I have had a house full of women this past week as my BFF's sisters and another friend visit from Minnesota. Lots of chatter and laughs. The first night they were here, we went to my favorite Mexican restaurant and they loved it too! They been been playing tourist and doing a lot of cooking - it's nice to have a bunch of people around the table for dinner. The other day we went to the new casino in Baltimore (no big winners-LOL) and yesterday we were in downtown Washington. They went on a White House tour and I sat in the park waiting for them. I had a wonderful time enjoying my favorite past time - watching people - and reading. I had a lovely discussion with Dessi a tourist from Australia. It turns out she is on a short educational trip to Washington, NYC and Boston - three places I have knowledge about. I made suggestions for what to see, where to eat and how to get the most out of her time. I honestly remember thinking as she walked away - there were several empty benches yet she sat with me - things happen for a reason. Did anything happen unexpectedly with you that had you thinking - things happen for a reason?
The ladies had gone downtown a few different days to see sites, so yesterday was catching up on the few they had not seen. I must admit for the first time I walked up the steps at the Lincoln Memorial and the view was spectacular. It was an awesome experience. We also walked along the Vietnam Memorial. With the gorgeous day, people and volunteers were everywhere. I must admit I do not go to downtown Washington enough, although there is so much to enjoy once you are there. Perhaps now that the metro has arrived out my way I will make more effort. Have you played tourist lately in your town? Hope the pics I added to the blog appear.
Spent a lovely evening this past week with my friends Diane and Gina. Always fun catching up on families, business, work and hopes/dreams. Of course I also got a great haircut out of the evening. I have already made an appointment with Gina for November and talked about how I'm ready to change it up......watch out pink tips here I come! I figure if I can handle my head being shaved a few years ago I can handle anything. I'll post pics when done. Have you been thinking about a change - what actions are you taking toward the change?
I had a couple of great workouts this past week. Frank does like to challenge me physically and mentally. I have to admit on Friday when I finished I was worn out and my muscles were quivering - he wore me out. He told me I would be sore this weekend and I can say I am definitely feeling some stiffness. I told Frank it's his way to make sure I think about him over the weekend. I did promise him that when I go to Massachusetts this coming week I would join a gym to keep up my strength work. On Friday I actually leg pressed 380 pounds - 8 times. I also did calf raises wearing a 25 pound weight on a belt about 150 times. Who would have thought that I could do all that? Definitely not me! I did come right home and eat a banana. Yes, for those that know me I eat a banana almost every day - still don't like them, but I know I need to eat them.
My emotions this past week were pretty high. I felt tears beneath the surface several times whether I was reading a poem or watching a show. I know part of it is my mom and dad. I may be in Virginia, but my thoughts are constantly in Massachusetts. Still dealing with insurance companies and hospitals. My mom turned 81 this past week and my niece posted a picture on Facebook of them together. I looked at the picture and cried because I could see my mom's failing health in her eyes. I feel in some ways I have already started the mourning process as we lose my mom to Alzheimers and other health issues. I am trying to be realistic as to what happens next, but as you know when it's a family member it is definitely harder to be in my normal logical thinking mode.
Finished Reading: "Soldier Girls - The Battle of Three Women at Home and At War" by Helen Thorpe. This story is about three women who join the Indiana National Guard and their experiences both at home and in the war zones. It's how these women become friends and what they go through together and apart.
I think I will end it here for today. The sun is up and it's time for me to get some other stuff done today. I am leaving for Massachusetts this week so have lots to finish before I travel. I hope you have a good week. I am grateful for you taking the time to read my blog. Take care of yourself. Chat soon. Marie
"In the end, it's not going to matter how many breaths you took, but how many moments took your breath away." shing xiong
"When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile." Unknown
"I always knew looking back on the tears would make me laugh, but I never knew looking back on the laughs would make me cry." Unknown
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