Thoughts on running

I think I'm starting to get why runners run. We have this puppy who has a lot of energy and needs a lot of exercise. I've read that one of the best things you can do for them is to take them on walks and runs, so that opportunity has fallen mainly to me. This puppy also got sick and we were taking care of him inside, so now he believes he is an inside dog. That means house training him. I really don't want to be cleaning up puppy messes all over my house again. And this dog is a whole lot bigger, so his messes are bigger, too. One of the things that I have discovered is to take him out first thing in the morning to go for a walk/run and let him relieve himself. I would walk for a while, then jog for a while, then walk, then jog. As I was coming to the point where I would start walking after jogging, my legs felt like they were on auto-pilot and were going to keep jogging. I wondered if that is what joggers feel, that almost out of body sensation. If you know me, you know that I don't like running, I don't like sweating, and if exercise isn't also entertaining (like dancing), then I'm really not that into it. Working out with our dogs, though, has stretched me. I even ran in the rain. I can already tell a difference in my lung capacity and my heart is getting stronger, too. I am beginning to see why some people say that running is addicting. So I guess I'll keep it up. I'm a little worried how it will all work out with winter coming, though.

I Like Monday

You know, I have to admit, I actually like Monday. I like the fact that after the weekend has been crazy and not our "normal" schedule that on Monday I can take back control and feel more structured. I like the fun of Saturday and the peace of Sunday, but I like the structure of Monday, too. Monday thru Friday are fairly consistent and when I feel like so many other things in my life may be crazy, I love that these stay fairly the same. Of course there are some deviations to the day. Thursdays we have story time and occasionally I have a meeting in the evening, or a trip to town. And no matter what the past week brought, Monday is a new beginning. A new chance for me to create the kind of home that I want. I can start over on my goals. That is refreshing for me. So, even though I was at my breaking point last week, this week I'm good.

I'm There

Have you ever felt like you've just reached a point where you aren't sure if you can deal with anything anymore? That emotionally you are just spent? I am just about there. I am exhausted and I think if one more thing comes up I may just end up letting my kids raid the fridge for whatever and curl up with a book in my room and not come out for a long time. Actually, that really doesn't sound that bad right now.

The Ocean

I miss the beach. I miss the gentle breeze blowing across my face as I lay on my towel and listen to the waves crash against the shore. I miss the peace I can find as I focus on the sound of the waves and let the world slip away. I miss the smell of the salty air. I wish there was an ocean beach closer to Idaho. Maybe when California falls off into the sea.