Thirty-second New Thing- A Diet Are You Kidding Me?

No joke - I went to my yearly physical and got the works, blood drawn, weighed, ticker checked out, ears, mouth - you name it my doctor checked it. Much to my demise she had received my blood results. Man that lab is fast - a little too fast.
I should preface this news with a very long day at work. I was fasting for ten hours with only water to drink. Between my tummy growling at me and my students deciding that today would be a good day to have recess in the classroom (we don't have recess in middle school) I was to say the least a bit edgy getting my blood drawn. Evidently my blood had a bone to pick with my cholesterol level. Ouch! And to make it worse my doctor is real happy about an increase in 40 points from last year, otherwise putting me right at the watch it or I put you on meds!
I would've never made a good druggie - I can't stand to take vitamins! So, with compliments from my doctor I now have several pieces of literature to read about my new Low/No Cholesterol DIET! This is going to be a tough one I told myself while ordering Mucho Nacho chips with no beans on my way home!
Ok I'm serious today though - no more cholesterol for me - wish me luck! I am looking at the positive of all this bad news - a teacher friend told me today that a little red wine daily will help - CHEERS!

Thirty-first New Thing- A New Square Dance

Promenade and do si do - I just attended my first Promenade in Manhattan, Kansas. Although it wasn't a real square dance - what it was - was a scrumptious wine tasting and and yummy edibles and a variety of shops in Manhattan. They don't call it the "Little Apple" for nothing! Three women traveling with a wine glass and a purse with a credit card who could ask for more. I must admit however, I only purchased one box of canneloni shells. I can't wait for my next dinner party.
I think I need to spend more time in "The Little Apple" since I may not get to the "Big Apple."

Thirtieth New Thing - Extreme Makeover

Well it's official - I signed up for an Extreme (Spiritual) Makeover. Tonight I will attend the first study with women who are Reflecting the Heart of Christ in Their Priorities. After all if Christ is in the right place in our lives - surely we will recognize it right? Well I hope so - that's why I need an extreme makeover:)
I can't wait to get to the "Heart" of the matter - put my life in order! I can't wait to meet some fabulous new women friends. I can't wait to experience and witness the presence of Christ in my life to expose others too! I can't wait.. I can't wait....... I can't wait......
Can you tell I'm just a little bit excited for Bible Study tonight?

Twenty-ninth New THing-Starbooks Cafe

This year to challenge and embrace reading with my students I opened the Starbooks Cafe! On special Read-In days, 2 -3 a month, I become a barista and offer hot tea, hot cocoa, and two different flavors of cappuccino, with extra marshmallows or whip cream as desired! My students pay .25 for their choice of drink. At the end of the year we will donate the money to a worthy cause selected by me according to the most persuasive piece of writing. I also teach writing!
I just love coffee - especially with a little whip cream and chocolate drizzle!

Twenty-eighth New Thing - Extreme Makeover

I'm ready for an Extreme Makeover - with the Word! Just joined a new women's bible study that I'm really excited about. The Spiritual Extreme Makeover Heart Edition "Reflecting the Heart of Christ in my Priorities" - whoa I need this makeover!
I hope to conquer a makeover for the rest of the areas that need it too. After all you have to challenge the inside before you can accept the outside. Suddenly everything looks brighter with the Lord on your side! He needs to be my first priority!

Twenty-seventh New Thing - Participation

Although it has been five years since I donated my kidney to my husband, I've agreed to participate in a study for living donors at the Cleveland Institute. I had the pure joy of meeting the nephrologist in charge of the study, Dr. Merriam Weiss. She was an absolute compassionate and highly intelligent woman. I suppose all doctors are:) Through our discussion I certainly learned a great deal about myself that I had kept well-hidden for years. I always thought centering on my memories would bring undeniable pain to me - that seemed to be my track record. I was pleasantly surprised at what I confided in her and how painless the process of reflecting on that walk with my husband was now. I know my grief of losing him is still so great. I also know that I won't ever really be okay, but I can and have learned to adapt and adjust to a new life without him. Thank you Dr. Merriam for your enlightenment and continued support.

Twenty-sixth New Thing 5K Race to End the Wait!

Madison was beautiful and the people even more so. Samantha and I met so many wonderful people all with a special story of why they were there. The 5k Race was titled End the Wait! I had the good fortune of racing with a fellow middle school teacher named Gina. She too was a living donor - she too shared her story of heartache and renewal of life for her little girl. And by the way that little girl, now 8 took home a gold medal in the 1K in her age division!
I didn't come in last. God is good! I did jog in drenched with sweat but oh so happy! My baby girl there watching and grinning from ear to ear telling me how proud she was of me. That was my gold medal!
If you've never tried something but feel compelled to make a statement, I would like to encourage you to get involved with something you are passionate about and discover what you can do to make a statement! I have a passion for organ donation. I was running for the memory of my husband, Doug, the real athlete in the family. I hope I made him proud - heaven only knows:)

Twenty-fifth New Thing-Curves

Today is the day-yahoo! I joined Curves. I've got my gray exercise capris and cute green t-shirt, hair pulled up, new tennies on-I'm ready! At 9:00 am I'll get weighed and measured and learn all the fitness equipment at Curves. Curves is a women's fitness center that focuses on strengthening and toning. Boy do I need both! I ended my membership at the YMCA and will go to Zumba still but realized with school starting up in less than a month I needed exercise in my daily life. I'm not getting any younger-ouch! I was much too intimidated with the work-out equipment at the YMCA and I never used the bikes or treadmills since I have a treadmill at home. The money for Zumba exercise and the membership fee just wasn't sizing up. So my neighbor encouraged me to try Curves for the same money I was spending at the Ymca. I could make my own schedule and show up when it worked best for me. What a win-win situation! Now I really don't have an excuse to get fit at 50!

Ooops that was Twenty not Tenty!

Sorry readers. As you can tell from my blog I was a bit upset and crazy and typed Tenty instead of Twenty in the title. That or I wasn't wearing my glasses!!!! Either way I had a really bad day with Sally!

Tenty-fourth New Thing Sally Sequel

Although it's not pretty or funny, I must admit everytime the story has been told it gets a huge - make that hysterical laugh! I have a feeling it will be "The Story" at the family reunion in two weeks.
We haven't had the best of weather lately. Lots of rain - make that lots and lots of rain lately which dampened the 4th of July festivities in Kansas this year!
It just so happened that my wonderful brother-in-law Don and sister Gerry decided to come and support me in my first car show venture. My youngest daughter Sam moved home for the month of July as well last Saturday and was devoted to being a support to Sally and me at the car show. It was to be a very exciting July 3rd!
At 4:00 my sister followed me to Carey Park so I could park and register Mustang Sally. She was a shining beauty among the other classic cars. We drove back home so we could freshen up a bit before the 6:00 show time! Much to our dismay it began to rain so my brother-in-law Don agreed to take me back to the park so he could help me latch the top which of course was down since convertibles show classier when the top is down. I am just sick to my stomach knowing it is raining down on Sally. As we hurriedly pulled into the park in a major downpour, Don missed the first turn but not to worry there was a second turn in. There was however some yellow tape kind of surrounding the area which we discovered was to section off a low pond that we happened to drive into. Yep, you read correctly we drove into the pond and after a few minutes were busy bailing muddy water out of the car seeping up through the underneath of his Buick LaCrosse with two coffee cups. We were a frantic sight and among the many people at the park, only 4 young kids waded in the water to try to push us out. I called triple A for the second time that week - don't ask about the first call a few days prior - and after bailing water in the pouring rain for 40 minutes a truck came by and hitched a chain to Don's bumper and successfully pulled us out. We were sure to be on YouTube or the front page of the newspaper since there were many budding young journalist/photographers taking pictures of us with their cameras and phones. UGH!
We did finally get to the very waterlogged Mustang Sally and managed to put the top up and drive her home. I dried her the best I could and called the insurance company today since she of course is refusing to start. I think she thinks I'm taking her out in to the big bad world again!

Twenty-third New Thing- Mustang Sally

I'm entering my first ever car show at the Hutch Fest tomorrow. I'm a little nervous about taking Sally out to mingle with all the other hot rods, but my sister and brother-in-law(a pro car show buff) are visiting for the weekend to support me and Sally.
I must admit she does look rather pretty. I armor-aled the interior and used a new product, a waterless wash and wax for the body. Her pretty little red body is just glistening away in the garage right now. She's got her top down and buttoned for the venture tomorrow. She's also a little shy so I hope she doesn't feel inferior next to other classic cars or old jalopies. She's a fire-engine red 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang with a white leather interior. Most of her is all original - and I'm proud of that!
Who knows this could be the first of many car shows to come.

Twenty-second New Thing-Back to the 70's

Hotel California, Take it to the Limit, Desperado, Take it on the Run, Easy Feeling and 3 hours more of hits and newbies......The Eagles concert had it all this week. It really brought me back to high school and college days. I only had one of their albums but I burned my record player needle playing it. Yep you read correctly, record player needle - wow does that ever date me. Of course the title "Back to the 70's" might have dated me a little also!
Yesterday I decided some of those golden oldies deserved a rightful spot on my ipod so I downloaded some tunes on my itunes and I'll be burning a CD soon with my treasures. If you haven't listened to the Eagles songs lately - pull them up and sit back and mellow out, or jump around and dance like me!

21st Continued

Yes he was everything I dreamed he'd be.......and more! Michael Buble did not disappoint and will be in my dreams for a very long time. Oh to be 34 again????? He's everything I'm looking for in a man, funny, handsome, talented and french:) If you get the opportunity don't miss his Crazy for Love tour right now. You wont' stop laughing or smiling!
I already want to see him again and again and again.......

Twenty-first New Thing-Michael Buble

Tomorrow is the day I will see my love in person! We have so much in common 1) We are both French-Canadian 2)We both love music 3)We both love to travel 4)We both love french cuisine 5)We are both young - don't argue with me on this.
I'm thinking that people should be able to get a free CD after they purchase 5 CD's from an entertainer. I'll be happy to pick up my free CD from Michael, my beloved, tomorrow in Wichita, KS. Hopefully he will recognize me - we've been together in many dreams!
Will finish this blog after the concert tomorrow:)

Twentieth New Thing-The Total Foot Experience

I decided I better tag some topics for easy reading use. My twentieth new thing was pure perfection. I visited my youngest daughter in Kansas City last week and she made two appointments for us. She had a facial and I had a total foot experience. It was supposed to be a pedicure, but let me tell you it was a total foot experience! First she dipped my much needed feet in a soaking stainless steel basin - a washing of the feet:) She proceeded the next hour with removal of old polish, the trimming, the cuticle removal, the massaging and oil treatment, and even a mini accupressure. Evidently one can have knots in the feet too. This luxurious hour treatment began with a soothing warm herbal neck pack wrapped around my shoulders, an eye soothing mask that had a definite aroma which I think was legal anyway, and topped off with a toasty warm blanket draped over me like an Egyptian mummy queen.
I was so in love by the end of the hour I should've asked for her number - hehe, if only she had spoken english:) This was a delightful summer treat that I said I deserved after my first year teaching in the middle school. How will another pedicure ever live up to it I just don't know. I think everyone deserves a treat every now and then - if you haven't lately - treat yourself. You are worth it!

Nineteenth New Thing

Ok it's a start anyway. Last night I had a real heart to heart or whatever you call it with myself about my lifestyle. I've been enjoying it way too much, at least 14 pounds too much, so needless to say "Self" told me that tomorrow there would be no more excuses. My eldest daughter coericed me into keeping an exercise and food diary. Sometimes I just don't like what I'm writing down:( My middle daughter suggested that water exercise should definitely be added to my exercise regimin, and I don't think her just getting aqua zumba certified had anything to do with it! My baby, who I will be visiting for a few days next week said we will be exercising and eating very healthy while in KC - YEP that's going to be a tough one!!!!!
I went to my first aqua exercise class this afternoon with 13 other "much older" wonderful ladies. I didn't work up a sweat but I must admit it was rather soothing and rythmic. I'm going to step up the pace and move up to the next water exercise class which is mid to high intensity. The class today was no intensity but it got me in the water, not to mention I learned where the showers, dressing room and the sauna were. Oh yes, the sauna was coed - that is another story altogether!!!!!!

Eighteenth New Thing

Walking - walking - walking! Hallelujah I have a new walking partner. After three years in my new city searching for a walking friend, my new walking partner was right next door. Yep right next door! I've prayed about it for a month that God would send me a walking friend. It is exhilerating to walk with a friend and solve all the world's problems. There is just something about walking outdoors!

Seventeenth New Thing

Although it's scary, it definitely needs to be my next new thing. I've only lived here three years and yesterday morning was a testimony of my lack of knowledge of Hutchinson, KS. What started out as my first new walk of the summer ended in oblivion! I had no idea where I was, totally lost in a ten block radius! Who does that - gets lost that close to home?
I went driving this morning on my way to school to figure out what I did wrong. Needless to say I'll be walking outdoors bonding with my home radius this summer!
I challenge you to explore some new areas in your neighborhood this summer. Who knows maybe you'll meet a neighbor or meet a new friend.

Sixteenth New Thing

Out of my comfort zone but loving it! I used to love hostessing parties but have been in a shell the past almost four years. My shell is cracked - or I am, either way tomorrow I will be hostessing my first ever teacher luncheon with my fellow language arts teachers where I teach. I planned a succulent lunch with almond bacony chicken spread, homemade herbed beer bread, tortellini salad, homemade salsa, chips, relishes, dip and cappuccino mocha bars. We will wash it down with peach bellinis or peach tea:) Join us if you are in the neighborhood!

Fifteenth New Thing

Some fondon't but I fondue. Oh yes I have a new love - it's an electric fondue pot! I had the great fortune of spending an evening in McPherson, KS with my sorority sisters. Stay posted and I'm sure you will learn more about the "sisterhood"! We dined and drank, well some did - I was medicated because of a severe ear infection! The restaurant was a very quaint establishment, the chef was superfulous, the bartender was perfecto, and let's just say I could've adopted the sweet little waitress - she would've fit in perfectly with my three daughters.
We began with a delectable cheese fondue, then followed with a mexican blend fondue, and finished with a to die for chocolate fondue complete with an array of breads, fruit, vegies and assorted relishes, homemade strawberry and chocolate marshmallows, and shortbread.
I will have to walk 50 miles this week to burn the calories I ate last night!
So if you are looking for something new - try fondue too!

Fourteenth New Thing

I'm mulching - it's my own little way to celebrate Earth Day! Well, it's not totally brand new but it sure feels like it! A great deal has changed in lawn care in the last ten years. The last time I mowed I was pushing a Sears Craftsman mower. Ten years later I have a new Honda mower that is pulling me along - and that's on speed 1. I can't imagine what speed 4 does?????
I must admit it was interesting and it kept the neighbors amused:)
I'm determined to do my own lawn care - at least for the next ten years!

Thirteenth New Thing

This morning I felt more like Hey hey hey boo boo! Today was my first try at Yoga, but I probably looked like Yogi I bought a beginner DVD and yoga mat with my daughters last weekend. They chose my DVD and believe me it's a beginner! I've read about all the horrors that come with getting older and since this is my mid-life crisis blog, I'm focusing on things that are good for me or bring joy to my life! I don't think yoga brings me any joy yet, but hopefully it will work on my flexibility (which I'm definitely lacking) and strength (inner and outer). I'm going to get my money's worth out of this DVD. My advice to you if you are a yoga newbie - get the mat, a towel just won't do!

Twelve New Thing

Well it's official. I wrote earlier about signing up for my first ever 5Krun/walk in Madison, WI, and how I needed to run and stay committed to the treadmill or walking. Since I don't want to come in last, I needed to add jogging to my regimen. I can honestly say I've never jogged, nor have ever had the desire. This morning I walked and jogged sporadically to strengthen my training for the 5K. Thankfully my daughter Sam was home and professed her training techniques to me. We found a nearby track and jogged the straights and walked the curves. I even learned how to breathe correctly. Funny, I didn't know you could breathe incorrectly while jogging! Something about breathe in through the nose and exhale through the mouth. Since I officially know how to breathe and didn't suffer any ill effects from this morning's jog/walk - you know I didn't have a heart attack!

Eleventh New Thing

Ouch! You know you are getting old when you have to attend a retirement seminar. Well that's my new thing today. I really haven't been looking forward to it either. It's a reminder of all the things that pain me in life - getting older, planning a retirement budget, no spouse to combine a retirement income with, valuable teaching years left and the list goes on......
On the flip side, I decided I needed a treat after the seminar and went to the local coffee place. Ahh! What a tall double decaf mocha bianca can do for the soul. Just the touch to make me realize the seminar was a wake-up call to plan and organize my valuable teaching years left and work hard the next ten years so retirement will be a blessing not a curse.
I certainly did learn crucial information that I didn't know or understand before. And because of that I'm working on buying back four years of KPERS that will be a definite plus come retirement time, since I can't depend on the multi-state lottery to fulfill my retirement plans.

Tenth New Thing

I'm way excited about my tenth new thing. I moved to my new home three years ago. Teaching keeps me very busy especially since I teach in a middle school now and as fulfilling as teaching can be, I must admit my evenings are very quiet. I thrive on activity and people. I decided I needed to get out of my loneliness stretch and reach out in some way. My daughter suggested starting a book club since I love to read and she loves her book club in Kansas City. I decided she was a very smart girl - sure glad all that college paid off - so I've officially started a book club using Joanne Fluke's sweet murder mystery books. We will meet in my home for the first book club session. I'm already planning my menu since it will be an early summer kick-off for the book club! The first book is The Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder. Bet you can guess what I'll be serving for dessert............

Ninth New Thing

If you are looking for a neat "hot spot" in Hutchinson, Kansas, I highly recommend The W! They have a website so you can view the entertainment on the calendar. I took my kids there last night for dinner and to enjoy a headliner comedian from New York that now resides in Branson, Missouri. Very funny show - so good to just sit, relax, and laugh! I'm definitely going to continue to check it out so I can entertain friends when they come to visit! Colin Raye will be there Nov. 13 - I have a deep "like" for him - love his music! That may be one show I bring the whole family to.
It was definitely a FUN NEW THING!

Off and Running

The Eighth New Thing! Off and running - well not exactly yet, but I will be! I officially signed up for a 5kRun in Madison, WI the end of July! You know once you commit to something you have a sudden panic attack "What was I thinking?" I'm not a runner. I'm not even a jogger, but by July I darn well better be a runner! I have this internal competitive driving force that almost makes me crazy! I don't have to be first but it's important to me to be with the front runners! I met a gal named Tracy who is going to help me train for this. She runs in lots of races and marathons. I'm hoping she'll take it easy on me for awhile, but I know her background and I don't think "easy" is really in her vocabulary. I have set a goal of 30-60 minutes of training a day that I will log in my daily planner at least six days a week - even God took a day off for rest:) We had a very long talk Thursday night about this very thing! Anyhow wish me luck and if you feel inclined post a note back to me, I'd love to hear from you.

Seventh New Thing

Do you know sushi like I know sushi? I can still hear Captain Pierce from Mash singing that crazy tune........
Well I know sushi now thanks to my youngest daughter, Samantha. Yum! We went to a sushi bar where a variety of sushi dishes were served on a moving mini Amtrak train. Kind of interesting to say the least. I went with Sam's suggestions and she didn't steer me wrong! If you've never tried sushi - I highly recommend a sushi bar - it was definitely on my return places in Kansas City.
I could've shared my first Bloody Mary story with you since it was a first, however it was not as successful! I thought - I love tomato juice and need my vegies today-but what a surprise when I tasted it. Man it was spicy and hot. I guess I better stick to a glass of wine!

Sixth New Thing

SKYPE - it just doesn't get any better than this. I got to skype with my one year-old grandson Hayden today! I watched him coo and babble and the amazement on his face when i was talking to him just warmed my heart. He also played his musical piano book for me and I got to clap for him - that surprised him a bit. The weather was threatening the north central part of Kansas and I couldn't get stranded in Beloit - would hate to miss out on Parent/Teacher conferences Monday night! Anyhow I'll head to Beloit on Thursday instead - no school on Friday!!!!!
There is going to be many more days ahead while Hayden is growing up that he will skype with him Nana who deeply loves him!
If you haven't skyped - jump in - it's free:)

Fifth new Thing

Well who would've have thunk it??????? My fifth new thing is definitely a first and a funny for me. At age 50 I took my first drug test! Yep, you read right - me a drug test - I was so uncertain I didn't even use my Listerine mouthwash this morning. Okay a little history to this random drug test.....
I'm helping my sister-in-law in the floral department that she manages for the week of Valentine's because she is always swamped and hires extras for the holiday rush. I had to complete an on-line application plus take a drug test to work there next week! Too funny!
Anyhow that's my latest new thing. My new thing should be shoveling my driveway though because we just got 4 more inches. Can't wait for spring!

Fourth New Thing

Sometimes you don't know it's a new thing til a 13-yr old tells you!!! Yesterday I had the great fortune in writing class guiding my students brainstorming about Kansas leaders, when they used me as an example. WOW! I wasn't even on the Kansas leaders internet list! haha The students were referring to a project I started last week for my TA class called "Helping Hearts for Haiti". We are accepting donations until Friday, February 12th and will present our donation(hopefully large) to the Star of Hope director who has a mission set up in Haiti. I had my daughter, Jaclyn visit my class the day after the earthquake and present a keynote about Port au Prince and the Hatian people. Our business partner, a local medical clinic supplied me with chocolate valentine hearts to give to anyone who made a donation of a dollar or more as a little something sweet to thank them. I have students who work the tables each morning accepting donations, and the rest of my TA class works on announcements, posters, radio spots, our local school station etc....
My wonderful students quickly pointed out Ms. Sillin you had a "Vision" to help others in need, "Impact" because people will be helped, and "Problem Solver" you saw a problem and a way to help solve the problem.
Thank you 7th graders, because I'm only one person, and there is such strength in numbers! I would like to encourage anyone reading this blog to find a way to help someone in need whenever the occasion arises! Have a wonderful year!!!!!!!

Third New Thing

Well it's officially January 9th and my new thing is my new groove! I finally mastered the art of zamba/samba (not sure of the spelling). I just know it's a step we use frequently in Zumba exercise classes. I wouldn't let my girls leave after Christmas until the taught me the secret of this step. Needless to say I still had two left feet! I don't want to be the 50-year old that sticks out in class that can't do the samba/zamba. My older two girls are both married and are licensed Zumba instructors and teach classes in the respective towns they live in. I know they realize I'm a bit of a challenge, but I'm determined (some say bull-headed). I managed three classes of Zumba this week (usually Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings). I really love it, but in the winter I have to force myself to get out of my nice warm home in the evenings to go exercise. In class Tuesday I still couldn't samba/zamba, but Thursday I could (practice makes perfect). I thought it could be a fluke though, however this morning at class I looked like a pro - by golly I think I've got it Sherlock!
If you are looking for something "new" in your life try Zumba exercise - it's exhilerating and you burn the calories while having fun!
PS: I've been in Zumba classes for nearly two years now and finally mastered the zamba/samba! Hurrah, a New Year a "New" thing!

Second New Thing

Well who would've thought that a simple hairdo could make such a difference and boost in someone's life! I've decided to grow my hair out this year. Since it is at an inbetween stage, I decided to swoop my hair up for Zumba exercise class Tuesday night. My darling Zumba instructor came up to me afterwards and said, "Chris, I love your hair, it makes you look so young!" Well say no more- younger is always good!!!! I didn't realize it was a new thing til the next morning 1st hour reading class and 1/3 of my kiddos all commented on my new look and hair style-Wow! It's usually tough to impress 13 year-olds, but they were so complimentary, I've decided this is definitely going to be a returning look for me many times this year. I'll post a pic later and you can decide for yourself. The Language Arts aid commented on my new look and said I resembled Sarah Palin! Ok, that may be stretching it a little-but it sure brought a new color of blush to my cheeks!

First New Thing

Well it's only Monday, January 4th, 2010 and I have my first "new thing"-yea! For the first time today I had lunch with two teachers at my new school. We went to Carlos O'Kelly's! I know you might be thinking - big deal, what's so "new" about that???? The past few years I've been very content in my own little shell - I work hard - had to! One week after my 47th birthday my young husband died suddenly leaving me the task of taking over his businesses. With no time to grieve on my own, I ran the only two funeral homes in the county we lived in. Without going into detail right now about owning funeral homes (because that would take a separate blog) I dutifully spent many long hours working and went home each night to a very dark and empty home. Consequently, I closed myself off from just about everything. After a year I returned to what I love-teaching! However, I've used my teaching job as an excuse to work hard all day and close myself up at the end of the day too. So I guess you can see why this luncheon was important and "new" to me today, because I know it will be the first of many now! Sometimes you just got to begin again...........
PS: Thanks Becky and Myra:)

Nubmer One New Thing!

Well it's only Monday, January 4th, 2010 and I have my first "new thing"-yea! For the first time today I had lunch with two teachers at my new school. We went to Carlos O'Kelly's! I know you might be thinking - big deal, what's so "new" about that???? The past few years I've been very content in my own little shell - I work hard - had to! One week after my 47th birthday my young husband died suddenly leaving me the task of taking over his businesses. With no time to grieve on my own, I ran the only two funeral homes in the county we lived in. Without going into detail right now about owning funeral homes (because that would take a separate blog) I dutifully spent many long hours working and went home each night to a very dark and empty home. Consequently, I closed myself off from just about everything. After a year I returned to what I love-teaching! However, I've used my teaching job as an excuse to work hard all day and close myself up at the end of the day too. So I guess you can see why this luncheon was important and "new" to me today, because I know it will be the first of many now! Sometimes you just got to begin again...........
PS: Thanks Becky and Myra:)