Time Flies....

So I did not realize how long it had been since the last post. Not much has happened in the past week, and yet it has been crazy busy.
Softball games are just about every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, so that has been time-consuming. We are playing SO much better than last year. Won our game Monday night due to a forfeit, but hey, a win's a win. :) We scrimmaged the other team and had some good practice time. I have been in a bit of a slump since the first game, but the game last night seemed to be a good omen for the future. Just concentrating and getting my glove down really seem to help. Although everybody on the team is super supportive, one guy has really been encouraging and helpful with pointers. It makes a huge difference to know that somebody has faith in me. Anyway, doubleheader tomorrow (Thursday) night, and any and all fans are encouraged to come cheer us on!

Piano and guitar lessons continue to go well. Had two new students begin this evening, which was exciting. Both were girls I had taught at Grace, which makes it easier to get going. Loving the guitar lessons, even though it is a bit of a stretch for me. It's good to get out of my comfort zone and make myself learn new things. It's way too easy to get stuck in a pattern and never try new things or think outside the box. But sometimes after the leap, I wonder why I did not go for it sooner. Other times, though..... :) At any rate, lessons are encouraging to see how students are progressing. Plus, the extra income helps out.

The boys enjoyed seeing "Granny O" (my Mom) last weekend and hanging out with her some. They are so funny about their garden, which is next door at Grandmom's house. They have almost daily updates as to what is ready to pick and what all they have eaten out of it - tomatoes, beans, and okra. Drew has also developed a fascination with exterminating Georgia Thumpers. He's quite bloodthirsty with it. Both of the boys have an obsession with Indiana Jones at the moment, too, so they are constantly pretending to wield bullwhips and rescue people. Funniest thing is, they have only seen commercials and toys for him. If I can figure out how, want to post a clip of them dancing. That is something that the three of us enjoy doing, and it is priceless. Have not done much swimming lately, but hope to soon.

Last Saturday evening, we went down to Steve's parents for a birthday shindig for Rachel and Nick. Mom fixed an awesome meal, and we ate and talked and hung out. It was so nice to be able to see the family and spend a little bit of time catching up with them, especially with Rachel's surgery on Monday. The boys were great, just rather talkative. Nothing unusual, though.

Tonight, after piano lessons, I went by the bowling alley to see some of my students who were there for a youth activity. It's funny how much I miss talking to them and seeing them. Got to talk to a few of them, but would really like to be able to get together and spend more time with them. One of the girls and I got in a conversation about preparing and looking toward the future. She has dreams and high hopes for a music career. So many people simply tell kids, you can't do that, it's too hard, etc. But you know, I've kinda reached the conclusion that is why a lot of people are unhappy. They get comfortable and never dare to dream or to reach for the stars. The daily grind starts wearing on them, and life becomes stale. I think that we should plan wisely for the future, but yet give ourselves room to reach some of those goals that may seem kind of out there. We should strive for excellence, no matter what we do. Think of how different life would be if there were not people who attempted "the impossible" and then achieved it. It's time for some good people to stand up and make a positive impact on the world. Or for those people to just do something that may be a personal victory. Whatever the case may be, never give up on your dreams, but don't lose sight of reality at the same time.

Right now, one of my big dreams is the trip to Veracruz for language school this summer. It's looking more and more like a possibility, but still would like to find some extra ways to make some money. We have come up with a few ideas, but I would like to have a bigger cushion than we are currently seeing. Got some stuff to sell on Craigslist/newspaper and would like to play piano for weddings/parties, but those are limited opportunities. If anyone has ideas, pleas pass them on. :)

Well, have rambled long enough. Until next time.