Over the Miles...Into My Heart

We skyped with Zach Wednesday evening.

He got to meet Gavin's puppy, "Phelan,"

and we giggled at how she kept pestering little Chessie.

Phelan will likely be at least 100 lbs when she's fully grown.

Chessie is fully grown and weighs 14.

As we all sat around in the family room talking with Zach,

it dawned on me that the last time we were all together was over the 4th of July when Zach went with us to visit Gavin in PA.  

He left for Japan on August 2nd.

Ouch.  How I miss my son.

As time passes, I've seen how he continues to excel in wisdom and maturity.

All of the brothers have something to teach each other.

I look forward to when we will all be together again.

Holidays are cherished times for families and friends,

making us realize how precious life is and how we have been blessed by those relationships.  They call to mind memories and moments that have served

to build and shape each of us.  Life is indeed elusive...ephemeral.  

Holidays allow us to hit PAUSE,

seek out those whom we cherish, 

sit down with them, share a meal, talk, laugh, sing, remember, celebrate...

and give thanks for God's goodness and mercy.

Gratitude

bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter

everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that

change forever how we experience life and the world.

Sarah Ban Breathnach

He Made It!

My plan was to take the day off, 

but my circadian rhythm wakes me up EVERY day 

at 5:00 a.m.

I pee.  I go back to bed.

And just before falling asleep, I hear the garage door opening...

GAVIN'S HOME!

I grab a jacket hanging on the chair

(modesty, no bra)

and race downstairs to greet him and Phelan.

God, it's good to have him home.

He drove all that distance after getting off from work at the wee hours of the morning, so he could beat the snow.  

Well, he didn't exactly beat the snow...but granted, there was less traffic, 

which means less idiots, safer travels. 

And now I can enjoy this beautiful blanket of snow

at this season of blessings and gratitude.

I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

So he and Phelan go to his room to get some sleep.

And me?

Now what?

I do what I do. 

I fix coffee and read emails and reflect...

I wander into the deepest recesses of my mind,

searching, sorting, thinking,

beckoning a fusion of both tears and smiles

and I remember.

I drink more coffee.

I stare out the window at the falling snow.

I think about all the things I need to do today.

Gym was to be first up...

But I know that Colton & Gavin will likely want to go to the gym today too, so maybe I should wait and we could all go together later today.

My legs/hams/glutes were STILL sore yesterday (Tues) after Saturday's workout.  In fact, I struggled rising out of the chair by Sunday night.  I can't remember having that much muscle soreness in a very long time.  Hurts so good!

Yesterday was arms and abs.  Am I ready for another leg/glute day?  Yikes.  I know it's best to work it out.  I can do high rep lighter weights maybe.  Yeah.  That'll work.  So yep, I'll wait and go with my boys guys.

I drink more coffee...

I listen to Winter Sonata on Pandora.

As the snow continues to fall.

I know it makes traveling dangerous and hectic.

But it's so beautiful.  

Like the ocean, and the moon, and sunsets, and sunrises,

I see it as if for the first time.

The elements sing to my soul.

This is ecstasy.

The simplest pleasures.

Smiling Big Today

We didn't think Gavin was going to get two

consecutive days off for the Thanksgiving holiday,

allowing him sufficient time to come home.

I was bummed.

I'd already begun to plan making the trip to PA

to see him this coming weekend.

I just found out that he's COMING HOME!

He gets both Wednesday and Thursday off this week!

He hasn't been home since early summer!

And he's bringing his new "baby,"

Phelan

his Alaskan malamute puppy.

(Oh, boy.  Poor Chessie...she'll be traumatized for months!)

I'd better get busy... got lots of cooking to do...

and cleaning...

and planning...

AND CELEBRATING!

We'll all get to Skype with Zach in Japan

on Thanksgiving Day evening!

I am beyond thankful.

Life is Good.

FNL - Somebody I Used to Know

I remember when I first heard this song.

It had a magnetic power about it, forcing me to stop what I was doing

and turn up the volume.

It definitely got my attention.

As I listened to the lyrics

(oooooh...)

I couldn't help but be drawn to the catchy rhythmic nuances.  

It was one of those songs that sticks in your head.

And you CAN'T-LET-GO.

It's fun listening to this song.

But watching it live?

Makes ya wanna hit REPLAY over and over and over...

Mesmerizing!

Just something sexy about this guy.

And the featured vocal complement was spot on,

except, um, I couldn't help but observe...

Not exactly flattering, sweetie.

Work on it, K?

Song of Loudest Praise

For the simplest pleasures,

for all things,

I give Him praise.

First Snow

It's here.

Our first snow.

Autumn leaves randomly still clinging to the trees,

lightly frosted with the season's first snow.

Yes.  It is beautiful.

I lit a candle in my bathroom this morning

as I was getting in the shower.  

I left all the lights off and opened the blinds

so that I could watch the snow falling

on the birch tree in front of the window.

Peaceful.

Calming.

Blissful.

I would have preferred to stay home, 

wrapped in a blanket by the window,

a candle lit,

Winter Sonata in the background,

a cup of coffee

and a book.

All set.

Let it Snow

never say never

Glute and Leg Day ... Anything Could Happen

3:05 on the counter sets me on FIRE!

:)