tid bits

Summer is here and kids are done with school. Alexis had her graduation ceremony yesterday and will be entering her Junior year (middle school) in September. I'm both excited and anxious at the same time. She's growing up too fast. She'll be in high school before I know it. Then she'll be off to college. *sigh*. She wants to be a teacher someday. She's aware that teachers don't get paid a whole lot of money and don't often get the recognition they deserve. She said she's not after the money, nor fame. She wants to make a difference in a child's life. Her eyes sparkle when she talks about how fulfilling it will be to make a positive and lasting impact to her (future) students. And I couldn't agree more. My child has a good head on her shoulders and I couldn't be prouder. I encourage and support her, just like a mother should.

Speaking of vacation, we haven't really planned anything grand this summer. We will be going to Toronto and Chicago in July to visit some family and friends, and we might hit up Washington DC in August. We're also considering the possibility of Outer Banks rentals for a change. Too bad I only have 22 days leave (plus the 10 Federal holidays) this year. Compared to the 30 days I used to get in Germany, I feel a bit cheated. Oh well, I guess you can't have it all.

future American idol

Unstoppable jaws

I weighed myself this morning and I'm too embarrassed to share what my scale tells me. Hint. 20. lbs. over. weight. I don't look fat, but I'm starting to feel uncomfortable. I'm to a point where I'm looking for the best diet pills on the market. I refuse to buy new clothes to accommodate my new fuller figure. I'm still hoping to go back to my old weight and fit in my old clothes. I have a lot of office clothes I can wear if only I lose a bit "cargo" in my mid-section.

Anyway, nuff said. I'm going on a diet tomorrow. Meantime, I'm going to devour the baby back ribs, corn on the cob, baked potatoes with sour cream we're having for dinner tonight.

thoughts

Having a pre-teen at home is not as easy as I imagined. From small things such as finding the right acne treatment for her delicate skin, to bigger issues such as responsibility, you name it, we've argued about it. There are challenges specially when she tries to assert herself in a way that I do not so much appreciate. We are so much alike that's why we butt heads all the time. She is head strong and knows exactly what she wants. I shouldn't complain much though because for the most part, she is an excellent kid. I probably just need to remind myself more often that she is still a KID.

Drug rehab

Hubby was venting the other day about an applicant that was already scheduled to join the ranks. He just got laid off from his job, owes some back taxes and is having a hard time getting another one in this hard economy. He has a family to support and he seemed eager to enlist. Thing is, the Army conducts drug tests to ALL applicants. This guy's result came back positive- three times! He swore up and down that he has stayed away from drugs but the results don't lie.

I think he's putting his family's future at risk. He needs to straighten up and find a drug rehab that can help steer him in the right path.

Colon cleanser

Colon cleansing. I've never done it, and I don't think I'll try anytime soon. The idea sounds inviting though. Colon cleansing, others say, is like detox to the large intestine. A good colon cleanser flushes out the excess undigested food stuck in the colon. I wonder if it's effective? I should have asked my doctor when I had my (overdue) annual check-up recently. Maybe next time.

Exercise

The weather was beautiful yesterday so I decided to help hubby with yard work. He's been working hard on maintaining our lawn and I felt it's about time I get off my lazy butt and do something productive. I decided to trim the bushes. I used the electric trimmer so it was really no big deal. I was really proud of myself when I finished. It was good exercise too, the perfect workout. I was aching everywhere when I woke up this morning.

Speaking of exercise, I wonder where I can get the motivation to start a regimen? I bought an elliptical 2 years ago and it's been collecting dust in the basement since. I looked at treadmills and been wanting to buy one but I'm afraid it'll suffer the same fate as the elliptical machine.

How do you motivate yourself? Help!