Happy Memorial Day

Please take a moment today to remember those in our military, past and present. I also say thanks to their families. The moms and dads who stay behind and care for the children and keep things going here while their loved one is fighting for us.

We are so very blessed to live in this wonderful country and have so many who faithfully and dutifully serve. God bless America!

Bliss

Today my dear daughters wanted to go bowling. This past Monday afternoon I took them bowling. We had a blast but I wasn't exactly jumping up and down to go again. So...I mentioned I'd like to go to a movie.

After we all scrambled to decide what to do I jumped in and out of the shower, threw on some clothes and declared that I'd just run to a movie and they could do what they wanted. "Have fun!", I hollered as I ran downstairs.

Off I drove to the nearest theater. I bought my ticket, popcorn and Diet Coke. I found a seat and enjoyed a couple hours of pure bliss!

Some people may think that is very strange. I, however, am perfectly content to sit in a dark theater all alone watching Sex and the City 2. No one asked me to hold their popcorn or take them to the bathroom. I got to choose which movie I wanted to see (and it wasn't animated). I got to choose my own snacks. I didn't have to keep track of 3 jackets (mine and two smaller versions). What a treat!

Movie ticket = $7.00
Popcorn and soda = $5.50
An afternoon at the movies...alone = bliss

By the way, the movie was pretty good too!

Fave read

I'm not much of a reader. I attribute it to the fact that I'm still getting over the abundance of college reading and I find it difficult to focus on reading when I'd rather be multi-tasking (doing something with my hands), catching up on my latest DVR'd TV shows or have someone talking my ear off. Usually its a 5 1/2 or 2 1/2 year old with a urgent need for a drink, a snack or a toy that needs extra attention.

In February my hubby and I were lucky enough to go to Charleston, South Carolina. He had meetings to attend. I got to spend days roaming through the city, taking pictures and enjoying southern hospitality. The first morning of our trip I lined up a photography tour of the city. Joyce led a friend and I through town and helped us capture some great photos of this beautiful city.

By the time I returned to the hotel I was determined to return one day and rent a beautiful home in downtown Charleston for a wonderful vacation. I figure it will give me time to really experience all there is to see and soak up in the beautiful cobblestone streets, the gorgeous architecture, wonderful food around every corner and the rich history that this city has.

Back to reading...I just finished "South of Broad" and its great. I had a tough time putting it down! Pat Conroy does a wonderful job of describing the city and way its citizens live. It was also a treat to read street and house names that I recognized and had visited. So much fun! 

So, if you are looking for a fun summer read and have (or wish to) visit Charleston pick up this book and enjoy. You'll find a wonderful story of friendship in a storied city.

Miles

So I can't seem to find motivation to get moving. Exercise is not my favorite thing to do. Fortunately I'm able to skip it and still fit into most of my jeans (good genes, I guess). However, I really need to get back on the bandwagon. So I am contemplating signing up for a half-marathon. Years and years ago I completed one. Operative word, completed! That was my only goal and I did it. Now perhaps its time to try it again.

I would also love to cross that finish line and show 2 little girls that anything is possible if only you set your mind to it.

It will get me exercising on a consistent basis and may help those jeans to fit just a bit better!

What's motivates you to put on your sneakers?

Oh...and if you decide to join me...http://www.dickbeardsleyrun.com/. You get to run around a beautiful lake in the heart of Minnesota lake country.

The Wonderful in Between

Welcome to my first attempt at blogging! We'll see where this goes!

Firstly, the title. A few months ago my grandma passed away. She had been ill for awhile due to a blood disorder. Then in January cancer was discovered and she slid downhill quickly. She was clearly ready to go and excited for the journey ahead of her. Not surprising if you knew her. Grandma was always ready to go and up for any adventure. In death, as in life, she was showing us how to push forward and move on.

On the day she passed away (or the day after) I wrote on facebook "thankful for endings, beginnings and all the wonderful in between." It seemed especially fitting at the time because Grandma was in so much pain and so ready to go I was grateful God had finally taken her to a wonderful heaven where she could enjoy time with her parents, siblings and all whom she was ready to see again.

My grandpa died 12 days later. Unimaginable and unspeakable, yes, but also fitting. They had both lived long, healthy and productive lives. Both of them had accomplished success.

So when I started to think I should be doing something else with the spare time I find myself with (not all that much mind you). Blogging seemed the natural place to start and the line I posted as my status seemed to sum up how I think about things.

So today I begin "The Wonderful in Between" and plan to share what's happening with me, my darling daughters, the most recent favorites I've found and things that generally make me happy or grateful. Thanks for finding me and I hope you'll keep coming back.

Stacy