I enjoyed spending the past week down in Texas with my family. My nephew and niece wake up crazy early! At first, I had trouble adjusting. I slept on the couch which is in the center of the living room, and everything happens in the living room. Interestingly enough, I found myself adapting to their schedule. In the mornings, we would go to the park. Ruthie, my sister, would push the stroller with Sara and Daniel while Brian, my brother-in-law, and I would run ahead. We averaged about three miles every morning. Getzendaner Park has a well-marked and well-made trail for both walking and biking. At one point, the trail leads past a cemetery which can be quite the motivation for running! I loved running with Brain. Both of us are super competitive and pushed each other farther each day we ran. I worked out with Sara in the afternoons. I’ve been working through the Jillian Michaels’ Body Revolution Progam for the past two weeks. Sara would ask her mom if she could exercise with Aunt Christina. I loved doing my exercise with her. It was hilarious watching her try to do the exercises with me, and I really enjoyed spending the time with her! Plus, she motivated me to do the workouts every day because she would ask to do it with me everyday!
My dad took me out to coffee a few times. I always enjoy having coffee with my dad. In Junior High and High School, Dad and I would take Mom to BeautiControl meetings. While Mom was at her meeting, Dad and I would slip off to a nearby Starbucks and study together. When Dad takes me out to coffee, it reminds me of those times we spent together and the memories we made. I was able to spend an evening with my mom as well. We watched “The Lucky One” and shared coffee and conversation. In a way, the evening was a late mother’s day gift.
Mom and I went over to my Aunt Linda’s house during another afternoon for coffee. Aunt Linda shared some of her college writings with me. I enjoyed reading pieces written by another member of my family. A quote from one of her writings stayed with me. “I don’t write because for money or what can be gained. I write because someone out there might need to read what I’ve written.” My writing journey is not about what can be gained but what can be given. One day she hopes to come back to her writing and polish some old pieces. My day is today.
The trip to Texas was wonderful. I loved spending time with both friends and family! While with my friends, I committed to coming down at the end of August for Anime Fest. AFest will be tons of fun, and I’m super excited! I’m planning my cosplay for the convention.
I already miss my family. However, in about a week Ruthie, Brian, Daniel, and Sara will be coming up to Springfield for School of Missions. I can’t wait to see them! Plus, SOM is going to be crazy awesome! Senior High here I come!
We miss you already!