Fall

I spend quite a bit of time in my car these days and I was

thinking the other day about all the changes in my life.

I guess Fall is a good time of year to take stock.

  Because I do a lot more driving these

days I find myself being a much more assertive

driver than I ever was before.  I'm not saying

that's necessarily a good thing, but I used to be

reluctant to drive in the city.  Now I do it every day

so I've had to learn to move faster, find my way

and get around on my own.  And it

also means I'm less patient with other drivers.

I rarely dress up any more.  Which means I rarely

buy any clothes for myself.  These days I'm

usually in sweats or jeans....once in a while

a dress on a warm day...And I've found

that my wardrobe is quite adequate.  Once

in a while I miss getting dressed up, but

mostly I like being more comfortable and it

sure saves a lot of money.  I may never

have to buy another pair of pantyhose in my life!

There was a time when I was very involved

in my church...serving on boards, playing

the piano or organ, serving coffee, taking

on leadership roles, attending classes, teaching SS.

  Now I am about

as detached from all that as you can get.

I can't say I miss it.  I think people who

volunteer in their service group or church

do great work but I also realize there can be

many seasons to life.

I used to travel more.....a long weekend with

a friend, a trip to see the Florida family, an

excursion with Greg to see a different part

of the country.  Right now it's just hard to

get away.   Not that the kids aren't flexible

and willing to help make it happen.  But

I know daycare for their babies is important

and I take that committment seriously.

And I think all those places will still be there

in a few years when I have more time.

Hopefully, the Florida boys and I can stay

connected in very real ways without

as much face to face.

My house is a mess!  I used to be able

to clean every week and do a thorough

cleaning of at least one room every

weekend.  I'm gone so much now that

when I am home I need to catch up on

laundry, socializing, mail, posting pictures

and blogging...there just isn't time for

deep cleaning.  (Please don't look out

my windows if you come to visit.)

I'm also realizing I just don't have the same energy

level I used to have.  Time was I worked full time,

drove 10 miles back and forth to work, had 3

kids in activities, maintained a household, did laundry,

baked for the bake sales,

 and had supper on the table by 5:30

every night.  Whew!  Now when I can,

I sit:

But some things don't change:

I still like a good biography to read.

I still like to share a walk with a friend.

Greg can still make me laugh.

I would do just about anything

for my kids.

I still feel lucky to have had loving parents.

I still sing along with Frank Sinatra

and Michael Jackson when they

come on the radio.

I will never refuse a carmeled apple.

There's nothing prettier than a sunset.

(The pictures have nothing to do with this
post....they're for you, LoriAnn.)