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!