Today is my husband's oldest son's birthday, he turns 28. We'll call him One. There's a younger Two, and a youngest Daughter. They're the only reason I'm "parent", and I wear the title "wicked stepmother" from time-to-time. Not that I've made any conscious effort to be "wicked", but blending within my hubby's family has sometimes been challenging for all involved.

So, I'm hosting the party! Planned meal: orange pepper beef with brown rice and fresh collard greens from our garden; hubby's favorite cake from his favorite bakery (hmm, wonder why he didn't ask One what his favorite is); sun tea (we have sunshine enough to make tea!), teeccino (my favorite coffee substitute), sparkling water.

Hubby did almost all the elbow grease before this morning -- the house is CLEAN and looks SHARP. All I did this morning was to polish the table and chairs (I do so enjoy my Salvation Army find - these are wonderful table and chairs! [pic above]), and begin food prep -- the meat is marinating in a sauce of fresh squeezed orange juice, orange zest, sherry, soy sauce, and potato flakes (a substitute for cornstarch). After our showers I'll scrub the tub and bathroom with my new scrubby devices. Nothing inspires a desire to spring clean (at any time of year) like a new set of cleaning tools.

Have already done my first workout -- DVD of Karen Voight's, a library find. I like her work so much I may search for Voight DVDs to add to my own exercise library. Planned a later "workout" -- a bike ride to the library to refresh my haul of books and media. And after our guests leave tonight, since it should still be a beautiful evening, I hope for a conversational walk with my hubby in our neighborhood. To fill our nostrils with scents of spring, to fill our eyes with life blooming and bursting, to fill our ears with birdsong and the rustlings of nature, to fill our hearts with blessings from God.

In the bigger picture: Our tax returns have been signed, and it is time to think about our goals. In part, I'd like to return to school to learn something new, and work in a new field. I've been in the same field for 29 years. It has been very good to me, but my heart has never felt in it. I scanned job advertisements yesterday, and saw several I am competent to do, but not qualified to do because of my education status. I'm hoping that as hubby and I look at our budget, our investment planning, and our overall financial health, that we may find I am able to go to school. Which for me would mean not working full-time. Of course, ideally, it would mean not working. I want to be in prayer about this, because generally I don't love school but I do love learning. I've been unhappy with the politics of the office, but happy in the particular position I fill (technology trainer). I would like to branch out, to do training in other fields or with more responsibility. But that can't happen without school. Hoping a vision and plan will start to take shape by May.

Back to the local picture: Navigating food options and regularly exercising. Still learning about me - how much I was suppressing by stuffing myself with food and lying inert. Body is still changing. I rested my hand near my shoulder yesterday, and felt my clavicle. At first there was a response of body surprise "what's that, am I okay?!", then a recognition "Oh, it's my bone! Wow, I don't remember feeling that in a LONG time." Knowing that if progress continues to be made, I really will have to do some clothes shopping by month-end.

Done for now ... it is an election year, an Olympic year, and a leap year. There's always so much to think about, to notice, to observe, to ponder. But for now, I love the sunny day, the clean home, the sound of hubby working on projects not too far from me, and the prospect of a clean shower not too far away.

If you've made it this far Thanks For Checking In! May the Lord bless you and keep you, may the Lord make his face to shine upon you, may the Lord grant you peace.

-Otter