So. What's up?
Here's what's been up around here, in rambling, random order, since the best I can muster at this point is a list:
Home organization: The Guv bought an elliptical, so our "sleepover room" in the basement is now half an exercise room. We may be adding a Pilates Reformer to it soon. Because of these changes, we're purging loads and loads of stuff. It feels so good to get rid of stuff! Less is more, indeed, when it comes to home organization. I asked Petunia what will come of her Barbie castle, and she didn't even suggest selling it; she asked if I'd contact Ronald McDonald House to see if they'd like it. Best. Kid. Ever.
Exercise: I'm getting stronger by the day and in every way. I'm in love with Pilates Reformer training, and I can now see my abs developing. I'm really, really proud of that, and I'm doing daily Pilates exercises (series of 5, 100s, etc.) to make sure they keep developing so nicely. The whole philosophy of Pilates -- core strength, internal and external balance, flexibility -- it's all great, but my favorite part is the pairing of physical and mental health. The mind controls the body; and a fit body makes for a fit mind. I feel like I worry less, walk taller, feel better about myself, and feel better about the world around me with this training supporting me. I titled my college thesis "Stronger and Thus Saner" (after a Senda Berenson, the mother of women's basketball, quote). I feel like that now.
Health: My lung disease is well-managed and steady-state, though still a bit worrisome as my doc thinks I have an underlying autoimmune or genetic issue. Time will uncover whether or not there's more to deal with. Meanwhile, Dash may need new ear tubes, so the focus can be on him for a while. (He's fine. Ear tubing is really no big deal.)
Cooking: I'm trying to cook more, and I just made my friend Carmen's cream cheese chicken for the first time. WOW. It's amazing! For the Superbowl, we're going to watch my Steelers trounce the Packers, and we're going to eat cheese in celebration (and not cheese from Wisconsin, either). Fondue, cheesecake ... we'll have some fun with it! For my book club on Monday, I'm making granola clusters from The Earthbound Cook. And sometime next week, I'm going to whip out my huge new Lodge cast iron wok and start experimenting with stir-frys. Hungry?
Coaching: I love my 5th/6th grade girls' basketball team. With a roster of 14, my hands are full, but blessedly so. They are an amazing group of girls who are teaching me as much as I'm teaching them! Watching the shy one blossom into one of our best defenders ... watching the one who struggles with confidence own the ball for the first time ... heck, watching my own kid fearlessly play defense in a way that reminds me of John Starks (she uses that booty!) ... it's all good. I feel so lucky to know these kids. I hope that when they look back on our time together, they remember that it was about more than basketball, that it was about building confidence, connectedness, teamwork, self-reliance and team-reliance, friendships, and, yes, a bit of basketball skill too. Go team!
Gratitude: It strikes me how much better 2011 has dawned for me compared to 2010. I haven't spent enough time singing the Guv's praises, but I wish y'all could meet him and see what a great guy I have on my team. To be loved so much, so deeply, and so richly every day is something that I do not take for granted and am very grateful for -- and do my best to return in kind. He helps me to be my best self; and, together, we work hard with our kids so that they're becoming their best selves too: little people with a strong moral compass, a solid bedrock of faith, and a knowledge that brains, hard work, and a good attitude will yield a richness from life that can't be bought or attained any other way. For their presence in my life, I am so blessed. For the family that surrounds me with love and shaped me as I'm shaping my own kids, I am lucky. For the friends who'd bury a body with me, bail me out of jail -- or, better yet, be sitting there with me planning an escape -- I am overwhelmed with good fortune. May good things come to all who touch my life in such a special way, and may I have the opportunity this year to give more than I take from all of these amazing people.
That's what's up around here. Good things. Isn't it nice to get an update like that after 2010?!
May your year be off to as good of a start.
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