a new day

I haven't posted in awhile and that's most likely due to the busyness of summertime. I started a post yesterday and was so bummed and negative that I didn't even get more than one sentence out so I just quit. But today is a new day and I feel better.

So here's what's going on in my life.

Work- the past two weeks have been heavenly because "the lady" moved out. I had been so excited to post about this because my life is so different. I think the stress of not having to deal with "the lady", getting better sleep, and having some down time at work to just relax has made my life so much more joyfilled and just overall more enjoyable.... and then yesterday the crashing news came. No, she's not moving back but our ladies are moving in with another lady who could be just as difficult. There are going to be a lot of changes at my work and I just have to trust that it will all work out. I already declared to Phil that if this new lady is anything like the old one then I have to quit... easier said than done since we rely on my income and my health insurance. Last night, I did find out that there will most likely be two (me and another) staff at the new site in the mornings so that makes life a lot easier as far as dealing with difficult people. So as long as I can still sleep good and not get too stressed at work then all will be good. The good news is that I still have two weeks of "heaven" at work.. and then some of the changes begin. I won't actually start working with this difficult person until September so at least I have time to just enjoy the peacefulness at work.

Triathlon- training is going great. Just yesterday, I swam over 1/2 a mile and felt great. I feel like I had good rhythm and it went smooth. I am by no means an expert but feel comfortable swimming. I haven't been biking quite as much but am excited now that I have a water bottle and odometer for my bike. And to make it complete, I bought myself a triathlon "outfit". I bought tri shorts which are basically biking shorts that can get wet and then dry faster. I also bought a tri top that does the same thing. They are not meant for chlorinated water so I'm excited to try them out at the next open water swim which is next week. In case you didn't know, the Cedar Valley here has great resources for anyone doing a triathlon. Phil and I have already went to one open water swim and a clinic on triathlons - both free. This next week, they are having another open water swim at George Wyth, with childcare (we give a donation), a free swim clinic/advice, and then a picnic afterwards so we can socialize with other triathloners. I am just amazed at all the support they give to us newbies who started off with no clue. I think the support network makes a huge difference in how comfortable we feel, which then gets us more excited. Phil also bought a wet suit to wear for his race so on Monday when we're both all "dressed up" then maybe I'll take a picture of us. Both of us will basically be in very tight outfits so it's not the most attractive looking. Either way, I'm really enjoying all the training and learning that I've put into this.

our house - don't even want to talk about this one. Some highs and lows but in the end, our house has not sold. I have now put a restrtiction on myself that I won't be looking at houses anymore because I get too excited and then they sell. So if I have nothing to look forward to then I won't be as bummed that it's taking awhile for our house to sell. I fully believe it will, it just takes time.

travels - this last weekend we went to Springbrook Park near Guthrie Center, IA (Phil's home town) and went camping with his family. I will say all in all it went pretty well. I'm not a huge fan of camping with a 3 year old and 10 month old but it went okay. They both slept well at night so I really can't complain. I don't know if I've ever posted about Wendell and his amazing social skills but he's one kid that can be social with anyone anytime, and includes every stranger we see at the campsite or anywhere for that matter.

So we're home for the next few weeks and that makes me very happy! Maybe I can relax a bit before we start traveling again... for more weddings, family get togethers and eventually planning Harlie's birthday.

I leave you with some pictures. I took the first two: Harlie showing her climbing skills and the cool dude that I ate lunch with today. The other three pictures were taking by my 3 year old photographer.