Transition...

Last week I began doing some PT work until I hear back from the "real  jobs". (Two interviews in the next two weeks...fingers crossed!) On Saturday I came home to John organizing closets (something I rarely have patience for) and cleaning the main room in our home. It helped me out so much since I had an overly ambitious laundry list for the weekend. Tonight he took care of dinner so when I came home from church I could sit back with him and his son and relax! Later, he offered to accompany me to the grocery store so we could "divide and conquer" and when we came home he helped me pack/prepare our breakfasts and lunches for tomorrow. Sometimes with men you almost don't want their help because they do things "different" or let's face it, "not how I would do it" but John actually has a gift for details and functionality. I am detailed oriented but he has the ability to take it to a whole other level! Any man that actually dusts is a hero in my book. Now don't get me wrong, my husband is often a rather helpful individual but usually these are things that I take over. It has really made the transition of working outside of the home a breeze. I am so thankful for someone who is literally my "partner" and recognizes so clearly how to make things easier on me.

Reflecting...

Lately I have been contemplating such things as motivation and mental strength. I struggle to understand how to increase these things in my life to help me reach my goals. One of my all-time favorite books is called the Miracle of Forgiveness by Spencer W. Kimball. These two things at first may not seem related but hopefully I can clarify the connection I have felt with these concepts. The author cites an unknown author in a comment I want to share.
"Into the hands of every individual is given a marvelous power for good or evil- the silent, unconcious, unseen influence of his life. This is simply the constant radiation of what man really is, not what he pretends to be...Life is a state of constant radiation and absorbtion; to exist is to radiate; to exist is to be the recipient of radiation.
Man cannot escape for one moment from this radiation of his character, this constant weakening or strengthening of others. He cannot evade the responisbility by saying it is an unconcious influence. He can select the qualities that he will permit to be radiated. He can select the calmness, trust, generosity, truth, justice, loyalty, nobility-make them vitally active in his character- and by these qualities he will constantly affect the world."
This hit me hard. My mind filled with questions like "what am I radiating?" and "am I making others stronger or weaker?". I am embarrassed at the responses I came up with. Spencer W. Kimball makes an implied connection that our thoughts are responsible for what we radiate. I love this concept of selecting the qualities that we will permit to be radiated. Absorbtion becomes difficult for me. Regretfully, over the last year I have been consumed by reality tv among other things. My husband often comments on my choices while he is watching sports or History channel I am watching to see who the bachelor will choose to marry. Sad, I know. Absorbtion. This is what I am choosing to absorb.
James Allen in his book As a Man Thinketh (another great one) said this, "Let a man radically alter his thoughts and he will be astonished at the rapid transformation it will effect in the material conditions of his life. Men imagine that thought can be kept secret, but it cannot; it rapidly crystallizes into habit and habit solidifies into circumstance."
I think I will put this to the  test...

Rambling thoughts...

My favorite season is most defintaely Fall. We have been feeling spurts of it here in Wisconsin and it gets me excited. It's funny but I always feel as though Fall is a time for new beginnings. Perhaps it is all of my many years in school where the "new year" started in August or September. For me, the change in the leaves represents an opportunity to "start fresh" or "re-evaluate". I reflect on my New Year's resolutions and I am disheartened to know that the top ones have been abandoned as the stresses of the last couple of months have begun to preoccupy my mind. It's time to clear it out and begin anew. I ask myself if these things are still  important...yes seems to be the consistant response. I will try again.

Football season is here. I was in PA last year and missed the opportunity to see how this would directly impact my life. And boy does it. The plasma is on perma-games, screaming and yelling now constantly resonate from the living room, and I have been able to get so much more done since instead of postponing the dishes for my fav tv show...I now rarely have an excuse. My sweet John selected Austin Collie for his fantasy football league just for me. He knows I am a big fan of his even if I don't really know what what a wide receiver even does. I am sure like baseball, my football education will begin soon...

Over the last couple of weeks we have enjoyed some great parts of Wisconsin. I decided I love the rural parts. John and I planned a canoe trip with his family and I was so glad that most everyone was able to make it. It was beautiful! I have been waiting to go canoeing with John since before we got married and I am so grateful we were able to make it this summer. It really made me appreciate Wisconsin a lot more and to get to know John's family better.

John and I decided to go northeast for a little "getaway". John made us reservations at an Inn located in Green Bay. It was kind of cool to see Lambeau Field in person since every Packer game of the season is sure to be broadcasted in our home. Even though we were right there at the home of the Packers he graciously turned down my offer to go visit some of the "sites". (Phew!) We spent the day swimming, relaxing, visiting a large candy shop, and eating at a steakhouse where you pick out your raw piece of meat and stand around large grills and cook it yourself. Bliss.

The next day we drove to the "country" and visited some farmer's markets. I had so much fun learning about Wisconsin's "local produce". My favorite part of the day though was visiting an apple orchard to do some apple picking. The owner was fabulous. He talked to us about his orchard and drying fruit. He grew all sorts of produce and I have to say that I found myself envying this life of picking, drying, canning produce and going to "work" in jeans and a T-shirt. He gave me me a bag of dried pears for the road in one hand and a large bag of fresh pears in the other. He was fabulous and I have a hunch we will be visiting him again for cherry season.

I am so thankful to wrap up the summer with these experiences. The opportunity to be outside and away from the city was well needed.