The Joys?

For those of you who are married, enjoy your spouse today, be grateful you don't have to navigate the tricky waters of dating and singleness...for those of you who are single, maybe you can identify...

I recently am trying my hand AGAIN at the online dating.  I know that if God wants to use it, He will, but boy, oh boy, do the doors seem to close quickly somedays.

Things that frustrate me on this site

1. Old men that look at my profile (and by old, I am saying 50s and 60s).
2. Guys that say they occasionally smoke...do they mean cigars, cigarettes, or weed? Come on!!! 
3. Emailing with a gentlemen and then OUT OF THE BLUE, he stops.  No explanation, nothing.  I would appreciate a "Hey, I'm just not that interested anymore."
4. Having a guy change his mind in 24 hours...one wanted my phone number (I wasn't planning on giving it to him yet anyways.) and then 24 hours later decided I lived too far away.  Commitment issues, boys???

Oh, the joys of being single.  Settling is not an option, but, man, there are days when it seems it's an uphill journey in the snow for five miles both ways.

Where does the time go?

Where does time go?  It's been almost a month since posting here.  I have posted on my classroom blog.  But here...well, that's a different story.

I normally check e-mail pretty quick at night on my iPad and I can't blog from there, so I need to be more intentional in turning on my laptop and posting.

Some thoughts...

• still running...well after my wart heals.  Yuck!  
• trying out a new online site...Christian Mingle...not sure what I think of it yet.  But I am so tired of seeing the same types of photos taken by guys...pose in front of the mirror with your cell phone and take your pic...ugh!
• School is settling into more of a routine...and it's still taking a few to get there.
• I have a roommate from Honduras for a few months...truly excited to have someone with me.
• I'm realizing I'm pretty critical of people's written words...I check their grammar and spelling.  Bad Bad Bad!
• in a play at church in a few weeks...get to be proposed to (in a way)...again, it's a play, not real life!
• doing the Experiencing God bible study at church...excited to see God speak through this and to dive into His Word again.  His Word sustains me...when will I realize this?  I'm trying to start out my days by praying that He will give my day meaning and purpose.  Friday, my roommate came and helped my class make play-dough and one of the kids asked her if God made her Honduran or another part that I couldn't understand.  So fun that my roommate was able to say that God had made her!  Thank you Father for such a quick answer to prayer.  

Until next post...I promise not to be away so long next time!

No more excuses...

I think I've used every one in the book.  No more.  I'm back.  Regardless of the plantar wart that was injected last week on my foot.  Regardless of my ear infection.  Regardless of the fact that I cannot run a full mile (probably could).  I'm back.

I laced up my new shoes, loaded my iPod with a few more songs, and headed out the door.  Plan?  Run a song, walk a song.  Two mile course.  Down and back.

I did it.  And I have the proof.  With breaking in my new shoes, my left foot always seems to pay.  Pay it did.  Thank you, shoes.  Thank you, road.  Thank you, music.  I enjoyed it.  I'll be back.

Yes, that's blood...breaking in new shoes!

Coincidences...or God planning it all!

This past weekend, I headed to a nearby large town that actually has a Target!  I had a wedding in this town and had also been to a concert there and stayed with a friend so I didn't have to drive it all over again in the morning.

After the wedding, I went and bought some new running shoes, some Zumba shoes, and headed to Target for odds and ends.  I was hungry (had skipped the reception) and wanted some Archer Farm Honey Mustard pretzels.  I couldn't find them in one aisle, so I turned the corner and ran into two great friends!

The funny part was, one of them had just (and I mean just) been talking about me.  I used to make snack bags for her after her long runs so she had something to eat during church.  She had just said my name and I turned the corner.

God is so funny!

Entering the morning...

I was given a small gift this morning...a two hour delay due to fog.  As I embrace being awake for two hours (had already had a shower and couldn't fall back asleep - and yes, I know those of you who don't get these delays are rolling your eyes), I decided to take advantage of the time.

Thus, a posting!  Breakfast eaten at home while drinking another cup of coffee.  A chapter read in my book club book.  Listening to Pandora.  Relaxing.  Taking in a deep breath and preparing for the day.  Knowing that He will provide the joy as I enter my classroom and have to figure out what to skip and what to try to accomplish in a shorter day.  Trusting that He will be my patience today.

What a great way to start a day!

Challenge

53 days ago, I began a burpee challenge.  On my way to 100, I began noticing just my left shoulder aching after doing my burpees.  After talking with a friend, I decided to make it to 50.  I skipped one day and skipped yesterday because I had a massage...so tonight, I did 100.  Forty-nine for the missed day and 50 to finish and one more just to make sure I had done enough.

Done...now to begin another challenge...making good choices so a maid of honor dress will look great (no matter what style my sister chooses).

Blessed

Tonight I sit here feeling so incredibly blessed.
I began the day with hugs and hellos from students in the hallway.
I ended my school day with my old second graders bursting into my room to give me a hug.
I spent the afternoon with my dad and his wife.  I forgot how much I love seeing his face. I stood and just watched as they drove away.  I hugged him extra tight tonight.
I used a Groupon on a student massage.  Amazing!  My body is relaxed and so is my mind.  I didn't grade.  I didn't really plan.  I had a night off of school.

As I type tonight, the sun is setting, the breeze is blowing in my newly installed upstairs windows, and I am listening to worship on Pandora.

It's good to be still.  I needed this.  Thank you, Father, for such a day where I could just breathe.