Screaming and Yelling

Normally I'm a relatively soft spoken person.
Although today screaming and yelling helped...
It really did! 
I was on the treadmill trying to achieve a new personal best.
(A faster pace and a longer run time.)
But there was 15 minutes left to complete...
And I felt so done.
Sweat was dripping from my hair and my calves were burning.
I felt like quitting so bad - and I almost did.
Then I literally started yelling, "You Can Do This!"
I yelled it probably 15 times through that last 15 minutes on the treadmill.
And I did it...
I achieved that faster pace and longer time.
Freaking Awesome!
I think all the uterine and breast cancer crap from last year has helped me to come out of my reserved and shy shell.
Now I feel like...
This is my life and I'm not going to be afraid of going after what I want.
And if yelling and screaming helps me get it - so be it!

What a difference a week makes!

Today was awesome...
We found out that Dillon and Jessika are pregnant with a little boy!
Our first grand-baby is going to be a little boy! 
Our first born son is going to have a first born son.
This is so cool!
Oh and by the way, that is our son Dillon and his fiance Jessika pictured above.
They are so darn cute...
I smile every time I see photos of them together.
I know in my heart they are going to grow a wonderful family and a beautiful life together!
Our first grandson...
Such a blessing.
What a difference a week makes!

Best Life Insurance

No matter what your age is, it is always important to have a life insurance policy taken out on yourself. This is especially important when part of a family, as you don't want any accidents to leave your family in financial trouble, as funerals and other such services are extremely expensive. The best life insurance policies ensure your family is covered. Of course, every single life insurance policy is not created equal, so it is important to locate the best service for the amount of money you are able to pay and for the coverage you want.

It is easier to find an inexpensive life insurance policy when you are younger, as you have longer to pay up to the maturity level. Of course, it is never to late to sign up for life insurance, it is just going to cost slightly more when you are older. When deciding on the best life insurance policy (we arrange ours at lisagroup.com.au/life-insurance, you need to decide how much coverage you want. The more coverage you want the more you pay per month for it. Make sure you got life insurance from reputable company, so you are able to receive the full amount of money you are promised when signing up.

Wordless Wednesday... Something Pretty On a Dreary Day

Photo Credit- Cody Hild

wordless wednesday

Go Away Snow

Cody took this picture a few days back from right out in front of our house.  Cold and snow, cold and snow.  That seems to be the reoccurring theme these days.  Craig has been pushing snow for the city so much that he has maxed out his comp time and had to start taking overtime pay.  He and his fellow public work guys are getting very burned out.  Sixteen hours on shift, a few hours down time for eating & unwinding and a few hours for sleeping.  The winter season feels very long... already.

The spring semester at UNI starts tomorrow for Cody.  It will be his last semester of classes.  He still has to complete an internship, but then he will graduate with his bachelor of science degree.  Both boys done with college... Yippee!

I just made our hotel reservation for the Chicago Marathon.  I really wanted a room downtown near where the race starts.  Commuting on a normal day is crazy for out-of-towners like us, let alone on a major event weekend like that.  I don't want to even talk about the ridiculous amount the room cost.  (Let's just say a ridiculously ridiculous amount in my middle-class, middle-American mind.)  But we have planned and saved for this adventure for over a year now and I do love my Marriott!  272 days until the race...

Today, Dillon and Jessika found a house they like.  They are just hoping it doesn't sell before they are pre-approved for their loan.  It is so fun listening & watching them experience all the "firsts" of building a life together!

Better sign off... busy day tomorrow.  Hope everyone has a good week...  stay cool, be warm and be at peace.

The Dalai Lama is Coming to Iowa

On May 18th, 2010 the 14th Dalai Lama will be speaking at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.
I'm so excited that he will be visiting my hometown...
It's so cool!
For me, it's one of those bucket list items to be able to hear him speak in person.
Sadly, the afternoon tickets sold out immediately - though they are compiling a waiting list.
Yet, they do have $15 dollar tickets to the morning panel discussion in which he will be participating.
That's where I'll be - because I wasn't quick enough to score the main event tickets.
It is going to be so interesting to hear him speak live and in person!

An Easy Treat to Make For Mother's Day

Adrienne's Deluxe Yum-Yum Bars

• 4 cups graham crackers, crushed
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 and 1/2 bags semisweet chocolate chips (3 cups)
• 1 bag butterscotch chips (2 cups)
• 3 and 1/2 cups flaked coconut
• 1 and 1/2 cups pecans or walnuts, chopped
• 2 cups sweetened condensed milk

Mix the first three ingredients together and put into 9" x 13" pan.
Spread remaining ingredients over top in the order given ...
Topping with the two cans of sweetened condensed milk poured evenly over the top.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Cool before cutting.

I'm making these delicious bars for some of my favorite moms :-)

The Grey Sky Has Lifted -

For some reason ...
Today, I feel more like my old perky & smiling self.
It's about time!

I was able to get a lot of work done -
And catch up on a bunch of calls & emails.

A mighty terrific Tuesday :-)


Photo Credit - Cody

Finally - I Got to the Computer Before Anyone Else!

With Cody trying to finish up all his work for the end of the semester.
And Craig surfing the internet trying to find the perfect leather jacket for his "Guy" bike trip in June ...
I've had a heck of a time getting to the computer before them.
But a strong cup of coffee was my winning strategy tonight.
So here I am :-)
Mess that I am these days.
This whole trying to bounce back from surgery, instant menopause, scared of the cancer coming back, almost empty-nest syndrome, caring for my dad, trying to figure out the rest of my life is HARD!
It's really weird too ...
Because usually I am the energetic, focused, and strong one.
Thankfully Craig is loving me unconditionally.

Craig David - Fill Me In - Video

Me and Craig singing Craig David's song "Fill Me In" - Video (2000):



Lyrics:

(All right)
(Come on)
(Can you fill me in)

I was checking this girl next door
When her parents went out
She phoned said hey boy, come on right around
So I knock at the door
You was standing with a bottle of red wine
Ready to pour
Dressed in all that Satin and Lace to the floor

So I went in
Then we sat down start kissing
Caressing
Told me about Jacuzzi
Sounded interesting
So we jumped right in
All calls diverted to answerphone
Please a message after the tone

I'm not being mean
Her Parents were kinda cool
But they ran a fine line between me and you
We were just doing things young people end up doing
Parents trying to find out what we were up to

Saying why were you creeping round late last night
Why did I see two shadows moving in your bedroom light
Now you're dressed in black
When I left you were dressed in white
Can you fill me in
Calls diverted to answerphone
Red wine bottle half the contents gone
Midnight return Jacuzzi turned on
Can you fill me in

Whenever the coast was clear and she'd ask me to come out
I'd say hey girl, come on right around
So she knocked at the door
I was standing with the keys in my hand to the 4x4
Jumped in my ride
Chucked in where nobody saw

The club we went in
We got down down down to the rhythm
Saw it was early morning
Thought we'd better be leaving
So I gave you my jacket for you to hold
Told you to wear it coz you felt cold

I'm not being mean
I didn't mean to break the rules
I weren't trying to play your Mum and Dad for fools
We were just doing things young people end up doing
Parents trying to find out what we were up to

Saying why can't you keep your promises no more
Say you'll be home by 12 come strolling in at 4
Out went the girls but leaving with the boy next door
Can you fill me in
Wearing a jacket who's property
Said you'd been queuing for a Taxi
But you left all your money on the TV
Can you fill me in

(Can you fill me in)

All they seem to do
Is be checking up on you
Baby

(Craig David)

Watching our every move
Think some day they might approve
Baby

Why were you creeping round late last night
Why did I see two shadows moving in your bedroom light
Now you're dressed in black
When I left you were dressed in white
Can you fill me in

(Can you fill me in)

Calls diverted to answerphone
Red wine bottle half the contents gone
Midnight return Jacuzzi turned on
Can you fill me in

(Can you fill me in)