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Day 45: Beating the Heat!

I guess we'd better get used to it. We are in for a hot summer.  Hotter than Al Pacino, I said on my Facebook page!

I like the rain. But as long as it is summer and we are in the midst of a heat wave, I am determined to rise above.

My daughter is working. A lot.  She usually gets up early, takes the dog out and waters her plants before getting ready for work.

I have been having a hard time getting up early. Since I don't usually have students until the afternoon, I tend to sleep until late morning.

But this won't work in the hot weather.

It really wasn't working for me before.  I feel like I oversleep. I hit that snooze alarm until the very last moment that I can get ready without rushing.

So I made a commitment to my daughter to get up early and water the plants, take the dogs out and do the dishes.  There. I've said it. I really try to honor my word.

This will benefit our household. Help take some stress off of my daughter. But ultimately, put me on track with my sleep schedule. I hope.

So today, I rose at 6:30.  Watered the plants. Dog had already gone out. So I did the dishes. Then I sat down and ate 1/2 grapefruit, drank a glass of water and read from my bible.   I felt very accomplished!

Then before I could go on the internet and get lost for hours, I put on my running shoes and out the door I went!  It was already in the 60's by then.  So I took off! I was planning on making a kale and mushroom vegetarian lasagne in the crockpot for dinner. So my plan was to walk the trail and then walk to Safeway for a few items and then bus it home.

I walked for awhile. I felt good. I am not as achy these days. I feel light and springy in my step! And calm. Peaceful.  There is an absence of anxiety.  But this alone isn't the peace I feel. It is the elusive "inner peace" I have been seeking and have only fleetingly experienced my whole life.  It has been with me for two whole days.  I like inner peace.

After about 20 minutes, I broke into a jog. I jogged 330 consecutive steps today.

I walked up to Safeway and purchased my items and then came home. Loaded up the crockpot. I plugged in my route on mapmyrun.com.  I walked/jogged 2.19 miles today.

People, the lasagna smells divine!

After awhile I headed up to the library. I wanted to print some sheet music for my students, my mom and myself. It was my mother's birthday and 54th wedding anniversary yesterday.  We are having a dinner for her Sunday. She requested chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans. My mom is from Texas. LOL.  I will have to run an extra hour after I eat that dinner!

I talked to my mom yesterday. She sounded happier than usual.  And my mom is generally a very optimistic, bubbly person. My grumpy old dad had taken her out for breakfast and lunch and then had surprised her with some beautiful jewelry. In all the time I've known them (53 years), I have never seen my dad be even slightly romantic.

I guess it is never too late for positive change. Right?

Which is exactly why I started to blog. And to run. And work on my eating and health habits.

I am not really so afraid of getting older, as long as I am always growing.  Growing wiser, stronger, kinder and closer to God.

But for now, I feel a siesta coming on. After that, I am seriously considering going up to the gym and working chest/triceps.  I ride public transportation.  Portland has stellar public transportation. With air conditioning.  Yup. A ride up to the gym might be in order.  Then a good piano practice session...But first, a nap!

Happy Thursday! :)

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