So That's Where My Broom Went!

It was at Fenway SWEEPING up the Yankees!

SWWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!

CHEERS CHOWDA TOWN STYLE!
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Quick Update

My sister has been moved to the inpatient rehab part of the hospital and has begun that journey with her wrist and arm at this point. She is getting to be a bit more mobile with a wheelchair, with help, and I think that is lifting her spirits. She has some really cute get well cards on the way from Connor. Those will bring a smile too I think.

Scott was here and we had a great time, just us and with everyone else on Friday Night. He even fixed my lawn mower for me while I was at work. How sweet was that? Of course he then proceeded to mow "Scott" into the backyard but I actually think that was cute. He came to school on Friday morning and dressed in his dress blues he made quite a stir with pretty much everyone there. He did a great job with the classes and the teachers were impressed. I was/am very proud.

We went to the base ball game with Tony, Misty, TJ, and Eric and had a lot of fun but the Bees were losing pretty bad so we went to the races in Donnellson. First time I had ever been to any type of race and it was a good time. Good time and good company. After that we did go dancing. Scott and I danced most of the time which is what we do a lot of the time whether we are out or not. It was hard to see him go but I am glad he got to see some of his son's baseball game before it was called due to rain. Looking forward to seeing him again soon.

Take care. Time to chill out and go to sleep. A day of running and homework tomorrow before the kiddos come home. I miss them.

Cheers!
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Needing a Weekend

This has been a very long week. I am not sure how Kyla is doing, she seems to have the digestive part under control, the cough is less croupy, but she started running a fever today. We shall see I suppose.

My sister. After 8 hours of surgery all I know now is that her left foot is good, she started rehab on her wrist/arm. As for her right foot, all I know is that "prognosis is guarded due to the severity of the injuries." She is in for a long rehab journey and I just hope she knows she has A LOT of love and support.

So, needing a weekend. Scott arrives tomorrow night. YAY! Haven't seen him in several weeks so it will be nice to spend some time with him. He is going to come to school on Friday morning and spend some time with the kiddos in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade telling about his experience in the Marines, in uniform to boot.
Later Friday he and I, along with Tony and Misty, and Eric and TJ are going to the Bees/Kane County Cougars game. The weather is supposed to be outstanding and we all totally enjoy baseball so it should be a great time. After the game probably some dancing back in Keokuk. Especially since I know at least 2 of the 3 men and I believe all 3 of the women like to dance. I really can't wait. I am ready for it.

I plan on running both Saturday and Sunday too. Try to make up for the Boot Camp I missed this week. Kyla being sick really wrenched that up. Since I am already seeing results I was a little depressed about missing it. My babies come first though, always. Period.

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"It has been said that time heals all wounds. I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue, and the pain lessens, but it is never gone." Rose Kennedy

The Need for Speed

No, not the illegal kind, and not the automotive kind. Rather the kind you get when you put on and lace up a pair of boots that happen to be attached to a 1/4 inch blade of steel. Then you walk onto a flat surface of ice. Then you take off and stroke, harder and harder till all you can feel is the wind, you yourself have created, against your face and the sweat you are starting to build up going around and around the rink. Then you hear the sound, the best sound in the world next to the sounds of my own children's voices, the sound of the blades scraping against the ice. That is one of my all time favorite sounds, steel against ice. Then, when you have that speed up to a comforting one that starts to relax you, you quickly change your edge and go into a jump. For me it would probably be a flip. For some reason this is the jump I could launch into at a fast speed. You go up into the air and for just a split second, while you are hanging in the air and turning, you feel carefree. Some may remember one of my first blogs and the flying thing, feeling weightless, like being under water. This is kind of like that. It only lasts a split second on the ice but the feeling is amazing. When I first moved here to Keokuk I was skating at least twice a week, trying to get ready for adult nationals in California. I know that that is not going to happen now but I still have the skates and I know where there is a rink.
Like my workouts, skating has always had the same effect on me.
I think it is time to put the skates back on.

Not so cheery but trying to see the glass half full so....

Cheers!
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Sunny and Sara

I should probably start off with Sara. She got a hold of me yesterday and she is scheduled to have the surgery on her feet and ankles today. I know this is a good thing but I am already having sympathy pains for her and the rehab she will have to go through. I am now in the process of trying to find some time to fly out to DC when I know she will be back so I can visit and help my dad and Pam to keep her spirits up. I believe she won't be able to leave the hospital for at least another 3 weeks though.

Had a day off from boot camp yesterday. Whew! The leg workout and the kickboxing on Monday and Tuesday left me in PAIN! Tonight it is an upper body and buns work out so that will be good. I say that now. I do enjoy it though and love the sweat I work up during the hour long class.

The sun is shining again today, thank goodness. It is truly amazing what just seeing the sun can do to one's mood. Add to that the warmer temps. I am soooo ready for summer and for the new pool to be open.

Right now, I will actually know for sure later today, it looks like Scott may be coming down here to visit next week. The plan now is to head to Burlington Friday for a Bees Game with a group of people. Should be lots of fun. They are playing the Kane County Cougars which is of course where Scott and I are both from. It will be nice to see him again since we haven't seen each other in about 4 weeks.

Well, I hope you are all enjoying sunny and milder weather where you are. Have a great day!

Cheers!
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Thankful

I have realized, once again, that I have a lot to be thankful for. My sister is alive and recovering. Her recovery will be a very long one though and probably pretty painful. She is one tough chick though so no doubt she'll handle it. My dad saw the car when he went to clean it out and all he could say was that she is very lucky to be alive. Thank God for airbags. Her dog Jack, her life, was asleep in the back seat which saved his life.

I didn't end up going out to CO since we weren't sure where she would be and, indeed, she was transferred to Denver. The people at Vail Valley Medical Center took very good care of her and hopefully she will get the same in Denver.

I went out with a bunch of friends last night and had sooo much fun. Dance, Dance, Dance. It was great! First time I had ever been out dancing in Keokuk. To say it was an experience would be an understatement.

It is a beautiful day so I went for a run. Running on days like this always brings how lucky I am to the forefront of my mind. I am very lucky. In many many ways. I have wonderful people around me. You know who you are. I am glad you are in my life.

Cheers! And Happy Easter!
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Sometimes things happen...

...a little differently than what you thought they would. I thought I was going to have a relaxing weekend at home and get some cleaning done. The kids will be with their dad this weekend. However, instead I am probably heading to Colorado. My sister was in a car accident with an 18 wheeler and is in the hospital. VERY banged up and in need of some MAJOR surgeries but she is alive and I have spoken with her. Her injuries are severe and we don't know a lot about what happened yet.

I really don't have much to say right now. Still in shock I guess. I am going to pack the kids bag, take it to their father's, then head to boot camp. Maybe the intense workout will get my head straight.

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Just a Thought

When we were children, we used to think that when we were grown-up we would no longer be vulnerable. But to grow up is to accept vulnerability... To be alive is to be vulnerable.

Madeleine L'Engle (1918 - ), "Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art", 1980

FUN STUFF

Lots of planning going on here. Easter egg hunts this weekend, planning a girls' weekend with my cousins and sister, planning my girls' trip to Ireland( if anyone has been there and has ideas of places I MUST see let me know). Opening Day for Baseball!!!! Got my schedule ready so I can DVR the RED SOX games I won't be around to watch.

Starting Boot camp on Monday, finishing up both work and school for the year. So much to look forward to. Gotta' love it. AND the SUN IS SHINING TODAY!!!! About time!

Cheers!
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APRIL!!!

Finally! Could use some pretty sunshine but I guess we must contend with the April Showers for a bit.

Last weekend in the burbs was an enjoyable time. Scott and I watched basketball and chilled on Friday. Good games last weekend. Saturday I went shopping with my friend Chris and got some great new clothes for Kyla- she loves them, can't wait to wear the flip flops that match her new dress. After that it was PORTILLOS for lunch. YUMMMMMMMYYYYYY!!

Chilled with Scott for a bit then before his birthday party and my dinner with Mark and his family. I had a little hot tub time which I ALWAYS love. Later that night we went out for a couple of drinks then called it a night. Woke up to snow and rain. Yuck. I was not hopeful about my drive back to K-Town but it turned out to be a beautiful day. I got back early enough to get a run in and it was a great one!.

It's been a busy week with report cards due and Parent/Teacher conferences next week plus class on Tuesday. Somehow everything gets done although I am not sure how but I am just gonna' go with it.

I signed up for a 4 day a week boot camp starting Monday. It is going to kick my A but I am ready for it. BRING IT!

Kids are with me this weekend and right now we have no plans and I kind of like that. Hopefully the weather will be nice.

Shout out to Julie- Keep kickin' it Girl! We are all behind you.

Cheers everyone!
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