Groundhog Day

Have you ever had those days when it seemed like you're just replaying the same thing over and over? I've had one of those years. In life, my father and my father in law could not be more different. My dad was extremely right wing - tea party level right wing. My FIL was extremely …

Unexpected Emotions

The closer I get to the one year mark of Dad's death, the closer to the surface my emotions sit. I woke up in tears this morning. Dreams don't normally get me out of whack because they're just dreams and not reality. But last night I was at the house in California where I grew up …

The Green Giant

Not to be confused with the Jolly Green Giant. I spent a bit of time on the phone yesterday with a lady at my local nursery quizzing her on evergreen trees, pines specifically. I wanted to find a tree that would work well in my environment, yet be a fitting memorial to my dad. She …

Christmas Joy

And a bah humbug to you, too. I'm not a big Christmas person. At least not recently. I was when the kids were little. Christmas with kids is exciting! It's fun to watch the anticipation in their eyes as the day grows nearer and nearer. The fights to be the one to pin the next …

At What Point

My brother posted a picture for Throw Back Thursday of some of my younger siblings taking a break with Dad after working all morning on a project. The picture made me smile. And then the comments that were posted just got me all weepy and missing him. It's been months since he died. Sometimes it …

Phone Home

Growing up with nine siblings is an experience that most don't get to have. Ten kids makes for a rowdy bunch. Full of piss and vinegar. Loyal to one another. Protective of one another. Over the top dramatic and outspoken and loud and boisterous. All these things we get from our mother. She is funny. …

Getting Started

Today officially begins my 10K training. Well, technically it was yesterday, but the training plan started off with a rest day as Day 1. Weird, but OK. I spent a couple of hours Sunday morning going through my workout plan for July. I made some tweaks to it based on what the runs are actually supposed …