Big stuff

Several big things have happened lately, and while I'm still thinking about them I thought I would blog them all down.

Baby J, driving haircut boy, Mr. All of a Sudden nearly THREE, is weaned. I almost hesitate to write that for fear that he will stage a sudden boob rebellion and return, but he told me yesterday that he's all done with the "Me-Ma," and I believe him. It's kind of sad, in the way that it's sad that he gave up his nap recently and is terribly articulate about how he will absolutely NOT sit on the potty, in the way that he's clearly a kid now and not a baby. It's funny, I was always upset with myself for not nursing my daughter longer but now that J can choose when he stops, he hangs on for a mere three more months of sporadic nursing than she did. So I guess that I've done all I can do, mama-milk-wise, and there's something satisfying in that.

Strangely, the weaning is somewhat related (or directly, maybe?) to the next big thing. I'm getting faster. Last year at this time I could squeak out an 11 minute mile in the heat if I tried hard. Now, I'm cranking out 9:40 miles with my neighbor, breathing hard, yeah, but also being able to chat a bit. It's stunningly gratifying to see all my miles begin to pay off, because here's a secret: it's FUN to run (relatively) fast after several years of plodding.

And...I'm going back to camp. I was a counselor at an amazing camp for junior high and high school kids, as well as a camper, for years, and this year is the first one that I feel okay going for a week. I'm praying for big-time God fireworks, because, talk about plodding, that's how I've felt these past few years God-wise. I've felt religious, but not spiritual, and that's fine and all, but I sure would love to see some sort of obvious sky-writing from Jesus. This camp has almost always been the place for that, and I have high hopes and prayers.

Finally, I got asked to do something really, really cool. The women's organization of our church (you Lutherans know the one I'm talking about!) has been an old-lady kind of thing for years, and are trying to revamp their image, more power to them. In this process, they're having a gathering in a month or so, and apparently wanted the face of a young chickpastor to lead the 4K fun run/walk thingie that's taking place. So, that's me. Also after these past few years of plodding around, wondering what's next for me career-wise, it's not terrible for my poor old ego to be asked to do this thing. And hey, free trip to Utah! Let me know if I'll see you there.