Garage Sale!

Just rewards!

It's on the record that I have said in the past.  "I will never have another Yard sale, tag sale, garage sale or any other kind of sale."  Our spare room was starting to look like an episode of "Hoarders" so my husband (bless his heart) talked me into just one more garage sale.  Since we had a break between graduations, weddings and out of town company we spent the past week in the hoarder room evaluating and marking items that were garage sale worthy.  Almost everything made the cut and out to the driveway we toted it for an early opening on Saturday morning. We invited the unique breed of  garage sale folks to our driveway to peruse our unwanted household goods, clothes, and vhs tapes.  We wheeled and dealed with each other over pennies and managed to sell a good portion of it.  All said and done we made $235 and I had to concede to my husband that he was right.  It was worth it and I did enjoy all the chatting and negociating. Just for the record my statement "I will never have another yard sale, garage sale or tag sale or any other kind of sale." still stands... at least in principle.  

This is about a third of what we started with.

We had a steady stream of people all day.

Negociating a good deal

We couldn't have done it without the muscles. Thanks guys!

Poirot on love...

"Am I so calculating, Madam.  Am I the solver of puzzles with a heart that is cold, or are we looking at the greatest of mysteries that life ever throws out, a mystery that  even I, Hercule Poirot, would not be able to solve... the nature of love."  (Poirot in The Third Girl to his good friend Madam Oliver)

So true, Mssr. Poirot, so true.

Rachel's Married!

 Rachel is married!  We knew Justin was the "one" when our beautiful, intelligent, sensible, career-minded daughter described him as the most athletic, handsome, perfect, wise man she had ever met.  Only knowing Justin through the eyes of our daughter we were pretty sure he had Greek god-like characterics.  After meeting him we realized he was a kind and caring, easy going, quiet, young man who was as in love with our daughter as she was with him.  It seems like God brought them together.  They emphasize each other's strengths and as you can see by the pictures they are genuinely in love.  I think Justin will help her find her way and vice versa. And when the difficult times come they can look back on their wedding day as a point of reference and remember how very full of love and hope they were.  The Justin and Rachel Angevine family was formed before God today and this is only the beginning of their love story, so much more is still to come.

Julia Says....

"Moderation, small helpings,sample a little bit of everything, these are the secrets of happiness and good health."

Be brave. Float the Truckee.

I've never floated the Truckee River or any river on a tube before.  I was determined to conquer my fears and do it this year.  The river was very low and we were warned that people were bailing out part way through and walking the path to their cars.  We decided to plunge in and forge ahead.  Everything was going well until I got stuck on some rocks in the middle of some death defying rapids (as death defying as you can get in ankle deep water).  I had to do a kind of half roll, half bail out of my tube maneuver and figure out how to hoist myself up using a floaty for stability in the middle of rushing (yes, only ankle deep) water. I tell you that is not easy to do! Once I was in an upright position I had to pick my way over slippery rocks with wobbly legs to the edge of the river. After clinging to the side and waiting for my legs to quit shaking I picked my way down the river until the water was deep enough to get back into the tube.  The kids seemed oblivious to my struggles and were laughing and having a good time.  Most of the time I was hanging on to Rob's and Laura's boat for dear life.  Poor Rob, can you imagine trying to navigate a rubber raft with a huge dory attached using one little paddle?  After a couple of these harrowing experiences I decided to bail out and walk the path.  I know it sounds like I gave up, but I didn't, not really. As I was walking that mile or two back to our cars I was smiling from ear to ear.  I had done it!  I floated the Truckee River just like everyone else.  I jumped in despite my fears and participated in life instead of watching from the sidelines.  The river was a little to low to float that day and everyone else bailed out shortly after I did.
Rob broke his oar and the boat was punctured, I left my keys back at camp and we lost a couple of our teen boys for a while but all I could think was ...I did it!

PS  Rob, you are a good friend  to weather that Jonah-trip down the Truckee without complaining or losing your temper. Thank you!   Laura, thanks for leading the way in the "live your life" department.  You do it so effortlessly.  While I don't have any actual pictures of us on the river here are some as we got ready to go for it.... 

Lazy Days of Summer...

The last couple of years we have been camping for the 4th of July at Lake Tahoe with great friends.  It is nice to spend time as families and leave the pressure of everyday life behind even if it is just for a few days. I love this trip and I love the Parks!  Hope everyone had a great Independence Day!  Enjoy the pics....

Journaling

One of the things I learned in Weight Watchers was the importance of keeping a Food Journal. I've heard testimony after testimony of people who have lost a significant amount of weight claim that keeping a food journal even after weight loss is key to keeping it off. Rachel told me about this great website where you can track your meals and your physical activity. The best part is it's free! http://www.livestrong.com/myplate/ Livestrong recently created a new website just for diabetics. It helps track your glucose levels as well. http://www/livestrong.com/diabetes-journal Another great website that you can personalize and track your food is http://www.mypyramid.gov/ This website is also packed full of great articles and helpful advice. Thanks to Jackie and nursing school for turning me on to that one.

Happy journaling everyone!

Hmm...A New Perspective

I've been feeling a little narcissistic about writing this blog. It seemed like enough for it to be all about me and my thoughts, but I'm uncomfortable with that and I guess I'm glad I am. After all what could be more boring than someone who talks non stop about themselves?! Sooo... I'm going to write to an audience, of at least 1 (thanks Rachel!). In my mind, this blog is written to anyone who wants to get out of their comfort zone, up off the couch, face their fears and make little changes that will hopefully add up to a big change. So fellow change makers what's on your mind?