Progress

I know I'm progressing well with my exercise routine when the guy at the front desk of the gym recognizes me. It took about a month, but now I actually look forward to the weights. (I can still easily skip the elliptical.) The boys, Nolan in particular, expressed their "concern" today that I will lose too much weight and be no good for hugging. With that kind of attitude, I think they will have very content wives. I assured them that was highly unlikely. :) I've included a "fabulous" photo of me sticking my tongue out at Jim while ellipticating.

~17 days until the boys leave for Australia.~

Random

I have enjoyed the flurry of notes from Facebook friends devulging 25 random things about them. The smallest, seemingly insignificant details of a person's life or actions can sometimes be very illuminating and humorous. It would have taken endless conversation to have brought out some of these facts, others I might never have known. The longer I live, the more I realize how much I don't know.......even about my closest friends.

Here are my 25 random facts:

1. The most important decision I ever made, one of eternal consequences, was to accept Jesus Christ as my Saviour in 1978. My desire is that my life will reflect Him to those around me.

2. I had hair to my waist until I was 32. I did not regret chopping it off.

3. After watching "The Man From Snowy River" as a child I decided that someday I would go to Australia, and I did. As an aside, this was back when you rented the movie AND the machine. How many of you remember that?

4. I am a fan of Sci-Fi and Westerns.

5. My husband is Australian. We met while I was attending Word of Life Bible College for a year in Wiseman's Ferry, Australia. Jim and I were engaged in Australia and the first time my parents met him was when he arrived in the states a few months before our wedding in "94.

6. On a Sunday afternoon during football season, you will find Jim doing the dishes after lunch while I sit on the couch and watch the Patriots. Don't interrupt me.

7. My favorite author is Louis L'Amour and my three sons, Jubal, Nolan, and Tell are all named for characters in his western novels.

8. I would occasionally clean the disgusting crud from Anthony's belly button when we were teenagers. Yes, that's how much I love my brother.

9. I lived in Alaska for 6 months as a toddler and have always thought it was a shame that I don't remember experiencing such a remarkable place.

10. I am still good friends with all 4 of my old boyfriends, and, minus one, all their wives.

11. I discovered my first gray hair recently, nothing some good highlights can't hide.

12. I am probably the most unorganized homeschooler you will ever meet.

13. If I iron, it's only for Christmas and Easter. Actually, I am not even sure if I still have an iron in the house anymore. My daughter, Atira, got a mini one for Christmas with a craft set and asked, "What's that?"

14. I like dark chocolate.

15. I like red hair.

16. My wedding took place 5 hours from where I lived, so that I could be married in my childhood church, in the town I love, Eastport, Maine. My dad performed the ceremony.

17. I started attending Camp Good News as a camper when I was 7. I have only missed one year since...the year I spent in Australia.

18. I love my grandmother's homemade slipper socks.

19. Though I am Maine bred, and come from Maine stock, I had the great misfortune to be born in Massa"puke"etts, where my dad was stationed in the Air Force. There are more accurate and descriptive terms for the state. However, for me to use them, would violate my #1 on this list.

20. My family has ziti and meatballs with their turkey and stuffing for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's the best! Why would anyone want mashed potatoes and veggies?

21. I'm on the worhip team at my church and LOVE to sing!

22. I'm pretty sure I won't have empty nest syndrome. I've been priming Jubal for the event since he was five. When my kids leave the house, the first thing I'm going to do is take art classes. I miss it! I love art!

23. My dad was a pastor when I was young and therefore, I got used to being the subject of a sermon illustration. I always saw lived out at home what was spoken in the pulpit. I still love to listen to him speak. I have great parents who gave me both love and time.

24. I love camping....tent camping, not sissy trailer camping. I'm not opposed to a water faucet on the nearest tree, however.

25. Genealogy interests me and I have traced most sides of my family quite far back. On my paternal grandmother's side, I am from Mayflower stock, though not the most reputable portion of the crew. My ancestor was apparently involved in the first duel to take place in the New World.

Inspiration

Thanks to my friend, Deb Fisher, I had inspiration for starting a blog. Unfortunately, I have no inspiration for writing in it. It brings to mind the endless 15 minutes of journaling at the beginning of English class in 8th grade.