Our New Normal

Andrews Bald - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

October 6, 2010

Unfortunately, this picture above was not taken when I visited Andrews Bald earlier this month.   But this one was:

Andrews Bald - August 13, 2012

As you can see, the two wayward "spots" which first appeared on our camera lens while traveling in New England this summer, have reappeared much to my chagrin.  We thought the problem had been corrected, but apparently not.  Guess I'll be in the hunt for a new camera!  

The two pictures were taken from almost exactly the same spot on Andrews Bald, one of only a couple that are still maintained as "balds" by the National Park Service.  It is a short hike with an incredible panoramic payoff, so on an uncharacteristically clear August day that also promised cooler temps and low humidity, it was an easy choice.  And it did not disappoint!   But even as good as it was, finding the picture from October, 2010 and comparing the two made me remember just what is in store for me over the next several months.  Currently blessed with a plethora of hiking friends, I can't remember when I've been more excited about the approach of fall.  

Now if my body would just cooperate............seems if it's not one thing, it's another, but we'll go there another time!

With Bill back in school, I thought you might enjoy following along with us/me on our newly established 2012 New Normal.  Remember this post?   The one where Bill decided he would challenge himself to go 30 days without white flour or white sugar?  And the one where I mentioned that we were walking every morning BEFORE his summer school class.   The one where HE mentioned trying to find a way to continue that routine once the regular semester began and he had to "dress up" again.  

Well I am happy ( make that THRILLED) to report success on all fronts.  Not only did he complete the 30 days successfully, but with no coercion from me, announced that he couldn't believe the difference in the way he felt and had no intentions of going back.  And so far, he hasn't.  If anything, he's more passionate about it right now than I am.  Not only that, but on the day before faculty was to report back to school, he said, "o.k., this is what we are going to do."  And thus our "new normal" morning routine was born.

It starts at 6 a.m. when I head back upstairs to make sure he's awake.  I get dressed for walking.  Remember I've already been up since 5 or so!  (No pictures of these moments - that would be a bit much!)

While he's getting ready, I pack his lunch and make our morning smoothie which I serve in my two favorite coffee mugs.   Lori, this is for you!

The goal is to leave home by 6:45 for the nine mile drive to our local mall which very graciously opens it's doors at 6:30 a.m. just to allow walkers inside.  Would we rather walk outside?   Of course, and there are options to do that closer than nine miles.   But remember that Bill has already showered, is dressed professionally for his day at school and once we finish walking, goes directly there.  So if it takes walking in the mall to keep us doing it without his becoming hot and sweaty, I have no objections.

 

Always kind of odd to see the mall parking lot this empty.  We're even ahead of most of the other walkers.

Just so you know, he was NOT amused at my picture taking as evidenced by his refusal to turn around and smile for this picture.  

 

I did, however, get him to "play" briefly while we were at the children's play area.  Would someone please mention how svelte he appears?  But DON'T mention that I look like I just crawled out from under a rock!  Glasses and all!

 I was so disappointed when this store opened a few years ago.   It just wasn't what I thought it was going to be!  I had visions of vats of buttercream icing for me to sink my face in!   Yes, some people are cake people and some are icing people.  I'm an ICING person!   Scratch that!   I am a FORMER icing person!

Bill does two full laps (registers just over 5,000 steps on my pedometer) in 40 minutes.   I do a third lap after he heads on to school for 60 minutes of walking and approximately 7700 of my 10,000 steps.  And just think.   All accomplished by 8 a.m.  

I'm not sure which part of this new routine I love more.   The fact that we are getting such great physical activity or the fact that we have 40 minutes of undistracted time to communicate every morning.  We are both enjoying that added benefit.  And BTW, a smoothie is not enough to tide him over until lunch time every day, so on top of his lunch box is always one of  Debby/Sharon's 3M Chia Magical Medicinal Muffins and either an apple or a peach.  He eats that breakfast "snack" as soon as he arrives at school.

Once my third lap is complete, I take care of any errands (grocery, Walmart, etc.) at the wonderful time of day when shelves are stocked, stores are clean and clerks are NICE!   On this day, I made my first visit to our newly opened Trader Joe's which is conveniently located just around the corner from the mall.  It did not disappoint!

Feeling quite accomplished, I usually head back home full of energy and ready to tackle whatever the rest of the day holds! 

I'll leave you with two thoughts that caught my eye as I've roamed the mall.   

I've made it my aim to let this serve as a reminder that if a single spark can burn an entire forest, why can't one tiny thing I do or say each day be the spark that "ignites greatness" in someone else?

And heaven only knows how badly we need people who are willing to EARN respect by SHOWING respect!  

THINK ABOUT IT!!

How about letting me see a glimpse of YOUR 2012 morning routine!