By the Way

Happens to be the title of one of my favorite Red Hot Chili Peppers songs, and one that I like to listen to when I need to perk up. It also helped me over a hump when I was on the treadmill yesterday. I am training for a 5k-the Avera Race Against Breast Cancer-which is happening on May 8th. Its less than a month away, and I really need to get in gear with it. I did have a great workout yesterday, and if I stay at the current pace, I will finish the race in just over an hour (20 minute mile). That may seem really slow to some, but for me it will be a personal best for a nearly 40 year old mom who hasn't run competively for over 20 years. That I am proud of.
Also coming up soon is the start of softball season. I am going to play on my church team this year. I was supposed to be right field last year, but due to Frankenboot, I was not able to do so. This year, barring any unforseen injuries, I will be out there (put me in coach, I'm ready to play). That is another sport that I had not played for a very long time, and I really enjoy it. I wouldn't say that I'm good at it, but its a church league, and its a lot of fun. Plus, its good exercise and a chance to be a positive role model to my son.
Today I see some time in the garden. I have to be-bop over to Wally's World to pick up a few things, and I think if I can find them-gladiola bulbs. They won't be blooming until July or so, but I love them in the garden and it makes for a perfect cutting garden. I love fresh flowers and I really think that they brighten a room and a home. One my of my favorite things about Easter this year was the bunch of tulips that I had as a centerpiece, next to the amazing eggs the little man dyed. (he really did an awesome job!) I have some basic housework to do, put the clothes together for the week so I don't struggle in the morning, and go on a hunt for library books that are overdue to the school library. I know that they are under the little man's bed somewhere (I think that it becomes a black hole, but that's just me). My back, under my rib cage, is a little sore from pulling weeds yesterday, which is a little sad that I am that out of shape from gardening. But I digress...its going to be fun putting the garden together this year. I am truly looking forward to it.
A while back, someone picked on me about being Martha Stewart-esque, and I laughed it off. But in someways it is true. I love my crafts and hobbies (and happen to be quite good at it). I love to cook and bake (and happen to be quite proficient at both). I love keeping my home, although I don't spend as much time with it as I could or should. And I love my garden.
Gardening is a passion that goes back to my childhood. My aunt had a passion for it as well, and she taught me about plants and flowers-what works best for cross pollination, etc. Now that I am on my own, and have the yard to garden in, and I enjoy it. The little man may not feel the same awe and wonder that I did at his age, but he does like the pretty flowers that mommy grows. Last year I did some vegetables too and although my tomatoes did not fare so well, I did manage to grow cantelope, strawberries and cucumbers. Yay me!!
I think that's why I love the spring so much-its a time of new beginnings. A chance to plant flowers and food. A chance to clear out the cobwebs and get things fresh once again. A chance to be outside after a long, cold, dark winter. A chance to shake off the snow hangover and get some vitamin D in the system.
I need to get the day going and motivated. Shower, dress, wally world, garden. Maybe hop on my bike and go for a ride around the block with the little man. Tidy up the house, put together my page kits to scrap on my lunch hour this week. Finish some cards up too, since I am behind in sending them out. Enjoy time with my family. And since it is Sunday, have my glorious Sunday afternoon nap. Its a good life, by the way.