Thursday, January 31, 2008

Life is good

Yesterday I read an article that praised the muscle building benefits of milk. Now I can enjoy my triple-venti-no whipped- mocha without feeling like a pussy.

Life is real good right now. I am making headway on my goals and all is calm at home. This weekend is the first weekend where I have two complete obligation-free days. I plan to spend some time with J rebuilding the hardtop for my jeep.

B has suddenly become much more enthusiastic about the cadet group. He passed his Corporal test and should receive his promotion within the next 30 days or so. I am thrilled and suggested that he take over the Color Guard unit and he agreed.

Improving one's life is much like creating a sculpture. You start with this odd meaningless shape, envision the beauty within, then slowly and purposely chip away until it's final form is revealed.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Cold Morning

This morning when B and I took Amber for a walk, the thermometer displayed 8 degrees. It was a cold walk. I was a bit sore largely due to running four miles last night with B. I just don't recover like I used to.

The run was great. B really pushed me. For the first time I really struggled to keep up with him. He is developing more confidence in himself and his stride has improved immensely.

Tonight we head down to the USS Salem with the cadets. I am looking forward to spending some time with the unit. We have most of the time scheduled for training but we should have some time to explore the ship.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Appreciation

How quickly we begin to lose appreciation for the little things that used to delight us. For a time, I was visiting the little coffee shop in the town square on an almost daily basis. When I arrived at the intersection at which I chose to go directly to work or stop for a morning coffee, I did not hesitate to drive straight thru the light delaying my workday for a while. Now I have reduced the visits to my favorite bistro but have developed a much greater appreciation for the time spent there.

I have also come to the realization that I must find more time to update my blog. I am often tempted to do so while at my client's site(s) but view this as taking advantage of their ignorance of what I do for them. In the morning I am occupied with making breakfast for the kids and walking the dog. At night I generally don't have the motivation to leave Clickerville nevermind to do something requiring thought.

I am doing fairly well on the life goals I previously listed on this blog. I am in the midst of refinancing my house and I hopeful I will secure an approval. Quickbooks is up and running and I mailed a care pack to my nephew in Iraq. I need to revisit my goals though and include something relative to physical fitness.

Yesterday we met with the lawyer defending our son and he informed us of a recent development that will likely play in our favor. The prosecutor has initiated a dialogue regarding the possibility of a plea bargain. Our lawyer declined saying that our case was strong. This is the first good news we have received since this nightmare began and I am hopeful that we can negotiate a reasonable agreement that will be agreeable to all.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Time Away

I finally made it to my favorite coffee shop. At this moment I am sitting in the comfy chair right by the front window, basking in the morning sun. I have been really busy with work and have refined my brewing skills to a point where my homemade lattes are actually palatable.

I had grand plans this morning to blog away until I met Adam. Adam was waiting for the bus to take him to his job at Wal-Mart, where he makes $10.70 an hour pushing carriages and stocking shelves. He lives in Durham and attends church there. Adam is very happy as he just got a big raise. He is highly knowledgeable regarding most spectator sports and can quote stats like a professional sportscaster. He also has a really good grasp of the weather forecast and recommends channel 9 for the latest weather information.

When I talk to Adam I realize how incredibly fortunate I am. However, Adam has most likely realized his full potential while I have not. My memory is not as good as Adam's, but in all likelihood I have more resources available to me; but many remain unused.

I need to revisit my list of priorities and do better at realizing my potential.