182.4 Feeling Alive

I think my spirit died a little this summer. I have lots of reasons I can think of as to why that happened and none of them are very good. Jeff and I are already thinking about next summer and changes we might make so that this doesn't happen again.

Today, as I was leaving the college after teaching the ESL group, I was struck by how alive I felt at that moment. I could teach over the summer and perhaps that is something I might do next year. And I want to find other activities even now that give me that sense of aliveness that I seem to need.

My time with my children and grandchildren always gives me that sense of feeling alive and of being in the moment, and I cherish that time with them so much.

So I am grateful for so much today. I even did the elliptical and realized how alive I felt while doing that. Why don't I do it more often and more routinely? That's a good question. So I'm working on lots of things mentally and physically. Welcome back to life, Sue!

176.2 Susannah and me!

It has been a whirlwind 5 days since I arrived in Boston to meet Susannah! She is adorable, and we are all delighting in her newborn gestures, facial expressions, and posturing. I know it's all about ego, but I find myself looking for traits we share. I decided that she has my longs legs and arms, my hair color, and on and on. It's silly I know. I am not the only one in her extended family that has long arms and long legs. I wonder why I need/want to see myself in her.

And, I'm wondering how we ever got along without all of the equipment and new thinking about taking care of newborns that my daughter and her husband find themselves imbued with and surrounded by. But it is all good. I wish we had had a diaper genie, wipes for crying out loud, swaddling wraps that stay in place even when the baby kicks, car seats that support and protect the baby, etc.

So here is a picture of my newest grandchild. You do see the resemblance, right?

I can hardly wait for her to get to know her cousins, Lennox, Alex, and Julien.

177.2 What A Difference A Day Makes

It is amazing how many changes occur in less than a day in the life of a newborn. She was able to lose 9 ounces and I was able to gain about that.

I just came back from attacking the elliptical. To tell the truth, it was hard today to stick with it. It seemed like I never got in the zone. I've got to get a plan set up so that I can work out while I'm in Boston helping my daughter. Having a schedule and keeping in control of my eating will help me stay conscious, aware of what I'm doing. It is very circular, I've learned. If I have everything in place, things stay in place. If I let things get a little haphazard, it can all fall apart.

And now I have even more motivation to stay fit and more slender. I had three very precious reasons and now I have 4... wonderful grandchildren.