Sunday ,Sunday , Sunday!

The pics: Dad in his canoe demonstrating his paddling prowess. Sheila is doing well with the no-smoking thing but is having noticeable trouble walking up stairs. Spiritual guides...

I was up at 730AM with no worries in the least. What a great day to be alive! We were blessed with yet another splendid summer day. The sun was shining and the weather prognosticators promised that it would remain that way. I casually went through my morning routine of exercise, walking Sparky, coffee, and running. I had completed it all, including my run, by 915AM. I used music in my ears again today, except this time with my new ear buds. They worked much better than the old ones that would always fall out.. When I got back home I made breakfast which consisted of some bacon, a pizza omelet, and some pineapple chunks. Turned out really good! After cleaning up my mess, I had to commit to my day. I had toyed around with going boating again. However, as nice as it was, I couldn't give it 100% of my attention so I opted not. instead I thought that I'd stay around the house and do some dreaded hum-drum chores like weed the flower beds and spray the dandelions that have realized a rebirth with all the dry weather we've had. Not real glamorous or romantic but needing done just the same. That is kinda why I question buying my boat back. You see, there is always so much else needing done that the boat often sits there on perfectly sunny days not getting used. That is why so many people end up selling them. Good intentions gone to hell! The hot and sunny weekends are slipping away fast too. After Labor Day, we're lucky to have two or three real summery weekends left. Sure, it might be warm and sunny, but it really needs to be alt least 80 degrees and clear to enjoy a day on the lake. Anyway, I found enjoyment in weeding my flower beds and killing dandelions. While doing my yard chores an old friend that lives in my subdivision happened by. But for the life of me, I can't recall her first name. Tell me that's not embarrassing!. Oops! We talked for about an hour. She's a kindergarten teacher for Columbus Public Schools, divorced, and just finished her Master's program. Plus, she's one motivated individual. She runs, blades, and loves to take care of yard and home. We hadn't talked, I'd guess, in about two years. I think she was a little upset with me for seemingly blowing her off one evening about two years ago. I was in school then, and had a paper to write. And like I've expressed a number of times, when I get focused on a goal, I get focused. She cam over knocked on my door, I refused to break my concentration to answer her calling. I felt kind of bad but knew I needed to stay the course or risk losing the moment.. All's good, however. We agreed to hook up real soon for some beers and chit chat. She always makes me feel good by complimenting my beautiful landscaping. I finished my lawn responsibilities, had some lunch, then went for a drive in my BM'er. While out and about, I decided to stop at my Dad's and check on their dog, thinking they were still camping. To my surprise, they were home. When my Dad came out I asked if he would do me a favor and get back in his canoe like I found him a week ago (paddling in his yard). He obliged! I asked Sheila to join him but she declined. We all enjoyed the mini photo shoot. They shared a few of their camping stories, and Sheila reported that she and Margie are doing great with their no smoking program. She admitted to having a couple over the course of the last two weeks though. In stead of admonishing her, I praised her effort and wished her well on this difficult journey. I know it's not easy but what worth while ever is? After about an hour I decided to head home. Sparky awaited me. After our evening walk I returned to make tacos for dinner. Soon after the tacos, I read for about an hour then prepped the hot tub for some relaxation, and relaxing it was! Words of wisdom: rather than a song how about this... A couple of weeks a go I was IMing with Vicki B. She reminded me that we always have a choice how we respond to a given situation rather than allowing the situation to rule us. Specifically, we were talking about whether she might be offended by a blog entry. She responded by simply saying "If I so chose, I could be offended ten times a day, but no, I am not offended at all". That's a simple but profound thought. It speaks volumes to ones ability to choose how they respond. We can allow the world to happen to us, or we can choose to make the world happen for us. The choice is truly ours. It's not often what happens, but instead how we respond to it. It goes along with the thought that I can't MAKE you mad, or I can't CAUSE you troubles. Nope, we make those things happen all by ourselves via choice. This also reminds me of a similar thought shared by Stephen Covey, the author of Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, he said, "The biggest difference between man and animals is our ability to pause between stimulus and response". I always appreciate a wise and a well thought out perspective on life. Thanks Vicki!!!