Hi guys, Just wanted to chime in my 2 cents worth these days. I do try to come and see what's going on with you all, but I rarely take the time to post. Things in Montana have been VERY busy for me this semester. I've been taking 2 classes (on my own time), working until 7 so I can get my 40 hrs in, getting to the gym every work morning by 6:30, making sure my son isn't dead or dying (he's 19 and I think I worry more now than I did when he was 5), getting a race in once a month or so, and trying to buy my first home (at age 39!). So, I finished my last final today and have another day or two to finish a paper, then I'm done with school for about a year. I'm very relieved and am taking the time to post. This past year with surgery and everything else happening, I think we've all come to terms with a lot of different things in our lives that we used to think of as road blocks but feel we can overcome nearly anything anymore. So I have been recently reminded that other people have been waiting on me to make some decisions so they know what to do, and in my self-analyses, I've come to some conclusions: 1) I'm the only one I can please or make happy 2) If I'm happy, other people see it - and vice versa 3) In some way shape or form, I choose the direction I go. By choosing not to choose, the result is that I choose for someone else to decide (still making the choice), but they rarely do. 4) When I make decisions, other people can better plan their lives. I say these things because I feel like I've been in limbo for a while. At first I was waiting until I lost weight and reached some semblance of a goal before I made some other life choices. Then it became more important to wait for input from my husband about what he wanted (which he doesn't really have - says he can be happy nearly anywhere). Then I was trying to have other people validate what I wanted (which never works). As some of you may know I was looking into working on a PhD project where I work. As it turns out, fire science is losing scientist positions and I will have a hard time getting a job when I get done. This was really the excuse/logic behind making the real decision. So this is the deal I've made. I'm going to try to get into law school here in the town I live in. I've thought about it many times over the years abd there have always been excuses as to why I shouldn't instead of convincing myself that I should because it's what I wanted. That being said, I promised to be here for 4 years (one while I get application materials together and take the LSAT, and 3 in school). My husband wouldn't agree to buy a house until I decided what I was going to do and where although he never said that in so many words. So about a month ago, my husband said that we should get loan applications in so we know how much we can afford. Then we found the house we wanted, and are closing June 2! I totally understand Mary's excitement about having her new home built. Although our house is just going to be new to us and needs some updating, it's the first time I've ever been able to say that this is my house. I know I probably lost most of you in the second paragraph, but I truly appreciate the support all of you have given over the past year+ and just felt the need to ramble on about what's going on in my life. You all take care, and I really do think kind thoughts for you all often. Linn

Being patient, with myself and others.....and making deliberate plans to set aside time for my husband. It's been stressful this year having all of the kids back in the house (even though it was temporary while completing their educations) and I find that I'm itchy and impatient when things don't go as smoothly as I expect. I think I'm a bit Obsessive-Compulsive and I like things done my way. It's odd...but when the kids moved back home, I fell right back into Mommy mode (even though they range in age from 20-24). My husband frequently feels like he's being ignored and I feel like I'm being pulled in opposite directions. My 20 year old daugher is at a critical stage in her life and we spend a great deal of time discussing spiritual issues with me challenging some of her decisions. The time I spend with her is, I believe, essential. Perhaps, I'm just lousy at letting go and watching her head down a rocky road filled with potential heartache. I'm trying to be more sensitive to his needs and make sure he knows how much he really means to me. After all, he'll still be there when the kids move out at the end of this month and I'm looking forward to it just being the two of us again. Julie

Hi Debbie - great question. BTW - your new picture is really great. My biggest challenge day to day would also have to be keeping the house clean-ish and free of clutter. I also struggle with what to prepare for dinner on most days. My husband and daughter (and me) have a lot of stuff and most of that stuff has no home. we have a constant flow of laundry. we enter the home into the kitchen and the table is the first thing you see. I hate my white linoleum floor because it needs cleaned each day. My husband also has some big projects going on in the house that drive me batty when they sit and sit and sit and sit. I also try to provide my 3 year old daughter with enough quality time of playing and being silly since she is in daycare all day. Denise

Definitely a cruise to either Mexico or Alaska (probably Alaska being the first choice)

Paula, I'm planning on spending the summer in the pool for sure!!!! You are right, no excuse now for not exercising even in the heat. Mary