Early Bird

It's my first day at my new job, but I need my exercise first, right?

Let's start with leg press.  At over 100lbs because, why not?

I've found the answer to keeping the 80% engaged:  partnership.

My son and partner in CrossFit, Lad.

Learning form.

After all, why would I get up and leave my home before 6am to exercise before my first day of work if not to fulfill a promise  to my exercise partner?

The journey to fitness has not been fun; I am still awaiting the day (a full sixteen weeks later) that I wake up without pain or soreness.  What I have found is the enjoyment of being with other people far outweighs the trials.  What I love about hiking (having partners) has been the catalyst for the gym:  I simply do better with others.

He tips just like his mother.

These are the early days...and I'm delighted to watch him learn.

My new job is fabulous; my boss told me it was if I'd been there for years (unsurprising-I've haunted many a museum office!)

My view from my desk:)

As I transition back to full time, plus keep the job with eNews, I wonder what will happen in my fitness quest.

I have no doubts it will continue, my son by my side.

Being a Mom

My babies, 13 years ago:

Today:

This morning, it was BNI.

Then a chiropractic adjustment.

Thank you, Dr. Carr!

Then a two-hour drive to Phoenix, which had to include a stop to find replacement TOMS for Parry.

(since Giup ate her other pair.)

I stopped at ASU to drop off bins for Abbie, then headed to SpoFit for my tour.

It's amazing.  I am humbled and privileged to workout there in a few weeks.

Back to Manzy one last time to pick up my newly-a-college-sophomore daughter.

Our drive home took three hours, as we had to stop a few places, and got caught in early rush hour.  She's moving into her own apartment on Saturday; my broken hand prevents me from helping.  Instead we'll shop tomorrow, picking up the necessary odds and ends.  It's a new chapter I've looked forward to for years.

Abbie was a very difficult child, but a fairly easy teenager.  She has, however, wanted to be on her own since she was 15 months old.  It took her 18 more years, but here she is-embarking on adulthood.  I couldn't be more thrilled.

I don't crave the baby days, which I enjoyed thoroughly despite being a young widow.  I certainly wouldn't wish her demanding childhood on myself again; we made it through once only by the grace of God and a horse named Sam.

Century Oak Scimitar with his mistress.

So I'm supposed to pine for the past days of motherhood, wringing my hands that my baby has grown. 

I don't think so.

I like having a grown up daughter.  For one, she's much more fun.  

For another, she's in love with a boy.  And I am loving having a daughter who is in love.  For the first time, I am hearing her share her beliefs on love and marriage...and they match mine.  Why, you'd think she learned them at home from her still-married parents.

Will wonders ever cease?

Tomorrow, I'm letting the younger two play hooky from school to hang out with their sister.

Why ever not?

I think Nastee Dogs will be on the agenda.

What we do for our kids

Today,

Oh my word...I'm typing with my right thumb.

Let me check...no pain.  Well, maybe with the shift key.  Hang on...

Ok, two handed approach.

Obviously, my broken hand is feeling better.  My shoulder still sucks, but the pain is manageable.

It had to be-because Parry & I were going here:

Fossil Creek, AZ

Parry's BFF Maria is moving to Washington state this summer, so we went on an Arizona adventure with Maria, her sister Elsa (with her friend Olivia) and their mom, Janie.  

Somehow I endured a two hour car ride there, the last 45 minutes of which were on a rough dirt road through the mountains at 15mph.

I wanted to puke.  The pain of a pinched nerve is white hot; for me it's aggravated in a car.  I couldn't let Parry miss this trip with her BFF, so I gritted my teeth and went.

Awesome log bridge.

Once there and I had my pack on, the pain eased up and was only a minor in inconvenience.  We hiked in 1.5 miles and enjoyed the many waterfalls of Fossil Creek, moving our swimming holes as the day went on.

Janie took a swim, too.

About twelve feet deep here!

Heading to the bridge; my daughter is the tallest one:)

20ft up and 20ft deep.

The final stop at the bridge and the ride home hurt.  Not just owie but really hurt.  Shifting gave two second breaks; misery set in.

I kept my mouth shut about the pain.  It's her day, not mine.

Nearly home & rocking it out.

Pain will never stop me from making sure my child has the memories she deserves.  While very uncomfortable, I made it through the day.  I did notice the pain no longer radiated as badly down my arm; hopefully a good sign.

So, a three mile hike under duress. Lots of sunshine, and a 13 year old with fantastic memories of an Arizona day with her soon-moving BFF.

Priceless.

I'd do it all over again.