Still Breathing . . .

Hello friends. If any of you are still there, checking on me from time to time, thanks. Know that I have been checking your blogs when I get a minute or two here and there.

Life is good. In economic downturns, suddenly being married to a teacher is a great thing. Job security and all. A modest, consistent salary suddenly is much more appealing than the high-paying tech jobs that seem to be disappearing in these parts. The report today about the budget shortfall in our state is not good news for education and Brad's job will get harder as we move into next year, for sure. He's working on his masters' in administration and we had hoped maybe next year he'd be able to get into an admin position, but there might be some more waiting to be done before that happens. All in good time. He's enjoying what he's learning and being recognized by leaders in our district for the strengths he brings to the different schools he's working at.

I continue to work part time but the hours keep nudging up. In this time of the uncertainty, I'm so grateful to have work. I get to work on cool projects for the church I love and I'm enjoying learning from professional marketing folks in the ministry that I found through the conference I attended last fall. Working to make the message of God's love and grace relevant and clear is an enormous task but one that I'm excited to be involved in.

The kids are awesome. They continue to blow me away with their tender hearts and the way they make me laugh. N went to her first HS formal and it was hard for me to not cry as I watched my lovely girl dressed like a movie star and shining like the morning sun! Wow - I wasn't ready for the emotion that went with that milestone. She really is growing up and recent conversations about college and the future make it clear that it won't be long until she's a legitimate grown-up. Amazing.

J. is in a transition - truly a "tween" - living between boy and young man. We're trying to find out his passions - he likes to do lots of things, but hasn't really found that one thing that he loves. One night we were talking around the table about what two subjects we could study all day long in school. Brad, N and I all mentioned traditional subjects like Language Arts, Science, History and Social Studies. When we came to J - he said with confidence and without hesitation, "Leadership and Fine Arts . . . " Such a funny kid! I know he's destined for great things!

After facing down 40 this summer and watching my mom's long recovery from her knee replacement, I decided it was time to get serious about my own health. In August I started a regular fitness routine and making changes to my diet. I've lost 16 pounds and feel better than I have in years. I even worked my way up to running for exercise and was loving it until an injury took me off the track for a while. I'm still committed to exercising though - worked through a cardio-yoga program this morning and it felt great! (Though I looked like an idiot, I'm sure!)

Writing. Missing this and hoping that I can find it soon. Reading holds the spot and keeps it warm until the time is there for my friend and I to reconnect.

God continues to show me the weak spots in my life but graciously lets me work through those issues with gentle nudges towards his love and grace. I've still got a long way to go, but I'm thankful for my family, my church and my friends who love me in spite of my faults and failings. I am truly blessed.