Lessons in Submission from Working Out . . .

It may come as a surprise for many of you, but I'm not as tough and manly as I appear. I know it's hard to believe, but trust me. This semester, I started working out with a couple of guys much younger than me. We've been lifting weights 3-4 days a week. Since it has been nearly 8 years since the last time I lifted weights regularly, it would be an understatement to say it has been hard. One of these guys pushes himself so hard that he works out most exercises to the point of failure. I won't begin a set if I'm not absolutely sure I can finish all 10 reps. Anyway, they always want to do the hard exercises. I look around for the exercises that are easier for me, they always suggest lat pulls, squats, shoulder press, pull-ups and dips. Each time they do, I find myself saying on the inside, "Do we have to?" But there's too much testosterone floating around to say it out loud. I've learned with these guys to submit to what they're doing, knowing it will make me stronger than what I would do if I got to choose the exercise. I guess there's a lesson in there for me, probably a larger life lesson: Let those around me push me toward greater sacrifice in order to accomplish a greater goal. Or - Don't let me be your personal trainer.

Dyllan Rocks

We had Dyllan's 10th birthday party on Saturday.  Of course I always try to figure out how to fit in a few crafts and games.  We melted lps in to the shape of bowls (much to my father's disapproval), made guitar picks out of shrinky dinks, and had a guitar tournament playing Guitar Hero III for the Wii.  It was quite the time and Neil always helps to put the finishing touch on things.  He decided to dress up and I told him I was game as well.  Check out the pictures.  He even did my hair.