to sell a $700 motorcycle 

for $300.

But you know what....I will take it.

Thrilled with the outcome.  

Had a blast all day with with friends

laughing about how much people try and rip you off left and right.

Wishing we would have taken that dang rip off offer later

when we ended up actually selling it for even less,
or
 even worse, were left stuck still holding that blasted
piece of unwanted garbage at the end....what we wouldn't give to
get another shot at accepting that low ball offer.

Whatever....

I love garage sales. 

Love going to them, like having them.

Definitely a lot of work.

Mostly the clean up afterwords.
We had most of our kids in the house roaming around and
what looks to me as possibly "having the time of their lives".
Can't tell you the places I found Dipping sticks powder,
and fruity pebbles cereal.
It felt good to give our, not quite so jam packed house, a good once over.

I am ready to crawl in bed....but no, not yet.

Kev headed out of town for a few days this morning,

and Ethan is off at his first Stake Dance tonight.

It is so weird and crazy to believe.

He turned 14 on the 7th of this month.

When I reminded him about the dance he said there was no way he was going.

That I couldn't force him to go no matter what.

Oh, you know I love a good challenge.

It was not w/out some effort that he did end up going....

I bet he has a great time....can't wait to hear about it.

My mom has a knack for picking just the right, classy item for each of her

gift recipients.

This card, as well as the one HB sent to Eth have been used, and used often.

Can't believe the longevity of these things.

Come Sculpt Your Assets.....

Today I was encouraged to make a decision....

one I am super excited about and hope you will join me in.

I have been talking with a few friends for some time

about running, and the benefit of 

Cross training/Strength training  

along with that.

I have been teaching my Body Sculpt class at Our Club for several 

weeks now and am truly loving it.

A few friends are joining me there, but for the most

part the time, 8:30am, is not right.

The price is too high at $38 per month +

the commitment of locking in on a gym at the tune of $50 just to climb 

on board is un-wanted.

I have been trying to wrangle a Tuesday evening class to teach 

at the library each week, but that is still in the works.

Today Tina proclaimed her fitness dreams and wishes.

In a perfect fitness world she would :

Run - Mon. @ 5:30am

Body Sculpt - Tue. "

Run - Wed. "

FREE CHOICE - Thurs. 

Body Sculpt - Fri. "

FREE CHOICE - Sat/Sun

Well, that got us really talking.

Why can't we make that happen?

We don't need Our Clubs permission for me to teach my class

"Out of Doors"

We already meet each Wed. to run, we are getting ready 

to bump up our running schedule as 

several running buddies are preparing for longer upcoming races.

Sooooooo........

 (If there is enough interest)

Starting Tuesday, March 1st at 5:30 am,

@ Gleason Park

I will be teaching -

"Sculpt Your Assets"

every Tuesday and Friday - 1 hour class - 

The cost will be $25 per month - 

(every month has 8-9 classes, so that would be $2.75 - 3 per class)
-Single drop ins will be $5-

It is a wonderful opportunity for me.

A way to bring in a little extra money...

Plus, have an excuse to spend more time doing what I enjoy 

w/ friends I care about.

For YOU....it is a wonderful opportunity.... 

to feel the burn I will lead you to twice each week.

You will be happy to be walking away on shaky legs after every session.

Your arms will quiver with gratitude when we are through....

....and you will love the results you see!!

Your Core will thank you for the pain,

as you see improvement in your posture, running stance, 

energy, and performance with your daily living.
Plus....did I mention we will be running twice a week....?
join us!!!
You just got new training partners on every level.

Are you in???

Please let me know....drop me your email, and if this time will work for you.
I am wide open for your ideas, suggestions,
and fitness wishes.

Here are some Gleason park highlights....

We are going to master this pole...yikes!!

I have always wanted to....haven't you?

Notice the pull up bars...yep...we are doing them!

I am terrible at pull ups!!....we better make it a competition...with a prize or something.

Look at all of these toys we will get to play with.

I love all the benches....we will make good use of those bad boys.

All you would need to bring to each class is what you see here.

A towel, a bottle of water, and weights. 

(preferably two sets, 3-5lb / 8-10lb depending on where your fitness level is)

Everyone is welcome....

Please spread the word.....can we get at least 

6 interested parties out there to get this started??

Talk to me....

Whata Man....Whata Man... Whata mighty - mighty good man...

I wanted to post a follow up to yesterday.

After 18 years (this July) my man really got it this year.

He has done some wonderful things in the past,

and also had some off years,

as have I.

But man, he nailed it on every level yesterday.

He is raising the bar.

He is steppin up his game.

I really liked what I saw.

He came home with (like I already posted about and raved over)

the roses for this little lady.

Brought M a cute little plant,

and for the boys, well, all of us really,

a delectable tray of buttercream cupcakes.

BULLSEYE!

 I didn't want to gloss over his success and him think it went 

unnoticed and recorded where it counts....

on the blog of course.

Here's that guy with two of his babies.

At the library today one of my assignments was to do a little 

Oliva craft cutting....I enjoyed it....

I really like those  new style scissors, the ones where you just squeeze 

the handles together.....have you tried them?

This was my first go at them....totally a fan now.

Come see Oliva at the Library - Feb. 17, 3:30pm

It will probably be a mad house.....

everybody loves Olivia!

Happy Shmappy.....

I am not a lover of Valentines Day.

This was not always the case....

I remember growing up, my mom always made a big 

sha-bang out of every holiday.

I loved it.

What kid wouldn't?

I really only remember one extra special Valentines Day.

My dad was out of town which was not unusual,

my mom loved going the extra mile

when he was away.

It was like a free for all party time when a holiday  came around.

I might be exaggerating...but that is how I remember it.

This V-day it was evening time, dark out,

all of us kids were just milling around doing our thang.

Next thing you know, the door bell rings....

oh my!

who could that be??

We opened the door to a porch full of pink hearts and packages for all.

A mini Christmas in February.

I knew my package immediately.

A grown up pink jacket, with a matching pink purse.

Ohmygoodness.

I felt like the hottest most grown up girl in town.

I wore those two pink items out.

I may have been 12 or 13 years old.
HB - do you remember this V-day?
What did you get?

 I am all grown up now.

A realist.

I know now that V-day is just a ploy on us consumers

to spend money and feel forced into purchasing gaudy items
with hearts on them 

just to tell our loved ones we love them on this day.

Come on....we are not idiots.

I remember when Kev and I were first married, and

I was still falling for that crap of 

"feeling like I had a right to something extra special" 

on this day of all days.

We lived w/ K's parents at the time,

I was whining to his mom....

She shut me down in a big way fast.

She said, If he wanted to get you something he would,

it has nothing to do with the day.

oh.

I dropped the romanticizing right then and there.

 These days I am much more practical.

No expectations =

no disappointment.

I have to say that I am thankful for the public school system 

and their cute art projects.

I loved getting Lawson's Valentine for me.

Soooooo goooood.

 McCauley's little creation.

She did wonder why I didn't include a stuffed animal or a love note in 

her lunch bag today like her friends got.

I said I thought you got embarrassed when I put 

love notes in your lunch....

no mom...I love it...the boys hate it.

got it.

Walking out of school today made my head spin.

Loads of parents were there.

Kids were sporting helium balloons, toys,  and flowers.

Cupcakes, treats, pink, red, glitter....galore.

I hear everyone saying,

"Happy Valentines Day" left and right.

what in the heck....?

It is really such a national holiday?

I love my man.

He is my love every day.

I love my kids...

every day.

....but dang it all,I loved it growing up....why wouldn't they

be thrilled w/ extra fun...?

even on a "man--made" holiday.

Maybe I am just lazy sometimes...

no doubt there.

Well, I will have next year.....

McCauley is trying to inspire me again to write her love notes to 

put in her lunch....

she just wrote me a yellow sticky that says,

momyoowraemianjol....(with two hearts)

translation- mom, you are my angel.

Post script - I left, but just now remember last V-day....K had 
surprised me w/ a package.
It was delivered in the mail.
It was in a very pretty lavender round container.
I opened it up....it was a pajama gram.
It was a set of long sleeved, long pants, soft, puffy pink pajamas.
I remember being totally mystified.....
I blew it again in my reaction to a gift from my husband.
Something I am unfortunately famous for in our family.
oh....why do I do that?


oh...wait...I just got another crack at it!
Kev hasn't given up on me!!!

Who on Earth wouldn't love Valentines Day???!!!
Have you ever seen prettier roses?