So some people post their kids and families and have beautiful tear producing music to go along with it. Here is our kid! And he's spoiled too. What a people dog he is, though! He knows he's a person, we're the ones who are confused. This probably isn't as cool as a grandson, but it's close! Ha.

New Year's Resolution at work...day 3

Early morning workouts have moved from my outdoor nature walks to stiff workouts with all the hardcore exercise people early in the mornings at the Wellness center. Yikes! They're running 6 or 7 mph on those treadmills. I'd be lucky to make it to 4.5! And I still haven't quite gotten the hang of that "move-your-feet-but-don't-jar-your-brains-doing-it" machine. (really, I can't remember what it's called.) I feel too tall. Or the machine is too short. And wow do I sweat! Am I supposed to be doing that? I managed a half an hour today and "went"("ran" "jogged" "ambled" pick a verb) two miles. That's an interesting statistic considering the scenery stayed exactly the same the entire time I was there...i.e. All I could see was the back of the treadmill runners' heads. Well, I hope that the workout at least took off the candy cane calories that I had later on in the day! At least no one is tempting me anymore with fudge, or cheesecake. I'm going to have to make two trips a day up there until this ugly 10 lbs disappears. It came on pleasantly enough. Taking it off is going to be misery. Anyone else want to join me? I'd be glad for the company. After all, you know what they say about that "misery...." (Oh yeah- It's the eliptical machine!)

Filling in empty spaces

So have you ever had long stretches when there is absolutely nothing to do but sit with yourself and think? No TV, Radio, books or other distractions to occupy the moment, and what's more, no way you're likely to get to them so you're literally stuckwith yourself! I had one of those moments today. 45 full minutes of being in a small space, eyes closed, wide awake, all alone, have to think about something other than what's going on around me, time. Options: take a nap (in a loud confined space. Not likely) Think. Guess I'll have to try that one out. I made lists. Alphabetical too. First, recipes. I made a mental, alphabetical list of pies and the recipes that go along with them. I got through about G. (Can you think of a pie that starts with F?) After giving up on that absurd list I made a list of all the relatives on my side of the family including cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents to the 5th generation. Don't forget alphabetical. (I'm an amatuer geneologist. That was too easy) My mind began to muddle after this, my hand was falling asleep, my neck was beginning to ache, and I started wiggling a bit. That wasn't good because it increased my time in my empty space. Phooey. Next I tried out naming all the books of the Bible in order. Once I get to those minor prophets I have trouble. I always miss someone and come up short at the end. Oh bother.
Needless, to say, I didn't fall asleep though I heartily wished for it. I must say this isn't my favorite way of getting out of work and I don't hope for another round of this any time soon. But offer me some suggestions for my next enforced quiet time alone session! Thanks.

Sunday afternoon naps

Naps are lovely things. I have been indulging in the Sunday afternoon variety for more than 35 years now (with a few misses for important things). "research shows that you can make yourself more alert reduce stress and improve cognitive functioning with a nap. Mid-day sleep, or a ‘power nap’, means more patience, less stress, better reaction time, increased learning, more efficiency and better health." -according to stress management experts. Ha! They've probably earned big bucks to come up with what I could have told them ages ago. When our kids were small we enforced the Sunday afternoon nap rule, but eventually it became a ritual they knew we would observe. I remember often being between waking and sleeping and hearing kids outside the door shushing each other, giggling or fighting. They had free time without their parents for an hour on Sundays. Every one was happy. If we missed the afternoon nap time because of other commitments or activities it was a poor Sunday indeed! Our kids were quick to understand that their parents were much happier with the nap under their belt. As the years have passed the nap is now taken on the couch and the length of time has to be much shorter-no more than an hour, sometimes less. Any longer than that and sleeping at night becomes problematic. That's not good. But napping and watching football games are even better. Two things accomplished at once. It's funny how you really don't miss too much of the action of the game by napping too. Other days of the week work for naps too. Those opportunities are less, but the nap is no less enjoyable even if it's only a 10 minute one. So. Long live naps. I think a new year's resolution works here, too: Nap more. Dreams are important!

Happy 2007!