Today's project (next stop, psychiatrist)

Since today was another day off from work, I decided to tackle a big project. There are always so many things that need to be done, but anything that takes more than a couple of hours is too overwhelming to start. Today, the plan was to clean out the library (my second bedroom). I pulled almost everything out of the room to go through it before putting most of it back. After reading Peter Walsh's book, It's All Too Much, I've tried to change my mindset on holding on to absolutely everything. By lunchtime, I was mortified at the stuff I'd crammed into that room. Why did I still have papers and test from my Master's Degree (earned eight years ago)? Worse yet, why did I still have payment slips from my Perkins Loan (bachelor's degree earned 14 years ago)? I won't even talk about coupons that expired in 2004 and comics I never got to from (mumble mumble) years ago. I filled a tall kitchen trash can and my recycling bin is overflowing. I have a crate of magazines to take into work (those vultures will take anything left in the kitchenette). Every time I got tired, I just walked back into my empty library and remembered why I was doing this. I feel so good that I got rid of so much crap - and I'm not done. Now I just have to keep up on the lack of clutter.

Shopping

I took a five-day weekend to celebrate the Fourth of July. I don't often take a week at a time, and like to use my days off here and there. I only needed to use two vacation days to get the very long break. Today, I went shopping with my mom, to the Birch Run outlets (then to Zehnders in Frankenmuth for a late lunch). There was nothing in particular I needed, so of course I came home with a half dozen bags! We got some great deals at a Gap warehouse (not the regular outlet, but a special place where they were clearing out stuff). My mom kept up with me bag for bag. It has been a long time since the two of us hung out together, excluding the half hour it took to find a dress for my cousin's wedding this spring. Mom drove us out there in her Prius, preaching all the way there and back about the mileage and the benefits of driving a hybrid - wasn't I the one who convinced her to start recycling all those years ago? It was a great way to spend the day.

Traditions

My year is ruled by traditions, and I wouldn't have it any other way. On the Fourth of July, my friends have a big party ending in lots of big fireworks. I think this is our 15th year. Several years ago, we started making cookies the night before, decorated in red, white and blue. The cookies are put in flower pots (with styrofoam holding them in place). The kids (and I count myself as one of them) eat the cookies after dinner and through the fireworks. I don't even care that the blue frosting turns my mouth blue! The cookies with sprinkles are my favorite. Here is one of our traditional cookies - Niki's version of the flag. Happy Birthday, America!

Biking

I'm sitting here trying not to pass out. I just went for the longest bike ride of my life! I bought a bike this spring, thinking it would be another way for me to exercise. So far, I haven't gone further than a couple of miles away before turning around and coming home. Today, the weather is beautiful and my yard work was done, so I thought I'd try a longer ride, with a specific destination. A very large cemetery where many of my relatives are buried is about four miles away. I figured I would go, find my grandparents' grave site, and head home. It's been a while since I've been there, though, and rode for an hour trying to find them. In a very hilly cemetery. I never found the grave site, and headed out. By the time I was a mile from home, I was so thirsty and tired. All I could think about was sitting down with some water. But, I made it and am so glad I got in a two-hour workout today.

Summertime festivals

Does it get any better than a festival when you're a kid? Mt. Clemens premiered its Stars and Stripes festival this weekend, and I talked my sister into going. Bands, food, games and rides - so much fun! I had a great time with my digital camera, snapping away until I caught just the right shot. Here's E on the swings, just pretending to fly. I rode once with her, a few rows behind, and got a couple of good shots while we were both in the air. I love this one, though, as it represents what the freedom festival is all about, to me. Just let go and enjoy this great country we live in!

Rain

After a few hot and humid days, we finally got the rain we've needed for so long. Everywhere you look, the grass has turned to straw. I've been watering my annuals, but the perennials and the grass were long overdue for a soaking. I heard a couple of storms pass by while I was at work (25 miles away), but my house seems to be in a dry zone, so I wasn't convinced it rained at home. Fortunately, it did, and it looks like we'll have more tonight. Unfortunately, tonight is when the big Detroit fireworks were scheduled for, and they may have to be moved for the first time in five years. Hopefully, the temperature will allow it to cool down below 80 degrees in the house so I can sleep tonight!

Motorcycles

My dad has had a motorcycle my whole life. I remember when I was young, he told me he never looks at accidents since he saw one involving a motorcycle, where the rider lost his life. Yesterday, at 6:20 am as I was on my way to meet my carpool, traffic was being diverted around an SUV/motorcycle accident. I saw the motorcycle under the SUV, and had to look away. I am so careful around motorcycles on the road, hoping that everyone else is careful around my dad. And then there are the idiots who weave in and out, tailgate, and otherwise drive recklessly on their bike. Without the protection of a vehicle around their whole body, it is just a short move away from a nasty accident. I can't stop thinking about yesterday's tragedy (I can't imagine the rider walked away). Please be careful around motorcycles!