Day 33

Okay, so today I woke up in a particularly good mood, and here is why.  1.  I just got a haircut yesterday, so I'm feeling refreshed.  2.  My darling hubby then highlighted my freshly cut hair, so I'm looking refreshed.  3.  I get to (notice I said "get to" not "have to") run today, and 4.  I know what I am going to make for dinner - Roast Chicken!

Now, all you moms (or dads) out there who are in charge of the dinner plans know what I am talking about.  It's so nice to have a plan for dinner early in the day!  No one likes to be caught off guard with this tired question at 6 pm:  "What's for dinner?"  What's worse is having to utter the even more tired response:  "I have no idea!"  This lack of preparation then leads to making something quick, easy and probably not as nutritious, at least that's the way it is at my house.

Well, not today.  Nothin' says lovin' like a yummy roast chicken with tender potatoes, carrots and onions.  It's good and good for ya!

Yum,
;-) Missi

Day 32

The Red Wheelbarrow (by William Carlos Williams)

so much depends
upon

a red wheel
barrow

glazed with rain
water

beside the white
chickens

"The Red Wheelbarrow is a poem by and often considered the masterwork of American 20th-century writer William Carlos Williams.  The 1923 poem exemplifies the Imagist-influenced philosophy of 'no ideas but in things.'"

Yes, I love this poem and had to dissect its simple complexity while completing my studies as an English major in college!

But all of that seems so silly now as I contemplate the wheelbarrow in my own backyard, caked with red dirt, beside the garden shed!  Yes, we depend upon this wheelbarrow for utilitarian purposes, just as the poem indicates, but even more so for joy rides up and down the street!

How long has it been since you've taken a ride in a wheelbarrow!
;-) Missi

Day 31

I am writing this in response to something that my darling 4-year-old just asked:  "Mommy, will you play house with me, and will you be the Daddy?" 

Here was my knee-jerk response:  "Sweetie, I would love to help you get things setup, get your dolls out and stuff, but I'm not very good at playing pretend.  I'm sure your little brother would love to be the daddy." 

When it came out of my mouth, I know that it didn't sound mean, and it didn't seem to bother my daughter a bit, but as I sit here and type this, I find that it bothers me.

Mmmmm!  Waffles AND cabbage!  Wow!

Why can't I play pretend?  Or, rather, why don't I want to?   I guess it's because I don't think I know how.  There aren't instructions.  I have to make up my own dialogue, create scenarios and characters, "eat" plastic food, etc.  That just doesn't seem fun to ME, but it does to THEM, and aren't THEY what it's all about! 

Now, don't get me wrong.  I love to play.  The kids can always talk me into Candy Land,  Sorry, Trouble, Lady Bug, Guess Who?, cards or "School" (which, by the way, is what I call "guided pretend," and that doesn't count!).

And, I'm always looking for an excuse to go to the park or play outside, but is that enough?  Well, I'll never know unless I try. 

Starting today, I will try to follow the advise of my sweet, enthusiastic and playful friend, Carey Sue, and "Enter the spirit of the party!" in regards to playing pretend, whether it sounds fun to me or not!

And it looks like I'm going to get my chance.  I've been invited to be the Dragon that guards the castle!

I'll let you know how it goes!
Missi

Day 30

Yesterday evening, I had the opportunity to take my 4-year-old on a bike (with training wheels) ride.  Since she is getting so good at steering, controlling her speed, staying close to the curb and managing the brakes, I found myself more of an observer this time than a participant (except when we came to a busy intersection).

I say that to say this.  While in this "observer" state, I allowed myself the pleasure of looking around, just because.  That is not normal for me. 

Usually, I am that person who is not very observant of my surroundings.  I can't tell you how many times people have said, "We were right next to you at the stoplight, waving, but you didn't see us!"  And, just the other day, my husband knew the route that I was going to take durnig my run, so he decide to cheer me on with some high kicks and other "fancy" moves.  Well, I'll have to take his word for it because I DIDN'T SEE IT!  I had my eyes focused on something much more exciting - the pavement!

As I alluded to earlier, I did not suffer from this affliction yesterday evening, and I am so thankful that my eyes landed on the most interesting cluster of Irises that I have ever seen.  Now, Irises are a relatively common sight in the Oklahoma landscape, but they are usually purple, yellow or white, not so with the ones I saw yesterday.  I would attempt to describe them, but I'll let the picture speak for itself!

Odd and beautiful, huh!
Missi

Day 29

Okay, so I've been running around my neighborhood for the past 4 weeks, and it has been a wonderful experience. 

I have enjoyed this exploration of my neighborhood.  I've counted the well-manicured lawns.  I've taken note of who parks in the street.  I've veered off the original loop in hopes of finding a hidden park nestled in the far reaches of our subdivision (to no avail).  I've watched the trees turn from bare branches, to blossoms, to leaves, and I've even seen God's amazing sunrise promise and felt His sunset kiss, all in the confines of my safe little neighborhood!

It's been great, to say the least, BUT it wasn't enough for today!  I needed something more.  I needed to get out of my comfort zone.  Guess what I did?  I left the neighborhood!  I became a stoplight jogger.  I made eye contact with other joggers.  I made it home in one piece, and I'll probably do it again!

I can't wait till next time!
Missi

Week 5 Schedule

Week 5

Monday        Tuesday      Wednesday      Thursday         Friday          Saturday        Sunday
Run 12 min.   Walk easy  Run 13 min.     Walk easy     Run 14 min.    Run 15 min.     REST
Walk 1 min.   30 min.       Walk 1 min.       30 min.         Walk 1 min.    Walk 1 min.
Repeat 2X                        Repeat 2X                             Repeat 2X      Run 14 min.
Run 4 min.                        Run 2 min.

Day 27

Okay, so today was a little bit of a challenge for me.  I was definitely off of my game and feeling a low-grade level of discontentment rising up in me all day.  In short, the joy was just not there.  I even struggled a bit with my run (which is normally one of the most joyful parts of my day)!

Still and all, even with my sourpuss baseline, I was able to enjoy some wonderful surprises that God threw at me today:  hunting down garage sales with my kiddos, finding and playing at a new park, eating a yummy taco dinner with homemade tortillas and reading the first chapter of Donald Miller's book Blue Like Jazz.

Tomorrow will be better because God promises that "Joy comes in the morning!"

Love,
Missi