It's been 6 weeks since I started the Runner's World beginner's running program, and I've done well. I am consistently running 30-40 min. without stopping 4 days a week, and surprisingly really enjoying it. I am also gradually going a little faster. It's something that is becoming important to me. Go figure! I have only missed 1 day in 6 weeks, when the power was out all over town and the wind was blowing up to 102 mph. I was surprised at how bad I felt about missing the day. At least it was a walk day.
This weekend was interesting. Today was another bonus day, with church lasting only through sacrament meeting and all the men in the ward called to change into their work clothes and go clean up the neighborhood. It was kind of a nice break from the regular Sunday routine. The storm was crazy fierce, and the ward members during testimony meeting made it sound like we'd been through the war, when it was really just a taste of what could have been. We were out of power at home for about 36 hours--2 full days and a night. By the second night I had to really concentrate on not whining about the dark, the cold, and the limited number of things to do--how much can one do in candlelight? How those pioneers survived is beyond me. Of course they didn't know anything about the internet and Facebook!
Here we are getting ready for more of the same. I wonder how long we will keep our power. I am hearing already that parts of Farmington and Centerville are already without power, and the wind hasn't even started yet. Anything that was loosened by the wind a few days ago will surely come down this time. We have talked about our emergency plans for our family, charged our phones and flashlights, reviewed where the candles, lighter, and extra blankets are, and feel like we're ready to go at it again.
I can't imagine the boys having a 3rd day off school, but we're waiting to hear. I sure do love having them around. They went out to help with the clean up this afternoon and brought home several loads of wood. They are both growing into amazing young men--I am so proud of each of them and their hard work and accomplishments.
Along with that comes the feelings of missing my daughters every day. They are doing so well and I am so amazed at what they are doing with their lives. I am so grateful for the times I have when they call and let me know what is happening in their lives. It is so important to me to be able to share at least a little in what they're doing. And, of course, there are always the feelings of missing the one who left us so many years ago. Especially, during this time of year, my feelings are so close to the surface. There is absolutely no way to describe it.
