Reflection

My triathlon went surprisingly well on Saturday.  Last summer I was steadily coming in around the middle of the pack- this year I have moved up a bit closer to the top 1/3.  At least I'm improving! When I returned from the race I had the newest issue of USAT magazine waiting in my mailbox.  I read a fun article on a couple who are around the ages of my husband and I who are 2012 Olympic hopefuls.  They don't have any kids and train for 6 hours a day!  Can you imagine training that much every day?!?  Wouldn't it be great to have that much time?!? 

After thinking about it I realized that I kind of like my diverse, planned to a "T" schedule and I wouldn't trade my home life, great job, church family, and friends and activities for anything.  After a bit more reflection it seems that I'm in a very different place from where I was this time last year.  Perhaps it's because my kids are a little older and more self sufficient or maybe it's because all the organizational tactics I've implemented over the year have been effective.  While those are possibilities, I'm most inclined to believe that it's as simple as I just "got used to things". 

It took a while for me to recover from our failed attempt to move closer to family - the first year I was disappointed, grumpy, and sensitive.  The disappointment, grumpiness, and sensitivity slowly dissipated over the last year to where the sting is gone and relocating is no longer even on my radar.  As each year passes, the southwest becomes more and more our home.  When I returned from San Antonio last week, I sighed with relief upon seeing the expansive skies, and feeling the warm dry air. 

Likewise, I have fallen into a good work/home routine - my current balance is working well.  I am able to reach my goals at work while still spending plenty of time with the kids.  The kids are doing great and now that my youngest is a bit older, it's easier for the 5 of us to do fun things as a family on weekends and in the evenings.  I know that will only get easier over time.

Our home routine has gotten easier as well.  We eat dinner as a family every night and I'm thrilled that our menu is becoming more and more diverse as the kids get older.  Swim practice ended today with the banquet next week.  The kids had a great time!  My son made some amazing progress going from refusing to put his face in the water at the beginning of June to swimming freestyle.  Can't wait to see what next summer will bring!  In the meantime, there is soccer, dance, a new school year, and a delightful fall & winter to anticipate.  :)