Cheers to 41!

In less than 48 hours, I will leave 40 behind for 41. Party on.

40 was a year similar to every other year of my life (and probably yours too). There was good and bad and laughter and tears. There were days when I thought I wouldn't make it to bed time and others where I hoped the day would never end. That's life.

Overall, I give 40 a thumbs up.

The kids are growing and both are so very funny and smart and kind. They have their moments (we should never spend any time in one hotel room together - ever) but we are certainly blessed. The hubs is healthy and still my biggest fan and I continue to love him more each day.

I have a renewed perspective and outlook on life. Maybe that comes with age.

The biggest thing during my year of 40 was that I left a job that I loved but realize now that it was not a good fit me anymore. It was very stressful and very toxic for me personally.

And, because of the stress, I did what every mom does - I stopped making myself a priority and did all the things for all the people and the job.

I know better now.

I love, love, love my new job and my new work family. I love connecting people and I love learning so much about our great little community. I have always loved Knoxville but these last few months have helped me fall in love with it all over again. I have met the most amazing people in just a few months and I can't wait for work each day.

I have to admit that I am in the worst shape that I've been in for 10 years including two pregnancies and post-pregnancy body.

BUT, that's over. I've been seeing Andy Baksa at Results Physiotherapy (he's a long-time friend and is not paying me to say this) and I have hope. I am optimistic. I've had injury after injury after injury. I've had back pain for months now. Because of Baksa, my back doesn't hurt and I am equipped with exercises to keep it strong AND to strengthen my hip to keep the bursitis under control.

Starting with 41, I'm getting back in shape. I don't know if that means running or lifting or yoga and I'll let my body decide but the extra weight is on its way out.

I've always hear that your 40's are the best years and I have to say, if 40 was an indication of what is to come then I am pumped.

See ya on the roads!

Reset Button

Today was the first day of school for Jackson. To me, the first day of school is a chance for a reset. That said, every day is a chance for a reset but the first day of school really brings the opportunity to update your routine and make changes.

It's no secret that this was not the summer of fun that we'd hoped for way back in May. It kicked off with an amazing vacation and was followed by a fun June but July really did a number on us. Starting with the first day of July, someone was sick for over three weeks. We weren't dying and things could always be worse but it was really unfortunate for all of us.

I Can't Make This Stuff Up

We're in a place in life where you have to be ready for anything.

Like right now, I just realized that there is dried dog blood on my computer screen....

July has been crazy. Karson and Jason were both sick and then I was sick for several days. I felt better on Sunday and I climbed into bed knowing this was going to be an awesome week.

Then, the chiweenie climbed into bed and proceeded to throw up all over the sheets. This was awful but made worse because we'd just cleaned up Princess poop from the bedroom floor (she's old and can't control her bowels and poops all over the house day and night). Quick change later and we settled again with the knowledge that this was going to be a great week.

On Monday night, the chiweenie (Fritz) and the hound/heeler mix (George) were play fighting. They do this often. Fritz is roughly 7 pounds and George is probably 55-60 pounds. Fritz can hold his own pretty well when they fight so I wasn't really paying attention.

When we settled down, Jackson noted that something was wrong with Fritz' face. Either George's nail or tooth had torn Fritz' cheek leaving the skin hanging. I emailed a vet friend and she said to take him today as he would probably need antibiotics.