Monday, March 11, 2025

Monday, March 10, 2025

Day 209

Good morning, everyone! Up and at ‘em at 4:01 a.m. today—back to business as usual. Good to know I don’t have to play the “spring forward, fall back” game again for another 237 days. Seriously, can we all just agree to leave the clocks alone?

Yesterday, the moving crew…also known as “family always has your back”…arrived to help shuffle the big furniture back into the bedroom. Huge thanks to Mark, Barb, Donna, and Joe! They proved the old saying true: “Many hands make light work.” Or, as Donna so eloquently put it, “This is a lot more fun when it’s not your house.” I think that translates to, “I love helping, but I also love going home to my chaos-free living room.” Seriously, though—there’s no way we could’ve done it without you all. Your kindness (and strong backs) mean the world to us.

Yesterday was stunning outside. And while I know most people are thrilled to be bidding farewell to winter, I have to say… this was the easiest one I’ve ever faced. Mostly because I just didn’t go outside on the bitter cold days. I mean, who knew that staying warm was as simple as parking my butt next to the fireplace all winter? That said, with spring creeping in, I can’t help but feel a little twinge of frustration that I can’t just step outside, soak up the sun, and take a walk like I used to. This whole “not being able to do things” business is going to test me, I can already tell. But, on the bright side, I’m still holding onto the idea of playing some golf. The real question is: Can I hold onto the club, or will I be launching it further than the ball? Only one way to find out—stay tuned for that potential disaster and a call to help get my club out of a tree.

One of the biggest joys in my life right now is living vicariously through Nicole and Alex’s marathon training. Every photo they send reminds me of my own running days, and I love seeing both their triumphant and not-so-triumphant training runs. Zack’s photo yesterday was the perfect reminder that running with a purpose (or maybe just a break from the kids) can put the biggest smile on your face. Keep the updates coming—I truly love them!

Today, I get to catch up with my old work buddy, Bruce, over lunch at Docks in Wauconda. We’re hoping the deck is open so we can bask in today’s nearly 70-degree weather. Good food, great company, and a little sunshine? That sounds like a recipe for a perfect afternoon.

Life isn’t always easy these days, but man, I am surrounded by the best people. For that, I am endlessly grateful.

Have a great start to your week.

Love you guys!❤️